Palermo: Mondello & Isola delle Femmine Boat Tour with Drink

Discovering the Palermo Coast on a Luxurious RIB Boat Tour

The Palermo: Mondello & Isola delle Femmine Boat Tour with Drink offers an inviting way to explore Sicily’s stunning coastline. Priced for a 4 to 5-hour journey, this tour departs from SeaTourSicily at Via Scalo Arenella. It features a luxury RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)—renowned for its stability and safety, thanks to its air-filled structure—making it more comfortable than traditional boats.

This tour is perfect for those who want to enjoy scenic views, underwater snorkeling, and refreshing drinks, all while cruising along beautiful spots like Mondello Gulf, the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, and Isola delle Femmine. While ideal for water lovers, it is not suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or swimming difficulties. The experience combines sightseeing with relaxing stops, often complemented by snacks and drinks served onboard, and is highly praised for its friendly guides and excellent organization.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours, with scheduled departures at 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Starting point: SeaTourSicily at Via Scalo Arenella, Palermo
• Main stops: Gulf of Mondello, Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, Isola delle Femmine
• Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, photo stops, and scenic cruising
• Included: Snacks and drinks, with the opportunity for underwater exploration
• Vehicle: Stable and safe RIB, ideal for a comfortable ride
• Guide: Knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, with local insights

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour begins at SeaTourSicily, located at White Club, Via Scalo Arenella, 66. The meeting spot is easy to find, marked by a sign or a large promotional flag outside the gate. It is recommended to arrive 20 minutes early with passport or ID card for check-in.

The group size is kept manageable to ensure personalized attention, and the boat offers small compartments for luggage—so travelers are advised to limit luggage to a minimum. The activity requires swimmers, as non-swimmers may not be allowed onboard for safety reasons.

The Itinerary: From Mondello to Isola delle Femmine

The tour begins with a 15-minute transfer on the RIB, cruising from SeaTourSicily along the coast of Arenella and Mount Pellegrino. The first highlight is the Gulf of Mondello, where about an hour is spent for swimming and snorkeling in the clear waters, known for their art Nouveau architecture and historical bathing establishments.

Next, the boat heads towards the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, passing the Bunker and the Lighthouse. Here, a brief photo stop highlights the dramatic coastline and the imposing promontory with its Bourbon lighthouse.

The journey continues past Sferracavallo, reaching Isola delle Femmine, where another hour is dedicated to swimming and snorkeling in waters renowned for their underwater life and migratory bird habitats. Along the way, guests enjoy an aperitif with salty snacks and drinks, adding a touch of Sicily’s relaxed seaside lifestyle.

Finally, the boat makes a 40-minute cruise back to the starting point, completing an engaging day of sightseeing, swimming, and unwinding.

What Makes the Stops Special

The Gulf of Mondello stands out for its crystal-clear waters and Art Nouveau architecture, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to cool off amid scenic surroundings. The Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is notable for its biodiversity and the Bourbon lighthouse, which creates a striking backdrop for photos.

Isola delle Femmine serves as a rich habitat for migratory birds and underwater life, making it a favorite for snorkeling. The waters here are noted for their transparency and lively marine environment, with reviews praising the underwater scenes as beautiful and vibrant.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Quality of Guides and Service

The guides on this tour receive high praise for their knowledge, friendly attitude, and ability to entertain. Many reviews highlight guides like Giovanni, who share interesting information about the coastline and local history, often adding a touch of Sicilian humor.

Guests also appreciate the well-organized nature of the tour, with timely departures and clear instructions. The snacks and drinks onboard are described as generous and well-chosen, enhancing the whole experience.

Safety and Physical Requirements

Participation requires swimming ability; non-swimmers are generally not recommended for this tour, and staff reserve the right to refuse boarding to those who cannot swim. The RIBs are unsinkable and more stable than traditional boats, improving safety and comfort.

Participants should note that luggage should be kept minimal due to limited space, and comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are recommended for the day. The tour does not allow pets, high heels, large luggage, or smoking onboard.

Timing and Seasonal Adjustments

The tour schedule adjusts in mid-September for shorter daylight hours, but generally departs once daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During peak summer months, longer daylight hours allow for more flexible timing and additional stops, such as the Capo Gallo beach.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Options

Many similar experiences include snorkeling, cave visits, and scenic cruising. This particular tour distinguishes itself with its high safety standards, friendly guides, and the comprehensive itinerary covering both Mondello and Isola delle Femmine. It also receives rave reviews for the quality and friendliness of guides like Giovanni and the overall value.

Final Thoughts on the Palermo Boat Tour

This boat trip offers a relaxed yet engaging way to enjoy Palermo’s coast, combining scenic cruising, swimming, and snorkeling with local snacks and drinks. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy water activities, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and want to see the coast from the water without the crowds.

While it may not be suitable for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues, the safety features and organization make it a trustworthy choice. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a combination of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing in Sicily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not recommended for children under 7 years old, as the activity requires swimming and stability on the boat.

Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes, swimming ability is necessary. Staff may refuse boarding to non-swimmers for safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and hair tie.

Are food and drinks included?
Snacks and drinks are provided onboard as part of the tour, including salty snacks and beverages.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The tour departs from SeaTourSicily at White Club, Via Scalo Arenella, 66. Look for a sign or large flag outside.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts 4 to 5 hours, with scheduled departures from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Can I bring extra luggage?
Luggage should be kept minimal to fit into the boat’s small compartments, which are used for safety equipment as well.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions deteriorate, the captain may decide to return early for safety, with no refund if that occurs.

Is there a guide onboard?
Yes, guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing stories and historical insights about Palermo and the coastline.

How do reviews rate this experience?
The tour holds a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 190 reviews, with praise for guide friendliness, scenic beauty, and snorkeling spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby