Palermo full day Boat tour with snorkeling and lunch included

A full-day adventure in Sicily’s Palermo coast, the Palermo full day Boat tour with snorkeling and lunch included offers an engaging way to explore marine life and scenic waters for $132.42 per person. With approximately 8 hours of fun, this tour is perfect for those eager to combine snorkeling, sailing, and delicious local food all in one day. The trip departs from Piazza Tonnara at 9:15 am, and the small group size, limited to 7 travelers, ensures an intimate experience.

What makes this tour stand out is the involvement of a marine biologist guide, who helps visitors learn about the local marine species while exploring underwater spots. The trip’s emphasis on both education and relaxation makes it suitable for curious water lovers and those simply wanting to enjoy the sun and sea. While sunscreen and beach towels are not included, the tour delivers a seamless day of water-based fun, topped with local homemade lunch and drinks.

Key Points

• Guided snorkeling experience led by a marine biologist in Palermo’s protected waters
• Includes lunch, bottled water, soda, and an alcoholic drink in the tour price
• Starts at 9:15 am from Piazza Tonnara and lasts around 8 hours
• Small group size of 7 travelers for personalized attention
• Stops at Addaura, Capo Gallo, and Isola delle Femmine for underwater exploration
• Free leisure time for swimming, relaxing, or playing in the water

Departure from Palermo’s Arenella Marina

This tour begins at Piazza Tonnara in Palermo, a convenient meeting point near public transportation. The boat departs at 9:15 am, setting sail to explore the coast’s best snorkeling spots. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience, with a maximum of 7 travelers on board.

The boat used for this adventure is a motorsailer, offering stability and enough space for everyone to enjoy the day comfortably. The support of the marine biologist guide means you’ll have expert insights into the marine environment, making each stop educational and engaging.

Exploring the Palermo Coast’s Top Snorkeling Spots

The journey takes you to two main snorkeling locations: the rocky bottom near Addaura and the Marine Protected Area of Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine. These sites are known for their clear waters and diverse marine life, making them ideal for underwater exploration.

The first stop on a rocky bottom allows about an hour of snorkeling. Afterward, the crew provides a lunch break on board, offering a taste of local homemade dishes paired with a glass of wine or soft drink. Later, the boat sails to the Gulf of Mondello for a second hour of snorkeling in protected waters teeming with marine species.

Lunch and Refreshments Aboard

A highlight of this tour is the included lunch, which gives a genuine taste of Sicilian cuisine. The homemade dishes are served in a relaxed setting on the boat, with plenty of bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages available. This combination of good food and drinks on the water creates a laid-back atmosphere perfect for unwinding.

The refresher breaks also allow time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply resting inside the boat. The leisure time in the water is a key feature, giving everyone the freedom to enjoy the sea at their own pace.

Visiting Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine

The Marine Protected Area of Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine are renowned for their pristine waters and vibrant marine life. After the initial snorkeling at Addaura, the boat heads for these areas, where another hour of underwater discovery awaits.

These locations are perfect for observing diverse marine species and enjoying spectacular views of the coastline. The calm, protected waters make snorkeling accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Spotting Cape Roso Lighthouse and Coastal Views

As the day winds down, the boat approaches the Cape Roso lighthouse, one of the scenic highlights of the cruise. From this vantage point, travelers can appreciate some of the most striking coastal scenery around Palermo before returning to the starting point.

The return trip offers a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while sailing back to Piazza Tonnara. The trip concludes where it began, providing a satisfying sense of completion and connection with Sicily’s stunning marine environment.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour package covers use of scuba equipment, all fees and taxes, fuel, and the professional guidance of a marine biologist. Drinks such as bottled water, soda, and an alcoholic beverage are included, providing hydration and refreshment throughout the day.

However, it’s recommended to bring sunscreen and beach towels for comfort during your free time in the water. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options nearby.

Weather, Cancellation, and Booking Insights

Weather plays a critical role; the tour requires good weather conditions to operate. If canceled due to poor weather, travelers can opt for a full refund or a different date. Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, while cancellations later than that are not, so planning ahead is wise.

Most travelers book the tour 68 days in advance, showing its popularity. The 8-hour duration offers a well-paced day, blending snorkeling, sailing, and relaxation without feeling rushed.

Customer Experience and Service Quality

The single available review highlights a warm and helpful crew, praising guides Giuseppe and Michele for their kindness and assistance. The reviewer mentions enjoying well-prepared food, equipment use, and the overall friendly atmosphere, suggesting strong service quality.

This level of attention and care contributes significantly to the positive experience, making it a good option for those who value knowledgeable guides and a relaxed environment.

Suitability and Final Thoughts

This full-day Palermo boat tour appeals to a broad range of visitors who want snorkeling, scenic sailing, and local cuisine in one experience. It’s especially suited for small groups seeking personalized attention and educational insights from a marine biologist.

While the tour offers plenty of water activities and beautiful views, travelers should note sunscreen and beach towels are not provided. Those eager to learn about marine life and enjoy Sicilian coastal landscapes will find this trip both enjoyable and enriching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $132.42 per person, which includes snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and a marine biologist guide.

What locations does the tour visit?
Stops include Addaura, the Gulf of Mondello, and the Marine Protected Area of Capo Gallo and Isola delle Femmine. It also features the Cape Roso lighthouse.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the use of scuba equipment is included in the tour package, so no need to bring your own.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:15 am and ending back at the original meeting point.

Are drinks included?
Yes, bottled water, soda, and an alcoholic beverage are included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable if made more than 24 hours in advance.