A 3-hour boat tour from Scilla, Calabria, offers an engaging way to explore some of the most beautiful sea spots along Southern Italy’s coast. Priced at $40.12 per person, this private experience takes you on a journey aboard the super-equipped Goiter boat with 25 seats, ensuring plenty of comfort and modern amenities. The tour features five stops at intriguing locations like Chianalea di Scilla, Favazzina, Bagnara Calabra, Cala Jankulla, and the sea caves overlooking the stacks.

While the group size is limited to your private booking, the tour has a notable average booking window of 21 days in advance. Although some reviews mention delays, the majority praise the stunning swimming spots, expert navigation, and beautiful coastlines. This tour suits those eager to enjoy relaxing swims in crystalline waters, explore caves accessible only by sea, and appreciate Calabrian scenery in a comfortable setting.

Key Points

Private tour lasting approximately 3 hours from Scilla with modern boat amenities
Five stops, including Cave Grottoes and Cala Jankulla Beach, accessible only by sea
Swim and snorkel opportunities at pristine coves and private beaches
Includes an aperitif with white wine and local Calabrian products
Advance booking recommended, with most reservations made around three weeks ahead
Some reviews mention delays, so plan accordingly

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Scilla

This tour departs from a meeting point at 7P48+WC Scilla, Reggio Calabria, and begins at 7:30 AM. The entire experience spans roughly 3 hours, making it an ideal option for a half-day adventure. The private nature of the tour ensures your group enjoys exclusive access to the stops.

The boat used for this tour, the Goiter, provides deck showers with hot water, USB sockets, a refrigerator, and a sun awning. These features enhance comfort during the ride, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere while appreciating Calabria’s coast.

Planning more time in Calabria? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Discovering Chianalea di Scilla and Its Waters

The first stop at Chianalea di Scilla highlights the crystal-clear waters of the Calabrian sea. This charming fishing village is well known for its vibrant scenery and is a perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. The boat stays here for about 20 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy the fresh sea and take photos of the scenic coast.

Onboard, you are treated to a delicious aperitif of white wine and Calabrian specialties, adding a flavorful touch to your time in this picturesque setting.

Favazzina and Bagnara Calabra: Coastal Highlights

Next, the tour moves along the coast to Favazzina for a 20-minute swim in its inviting waters. This stop offers a chance to relax and refresh in calm, crystalline seas.

Following Favazzina, the boat visits Bagnara Calabra, another charming location where the waters are equally clear and inviting. The stops at these spots, each lasting about 20 minutes, allow for leisurely swims and sunbathing, making the most of Calabria’s renowned seaside tranquility.

Cala Jankulla: A Seaside Escape Accessible Only by Sea

One of the tour’s key highlights is the stop at Cala Jankulla, a beach accessible only by sea. This secluded stretch of sand offers a private feel, with stunning views and clear waters perfect for swimming. The 20-minute stop here provides a rare opportunity to unwind in a peaceful, unspoiled environment, away from crowded beaches.

This stop emphasizes the tour’s focus on discovering hidden gems that can only be reached by boat, making it a memorable part of the experience.

Exploring the Sea Caves and Stacks

The final stop takes you to the sea caves and stacks overlooking the sea, where the magnificent caves are a major point of interest. The boat maneuvers close to these formations, and the experienced crew skillfully navigates into some of the caves for great photo opportunities.

This part of the tour is particularly praised for expert handling and close-up views of unique coastal rock formations. The 20-minute stay allows enough time to observe and capture the stunning scenery.

While you're exploring Calabria, here are other experiences we've looked into

Practical Details and Onboard Comfort

The tour’s onboard amenities are designed for comfort and convenience. On the Goiter boat, travelers find deck showers, USB sockets, and a refrigerator. The sun awning offers shade during warmer parts of the day, and the dining table provides a pleasant setting for the aperitif.

The boat’s GPS system aids navigation, ensuring a smooth experience. The small group size means personalized attention, making for a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.

Booking and Flexibility

Reservations are typically made about three weeks in advance, reflecting popular demand. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing flexibility.

In cases of bad weather, the activity gets canceled, and customers are either rescheduled or refunded fully. This helps ensure an enjoyable experience without surprises related to weather conditions.

Reviews and Real-World Insights

While most feedback highlights the stunning views, excellent swimming spots, and professional navigation, some mention delays in departure. One reviewer notes a half-hour delay that affected their schedule, so arriving promptly is advisable.

On the upside, many guests appreciate the knowledgeable crew, the quality of the aperitif, and the chance to visit caves and private beaches inaccessible by land. The experience is ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day on the sea.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This boat trip suits travelers who love swimming in crystal waters, exploring sea caves, and discovering secluded beaches. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with comfortable amenities onboard.

While some reviews mention delays, the overall quality of scenery and stops outweigh these minor issues. This tour is best suited for families, couples, or small groups looking for an intimate experience along Calabria’s coast.

Ready to Book?

Scilla – Caves Tour + Cala Jankulla Beach

4.5

(39)

“Terrible tour. They delayed the tour by half hour morning of to 10:30. Skipper didnt show up until 10:30, and then took fifteen minutes to get the …”

— Peter L, Sep 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat tour from Scilla?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including all stops and swimming periods.

What is included in the tour?
It includes a private boat ride aboard the Goiter, five stops at scenic locations, an aperitif with white wine and local Calabrian products, and onboard amenities like deck showers and USB sockets.

Are there any physical requirements or accessibility considerations?
The tour involves swimming and snorkeling at stops, which may require a basic level of mobility. The boat has modern features for comfort but no specific accessibility details are provided.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and any personal necessities. The boat provides refrigeration and shade, but personal items like waterproof cases for electronics are recommended.

Can I cancel or reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. In case of poor weather, the activity can be canceled, and you will be offered a full refund or rescheduling.

Is it suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves swimming and boat navigation, so it’s best suited for guests comfortable with these activities. No detailed age restrictions are specified.

This Scilla boat tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, relaxation in crystalline waters, and exploration of caves and secluded beaches. While minor delays can occur, the experience’s highlights make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting to experience Calabria’s coast from the sea.