Tour of the island of Ischia in schooner

Discover the Charm of Ischia from the Deck of a Vintage Schooner

A 7-hour sail around Ischia offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, refreshing swims, and authentic local cuisine—all from the comfort of a renovated vintage schooner. Priced at $80.57 per person, this tour provides a relaxed yet immersive way to explore the island of Ischia in Italy. Your journey begins at Via Cristoforo Colombo in Forio, with up to 25 travelers aboard, ensuring a cozy, personal experience.

This cruise stands out for its quiet coves inaccessible from land, five swimming stops, and the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Italian lunch at sea. While the itinerary promises plenty of relaxation and picturesque moments, it’s especially well-suited for those who love scenic sailing and swimming in crystal-clear waters. With positive reviews highlighting friendly guides and tasty food, this tour offers a genuine taste of Ischia’s coastal treasures.

Key Points

• Duration of 7 hours provides ample time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
• Five swimming stops in Citara Bay, Sant’Angelo, Grotte, Aragonese Castle, and Lacco Ameno.
• Traditional island lunch served on board features local dishes.
• Small group size with a maximum of 25 travelers enhances the quality of experience.
• Tour departs mid-morning at 10:00 am from Via Cristoforo Colombo.
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for peace of mind.

Setting Sail on a Vintage Schooner with Scenic Views

This tour features a charming, renovated schooner that exudes classic maritime character. The vessel is specially suited for exploring the coastline of Ischia, with plenty of deck space to relax, take photos, or enjoy the ocean breeze during the voyage. The cruise around the island reveals many of Ischia’s most beautiful and iconic spots from a unique perspective.

The skirting of the coastline allows travelers to admire stunning cliffs, coves, and the historic Aragonese Castle, all while enjoying the gentle sway of the boat. The open deck provides ample room for lounging, making it easy to unwind during the seven-hour journey.

Five Stops for Swimming in Ischia’s Most Beautiful Bays

The tour is designed around five swim stops at some of the most scenic bays and coves. First, Citara Bay offers clear waters perfect for relaxing or snorkeling. Next, Sant’Angelo is renowned for its charming harbor and tranquil ambiance. The Grotte stop provides an opportunity to explore underwater caves or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Aragonese Castle, positioned on a small island connected by a bridge, becomes a special viewing point from the water. Finally, Lacco Ameno presents a cozy bay ideal for a swim or some leisurely floating. Each stop is carefully chosen for its beauty and calm waters, making the cruise a perfect escape from land-based crowds.

Lunch at Sea: Traditional Dishes from Ischia and Mainland Italy

The onboard lunch is a highlight, featuring classic island dishes served in a relaxed setting. Guests enjoy local specialties along with fresh ingredients, giving a taste of Ischia’s culinary traditions. The meal includes bruschette, mussels, two types of pasta, and fresh fruit, all accompanied by a caffe at both the start and end of the cruise.

This food experience is appreciated for its authenticity and quality, making the voyage not just visually stunning but also a feast for the palate. The lunch at sea provides a perfect break and a chance to socialize while soaking up the beautiful views.

Navigating the Itinerary: Stops at Iconic Ischian Landmarks

The itinerary features five key stops that showcase Ischia’s natural and cultural highlights. Starting with Citara Bay, known for its serene waters, the tour continues to Sant’Angelo, a picturesque fishing village famous for its charm. The Grotte stop offers a chance to explore underwater caves or enjoy the quiet scenery.

The Aragonese Castle is a striking feature visible during the cruise, and the Lacco Ameno bay rounds out the stops with its relaxing atmosphere. Each location is selected for its beauty, perfect for swimming, photos, or just soaking in the scenery. The stops are spaced to allow plenty of time for swimming and relaxation, making the experience well-paced.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Booking Tips

The tour departs from Via Cristoforo Colombo in Forio at 10:00 am, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. The group size is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience. It’s recommended to book about 35 days in advance to secure a spot, given the popularity reflected in the booking pattern.

This tour is suitable for most travelers, as confirmation is received at booking. The activity is near public transportation, making it accessible from various parts of Ischia. Be aware that the tour requires good weather, and cancellations are possible in case of poor conditions, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

Expertly Curated Scenic Sailing Experience

The sailing experience is led by knowledgeable guides who focus on providing a relaxing, scenic journey. The vintage schooner offers a nostalgic maritime ambiance, and the crew’s friendly attitude enhances the overall enjoyment. The plenty of time on deck means ample opportunity to snap photos of the coastline, admire the views, or simply relax with the ocean breeze.

The pace of the tour balances sightseeing, swimming, and meals, making it a well-rounded day. The onboard crew’s kindness shines through, especially when attending to guests with seasickness or other needs—highlighted in reviews praising their attentiveness.

The Allure of Swimming and Snorkeling Spots

The choice of swimming locations is a major strength of this tour. Each bay offers clear, calm waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling. The stops at Citara, Sant’Angelo, Grotte, Aragonese Castle, and Lacco Ameno give a variety of environments, from peaceful coves to scenic landmarks.

Guests can expect to dive directly into the water at each stop, with plenty of time to relax or explore underwater. The warm, crystalline waters are a major draw, especially on warm days, giving travelers a refreshing break from cruising.

A Delicious and Authentic Italian Meal at Sea

The onboard lunch experience features traditional island dishes, such as bruschette, pasta, and fresh fruit. The culinary quality is a highlight, with local flavors and fresh ingredients making the meal memorable. Guests appreciate the generous portions and the casual, friendly atmosphere onboard.

The lunch service complements the scenic views perfectly, turning the cruise into a full sensory experience—visual, gustatory, and tactile in harmony.

Who Should Consider This Ischia Schooner Tour

This tour is ideal for those who love scenic sailing, swimming, and authentic cuisine. It suits travelers seeking a relaxed, half-day escape with plenty of opportunities for photos and leisure. It’s especially suitable for small groups who want a personalized experience.

However, those with seasickness concerns should prepare accordingly, as the boat does sway on open waters. Also, travelers should be ready for time spent on deck in the sun and water. The tour’s affordable price and positive reviews make it a compelling choice for anyone wanting a memorable day exploring Ischia from the sea.

Final Thoughts on the Ischia Schooner Cruise

The 7-hour schooner tour around Ischia offers a beautiful, relaxing way to experience the island’s coastlines, hidden coves, and landmarks. The friendly crew, delicious onboard meal, and scenic stops combine to create a well-rounded day at sea. For $80.57, guests gain access to stunning views, refreshing swims, and a taste of local cuisine, all in a cozy, intimate setting.

While weather dependency is a consideration, the full refund policy and option to reschedule provide peace of mind. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy sailing, swimming, and authentic Italian flavors in a peaceful, scenic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?
It starts at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 2 in Forio.

What is included in the onboard lunch?
The lunch features bruschette, mussels, two types of pasta, fresh fruit, and coffee.

How many stops are there for swimming?
There are five swimming stops at Citara Bay, Sant’Angelo, Grotte, Aragonese Castle, and Lacco Ameno.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It is generally suitable for most travelers, but considerations should be made for mobility or seasickness.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled.

How many people can join the tour?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers.

Is it necessary to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 35 days in advance is recommended due to its popularity.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic sailing, authentic cuisine, and five beautiful swimming stops makes this cruise a memorable way to discover Ischia from the water.