Park Boat and Lake Tours in Italy: Our 5 Favourites

1.Catania: Cyclops Islands & Timpa Nature Reserve Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 82 reviews · from $66Our pick

Join Andrea and the Etna and Sea Excursion crew for a three-hour boat trip from Aci Castello to the Cyclops Islands and La Timpa Nature Reserve. You’ll snorkel above lava pillars, caves, white sand, and volcanic faults, with gear, drinks, fruit, and guidance from a marine biologist included.

“Very friendly staff, who told us about the history of Sicily. We went to one snorkeling spot and saw some lava caves from the boat. It was a fairly small group (about ten). The equipment was included and water and some fruit was available. Definitely recommend!”

Check availability →Read our review →

2.Boat tour to explore the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $72Top rated

Set out from Olbia on a 7.5-meter RIB with a guide such as Beatrice, Tito, or Gian Mario. Cruise through Tavolara’s protected waters, stop at Molara’s Natural Pools and Capo Ceraso, and snorkel among fish using free gear. The 10-person limit keeps the boat friendly and flexible, but there is no restroom aboard.

“We were four, two adults and two youngsters. The boat is beautiful and super well kept, the captain was nice, instructive and easy going, the three stops were just amazing and when it ended we just wished we had more time to stay there !”

Check availability →Read our review →

3.From Palau: Maddalena National Park Boat tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $124

Join Roberto and a small group of up to 10 for a seven-hour boat tour from Palau through the Maddalena Archipelago. Expect fast boat rides, quiet coves, snorkeling stops, a visit to La Maddalena town, stand-up paddleboards, Sardinian snacks, water, and a glass of prosecco. The route changes with the wind.

“Great day activity from Palau for couples, friends or solo travellers. The spots we stopped by were specially selected to avoid crowds and enjoy the beaches at their best. Roberto was super nice and attentive with the whole group. Really recommend if you want to spend a special day in the ocean and the beach.”

Check availability →Read our review →

4.Palermo: Mondello Boat Tour and Nature Reserve with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · 4 hours · from $105

Spend four hours aboard a well-kept boat with skipper Gaspare Adamo, sailing from Palermo toward Mondello and Capo Gallo. You’ll make four swim and snorkel stops, including Grotta Regina, enjoy fruit, snacks, drinks, music, and views of the Sicilian coast from the sea.

“I had a genuinely great time on this boat trip. The whole experience was relaxing, fun, and surprisingly refreshing. The crew created a really friendly atmosphere, and the views around Mondello and Capo Gallo were absolutely stunning. We stopped several times to swim — including in a cave — which made the day feel both adventurous and peaceful. The snacks and drinks were a nice touch, and the boat itself was well-kept and comfortable. If you want a laid-back way to enjoy the crystal-clear water around Palermo, this trip is definitely worth it. I’d happily do it again.”

Check availability →Read our review →

5.4h Private Boat from Castellammare del Golfo to Zingaro Scopello

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $1,381 per vehicle (up to 12)

Spend four hours on a private boat from Castellammare del Golfo along Sicily’s Zingaro coast. You’ll swim near Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, find the small beach inside Lovers’ Cave, stop at Cala del Leone, and see Scopello’s tuna factory and Faraglioni. Boats have seating, a cabin, and a bathroom. Captain Michael has led several outings, though the skipper may vary.

Check availability →Read our review →