Park Boat and Lake Tours in Italy: Our 13 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!”

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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 !”

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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.”

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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.”

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5.La Spezia: Cinque Terre National Park Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · from $142

Spend seven hours aboard Davide’s Didi boat from La Spezia, Lerici, or Portovenere. Cruise past Portovenere and all five Cinque Terre villages, swim near red cliffs and waterfalls, enjoy focaccia, brunch, wine, spritz, and prosecco, then get 40 minutes in Monterosso. Davide and Claudia guide the trip in English or Italian.

“One of the best activities I've ever done. The trip was absolutely incredible; the beautiful views of Cinque Terre were breathtaking. Claudia and Davide were incredible tour guides, very fun and welcoming. They made the trip much more entertaining with their good vibes. The food and drinks were delicious; they gave us tons of wine and Aperol; it was very nice of them. Thanks to both for the amazing day!!!”

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6.Boat Tour in La Maddalena National Park

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 28 reviews · from $56

Spend eight hours aboard the Motonave G. Garibaldi II from Palau, stopping at Pink Beach, Porto della Madonna, Cala Santa Maria, Cala Corsara, and La Maddalena town. Multilingual guides speak Italian, English, Spanish, and French. Swimming, island views, and free time fill the day, with lunch and a mandatory landing fee costing extra.

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7.4h 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.

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8.Castellammare: Scopello and Zingaro Nature Reserve Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews · from $249 per vehicle (up to 6)

Set out from Castellammare del Golfo with an Italian-speaking skipper for a private coastal cruise to Scopello’s sea stacks and the Zingaro Nature Reserve. You’ll stop at recommended swimming coves, use onboard snorkeling gear, and enjoy fresh fruit and soft drinks. Boats carry up to six people and include shade, a shower, and stereo.

“Very nice boat trip, the skipper was very friendly and experienced. We all had a very good time! The only downside was no fruit on board or cups for the drinks - please double check with the staff before your trip in advance.”

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9.San Vito Lo Capo: Zingaro Nature Reserve Boat Tour & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.1 · 7 reviews · 4 hours · from $57

Set out from San Vito Lo Capo for a four-hour motorboat trip along the Zingaro coast. You’ll see seven coves, Tonnara del Secco, Lake of Venus, and the Faraglioni of Scopello, with three planned swims and a simple lunch of pasta alla Trapanese. Italian and English assistance is available.

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10.Boat tour Golfo Aranci: Tavolara and Molara Marine Protected Area

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6 reviews

Join Andrea and Federica aboard Lupo, a restored 1962 tugboat, for an eight-hour cruise through the Tavolara and Molara Marine Protected Area. Expect swimming stops, possible dolphin sightings, access to Tavolara when conditions allow, and Sardinian meals with wine, coffee, desserts, and myrtle liqueur. The boat carries up to 12 passengers.

“Communication was very good from the off , Turns out it was their first booking and we were the only ones on it , so had the boat to ourselves, they treated us very well with great food , wine and cocktails . Had a few stops to see dolphins, use the paddle boards and snorkel in some great spots. They were both very pleasant , professional and fun to be around.”

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11.Marsala: Kayak Tour in Stagnone di Marsala Nature Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 5 hours · from $82

Join Maurizio and ASD Egadi Kayak for a five-hour, small-group paddle through Marsala’s shallow Stagnone lagoon. You’ll reach Santa Maria, Isola Grande, Isola Schola, and San Pantaleo, home of ancient Mozia. Kayaks, safety gear, shoes, a map, and Sicilian snacks are provided. Bring your own water.

“Absolutely recommend Egadi Kayak, would book again without a doubt, Maurizio is a fantastic guide, also the snack he brought along, local delight!”

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12.Circeo National Park:Guided kayak tour on the Lake Sabaudia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $41Best value

Spend two hours paddling Lake Paola, also called Lake Sabaudia, inside Circeo National Park. A licensed guide, including Maurizia on some outings, teaches basic technique and shares local history, wildlife, and folklore. Kayaks, canoes, life jackets, dry bags, parking, showers, and changing facilities are included.

“Un tour interessante e rilassante. Ottima accoglienza, assistenza e guida. Lo consiglio assolutamente.”

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13.Golfo Aranci: boat tour in the Tavolara Protected Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews

Join a private 7.5-hour sailing trip from Golfo Aranci with an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking skipper. Visit Tavolara, swim at the Molara Pools, search for dolphins near Capo Figari, and eat fish pasta, Sardinian specialties, fruit, sweets, and Vermentino aboard a spacious 15-meter monohull.

“Had a great day on the water around Golfo Aranci! The boat was fully equipped and spacious enough for our group of 10 people. The crew was very friendly and helpful and took good care of us all day with tasty snacks, pasta with fresh fish, fruit, and drinks! We stopped at a number of beautiful, quiet spots where we had plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and sunbathe! The only thing was that the meeting point was a little unclear at the start of the day, but that was quickly resolved!”

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