Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
559 reviews
Activity provider:
Dolci Escursioni
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Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Boat Tour
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
559 reviews

Navigate around Ortigia Island, attached to Syracuse, on a scenic cruise. See beachfront landmarks like Castello Maniace, and sail into the peculiarly shaped sea caves on the north side of the city.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times
Skip the line through a separate entrance
Live tour guide
English, Italian
Wheelchair accessible
Private group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Molly – United Kingdom

We loved the boat tour. Good value for money, friendly tour guide, good information, packed full itinerary, thoroughly enjoyed it. The part where you swim in the sea could have been for a bit longer and a glass or something could have been provided but these aren’t essential. Great experience and would do it again.

5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Aegina – United States

This was a beautiful and exciting way to get to know Ortigia. Laura was a professional and knowledgeable guide, and the sights were spectacular, with plenty of time for photos.

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Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Escursioni in barca Siracusa

  • Umbertino Bridge

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Hiking, Sailing, Scenic views on the way

  • Monumento ai caduti d'Africa

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Hiking, Swimming, Sailing

  • Grotta del Corallo

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Hiking, Long-tail boat ride, Sailing

  • Punta Francesco Maugeri

    Photo stop, Hiking, Sailing

  • Elephant Rock

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way

  • Island of Ortigia

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Hiking, Scenic views on the way

  • Forte San Giovannello

    Break time, Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Hiking, Sailing

  • Solarium Forte Vigliena

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Swimming, Scenic views on the way

  • Belvedere della Turba

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Hiking, Sailing

  • Mitoraj sculpture

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Hiking, Sailing, Scenic views on the way

  • Castello Maniace

    Photo stop, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Hiking, Swimming, Long-tail boat ride, Scenic views on the way

  • Arethusa Spring

    Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Boat cruise, Sightseeing, Sailing, Scenic views on the way

  • Porto Grande Siracusa

    Photo stop, Visit, Scenic views on the way

  • 2 drop-off locations:

    Molo Zanagora, Escursioni in barca Siracusa

Main sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Let yourself be enchanted by the wonderful island of Ortigia.
  • Fonte Aretusa with its legendary fresh water source
  • We will explore sea caves along the coast to observe stalactites, stalagmites.
  • Typical passage under the Umbertino bridge
  • We will circumnavigate the Maniace Castle, one of the most important monuments.

Full description

During this guided tour you will see the following monuments and historical buildings: Venetian Palace, Umberto I bridge, small harbour, Bourbons prison, old spanish walls and Eastern seafront, Viliena Fortress, Jewish Quarter, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Source, Cathedral, St. Lucy alla Badia Church, Alfeo seafront and Porta Marina.
Then we will continue our tour by the coast to the sea caves visit and you can live a unique experience: the boat will go into the sea caves wich is the best place to admire stalactites, stalagmites and corals. Some of these caves have peculiar shapes that you will recognize by approaching them, as Dionisio's ear cave, Lovers cave wich has a heart shape and the Doves cave.
Last but not least, if you wish, you can also have the chance to enjoy a stop for swimming in our crystal waters.

Includes

  • Guide
  • Sea cave photo stops
  • Swim stop
  • View of the town during the ride
  • Passage under the bridge
  • Food or drinks are not included but there are some structures next to the boarding where you can by it.

Meeting point

The meeting point is recognizable by Dolci Escursioni booth.

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From $29 $23 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 559 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.8/5

Customer photos

+170
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5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Molly – United KingdomJuly 8, 2025 – Verified booking
We loved the boat tour. Good value for money, friendly tour guide, good information, packed full itinerary, thoroughly enjoyed it. The part where you swim in the sea could have been for a bit longer and a glass or something could have been provided but these aren’t essential. Great experience and would do it again.
5
5 out of 5 stars
A
Aegina – United StatesJuly 8, 2025 – Verified booking
This was a beautiful and exciting way to get to know Ortigia. Laura was a professional and knowledgeable guide, and the sights were spectacular, with plenty of time for photos.
5
5 out of 5 stars
I
Ivan – SwitzerlandJuly 5, 2025 – Verified booking
Great tour with an amazing guide! 🚤 😎🏊‍♂️ Highly recommended! Thanks a lot!

Product ID: 419880

Activity provider:
Dolci Escursioni

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