Sailboat Tour with Apertif in the islands of the cyclops

Just off Catania, the coast trades city streets for black lava rock, sea caves, and the Cyclops Islands. This three-hour sailing trip takes you past Le Ciminiere and Porto d’Ulisse before stopping near the Ulysses Caves for swimming, snorkeling, and an onboard aperitif.

I like two things here: you can simply settle into a shaded or sunny spot and watch the coast, or ask the skipper to show you basic sailing maneuvers. And the route pairs time on the water with a distinctly Sicilian finish: local snacks and prosecco beneath views of Mount Etna.

One point to budget for: the advertised price is $56.80 per person, but the skipper fee is listed separately at €10 per person. The final cost is therefore higher, and you should confirm how that fee is collected before booking.

• A short sail from Catania: The trip starts and ends at Blu Marina srl, making it an easy way to add time at sea to a city stay.
• A hands-on option: You can watch from the boat or join in with basic sailing maneuvers under the skipper’s guidance.
• A volcanic coast: Look for lava formations, including the rounded forms called lava pillows, with Mount Etna in view.
• Time to get in the water: The stops at Porto d’Ulisse and the Ulysses Caves include swimming and snorkeling.
• Aperitif on board: The final stop includes local products and prosecco, a relaxed close to the outing.
• Plan for the extra fee: The skipper costs €10 per person beyond the listed $56.80 price.

A coastal sail from Blu Marina

The tour begins at Blu Marina srl in Catania and follows the coast by sailboat. It lasts three hours, though the time you spend underway and at each stop will depend on the day’s schedule and conditions. The listed stops account for 160 minutes in total, leaving roughly 20 minutes within the stated duration for sailing between places and returning to port.

The boat is described as comfortable and equipped with music, with places to sit or lie in both sun and shade. That mix matters on a short outing: you can make the trip as active or restful as you like, rather than being expected to swim or sail throughout.

A professional skipper handles the boat, and you can ask to take part in basic maneuvers. This is a chance to learn a little about how a sailboat is worked, not a full sailing course. If you would rather relax, you can stay seated and enjoy the views.

Le Ciminiere and the first stretch of coast

The first scheduled stop is Le Ciminiere, with about 50 minutes set aside for a visit, sightseeing, photos, and scenic views. The coastal stop gives you time to take in the scenery rather than treating the route as a straight transfer to the swimming locations.

The description identifies sulfur chimneys here, so keep an eye out for these features as the boat approaches. The exact view can depend on the boat’s position and conditions, and the stop may also include sunset scenery when the timing lines up.

This is a good point to have your camera ready, but keep it secure while moving around the boat. If you are prone to motion sickness, a sensible approach is to focus on the horizon and take care with phones or cameras near the water.

Porto d’Ulisse and a chance to swim

The next stop is Porto d’Ulisse, with about 30 minutes for a break, sightseeing, and time in the water. Swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience, and the stop also offers the chance to look for marine life from the boat or while snorkeling.

Bring beachwear if you want to swim. The listing includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, but it does not specify what equipment is provided, so check with the operator if you need to know whether a mask or other gear is available.

You can also treat this as a scenic pause instead of getting in the water. With only half an hour assigned to this stop, anyone who wants to swim should be ready to make the most of the time once the boat is in position.

The Ulysses Caves and the Cyclops Islands

The longest stop is at the Ulysses Caves, where about 80 minutes are set aside for a boat visit, photos, free time, swimming, snorkeling, and the aperitif. The caves are associated with the story of Ulysses, giving this stretch of coast a link to classical mythology as well as its striking rock formations.

The view of Mount Etna is part of the appeal. The coast here is marked by lava rock, including formations described as lava pillows. The contrast between the dark volcanic stone and open water is a memorable feature of the route, though visibility and the exact view will depend on the day.

The trip also visits the Cyclops Islands. The name calls up the tale of Polyphemus and the Odyssey, but the outing is first and foremost a coastal sail, not a long shore visit. The schedule centers on seeing the islands from the boat and spending time near the caves.

Take care when moving around the deck, especially if it is wet or the boat is in motion. If you plan to swim or snorkel, follow the skipper’s instructions and bring biodegradable sunscreen, as requested.

An aperitif with local products

The onboard aperitif is included and features typical products and prosecco. It gives the final stop a social, unhurried feel: after time looking at the caves and swimming, you can sit back with a small taste of local food and drink before heading to port.

The supplied details do not name the snacks, so do not book expecting a particular menu or a full meal. The experience is described as an aperitif, with local snacks and welcome refreshments, rather than a substantial lunch or dinner.

If you have dietary needs, ask the operator in advance what will be served. That is especially useful if you have allergies or avoid specific ingredients, since the menu is not specified.

Is the price good value?

The listed price is $56.80 per person, but the skipper’s cost is not included and is given as €10 per person. Factor that extra amount into your budget, and confirm the final charge and payment method with the operator before you set off. Cash is among the recommended items to bring.

For the price, the outing combines a three-hour sail, a professional skipper, a basic sailing lesson, several coastal stops, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, music, and an aperitif. That is a reasonable bundle if you want more than a simple boat transfer and value a chance to take part in sailing.

The value depends on what you want from the sea. If your priority is a long swim, an extended snorkel, or a full-day cruise, three hours may feel brief. If you want a compact coastal outing with a mix of scenery, water time, and food, the schedule offers a good range without taking up the whole day.

The tour has a rating of 4.1 from 14 reviews. That is a useful general signal, but it is a modest sample and does not identify particular strengths or weaknesses. I would weigh the clear itinerary and included aperitif more heavily than reading too much into a score alone.

Practical details before you go

The skipper speaks Italian and English. No individual skipper’s name is provided, so you should not expect a particular guide. The professional skipper is responsible for the sailing, while the basic lesson gives you a chance to learn and participate if you are interested.

Pack beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash. You will want a towel and any personal swim or snorkel gear you prefer, but the available information does not confirm what equipment is supplied. Ask the operator before departure if that affects your plans.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms give you some flexibility, but they do not change the separate skipper fee.

This outing suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who want a relaxed half-day on the water, especially if they enjoy a little activity alongside the scenery. It can also work for people curious about sailing but not ready to book a lesson on its own. The key choice is whether you want a short, varied trip rather than a day built around swimming.

Should you book this Catania sailing trip?

Book it if you want to see the coast from the water, swim near the Ulysses Caves, and finish with local snacks and prosecco. The chance to try basic sailing maneuvers makes it more engaging than simply sitting aboard, while the shaded and sunny areas let you choose your own pace.

Think twice if you want a long swim, a named guide, a detailed food menu, or a fixed all-in price. The skipper’s €10 fee is extra, and the schedule is compact. If those points fit your expectations, this is a practical way to combine Catania’s volcanic coastline, mythology, and a few hours at sea.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

The tour lasts three hours. Check availability for the starting times offered on your date.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and returns to Blu Marina srl in Catania.

Is the skipper fee included in the price?

No. The skipper costs an additional €10 per person.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks Italian and English.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The stops at Porto d’Ulisse and the Ulysses Caves include opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash.

What is included in the aperitif?

The aperitif includes typical local products and prosecco. Specific menu items are not provided.