Top 8 Nature Reserve Days in Sicily

1.Tour of San Vito lo Capo, Zingaro Nature Reserve, and Scopello

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 91 reviews Our pick

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Trapani to San Vito lo Capo, then board the JACKYE SEA for photo stops and swims near the Zingaro Nature Reserve and Scopello. Snorkeling equipment and an aperitif are included. The host language is Italian, so confirm language arrangements if you need English.

“si è avuta la possibilità di fare il bagno più volte in acque meravigliose. il tour me lo aspettavo diverso”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Cyclops Islands & Timpa Nature Reserve Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 82 reviews · from $66

From Aci Castello, join Andrea and the Etna and Sea Excursion crew for a three-hour boat trip along Sicily’s volcanic coast. Snorkel in the protected waters near the Cyclops Isles and La Timpa, where basalt formations, lava flows, and marine life make the seabed the main event. Gear, water, drinks, and light snacks are included.

“The guides were amazing and very friendly! They respond quickly to emails and help with anything you need. They had food and drinks for us. They explained everything and was very knowledgeable. I highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Zingaro Nature Reserve and Scopello Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 55 reviews · from $45Best value

Set out from San Vito Lo Capo at 11:30 for a four-hour cruise past the Zingaro coves, Tonnara del Secco, and Scopello’s Faraglioni. You’ll have three swimming stops and lunch onboard, described as a good but simple pasta dish. The crew speaks English, Italian, and French; no individual guide names are provided.

“Poche spiegazioni e nemmeno di sentivano dall'altoparlante. Il pranzo a bordo consisteva in un piatto di pasta (buono) ma solo quello. Sarebbe bastata un'insalatiba di contorno e un caffè per completare un vero pranzo.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Nature Reserve ,Trekking Eco Tour in Iblei National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $155Top rated

Join guide Alessandro Mertoli for a small-group trek from Catania into Iblei National Park. Explore Cava del Carosello’s old mills, Byzantine tanneries and clear-water lakes, then walk among the ruins of Noto Antica. The 4-to-5-hour outing includes an air-conditioned vehicle and Nordic walking sticks; pack lunch, and be ready for uneven, sometimes demanding terrain.

“An excellent day out. Alessandro was first class travelling from catania to collect and return us to our Giardini Naxos hotel. Very informative and friendly. Terrain was quite hard going at times but the swim in natural lake was very relaxing. History of the area was very interesting and the scenery spectacular. Well worth the effort.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Pantalica Nature Reserve Guided Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9 reviews

Travel from Siracusa to Pantalica Nature Reserve for a four-hour guided hike among its limestone cliffs, ancient tombs, cave dwellings, and Valle dell’Anapo scenery. Groups are capped at eight, with English- and Italian-speaking guides. Federico has led hikes here, sharing details about local plants, archaeology, and possible river swimming spots.

“We enjoyed all of the trip and would like to have been able to give 4.5 star rating. Nice to be driven there and back and to have a knowledgeable guide. The nature reserve was beautiful and Federico shared so much interesting information about the history of the area and the caves and vegetation. He asked us at the beginning of the hike what we were most interested in doing so he could meet our expectations and then checked regularly to see that we were enjoying everything. Grazie, Federico for a great day!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Scopello and Zingaro Nature Reserve Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews

From Castellammare del Golfo, an Italian-speaking skipper takes your private group along the Trapani coast toward Scopello’s sea stacks and the coves of Zingaro Nature Reserve. Swim in clear water, use the included snorkeling equipment, and take a break with fruit and soft drinks. The tour lasts four to eight hours, depending on the option you book.

“Interesting and relaxing activity. Good skipper. Too bad they forgot the snorkeling equipment so the excursion lost a lot.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Vendicari Nature Reserve Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $105

From Piazza del Pantheon, take a 45-minute ride to Vendicari for an easy guided walk through its wetlands and coastal plants. Your guide brings birdwatching gear and explains the reserve’s wildlife, then leads you to the old tuna factory and Aragonese tower. There’s time for a swim before the ride back. Guide Frederico is one named guide associated with the tour.

“This tour was absolutely fantastic thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guide was excellent and showed us lots of amazing local wildlife. Incredible views of flamingos, caspian terns and so many beautiful insects. Could have stayed all day! I would hugely recommend for any nature enthusiast. Richard and Vicki”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kayak Tour in Stagnone di Marsala Nature Reserve

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

Spend five hours paddling about five miles through the Stagnone Nature Reserve to Santa Maria, Isola Grande and bird-filled Isola Schola, then land on San Pantaleo, home to Phoenician Mozia. The calm, shallow route suits beginners. Kayak gear and Sicilian snacks are provided; bring your own water. Maurizio has guided the tour.

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

Check availability →Read our full review