About this tour
A 4–5 hour coastal boat run departing from Palermo's Tonnara Florio, heading west along Sicily's northern shore to Mondello Gulf and Isola delle Femmine. You'll anchor twice for swimming and snorkelling in sheltered bays, pass the Bourbon lighthouse at Capo Gallo Nature Reserve, then return for an aperitif and nibbles aboard. The RIB cuts through clear Mediterranean water, stopping where fish congregate and the seabed reveals itself.
Highlights
- Two dedicated swim stops in gin-clear waters
- Snorkel over underwater rock formations and marine life
- Art Nouveau bathing pavilion visible from the water
- Capo Gallo Nature Reserve and working lighthouse
- Onboard aperitif with local wine and savoury bites
- RIB boat—compact, rapid, genuinely seaworthy
What to expect
You'll depart mid-morning and spend the first hour sailing past Mondello's heritage architecture before slipping overboard for a solid swim in the gulf. The water stays warm and shallow near the beach, deepening gradually. Back aboard briefly, then another hour en route to Isola delle Femmine, where the seabed becomes rockier and snorkelling pays off. Expect a mix of sailing, floating, and crew-led commentary. The final leg brings you back inshore as the sun angles lower, with drinks and finger food shared on deck before docking. The boat pitches in open water—not violent, but noticeable.
Good to know
Arrive 20 minutes early with ID or passport. Swimming ability is mandatory; staff will refuse boarding otherwise. Pack minimal luggage—storage is tight. Bring sunscreen, hat, and a rash guard if you burn easily. Weather can flip quickly; tours may return early if conditions worsen (no refund). Dress warmly; sea breeze cools fast once you're wet.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.