Boat trips from Syracuse
Seen from the water, Ortigia and its seafront look different. Boat trips fall into three types. A short trip visits the sea caves, a longer one continues along the coast of the Pillirina and Plemmirio, and a private boat can take you out for most of the day. Choose by how much time you have and whether you want a swim stop.
The prices below are examples from one local operator in 2026, not a market average. This is an independent guide and not an operator, and a boat departure is never guaranteed: the sea decides.
Which trip suits you
Examples from 2026. Confirm prices, times and availability when you book.
| Trip | Duration | Adult price (2026) | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea caves, short trip | 50 minutes | €40, listed as a summer promotion | Up to 3 caves if the sea allows, swim stop at the skipper's decision |
| Pillirina and Plemmirio | 2 hours | €50 | Boat along the coast, 2 swim stops at the skipper's decision, departures at 13:15 and 18:15 listed |
| Private day trip | About 8 hours | – | Syracuse, Arenella, sea caves and the rock Scoglio Due Fratelli, on a private boat |
The short caves trip runs daily on reservation with at least 2 people. Its meeting point is Via Senatore Gaetano Moscuzza 2. The 2-hour boat is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, so ask the operator if this applies to you.
Our pick: Ortigia by boat
A short trip with a swim stop and the sea caves.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat tours and sea trips from Syracuse
Sea caves, coastal cruises and private boats, with live prices, times and availability.
The Plemmirio marine reserve
Plemmirio is a protected marine area south of Syracuse, with zones where bathing, navigation and anchoring are restricted. The rules for visitors are simple and apply to boat passengers as well:
- Do not touch, take or damage animals, plants or other material under water.
- Do not feed marine life or disturb it.
- Respect the zones where bathing, navigation and anchoring are banned.
Details change by year. A supplementary rule for 2025, for example, banned swimming in fields of mooring buoys. Do not assume that you may swim everywhere in the reserve, and follow the skipper's instructions about where to stop.
Weather, swimming and safety
Caves can be entered only in suitable sea conditions, and a skipper may skip them on a rough day. Operators decide on the day, so do not plan a tight schedule around the trip.
A swimming ban was reported in 2026 at the Scoglio Due Fratelli, a rock offshore, after a notice from the harbour authority in August. A route that passes the rock does not lift the ban, so stay on board unless the skipper confirms that swimming is allowed.
From land, the Plemmirio coast has several access points. Some are easy paths, others are difficult rock entries, and one is described as suitable only for experienced swimmers. The access at the lighthouse is a panorama point in Zone A of the reserve, so do not assume you may swim there. For sandy beaches and lidos, read the guide to the beaches near Syracuse.
Before you book
A few checks save you problems on the day.
Check the time and the group size
Match the departure time with the rest of your day. The two example trips need at least 2 people and run on reservation, so a solo traveller should ask whether a place is free.
Ask what is included
Ask about the meeting point, children's prices, swim stops and what happens if the sea is too rough. Cancellation and refund terms differ between operators, so read them before you pay.
Pack for the sea
Bring sun protection, water and a towel if you plan to swim. Wear shoes that grip on a wet deck.
Plan the rest of your day
A boat trip fits well between a morning on Ortigia and a late lunch.
Ortigia
Cathedral, spring, Temple of Apollo and the market.
Neapolis Archaeological Park
Theatre, quarries and the Ear of Dionysius.
Beaches near Syracuse
Fontane Bianche, Arenella and what a lido costs.
Syracuse tours
Walks, boats and day trips compared.
If you want a volcano by boat, the Stromboli boat tours are covered on a sister site, and the islands north of Sicily are described on visitsicily.org.
Boat tours in Syracuse: frequently asked questions
How much does a boat tour cost in Syracuse?
One local operator listed in 2026 the 50-minute sea caves trip at €40 for adults, €20 for children from 6 to 12 and free under 6, and the 2-hour Pillirina trip at €50, €25 and free. The €40 price was shown as a summer promotion, so confirm it for your date.
Will I definitely see the caves?
No. The caves can be entered only if the sea allows it. The operator decides on the day, and the skipper also decides about swim stops.
Can I swim during the trip?
Both example trips list swim stops at the skipper's decision. Stay on board where swimming is banned, for example at the Scoglio Due Fratelli, where a ban was reported in 2026.
Do I need to book?
The short caves trip runs daily on reservation with at least 2 people. Book ahead and confirm the time for your day.
Is a boat tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
The operator describes its 2-hour boat as unsuitable for people with reduced mobility. Ask any operator about boarding before you book.
What are the rules in the Plemmirio reserve?
Do not touch, take, damage or feed marine life, and respect the zones with bans on bathing, navigation and anchoring. Follow the skipper's instructions.