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Ortigia Island Tour: Admire Sea Caves and Coral Formations
4.9
667 Ratings
Siracusa
Explore the stunning Ortigia Island on a tour that takes you through sea caves and showcases beautiful coral formations. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Explore the stunning Ortigia Island on a tour that takes you through sea caves and showcases beautiful coral formations. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Duration:
1 hour, 10 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Maniace Castle - Visitors will have the opportunity to view the esteemed Castello Maniace Via Mare.
- Isola di Ortigia - The tour will navigate around the island of Ortigia, offering views of the Duomo, the Church of Santa Lucia, Palazzo Veneziano, Ponte Umberto I, the small port, the former Bourbon prison, the Spanish Walls, Lungomare di…
- Maniace Castle - Visitors will have the opportunity to view the esteemed Castello Maniace Via Mare.
- Isola di Ortigia - The tour will navigate around the island of Ortigia, offering views of the Duomo, the Church of Santa Lucia, Palazzo Veneziano, Ponte Umberto I, the small port, the former Bourbon prison, the Spanish Walls, Lungomare di Levante, Forte Vigliera, Castello Maniace, Fonte Aretusa, Lungomare Alfeo, and Porta Marina.
- Syracuse - Explore the captivating sea caves. The journey will lead through these intriguing coastal ravines to admire stalactites, stalagmites, coral formations, and numerous enchanting shapes, all products of nature’s artistry. The excursion will conclude with a refreshing swim.
What's Included
- Guided tour
- Swim in crystal clear waters
- Guided tour
- Swim in crystal clear waters
What's Not Included
- Bottled water
- Bottled water
Additional Information
Our excursion presents the chance to appreciate the splendor of Ortigia from a sea perspective and the extraordinary marine grottoes with their stunning hues, enhanced by light refracting off the coral structures, stalactites and stalagmites. Take in the panorama of multiple blue hues as you marvel at the geological formations of the coastline with its…
Our excursion presents the chance to appreciate the splendor of Ortigia from a sea perspective and the extraordinary marine grottoes with their stunning hues, enhanced by light refracting off the coral structures, stalactites and stalagmites. Take in the panorama of multiple blue hues as you marvel at the geological formations of the coastline with its cliff faces descending into the ocean at the vicinity of the sea caves. There will also be an occasion to halt for a swim. Please be aware that sections of this journey may be subject to modifications depending on shifts in sea weather conditions.
Location
Via Senatore Giuseppe Maielli, 6
Via Senatore Giuseppe Maielli
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(667 Ratings)
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Drummerdude22
Nov 2, 2025
Worth the time & money. - Smaller boat that can get into smaller places. Had a great tour and saw the island from the ocean which gives you some great views. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paulagalvin
Oct 30, 2025
Beautiful - A truly beautiful trip around the harbour and in and out of the caves, beautiful views of Syracuse and Ortigia, a must do while you are in Syracuse.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elinain_sg2021
Oct 23, 2025
You have no idea how wonderful Sicily is! - It is impossible to stop knowing Sicily!!! It has all the landscapes, the best climate, the most World Heritage Sites in Italy! Every culture that occupied it left its constructions, ideas, languages, flavors. A wonderful island!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Muca55
Oct 22, 2025
This is a must do if staying in Siracusa, Ortigia or even Catania ! 5 stars 🌟 - This is an intimate, quaint boat trip with locals full of information and character ! We arrived late and missed the 1300 boat we were booked on they kindly changed us to the 1400 one. Ortigia is a beautiful place steeped in history going back to the 2nd century BC ! It is both beautiful naturally and physically, and with the architecture. Our boat driver explained the ports and many buildings, as well as the physicality and history of the caves really well. As a fan and traveller to Cyprus and Greece I knew that Ortigia was more Greek in culture and style than maybe other parts of Sicily. However, the boat driver really clarified the Greek, ancient Roman and even Spanish colonisation and influence perfectly for me. The caves were amazing and the water was so clear. We couldn't swim though as the waves were v choppy. It was a pity but safety first. I love how Ortigia mixes Greek history & style, with Mediterranean vibes, with Italian, with (most importantly) Sicilian charm, culture and down to earthness ! This boat trip and Dolci Escursioni represent all that so well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julio-colombiatravel
Oct 14, 2025
Undoubtedly unmissable - If you are going to Syracuse, this is the tour you should do. Stefano was very friendly from the beginning. He recommended us very well and also sent us a list of attractions to meet on our own. It is a comfortable boat, for a maximum of 15 people, Franco was our captain. The tour lasts 1 hour and is enough to know these beautiful formations on the rocks. Super recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Moeg68
Oct 11, 2025
Boat Excursion in Ortigia - I booked this excursion months in advance and was somewhat skeptical due to its reasonable price. I was in for a pleasant surprise. They were extremely organized and kept me updated prior to the day of the trip. They send a map to show you exactly where the meeting spot is. Everything was very orderly and the boats were not overcrowded and in good repair. The tour was the perfect amount of time (about 1.5 hours) including a brief swim in the crystal blue water, which was surprisingly warm! Franco, the guide and Captain, was very informative and extremely skilled at the helm. He easily maneuvered in and out of the tight caves, while pointing out all of the natural beauty and historical sights. He also pointed out St Lucile church where there is a Caravaggio altarpiece. It was an easy walk over upon disembarking!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skaway2010
Oct 10, 2025
Ortigia Cave Experince - We went with Laura, our guide, who was very informative ,
articulate and friendly
We stopped off for a swim in the refreshing clear blue ocean after
entering the caves.
Well done Dolci Excursions - a very worthwhile experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Craigec6096js
Oct 10, 2025
Definitely should do if you have time in Ortigia - We did the 10.00am trip with Franco. Weather was great and the sea was calm. Well worth it. Be mindful that it can get windy in the afternoons
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Didiandpapu
Oct 24, 2025
Nice trip, but we did not stop to swim - It was a lovely trip however I was disappointed that we did not stop for a swim. There were many other tour boats that did allow their guests to swim.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Around_europe
Oct 30, 2025
2 hour delay - I did a few boat tours while in Sicily, and unfortunately this was the worst experience. The organizers told us on Whatsapp the night before that our tour would leave at 12pm instead of 10am. They said there would be some police inspection of the caves and they access would be denied in the morning. This really derailed our itinerary for the rest of the day. But the main problem was that the skipper on the boat told us there was no such thing as a police inspection of the caves that morning or any other morning. Basically the organizers lied to us, probably because they overbooked the tour, and decided our group would be one of the unlucky ones pushed to 2 hours later... I don't appreciate the dishonesty and that their own staff wasn't on the same page. Especially as we had booked MONTHS in advance. Our tour also didn't last the full 1h10 advertised.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
