Discover the captivating beauty of Palermo’s marine reserves through an expertial excursion that combines adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights. Departing from the picturesque Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa, this 7-hour tour promises to immerse you in stunning locations, from the awe-inspiring Grotta Regina to the serene Gulf of Mondello. With a range of engaging activities like hiking, snorkeling, and local food tastings, complemented by refreshing cocktails, this excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the Sicilian coastline. Prepare to be captivated, for there’s more to uncover on this exceptional journey.

This experience made our list of the 18 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Palermo.

Key Points

Expertial Excursion in Boat Marine Reserves - Key Points

  • This excursion offers a 7-hour boat tour of marine reserves near Palermo, Sicily, with stops for activities like hiking, snorkeling, and food tasting.
  • The tour is priced at €4,007 per person and departs at 10:30 am from Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa, with a maximum capacity of 20 participants.
  • The itinerary includes visits to Grotta Regina, Villa Florio, Tonnara Arenella, and the Gulf of Mondello, with a focus on scenic views and historic sites.
  • Onboard amenities include an aperitif, cocktails, a light Sicilian lunch, and opportunities for marine life viewing and relaxation.
  • The excursion is subject to favorable weather conditions, and participants are advised to bring recommended items such as towels, hats, and sunscreen.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Expertial Excursion in Boat Marine Reserves - Overview and Pricing

This experiential excursion in boat marine reserves offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and marine life of Sicily.

Priced from €4,007 per person, this 7-hour tour allows a maximum of 20 people to enjoy a range of activities, including aperitifs, cocktails, hiking, snorkeling, and food tastings.

Departing from Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa in Palermo at 10:30 am, the tour includes stops at various locations within the marine reserve, such as Grotta Regina, Villa Florio, and Gallo Fossa.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this excursion a flexible and accessible option for travelers.

Itinerary

Expertial Excursion in Boat Marine Reserves - Itinerary

The excursion departs from the Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa in Palermo at 10:30 am, ushering visitors on a captivating journey through the marine reserves.

The route includes stops at Grotta Regina, Villa Florio, Tonnara Arenella, Tonnara di Virgine Maria, Cristoforo Colombo Lungomare, Porto Addaura, Gulf of Mondello, Gallo Fossa, and a second stop at Grotta Regina.

Guests can expect to return to the starting point by 5:30 pm, after a full day of exploring the breathtaking coastal landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders of the region.

The itinerary provides ample opportunities for activities like hiking, snorkeling, and food tasting, all while enjoying the stunning views and marine life.

Activities and Experiences

Expertial Excursion in Boat Marine Reserves - Activities and Experiences

Guests can partake in a variety of captivating activities and immersive experiences during the excursion. The itinerary includes an aperitif, cocktail, hiking, snorkeling, local snack sampling, and food tasting. Visitors can observe marine life and enjoy scenic views at refreshing bathroom stops throughout the protected marine reserve. Onboard, guests can revel in music, relaxation, and fun.

Activities Experiences Onboard
Aperitif Snorkeling Music
Hiking Marine life viewing Relaxation
Snack tasting Scenic views Fun

Food and Beverages

Complementing the array of enthralling activities, the excursion offers a delectable culinary experience.

Guests are welcomed with a refreshing aperitif of Prosecco or Spritz, accompanied by a selection of cunzato bread, sfincionelli, bruschetta, chips, pretzels, and olives.

The light lunch features typical Sicilian appetizers, pesto busiate, seasonal fruit, reginelle, and a classic limoncello.

Drinks are available throughout the journey beyond the set meals.

This delightful gastronomic affair not only nourishes the body but also enhances the overall maritime adventure, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling experience for all participants.

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Important Information

While the excursion is subject to favorable weather conditions, guests can look forward to an unforgettable maritime adventure. Shoes must be removed before boarding the boat, and guests are encouraged to bring towels, hats, and sunscreen. No outside drinks or alcohol are permitted, but a well-stocked boat bar will be available. Diving is allowed by the poppiera, which is the stern or back of the boat.

Important Information
Weather Conditions Subject to favorable conditions
Footwear Remove shoes before boarding
Recommended Items Towels, hat, sunscreen
Drinks No outside alcohol; boat bar available
Diving Allowed by the poppiera

Starting Location and Departure

The excursion departs from the Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa in Palermo at 10:30 sharp.

The starting location is Via Cala, Palermo, and the boat will leave the Porto della Cala Banchina Lupa dock.

The tour lasts 7 hours, with the return to the same starting point at 17:30.

Along the way, the boat will make several stops, including the Grotta Regina, Villa Florio, Tonnara Arenella, Tonnara di Virgine Maria, Cristoforo Colombo Lungomare, Porto Addaura, Gulf of Mondello, and a second stop at the Grotta Regina.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in various activities and enjoy the stunning scenery of the marine reserves throughout the day.

Return and Main Stops

Upon departing from the starting point at 10:30, the excursion boat will make its way to several key locations within the marine reserves.

The first stop is the Grotta Regina, followed by Villa Florio, Tonnara Arenella, and Tonnara di Virgine Maria.

The boat will then cruise along the Cristoforo Colombo Lungomare, stopping at Porto Addaura and the Gulf of Mondello.

The final two stops are Gallo Fossa and a second visit to the Grotta Regina before returning to the starting point at 17:30.

Throughout the journey, guests will have opportunities to engage in various activities, such as snorkeling, food tasting, and admiring the scenic views of the marine life and coastline.

Boat and Onboard Facilities

Expertial Excursion in Boat Marine Reserves - Boat and Onboard Facilities

The boat used for this experiential excursion is a well-equipped vessel designed to navigate the marine reserves comfortably. Onboard, guests can enjoy a range of amenities and activities to enhance their experience. A table below highlights the key features:

Amenity Description
Seating Ample seating with padded benches and sun loungers
Bar Stocked with a variety of beverages, including local wines and cocktails
Music Background music to set the mood and create a relaxing atmosphere
Restrooms Clean and well-maintained facilities with freshwater
Storage Designated areas to store personal belongings and snorkeling gear

The boat’s design and onboard features ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the stunning marine reserves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Excursion?

The dress code for the excursion is casual. Guests should wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and remove their shoes before boarding the boat. Bringing a towel, hat, and sunscreen is also recommended to fully enjoy the outdoor activities.

Is There Wi-Fi or Phone Signal Availability During the Tour?

The tour does not mention any available Wi-Fi or phone signal during the excursion. Participants should expect limited connectivity while on the boat exploring the marine reserves. Guests are advised to plan accordingly for this off-the-grid experience.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Passengers are welcome to bring their own snorkeling equipment. However, the tour provides snorkeling gear for those who don’t have their own. Guests are advised to check with the tour operator for any specific requirements or restrictions regarding personal diving/snorkeling equipment.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must be able to board and disembark the boat safely. Life jackets are provided for the duration of the excursion.

What Happens in the Event of Inclement Weather During the Tour?

If the weather is unfavorable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. Guests will receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to inclement weather. The operator prioritizes guest safety and comfort in such situations.

Recap

This experiential excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning marine reserves near Palermo. Participants can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and local food tastings, while taking in the breathtaking scenery and viewing marine life. With comfortable onboard amenities, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for up to 20 guests.

You can check if your dates are available here: