Ortigia: Private Boat Excursion

Ortigia, the charming historic center of Syracuse, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its stunning coastal landscapes from a private boat. This one-hour excursion takes passengers on a leisurely journey past iconic landmarks like the 13th-century Maniace Castle and the sacred Arethusa Spring, providing an intimate glimpse into the island’s rich history. Led by an English-speaking skipper, the tour combines breathtaking views with the chance to savor local wines, creating an unforgettable experience on the Sicilian coast. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this boat tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to discover more of Ortigia‘s enchanting allure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Italy.

Key Points

• A private boat excursion in Ortigia, Syracuse, lasting 1 hour with a starting cost of €95.00 per person and a full refund for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.

• The tour highlights include Maniace Castle, Umberto I Bridge, and Arethusa Spring, with a welcome toast of local wines served during the journey.

• Passengers can enjoy breathtaking sea-level views of Ortigia’s landmarks, with an English-speaking skipper providing historical commentary throughout the experience.

• The private group experience is led by an Italian and English-speaking skipper, offering personalized insights and anecdotes for an intimate and enjoyable tour.

• Reservations can be made through the website with no immediate payment required, and full refunds are available up to 24 hours before the excursion.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

This private boat excursion in Ortigia, Syracuse offers a unique opportunity to explore the historic city from the sea.

The tour lasts for 1 hour and costs from €95.00 per person. Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without immediate payment.

During the tour, you will admire significant monuments and historical buildings, including the Porto Piccolo, Porto Grande, Umberto I Bridge, Lungomare di Levante, Viliena Fortress, Maniace Castle, Arethusa Spring, and Alphaeus Promenade.

The experience also includes a welcome toast with local wines, such as red, white, and Prosecco, served on board by an Italian and English-speaking skipper.

Experience Highlights

The private boat excursion offers breathtaking sea-level views of Ortigia’s iconic landmarks.

As you glide along the harbor, you’ll see:

1. The imposing Maniace Castle, a 13th-century Norman fortress that dominates the skyline.
2. The graceful Umberto I Bridge, a symbol of Ortigia’s architectural heritage.
3. The serene Arethusa Spring, a freshwater source sacred to the ancient Greeks.

Along the way, you’ll sip on local wines while your English-speaking skipper provides fascinating commentary on the history and significance of these remarkable sites.

This intimate tour allows you to appreciate Ortigia’s beauty from a unique vantage point.

Tour Details

A private group experience, the boat excursion is hosted by an Italian and English-speaking skipper. Passengers will enjoy a welcome toast with local wines, including red, white, and Prosecco, as they set sail. The intimate nature of the tour allows for a personalized experience, with the skipper providing insights and anecdotes throughout the journey.

Experience	Includes	Price	Cancellation
Private group	Welcome toast with wine	From €95 per person	Free up to 24 hours in advance
Hosted by Italian and English-speaking skipper	–	–	–
–	–	–	–
–	–	–	–

Important Information

Guests should arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

The captain doesn’t wait for clients, so punctuality is crucial. Plus, there are no refunds for delays, as the excursion may be canceled due to weather conditions.

The key important information to note includes:

1. Arrive 20 minutes early to the meeting point.
2. No refunds will be provided for delays, as the captain won’t wait for tardy clients.
3. The excursion is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a seamless and enjoyable private boat experience in the historic Ortigia.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Booking Information

To check availability and reserve a spot, customers can select their preferred starting time and the number of participants.

The booking process is simple – customers just need to input their desired date and party size on the website.

Once the reservation is confirmed, customers will receive a Google Maps link to the designated meeting point.

No payment is required upfront, as this is a "reserve now, pay later" experience.

However, it’s important to note that a cancellation policy is in place, with full refunds available up to 24 hours before the scheduled excursion.

Meeting Point

The meeting point for the private boat excursion in Ortigia is provided on Google Maps. Participants should arrive at the designated location 20 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

The meeting point typically includes the following:

1. A clear address or landmark that’s easy to find.
2. Specific instructions on where to meet the boat or the skipper.
3. Parking or transportation options for guests to reach the meeting point conveniently.

It’s important to note that the captain doesn’t wait for clients who are running late, so prompt arrival is essential to avoid missing the excursion.

The meeting point information is crucial for a seamless start to the private boat tour in Ortigia.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelling the private boat excursion in Ortigia is permitted up to 24 hours in advance, entitling guests to a full refund. After this period, no refunds will be issued. Delays on the part of the client do not warrant a refund, as the captain will not wait for late arrivals. Plus, the excursion may be cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, in which case a full refund will be provided.

Cancellation Policy	Cancellation Deadline	Refund
Free Cancellation	Up to 24 hours prior	100%
No Refund	After 24 hours	0%
Weather Cancellation	Any time	100%

Weather Conditions

Inclement weather conditions may result in the cancellation of the private boat excursion in Ortigia.

The excursion may be canceled due to three key factors:

1. Strong winds that make it unsafe to operate the boat.
2. Heavy rain or storms that reduce visibility and pose a hazard.
3. Rough seas that could make the experience unpleasant or dangerous for passengers.

In the event of a cancellation, no refunds will be issued for delays.

The captain won’t wait for clients who are running late.

Customers are advised to arrive 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

According to the activity overview, guests can’t bring their own food and drinks. However, the excursion includes a welcome toast with local wines, so beverages are provided on board.

Is the Boat Equipped With Life Jackets?

The boat is equipped with life jackets for all passengers as a standard safety measure. Guests are required to wear the life jackets throughout the duration of the private boat excursion for their own protection.

Is the Boat Accessible for People With Disabilities?

The boat is not specifically designed for accessibility. While the skipper can assist passengers, the boat’s layout may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Guests should inquire about accommodations prior to booking to ensure the excursion suits their needs.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to take photos and videos during the private boat tour. The skipper encourages capturing the beautiful sights and landmarks along the way to create lasting memories of the experience.

Is There a Restroom on the Boat?

The boat tour does not have a dedicated restroom on board. However, guests can disembark at certain stops along the route to use public facilities. The tour focuses on sightseeing, so guests should plan accordingly before the excursion.

Recap

The private boat excursion in Ortigia, Syracuse offers a captivating way to explore the stunning coastal town. Guests will marvel at the historic landmarks, sip local wines, and gain personalized insights from an English-speaking skipper. This intimate and memorable adventure provides a unique perspective of Ortigia’s rich history and natural beauty, making it an ideal activity for those seeking an immersive experience on the Sicilian coast.

You can check if your dates are available here: