Boat tour to Pillirina, sea caves and Ortigia Island from Syracuse
4.5
Boat tour to Pillirina, sea caves and Ortigia Island from Syracuse
By Sicily in Travel
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About
This tour includes a visit to the Island of Ortigia and the sea caves and a stop in the Pillirina area which is part of the Plemmirio marine protected area. We will sail along the northern coast of Syracuse where between a sip of fresh drinks and spritz, we will approach the sea caves where admiring them from the inside you can discover the flora and fauna hosted. You will visit the various caves inside: the Capuchin cave, the coral cave and finally the large cave, also known as the stalactite cave. The last stop will be in the Pillirina area composed of limestone and clay rock, here you will discover these very white and enchanting coasts. Our friendly and professional guides will take care of you during the navigation to make the tour unforgettable, making you discover points of coast that can only be reached by boat and that only with this tour you can admire. Maximum 15 passengers per boat.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian
More
- Soda/Pop
- Fuel surcharge
- Skipper
- Snorkel masks
- Entry/Admission - Sicily
- Start:
- Viale Montedoro, 51, 96100 Siracusa SR, ItalyIT IS IMPORTANT TO ARRIVE AT THE MEETING POINT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE TOUR
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 215946P14- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 215946P14
From
£37.97
per adult
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Itinerary
- Viale Montedoro, 51, 96100 Siracusa SR, ItalyIT IS IMPORTANT TO ARRIVE AT THE MEETING POINT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE TOUR
- 1
- 2Pass byFonte Aretusa
- 3Pass byManiace Castle
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- IslandChartersBaja0 contributionsAmazing!!!The beaches and bays were astonishing! We had a blast kayaking & paddleboarding along incredible caves. The food was delicious! We will come back!!!Written 4 December 2024
- Sheri V0 contributionsRagusa, Modica, NotoNice day trip, beautiful towns, love Modica chocolates. Noto was our favorite city, architecture, flat streets. Comfortable a/c van, friendly driver, not too chatty, only 8 people in our full group.Written 7 October 2024
- lorrainesU3034PK0 contributionsAmazing street food and wine tourHighly recommend this tour , our guide Sebastian was knowledgeable and funny , the food and wine was amazing, it was everything we wanted and moreWritten 2 October 2024
- christieStevo0 contributionsNot a thrill ride near the summit of Mt EtnaA basic quad bike experience mostly on the road. The quad bike companies cannot go any closer to the summit of the volcano than the bottom of the cable cars. The experience takes you away from the volcano, into a forest which was still nice, followed by a visit to a cave and an old home. This is a good tour for first-time quad bike riders looking for a relaxing ride through the forest of Mt Etna. This is not a thrill, close-up, off-road experience along the volcanic rock of Mt Etna.Written 28 September 2024
- 039electra0 contributionsWonderful history tour in beautiful Syracuse and OrtigiaA wonderful overview of both the Syracuse Archaeological Park and some key Ortigia landmarks. This was a private tour for just my partner and I; and our guide, Luca was full of interesting facts, energy and personality. Would highly recommend it for those on limited time, or alternatively if you want to do some exploring on your own, as well as a tour.Written 27 September 2024
- Karen K0 contributionsExcellent way to see these 3 towns when we don't have enough time.The driver was excellent and told us where to go and the sights to see. Had a great bunch of people on the trip. Stopped to get Modica chocolate and saw a beautiful church right by the chocolate shop. Ragusa was good and we had time to do the little train around Ragusa. Noto was the last stop and we just wandered with gelato. A great day.Written 27 September 2024
- TammyP8470 contributionsFavorite part of our tripFavorite part of our trip. The captain let us swim in many different parts. One we saw fish another Roman columns buried under the sea. We went to see caves and ate delicious food overlooking an island and sunset. Our stop in town was quick I think because we had so much fun swimming in many spots. Ride home at night was beautiful with all the lights. Thank you for a wonderful trip.Written 27 September 2024
- Kim L0 contributionsNot worth the moneyDon't waste your money on this "tour." It was really a drop you off van ride to each city. I didn't expect a guide, however, it would have been nice to have some information or recommendations on where to go, what to see, or been given a map with highlights before being dumped off for an hour and a half in each city. Find something else to spend your money on. We just finished up a Mt Etna and winery tour that was less money and hands down above and beyond expectations.Written 26 September 2024
- EnglishinUS0 contributionsMontalbano CountryWe were safely driven in the minivan by a charming young driver. The towns have beautiful baroque architecture and you have enough time to explore on your own. Ragusa was very special. The high viewpoint to see the church and city of Modica was amazing though we only really had time for lunch there. Noto was interesting but the rain limited our visit a little. The itinerary and timings works well - take your own guidebook to make the most of your time. Good value as it’s not easy to get there by public transport. Would recommend 👍Written 25 September 2024
- gastroner0 contributionsGreat tour allowing visits to Ragusa, Modica and Noto from Siracuse.We loved visiting the 3 towns included in this tour. They were beautiful. The drive thru the country was very enjoyable as well. The amount of time allowed in each location was perfect. The driver was a very careful driver and was always right where he was supposed to meet us . We were however a bit surprised that 2 couples were placed in quite a small car for a trip of 8 hours , when the description said minivan tour. Luckily, we were average sized people, the women actually on the petite side. We had to get into the back seat 1 at a time, buckle seat belt and then the next person etc. A larger vehicle would have been much more comfortable. We were able to take a train tour in Modica and learned a lot of history about that town. Our driver surprised us at the end of the tour with delicious cookies for nice treat.Written 24 September 2024
- tinar6090 contributionsBeautiful coast, wonderful trip.What a wonderful trip out around the gorgeous coast of Ortigia. Plenty of time to swim. With floats and lifebelts available anyone can get in the water to enjoy. All followed up with a lovely lunch, freshly cooked on board. Definitely recommend it.Written 11 September 2024
- halynat8820 contributionsInteresting experienceThe tour was interesting and Francesca our driver was fine, although he did not speak English, so we could not ask him any questions about where we were going. He just dropped us off in each of the cities ( these really are not villages except maybe for the old part of Ragusa)) and told us when he would pick us up. We did not get any maps detailing where we would be; maps would have been very helpful! This was the most economical tour, which is why we took it. It took us out of Ortigia and we saw something of the interior, which would not have happened otherwise. One word of caution: we were there first week of September and the heat was unbearable! So much so that it took much of the fun out of the visit - it was just not possible to climb all those hundreds of steps, to explore these places. It wasn’t just us - most people, especially in Modica and Noto (Ragusa was more manageable) stayed at the lower levels of these two towns, rather than try to climb hundreds of steps on their own. If you have time (do it as soon as you get there) in Modica especially, take the little “train” that will take you around, all the way to the top.Written 5 September 2024
- Alexandra H0 contributions10/10We had the best time on our trip with Natale! He was sweet and hospitable, making sure we had plenty of time to relax and swim. Probably one of my favorite parts of our trip. While it’s a tad more expensive than group boat trips, I would say it’s well worth it. Between the space, the lack of having to jockey for seats, and the freedom to work with your skipper on timing of swimming and relaxing, the private tour surpassed our expectations. 10/10 experience!Written 27 August 2024
- Joost v0 contributionsGood but priceyIt was a very nice experience, we got on the boat and went from location to location. Where we could swim at every stop. On the last stop we got a nice Sicilian lunch. We did however find it very pricey for what we got in the end. €70-75 would have been more realistic.Written 17 August 2024
- connieu8330 contributionsPerfect Sicilian afternoon!We took a private tour and it was perfect from start to finish! Communication prior to the trip was clear and efficient. Enzo was a wonderful skipper who made sure everyone was comfortable and showed us all the best views and swim spots. The apperitivo was a delicious variety of Sicilian favorites! Highly recommended!! 💯Written 5 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
52 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
4
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Copeland M
Ealing, UK1 contribution
We selected English guide and got a couple of words in English from the skipper, and he was friendly to us when we spoke to him but got very little communication. There was a problem with a larger boat when we got to the place to swim, which was not the fault of our boat but meant we didn’t get a chance to swim properly at that point and were put off swimming later as my son ended up with cuts on his legs trying to get into the boat on the first stop. When there was that problem with the large boat getting too close to us, the skipper was great at jumping in to help a man who was struggling in the water, and maybe this affected him for the rest of the trip. We started late and finished earlier. All in all nice to be out in a boat but not the five star rated experience we expected for that price.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir280257
Bauru2 contributions
The tour was 1 hour late and the guide didn't speak English.
We started with an abuse of 15' delay... 15' ended up increasing the time.
Finally, we went to the boat and had to wait a while longer for the company employee to fight with the boatman. Anyway... the icing on the cake was the boatman who didn't speak English. The purchase was made with this request and the tour that should have been used to discover the history… was left in the lurch.
We started with an abuse of 15' delay... 15' ended up increasing the time.
Finally, we went to the boat and had to wait a while longer for the company employee to fight with the boatman. Anyway... the icing on the cake was the boatman who didn't speak English. The purchase was made with this request and the tour that should have been used to discover the history… was left in the lurch.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellen T
Alexandria, VA8 contributions
This “tour” is just a boat ride to see caves from the water. The skipper didn’t speak English though he was very pleasant. We did not enter any caves even though the ticket very clearly said “entry/admission included”. The meeting place was incorrect and we were redirected multiple times. If you want an expensive boat ride, this is the tour for you. If you want a tour, this is not!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Ellen, so sorry to read your review, i am sorry you didn't enjoy the tour and that you consider it a boat ride, the other reviews says different things so i might think this is a pesonal complaint, it is not what is the boat tour about. We try always to offer the best services ans sometimes things can't go perfectly but the tour you have describe it doesn't seem the one we offer as we have an english speaker skipper and we enter in the caves a part of the rare cases where the sea is rough but we normally inform people whe it is like this. I am sorry anyway that you didn't enjoy it and that you have given us 1 star which will ruin the high level of my profile. We do apologize.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Travel29624507601
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Suberb exusrsion in an exceptional setting. The excursion was with a group of about ten people. Warm welcome to the agency before going to the scene. Our Boat Guide was super nice (the tour also included a tasting) and visited several places to swim including Pillirina cave: a magical place... I went with my teenager and she also liked it very much. I recommend this experience!
Automatically translated
Written 8 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anja R
3 contributions
Anyone looking for a boat trip in a small group will not be disappointed. Unfortunately, there was no explanation of the area or history. The boat driver does not speak English and there is no guide. Relaxed trip, more like a taxi than a tour.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hallo Anja, es tut uns sehr leid, aus Ihrer Bewertung zu erfahren, dass die Tour nicht Ihren Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Ich möchte Sie darauf hinweisen, dass es an Bord der Boote keine Reiseleiter gibt, sondern die Skipper über die Küste und die Orte, die Sie besuchen, sprechen, wobei die Bootstour im Allgemeinen keine historischen Details enthält. Unsere Skipper sprechen Italienisch und Englisch. Es nur als Taxi zu bezeichnen, eine Bootstour mit einem Besuch einiger schöner Meereshöhlen und einem Badestopp in kristallklarem Wasser, ist ein wenig herabsetzend, aber natürlich kann jeder Mensch andere Erwartungen haben, es tut uns leid, dass es Ihnen nicht gefallen hat, wir versuchen immer unser Bestes, den besten Service zu bieten. Bis zum nächsten Mal.
Written 7 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rutger B
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Fantastic boat trip! Highly recommended, also for young families. We saw everything that was said beforehand. Dennis was a very good and fun guide and tailored the program to our group and needs. This also allows for a lot of swimming. Thanks Dennis, Jolanda and Annalisa!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giovanna B
6 contributions
Fabulous boat trip, thanks to Alessandro who was very helpful in explaining the places visited. A very nice guy. Even the girl who booked the excursion for us was very kind and welcoming. Super recommended. Giovanna and Lucio.
Written 12 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriela V
8 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We did a tour on the island of Ortigia spectacular!
The captain was super available and super gentle!
He explained all the history of the caves and popular legends!
The sea was spectacular!
Then we took a bath in an area that if I am not mistaken is called la pilirina!!!!, wonderful place!
Included in the package was water and a delicious Sicilian sparkling wine!
Too suggestive!
The only negative thing is that it lasts only 2 hours😢🤣😜
The captain was super available and super gentle!
He explained all the history of the caves and popular legends!
The sea was spectacular!
Then we took a bath in an area that if I am not mistaken is called la pilirina!!!!, wonderful place!
Included in the package was water and a delicious Sicilian sparkling wine!
Too suggestive!
The only negative thing is that it lasts only 2 hours😢🤣😜
Automatically translated
Written 24 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Resort37901377766
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Couples
We had a beautiful time on this trip. The water is so clear and the views are sensational. The guide was a wonderful sweet person who made the whole experience fantastic. The opportunities to swim added to an already great boat trip!
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristin A
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
This was really a nice trip, with easy and secure booking and information on beforehand. Good english speakers both in booking and st the boat. 2 hours were perfect and we had time to swim and enjoy the sea and old town from ocean view. Truly recomended.
Written 3 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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