Kayak or Boat Tour in Catania: Beaches and Costs to Discover

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The most beautiful beaches around Catania cannot be reached from the road.

They don't have parking, they don't have kiosks, they don't have umbrellas in a row. Finds who comes from the sea — with a boat, a kayak, or simply swimming beyond the first promontory. They are black lava coves where water is so transparent to look like an aquarium, marine caves where light filters from the outside and color all of electric blue, white pebble beaches accessible only by sea that in August remain almost deserted while nearby equipped beaches are complete. In short, it is definitely worth a boat trip to Catania during the summer season.

The city is famous for the baroque, for the Etna, for the Pescheria market. Less known is its coast — and that of the municipalities that surround it — as theater of some of the most beautiful water excursions of eastern Sicily. This guide takes you out of the mainland.

💡 Starting point: all the excursions described in this guide start from marinas and beaches within less than 30 minutes from the center of Catania. The holiday houses of Sayen Holiday Sicily are the perfect base to arrange your days at sea without losing time in unnecessary transfers.

La Costa Around Catania: An Introduction

The stretch of coast extending from the port of Catania to the north to Acireale and south to Augusta is one of the most varied and less exploited touristily of eastern Sicily. Three features make it unique:

The lava basalt: the Catalan coast was born from the eruptions of Etna that over the millennia have reached the sea. The result is black cliffs of lava, natural arches, caves and rocky seabeds that host an extraordinary marine biodiversity. No fine sand, but on the other hand a visual scenography that has no equal.

Water: the volcanic rocky bottom and the poor presence of industrial settlements along this coast have preserved an exceptional water quality. Underwater viability of 15-20 meters on the best days. Temperatures in August reach 26-28°C.

Selective accessibility: many of the most beautiful caves and caves are only accessible by sea. This natural filter keeps the mass away and preserves an authentic sea experience even in full high season.

Boat or Kayak? How to choose

The Boat Tour

For those who are: who wants to cover more distance, explore more coves in a single exit, stay in large group, or simply enjoy the sea without physical effort.

What to expect: organized boat trips generally last from 4 to 8 hours, covering 15-30 km of coastline, include 3-5 stops to swim and snorkel and often provide a lunch on board or in one of the coves reached.

Format: boat with skipper (the most common and recommended), boat rental without driver's license for the routes closest to the shore, boat with engine for faster excursions.

Limit: the boat does not enter the smaller caves and does not allow the same direct contact with the marine environment of the kayak. You are always on board, never in the water except during the stops.

The Kayak

For those who are: those who want an active and physical experience, those who love slowness and silence, underwater photographers and naturalists, those who want to explore the caves and bottoms inaccessible to boats.

What to expect: guided kayak tours last 3-5 hours and cover 8-15 km. The rhythm is slow — 3-4 km/h — and the observation point, with water, is completely different from that of a boat. You see things from the boat are invisible.

Physicality: a half-day kayak trip corresponds to a challenging walk. No need to be athletes, but a basic physical condition is necessary. Serious operators make an informal assessment before accepting participants.

The absolute advantage: kayaking enters caves, cavities, lava splits. It takes you where the boats can't go. For this reason, kayaking alone is worth a trip to Catania.

What to taste: the vertical of the districts is the most didactic experience that Etna can offer to a curious enthusiast.

The Ideal Combination

If you have more days, the perfect combination is a day by boat (to have an overview of the coast and reach the most distant coves) and a kayak (to explore deep the nearest stretch of coast). They are two complementary experiences that complement each other.

Beaches and Cales to reach Via Mare

Cala dei Faraglioni di Aci Trezza

The Faraglioni dei Ciclopi are the most iconic marine skyline on the Catalan coast. Seen from the earth are beautiful. Reached by kayak or boat and circumnavigated closely become something completely different: gigantic columns of black basalt that emerge from the sea, with rocky seabeds at 3-5 meters where they swim cernies, octopus and docks.

How to reach them: starting point from the port of Aci Trezza (30 minutes from Catania). Kayaking, the complete circumnavigation of the phallus lasts about 2 hours and return from the shore. By boat, it is almost always included in the coastal excursions.

What to see under water: the base of the phallus is a marine environment protected by the Marine Nature Reserve of Cyclops. Brown bands of considerable size, cuffs in the anfratti, purple sea urchins, orange marine stars. With mask and mouthpiece you can see everything clearly up to 8-10 meters.

Best season: July-September for maximum visibility. Avoid with east wind (Scirocco) that moves the sea on this display.

Cave of the Blow — The Sound Cave

A few kilometers north of Aci Trezza, accessible only by sea, this sea cave in the lava basalt takes its name from the sound that the ondous motion produces by compressing the air inside the cavity. With calm sea sound is a rhythmic breath. With rough sea becomes a deaf and deep noise that feels from tens of meters away.

How to reach it: kayaking, following the coast from Aci Trezza to the north. The entrance is narrow — no more than 2 meters — and requires lowering on the kayak to pass. Inside, the cavity opens in a space of about 8 meters in diameter with the ceiling at 5-6 meters. The light that filters from the opening in certain hours of the morning creates blue reflections on the water of rare beauty.

Warning: reachable only with calm sea (low wind 2 Beaufort). Never enter with sea size — the ondous motion inside a closed cavity is dangerous. Local kayak operators always evaluate weather conditions before including this stage on the route.

Pozzillo beach — The Secret of Acireale

A white pebble hill nestled between black cliffs, reachable on foot only through a steep and uncomfortable path or, much more easily, by sea in 20 minutes from Aci Trezza. In high season the beach rarely hosts more than 20-30 people despite the exceptional beauty — the filter of the path and accessibility by sea preserves it naturally from the crowd.

Water: one of the richest snorkeling spots on this coast. The seabed quickly passes from 2 to 10 meters, with rocky walls covered with yellow and orange gorgonies, anthias (the small orange fish typical of the Mediterranean) and in August frequent sightings of barracuda in her pack.

Cala di Stazzo — Wash and Crystal

Between Acireale and Capo Mulini, this small bay of lava stones is one of the most frequented seaside spots by local Catalans and less known by tourists. The water is exceptionally clear due to the presence of underwater fresh water sources that create a visible thermocline effect.

By sea: kayaking from Aci Trezza in about 45 minutes. By boat, almost obligatory stop of any hike north.

The Caves of Santa Maria la Scala

The seaside village of Santa Maria la Scala, a hamlet of Acireale, is one of the least known jewels of the Catalan coast. The sea caves dug into the basalt at the foot of the houses of the village are accessible both by swimming and by kayak. Some have been historically used as deposits by local fishermen — There are still rusty hooks in the rock walls.

Atmosphere: It's one of those places that seems still in time. The fishing boats pulled in dry, the colorful houses that descend to the sea, the caves as open doors on the Mediterranean — It's hard not to stop photographing every detail.

Cape Molini and the Fishing Beach

South of Acireale, this small lava promontory creates a natural bay protected by the winds of the north-east. Black pebble beach is tiny — not more than 50 meters — but the water is of an intense emerald green and the seabed in the first 3 meters is a garden of anemones and posidonia.

For underwater photographers: late afternoon lights entering the bay from the west create extraordinary underwater light conditions between 16:00 and 18:00.

Excursions Organized: What to choose

Half Day Boat Excursion (4-5 hours)

The most accessible format. Departure from the port of Aci Trezza or Catania, circumnavigation of the Faraglioni, 2-3 stops for swimming and snorkeling, return within the hour of lunch or dinner.

Ideal for: families with children, who has no experience of kayaking, mixed groups with different fitness levels.

Average price: 35–55€ per person, snorkeling equipment included.

Excursion in Boat Full Day (7-8 hours)

Extended version that reaches the farthest bays — Acireale, Santa Maria la Scala, in some cases until Taormina. Includes lunch on board with local products (fresh fish, oranges, Sicilian fruit) and more time at the stops.

Ideal for: those who want to cover the entire Catania coast in one single exit, snorkelers and swimming.

Average price: 65–95€ per person, lunch included.

Guided Kayak Excursion (3-4 hours)

The classic format with certified local guide. Initial Briefing on the paid technique (also used for absolute beginners), kayaking, paddle, life jacket and snorkeling mask, coastal route with stops in the caves and the most beautiful coves.

Ideal for: those who want an active and direct experience with the sea, photographers, naturalists, those who travel together or alone.

Average price: 45–70€ per person.

Kayak + Snorkeling in the Cyclops Reserve (5-6 hours)

The premium format for those who want the maximum of marine experience. Includes kayaking to the Natural Reserve Marina dei Ciclopi, guided snorkeling session with marine naturalist that identifies the species, stop for lunch in an isolated bay, return by sea.

Ideal for: lovers of marine nature, scuba photographers, those looking for an experience outside ordinary circuits.

Average price: 80–120€ per person.

Free Kayak Rental

For the most experienced and autonomous. Several operators hire single or double kayaks without driving. Requires open sea paid experience and knowledge of local weather conditions.

Average price: 15–25€/ora, 50–80€/ whole day.

Important: never go out kayaking alone in the open sea without experience. Even in seemingly calm conditions, the sea can change rapidly and the long coast currents can be insidious for those who do not know them.

Sea safety: The Basic Rules

This section is not an option. The sea around Catania is wonderful and generally safe, but requires respect and preparation.

Before Exit

Check the weather forecast: the site of the Air Force Meteorological Service (meteoam.it) and Windguru are the most reliable references for wind and wave motion conditions. Wind superior to strength 3 Beaufort (15-20 km/h) makes the tiring and potentially dangerous kayak for beginners. Come on 4 and over.

Never go out alone in kayak: always in minimum couple, better in group. Always leave your planned itinerary to someone on the ground and the estimated return time.

Communication: Keep your phone in a waterproof case. The emergency number at sea is 1530 (Italian Coast Guard). Save the number before you leave.

Equipment

• Saving vest (obligatory by law on kayak at sea)
• Mask and mouthpiece
• High protection waterproof solar protection (SPF 50+)
• Water bottle — at least 1.5 liters per half day
• Shoe shoes for supports on laves
• Hat or bandana
• Waterproof phone and documents case
  

Respect the Marine Reserve of Cyclops

The Nature Reserve Marina dei Ciclopi (which includes the Faraglioni of Aci Trezza and the surrounding waters) is divided into areas with different levels of protection. In zone A (maximum protection) any activity that is not observation is prohibited — no collection of marine organisms, no anchorage, no fishing. Local operators know the exact boundaries: trust them.

What to Bring for a Perfect Day

For boat trip:

• Bathroom and towel costume
• abundant solar protection
• Polarized sunglasses (reduced glare on the sea)
• Light change for return
• Waterproof Camera or Waterproof Case
  

For kayaking:

• As above, more water shoes or neoprene socks
• Clothes that dry quickly (except cotton)
• Charm or hat that does not fly away with the wind
• If you have a camera, take it — the water-haired photos from the caves are among the most beautiful you can take in Sicily

The Calendar of the Sea: When To Get Out

The advice that locals do not give tourists: September is the golden month for the Catalan sea. The water is at maximum temperature, the underwater visibility reaches 20-25 meters, the secret beaches return deserted and the prices of the tours fall by 20-30% compared to August. If you can choose, choose September for a boat ride in Catania.

Combine the Sea with the Rest of the Stay

A day at the sea in Catania has its own natural rhythm: early departure (the best excursions start at 8:00-9:00 to take advantage of the calmest sea in the morning), return in mid afternoon, shower, aperitif, dinner.

What happens after the shower is where the living room in the apartment makes a difference. Back in your own space with the possibility to lie down, cook something light, download the photos of the day on a computer or just stay on the terrace to listen to the city you animate — is a kind of recovery that no hotel, however comfortable, can replicate.

The holiday houses of Sayen Holiday Sicily in the historic center of Catania are designed for this: the base from which to organize the days at sea, and the refuge where to end up.

FAQ: Boat and Kayak Around Catania

Do you need experience kayaking at sea?
For guided tours no — the best operators accept absolute beginners and dedicate the first 15-20 minutes to a briefing on the paid technique. For free hire without driving, it is necessary experience of open sea kayaking.

Can children participate in excursions?
Boat trips are generally suitable from 4-5 years up with lifejacket. For kayaking, the recommended minimum age is 8-10 years, and smaller children can participate as passengers on the double kayak with a parent.

What happens if the sea is moved on the day of the excursion?
Serious operators monitor the weather forecast and contact customers in advance in case of adverse conditions. Most offer free reprogramming or full refund in case of bad weather cancellation. Always check the policy before booking.

Is it possible to snorkel without experience?
Yes. The mouthpiece does not require patents or courses. Operators provide mask and fins and indicate the best points where to immerse yourself. The only condition is to know how to swim.

How much do rental snorkeling equipment cost?
Almost always included in the organized excursions. For single beach rental: 5-10€ for complete set (mask + mouthpiece + fins).

Can you fish during boat excursions?
It depends on the operator and the area. In the areas of the Marine Reserve of Cyclops fishing is prohibited. Outside the reserve, some operators offer sports fishing as a separate service. Ask specifically before booking.

How to reach Aci Trezza from Catania?
By car: 20-25 minutes via SS114. By public transport: AMT bus from Central Station, about 35-40 minutes. By taxi: 20-25 minutes, indicative cost 20-25€.

Did you explore the coast of Catania by sea? Tell us your favorite drop in comments — and if you have particular sightings to share (delphim, turtles, barracuda) we are curious to know where and when.

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