Sail past Catania, then snack with Etna watching. This 3-hour outing mixes a comfortable sailboat with music and gives you a chance to try simple sailing moves, all with a professional skipper. I also like how the route builds toward the Ulysses caves stops and ends with an onboard aperitif. One thing to flag: the skipper cost (10,00 per person) isn’t included in the listed price.

You start from Blu Marina srl in Catania and head out for a coast cruise, photo stops, and time in the water at two different places. If you want a relaxing “sit back” trip but also enjoy light hands-on sailing, this is a good match. Still, with only 3 hours total, don’t expect long hangout time at every spot.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Professional skipper, safety first so you can enjoy the sailing without second-guessing the boat handling
• Le Ciminiere photo/sunset stop for scenic views and quick sightseeing
• Water time in two areas including swimming and snorkeling windows
• Sulfur chimneys, Ulysses caves, Cyclops Islands built into the sailing route
• Aperitif + typical snacks + prosecco to close the loop after the water stops
• You can join basic maneuvers with guidance, not just watch

Why this Catania sailboat tour feels easy

This is the kind of tour that keeps things simple: you meet at the marina, get on a comfortable sailing boat, and the skipper runs the show. The boat is set up for comfort, with places to lie in the sun and in the shade, plus music for the ride. That matters in Sicily, where the light and the warmth can hit fast.

I like that the experience isn’t “just sightseeing from the deck.” You can participate in sailing boat maneuvers, with the skipper explaining the basics as you go. If you’ve never been on a sailboat, that’s actually the point. You’re not being asked to take over control for long stretches.

The tone is also practical. The tour includes safety-focused operation by a professional skipper, and it builds in water time where you can swim and snorkel when conditions allow. You get a mix of views, brief stops, and water breaks rather than a single long, tiring stretch.

Price and what it really covers (including the skipper fee)

The headline price is $56.80 per person for about 3 hours. But the details include an important catch: the skipper cost is not included, listed as 10,00 a person. So plan on paying that on top of the base price.

In value terms, here’s what you’re paying for beyond “a boat ride”:

• Sailing time with a basic sailing lesson component
• Two main on-water/swimming/snorkeling windows
• An onboard aperitif made from typical local products plus prosecco
• Comfort features like sun/shade seating and music
• Time built around the Ulysses caves and views tied to Mount Etna

If you’re comparing to shorter coast cruises that offer only views and no included food, this one looks better. If you’re on a strict budget, the extra skipper fee matters, so it’s worth factoring it in before you commit.

Meeting at Blu Marina srl and getting oriented fast

Your trip starts at Blu Marina srl. That’s where the day’s rhythm begins: you board, get briefed, and settle into the boat layout. Since the total tour length is only 3 hours, you’ll want to arrive ready—sunscreen on, beachwear packed, and cash handy if you need it.

Once you’re underway, you’ll spend time cruising the Catania coast. That sailing time is the “glue” that makes the stops feel connected rather than rushed. Instead of hopping between places on land, you’re moving through the coastline with the sea doing most of the work.

Also note the language options: the instructor/skipper guidance is available in Italian and English. If you prefer clear explanations during the sailing maneuvers, this is helpful.

Le Ciminiere stop: 50 minutes for photos and a sunset mood

The first meaningful stop is Le Ciminiere, and it’s scheduled for about 50 minutes. You’re set up for three things here: a photo stop, quick sightseeing, and scenic views along the way. It’s also described with sunset timing in mind, so you may catch that softer light Sicily is famous for.

What I like about putting this earlier in the trip is that you’re still fresh. You’ll be dealing with less “I’m hungry” energy and more “look at that view” focus.

What can be tricky: this is not a museum-hour type stop. Expect to move at a cruise pace. If you like slow, deep wandering, you’ll feel the time limit.

Still, for a sail tour, a scenic land-view stop makes sense. You get a break from the motion of the boat, plus a chance to frame shots of Catania before the day turns toward water and caves.

Porto d’Ulisse: your first real break for swimming and snorkeling

Next comes Porto d’Ulisse, with about 30 minutes. This stop is built around a water break: you’ll get time for swimming and snorkeling, plus sightseeing and marine life viewing (when conditions allow).

I find these “short-and-sweet” water stops are often the best way to enjoy the sea without burning your entire trip changing gear and searching for the best moment. You’re going to spend part of the time actually in the water, which is the whole reason many people book this style of tour.

One practical point: bring your own biodegradable sunscreen and keep an eye on your timing. With only 30 minutes here, it’s smart to be ready to get into the water quickly rather than taking a long warm-up.

If you’re a stronger swimmer, you’ll probably enjoy this more. If you’re not, you can still enjoy marine life viewing by staying close to where it’s easier. Either way, you’re not committing to a long underwater session right now.

Sulfur chimneys, Mount Etna views, and the Ulysses caves payoff

From there, you shift toward the experience’s most story-driven part: the Ulysses caves area and the legendary setting tied to the story of Ulysses. Before you reach the caves, the route includes a look at the sulfur chimneys. That combo—industrial geology plus mythic sea-cave setting—sounds odd on paper, but it’s actually a fascinating Sicilian contrast.

The caves stop is longer, around 80 minutes, which gives you time for both viewing and water time. During this portion, you’ll also get a chance to enjoy the view of Mount Etna overhead. Seeing Etna from the sea changes the vibe. It feels bigger and more present than it does from street level.

This is also where the tour description points to lava rocks (lava pillows)—a detail that tells you you’re looking at real geology, not just a scenic backdrop. If you like places where the land’s story shows up physically in the rocks, this stop makes sense.

Underwater time at the caves (what to expect)

The included activities mention underwater stops connected to the caves area. In practice, that means you should expect time in the water around the Ulysses caves, along with opportunities for snorkeling. You’ll also likely have onboard support and clear guidance from the crew.

Because the exact conditions aren’t listed here, the best approach is to be flexible. If visibility is limited or the sea is choppy, your time may shift more toward swimming and sightseeing. Either way, the longer schedule at this stop keeps the experience from feeling like a rushed photo-and-go moment.

Cyclops Islands: seeing them by boat

The tour also promises a visit to the islands of the cyclops. You may not get a long land stay here, but the idea is to experience the area as part of the sailing route—close enough to feel connected to the story, without turning the day into a ferry-hop.

I like this approach because it matches how the mythology is meant to be felt: from the sea, with cliffs and coastline shaping the mental picture.

Aperitif onboard: typical products, prosecco, and a real end to the ride

After the caves and water time, the trip closes with an excellent aperitif featuring typical products and prosecco. This isn’t described as a tiny snack. The schedule at the caves stop includes aperitif time plus local snacks and meal onboard.

That’s a big value piece. Many boat tours offer a token drink. Here, the tour is designed to feed you and keep the mood relaxed after time in the water.

I also like that the aperitif happens after the best views and water moments. It prevents the common problem where you’re still thinking about the next swim window while trying to enjoy food.

You’ll have a comfortable onboard window to cool down, eat something familiar, and swap your favorite moment of the day. In short: the boat ride doesn’t end with you hungry and irritated. It ends with you fed.

Can you actually participate in sailing maneuvers?

Yes, that’s part of the point. The tour specifically mentions the possibility of joining sailing boat maneuvers, with the skipper explaining basics so you can participate rather than just observe.

For first-timers, that’s the sweet spot: you get hands-on time without being thrown into technical tasks. You’ll also benefit from the fact that a professional skipper handles the key decisions. Your role is likely to be active, but guided.

If you like practical travel—learning a small skill while you’re seeing places—this adds real meaning to the experience. It’s not only about the views, even though the views are a major part of it.

What to bring (so you don’t lose time on the water)

For a 3-hour trip, packing matters. The tour asks you to bring:

• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash

I’d treat this as a checklist, not a suggestion. Sunscreen is critical because you’ll spend time exposed during sailing and at scenic stops. Beachwear helps you get into the water without wasting valuable minutes.

Cash is listed, but there’s no added charge detail beyond the note that the skipper cost isn’t included. Still, bring it so you’re not scrambling at the marina.

Who should book this tour, and who might skip it

This tour suits you if:

• You want a comfortable sailboat experience with music, shade/sun areas, and a professional crew
• You want short sailing time plus meaningful stops, including a longer caves segment
• You like the idea of water time: swimming and snorkeling at two areas
• You enjoy food built into the trip: aperitif with typical products and prosecco, plus local snacks and meal onboard

You might think twice if:

• You prefer long, slow sightseeing on land. Most stops are timed, including only 50 minutes at Le Ciminiere, 30 minutes at Porto d’Ulisse, and the rest focused on sailing plus cave time
• You’re sensitive to extra costs. The 10,00 per person skipper fee means you’ll pay more than the base listed price

Overall, it’s a strong pick for people who like the mix of sailing, mythic scenery, and time in the water—without turning the day into a full-day marathon.

Should you book Sailboat Tour with Apertif in the islands of the cyclops?

If you want a 3-hour plan that feels like Sicily—sea views, Mount Etna overhead, sulfur-chimney scenery, and a final onboard aperitif—this is worth your attention. The best reasons to book are the included food/drinks, the comfort setup on board, and the chance to join basic sailing maneuvers with guidance.

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys a few high-impact stops rather than lots of ticking boxes. The itinerary timing supports that style: scenic viewing early, water time mid-trip, then caves and the story payoff, followed by aperitif and snacks.

Just add the skipper cost to your budget before you commit.

FAQ

What is the duration of the sailboat tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The starting location is Blu Marina srl in Catania.

What stops are included during the tour?

You’ll have stops that include Le Ciminiere, Porto d’Ulisse, and the Ulysses Caves area in Catania, then return to Blu Marina srl.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The schedule includes swimming and snorkeling time at Porto d’Ulisse and again during the Ulysses Caves stop.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a typical aperitif with prosecco, plus local snacks and a meal onboard during the caves portion.

Does the price include the skipper?

No. The cost of the skipper is listed as not included, at 10,00 per person.

What languages are used?

The instructor/skipper guidance is available in Italian and English.

What should I bring?

Bring biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and cash.