Palermo from the water looks better from a dinghy. This 8-hour Palermo coast outing is a laid-back, small-group way to cruise from Addaura through the coves toward Isola delle Femmine, with a boat built for comfort. I like that the inflatable dinghy is well kitted out (awning, stereo, ladder, and two showers), and I also like that you can go with the owner skipper Simone if you want the day to be mostly effortless. One catch: a boat license is mandatory if you rent the boat to drive it yourself, and fuel is excluded.

You start at Porto dell’Addaura (Addaura Roosevelt harbor) at 9:00am and head out for a private group up to 8 people, ending back at the meeting point. For families and couples, that simple structure matters: less logistics, more time for stops and relaxing on the water.

Key Points If You Want the Short Version

• 8m inflatable with serious power: 4-stroke 300-hp Suzuki engine helps you move between coves without feeling rushed.
• Comfort tools on board: awning for shade, stereo for vibes, and two showers for rinse-off.
• Easy-to-get-in-out setup: ladder at the stern makes swim stops feel more practical.
• Cove-hopping plan along Palermo’s coast: Addaura → Mondello → Capogallo → Sferracavallo → Isola delle Femmine.
• Optional skipper (Simone): €150 full day or €75 half day if you want someone else to handle driving.
• Private group experience: you stay with only your party (up to 8), not mixed with strangers.

Setting Sail From Addaura Roosevelt Harbor (And Why That Matters)

This is the kind of day that feels smooth because it starts simple. You meet at Porto dell’Addaura in Palermo, at Addaura Roosevelt harbor, and your excursion ends back where it begins. That round-trip flow is underrated. When you’re dealing with a boat day, less backtracking usually means more time to actually enjoy the water.

You’re also not just renting a bare-bones craft. The inflatable boat is listed as an 8 mt comfortable dinghy, with the LED GS 75 model name used for the rental, powered by a 4-stroke 300-hp Suzuki engine. In plain terms, that’s strong enough for a full day of cruising between points along the Palermo coast.

Two details I’d call out right away:

• Two showers on board mean you can rinse off salt after you swim, without waiting until you get back to shore.
• The ladder at the stern makes getting back on the boat straightforward, especially if you’re doing quick swim stops.

If you’re traveling with kids, or you just don’t want to think too hard about logistics, that ladder-and-shower combo is a big deal.

The Boat Setup: Comfort, Shade, and Rinse-Off

The boat rental is described as equipped for day-long comfort. Beyond the engine, you get practical “small stuff” that changes the vibe of the day.

Here’s what that looks like for your day:

• Awning: for shade during the mid-day stretches between stops. Palermo sun can be no joke.
• Stereo system: you can keep music going while you’re cruising.
• Two showers: one near the pilot boat and one at the stern, so rinsing is easier when you’re coming back from swimming.
• Ladder at the stern: it’s built for re-entry at the back of the boat, which is what most swim stops are set up for.

From the reviews, people repeatedly praise that the dinghies are clean, spacious, and well equipped. A few mentioned spotless conditions and reliable new engines, which is what you want to hear for a boat day where you’re paying for time on the water, not babysitting equipment.

One more practical note: there’s a boat license requirement to rent and drive the dinghy yourself. That affects who this suits.

The Route: Addaura to Mondello, Then Capogallo and Sferracavallo

The excursion follows a clear coastal progression:

Addaura → Mondello → Capogallo → Sferracavallo → Isola delle Femmine.

What you do with each stop is the heart of the day: you move to a new cove or shoreline area and then enjoy time for swimming and relaxing. The tour description frames it as a “carefree boating day,” and that’s exactly how the route reads—short enough legs to feel like you’re exploring, not commuting.

Addaura (Start): Where Your Day Actually Begins

Starting from Addaura at 9:00am is smart because it gives you daylight and a relaxed pace. You’re also starting from a moored harbor location (Addaura Roosevelt harbor), which usually means there’s less stress than starting from some random stretch of coast.

In reviews, people highlight how friendly and helpful Simone was from the first moment. If you’re going with the skipper option, that early confidence helps you settle in fast and spend the rest of the day in holiday mode.

Mondello (Stop): A Change of Scene by Boat

Mondello is one of the planned stops. The key thing here isn’t what it looks like on a postcard—it’s how the boat day format works. You don’t just arrive; you cruise there, with the sea as the connector between places.

That matters because it changes the pace. You can spend time swimming, then hop back on the boat without hunting for parking, schedules, or crowded shore logistics.

Capogallo and Sferracavallo (Stops): Coves for Slower Moments

Capogallo and Sferracavallo are included as part of the route. With two consecutive “coast sectors” like this, you get variety: different coves, different shoreline angles, and chances to find the kind of spot you want at that moment.

This is where your boat amenities pay off. If you’re out in the sun, the awning helps. If you’re coming back salty, the showers help. If you want music while you relax, the stereo is there.

One consideration: since you’re on a small boat, sea conditions matter. The experience is listed as requiring good weather, so if it’s windy or rough, your “easygoing” plan can get harder.

Isola delle Femmine: The Ending Point That Feels Like a Reward

The itinerary “finally arrives at Isola delle Femmine,” and that final destination matters because it sets the tone for the last stretch of the day. Instead of feeling like you’re racing back, you’re building toward the end.

In practical terms, it’s also a nice rhythm:

• You spend the morning and early afternoon moving along the coast.
• You use later time for your favorite kind of stop—swimming, relaxing, and staying off-land longer.

Even if you don’t do a lot beyond enjoying the water, arriving at the endpoint gives you a natural place to slow down before heading back to the harbor.

Simone and the Skipper Option: When You Want the Boat, Not the Work

The big optional decision here is whether to drive or whether to hire a skipper.

• Hire a skipper for the full day: €150
• Hire a skipper for half a day: €75

That optional skipper is tied directly to the boat license requirement. If you don’t have the license or you’d rather spend the time sightseeing and relaxing, the skipper option makes this experience much more accessible.

From the reviews you provided, Simone comes up again and again. People describe him as professional, friendly, helpful, and not intrusive—exactly the sort of balance you want. One review specifically calls out a half-day trip with Simone being kind and super helpful right from the first moment. Others praise the seriousness and reliability, plus spotless, well equipped dinghies.

So the takeaway is simple: if the idea of driving doesn’t appeal to you, pay the skipper fee and enjoy the day as a passenger.

What’s Included (And What You’ll Need to Plan For)

This outing includes:

• Soda/Pop

That’s it on the “included” list. The rest is on you, including anything you need for swimming comfort.

Not included:

• Snorkeling equipment (the listing mentions snorkeling equipment is not included)
• Fuel (explicitly excluded)

So if you want to snorkel, plan to bring your own gear. And for budgeting, don’t forget fuel when you look at the final cost. On a boat day, fuel can be a meaningful add-on, especially for an 8-hour route.

Also worth mentioning: the boat has features that make swim stops easier even without gear. The ladder at the stern and the showers are there to support a quick rinse and get back into the comfort of your boat.

Price and Value: How $761.30 Fits a Private Group

The price is listed as $761.30 per group (up to 8) for about 8 hours. That’s private, meaning your group stays together and doesn’t mix with other people.

To think about value, split the cost in your head:

• For 8 people, it’s roughly $95 per person (before any skipper fee and before fuel).

That’s the key: the base price looks reasonable for a full boat day, but your total depends on whether you need a skipper and how much fuel you use. If you go with no skipper and you’re licensed, you’ll keep costs tighter. If you want Simone driving, add the €150 full-day skipper fee.

In other words, this isn’t a bargain-priced shared tour. It’s closer to a flexible private day. If your group size is small, it’s still fun, but the per-person number goes up fast.

Who This Boat Day Best Suits

Based on the details and the review themes:

• Families who want a supervised, smooth day on the water (one review mentions a 5-year-old safely onboard and having a great time).
• Couples who want a quieter, romantic feeling without the pressure of shore schedules.
• Friends who like “pick your own pace” travel, with onboard amenities that make stops easy.

This is also a good match if you care about comfort details: awning shade, showers for rinsing, and the practical ladder setup. Those features don’t sound exciting in a brochure, but they make the whole day feel easier.

My Take: Should You Book This Palermo Coast Excursion?

I’d book this if you want a private, small-group boat day that’s built for comfort and real downtime at sea. The combination of a well equipped dinghy, a route that covers multiple coast areas (Addaura through to Isola delle Femmine), and the option to have Simone handle the driving makes it a strong choice.

I would hesitate only if:

• You don’t have a boat license and the skipper option is outside your budget.
• You’re traveling when weather might be shaky, since the experience is listed as requiring good conditions.
• You’re expecting snorkeling equipment to be provided, because it isn’t.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the Palermo coast excursion?

You meet at Porto dell’Addaura, Palermo PA, Italy (Addaura Roosevelt harbor).

What time does the excursion start?

The start time is 9:00am.

How long is the excursion?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Is this a private tour, and how many people can be in the group?

Yes, it’s private. Only your group participates, with a maximum of up to 8 people.

Do I need a boat license to rent the dinghy?

A boat license is mandatory in order to rent this dinghy.

Can I hire a skipper?

Yes. You can hire a skipper for an additional cost of €150 for the full day or €75 for a half day.

What is included, and what is not included?

Soda/Pop is included. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and fuel is excluded.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The listing also allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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