Seven hours in Lampedusa, without the road noise. This yacht excursion is built for spots you simply can’t reach by land, with snorkeling pauses and guided stories from start to finish. I really like how Sciatumia plans the day around the sea conditions, so you end up at the right-water places instead of just checking boxes.

Two things I especially like: the on-the-water guidance (you’ll get proper explanations about what you’re seeing and what to look for underwater), and the way the crew keeps the day fun and safe at the same time. The main drawback to keep in mind is that the route is weather-dependent—if conditions aren’t ideal, the captain may swap stops.

What you’re signing up for is a full daytime outing on the Sciatumia motor yacht: a morning start from Via Alessandro Volta, a string of swims and snorkel moments around the island, and a lunch that’s served properly at the table rather than as a rushed snack.

Key highlights to look for

• Tabaccara Bay solitude stop when weather allows, with a set snorkeling time
• Isola dei conigli (Rabbit Island) swimming and snorkeling, often with time to reach the beach from the sea
• Caves close-up, sometimes entering them, with lifeguard-style safety attention
• Fish-forward lunch on board served at your table, with pasta and multiple second courses
• Guide storytelling in English and Italian (including names like Gianfranco and Francesco) that turns each coast into a mini lesson

A Lampedusa yacht day that goes where the roads quit

If your idea of Lampedusa is turquoise water and cartoon-perfect coves, this tour delivers—because it’s not trying to impress you with views from a parking lot. You sail up and around the island, then stop at bays that are either hard to access or completely off-limits for normal land touring.

You’ll get the feeling that the day is paced for real sea time. The crew builds in swimming windows at multiple locations, and they also explain what’s worth spotting during snorkeling—so you’re not just floating around hoping for something interesting.

Price and value: what $101 buys on the water

At about $101 per person for roughly a 7-hour outing, the value comes from what’s included, not just the boat ride. You get a full lunch on board served at the table, plus drinks with the meal (water and wine are included) and additional items like fruit, coffee, and digestif.

You also get safety and comfort basics that matter on a yacht day: life jackets for adults and children, a lifeguard instructor onboard, shade seating, solarium cushions, a convenient ladder for getting in and out, and fresh-water showers. When you add all of that to the cost, it starts to feel more like a complete day package than a basic excursion.

Where you meet: Via Alessandro Volta and the hotel Paladini di France

The meeting point is simple: you’ll meet in front of Hotel Paladini di France, then get moving around the morning departure window (appointment at 9:00am, depart around 9:15am). The trip runs until roughly 5:00pm, so plan your morning with enough time to arrive calmly.

A practical tip: show up slightly early. Yacht crews run on timing, and you’ll want a few minutes to get settled, use the facilities, and be ready for the first stop.

Stop-by-stop: what each part of the coast is for

The heart of the experience is the sequence of bays and headlands. The exact order stays flexible depending on conditions, but these are the main kind of stops you should expect on a typical day.

Tabaccara Bay: snorkeling time plus the right-weather magic

Tabaccara is the kind of place where you understand why boats exist. It’s reachable by water and (when the weather cooperates) it’s treated like a key stop rather than a quick photo stop. The plan is to spend at least 30 minutes there, which gives you real time to swim and snorkel instead of rushing.

If you like snorkeling, this is where you start to build confidence. The crew’s explanations help you focus on what you should look for underwater, not just what the surface looks like.

Isola dei conigli (Rabbit Island): swim, snorkel, and maybe lunch from the sea

Next up is Isola dei conigli, better known as Rabbit Island. This is where the tour leans hardest into swimming and snorkeling: you’ll have about two hours here, which is generous by yacht standards.

A neat detail: when conditions are favorable, lunch can happen around this area. That means you may be able to swim and then come back up for the meal—no long dry stretch, no pointless waiting. And even if lunch isn’t here, the sea access is still the whole point: you’re close to the water and you can switch between views and swimming without losing the day’s rhythm.

Cala Pulcino: a shorter stop that still gives you water time

Cala Pulcino tends to be a 30-minute style stop. That sounds brief, but it works because the goal isn’t to camp out—it’s to add another notch of coastline and another swim moment.

Think of it as a reset button: quick guidance, quick water time, then off to the next spot while your energy is still good.

Capo Ponente and the submerged steam-ship wreck

On the north side, the tour may shift toward Capo Ponente, including time to visit a submerged wreck of an old steam ship (when it fits the day). Wrecks can be hit-or-miss on snorkel tours, but the advantage here is that you’re not doing it blindly—you get direction so you know where to pay attention.

If you’re not into wreck snorkeling, no problem. You still get the north-coast scenery and a normal swim stop, just with an extra underwater story attached.

Muro Vecchio: the most sought-after sapphire-water vibe

For a lot of people, Muro Vecchio is the main event—and the tour treats it that way. This stop is positioned on the north coast with “pure sapphire waters” as the selling point, and you’ll typically get another short snorkeling and swim block (around 30 minutes in the plan).

This is also a good moment to slow down mentally. Between stops, you’re often on the move, watching the coast change. At Muro Vecchio, you get enough time to enjoy the water without feeling like you’re just passing through.

Caves close-up: entering them safely and realistically

One of the most compelling parts of the excursion is the chance to get up close to caves. With the captains’ skills, you’ll visit caves and enter some of them, but always with safety in mind.

What makes this feel worthwhile is that it’s paired with explanations. You’re not only looking at rock shapes from the outside; you get context while you’re there, and the crew’s safety setup (including lifeguard instructor assistance) keeps it feeling controlled rather than risky.

Underwater tips you’ll actually use

You’ll hear guidance about the underwater world and what to look for. That matters because Lampedusa’s sea can look stunning from above, but snorkeling gets better when you know where to focus your attention.

If you’re new to snorkeling, the combination of short, timed stops and clear directions helps you enjoy the experience instead of getting frustrated.

East coast pacing: Mare Morto and Cala Creta

After the north-coast highlights, the tour shifts toward the east coast, where you may pass by places like Mare Morto and Cala Creta. This portion is less about one single “must-see” moment and more about maintaining that coastal rhythm: sail, look, pause, swim, repeat.

It’s the kind of section that makes the day feel like an island tour, not just a list of beaches.

The south return: Grottacce and Grotta del Bue Marino

As you head back toward the south coast, you’ll pass by Grottacce and Grotta del Bue Marino. The tour can also allow you to experience Grotta del Bue Marino by snorkeling, including entering by snorkeling.

This is one of those parts where your comfort level matters. If you’re confident in the water, it’s a cool, hands-on way to see the underwater side of the coast. If you’re a beginner, you’ll still get plenty of value from the time at other stops—so don’t feel pressured to do more than you’re comfortable with.

Lunch on board: fish, pasta, caponata, and table service

This is the part that surprises people who expect a boat lunch to be mediocre. Midday, you’ll be served lunch onboard sitting at a table, restaurant-style.

What’s included in the meal

You can expect a fish-focused menu, including:

• A first course of pasta based on very fresh fish
• Multiple second courses, including options like homemade caponata made with aubergines from the Lampedusa chef
• Prawn crudités and scampi crudités
• Marinated anchovies
• Dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestive

Drinks included with lunch include water and wine. Some diners also noted a limoncello around mid-afternoon, which you may see depending on timing and how the day flows.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options

If you need dietary adjustments, you can request vegetarian variations, and gluten-free is available upon request. That’s a big deal on a sea day, because it’s not always easy to get a proper alternative when the menu is fixed.

What to bring: snorkeling setup that isn’t included

Masks and fins are not included, so plan accordingly. If you’re relying on rental or borrowing, do that before you arrive, because the stop times are built for active water time.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Towel and beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear (since masks and fins aren’t included)

Also, think about comfort under sun. You’ll be on the water for hours, and even shaded seating won’t remove all sun exposure.

Getting comfortable on a motor yacht (and what’s provided)

A good yacht tour isn’t just about stopping at pretty places. It’s also how you handle the practical bits while you’re there.

Sciatumia provides:

• Different toilets for men and women
• Fresh-water showers onboard
• Life jackets for every adult and child
• Place in the shade
• Solarium cushions
• Convenient ladder for entering the water

These are the details that make the difference between a “nice outing” and a “can’t wait to do it again” day.

Who this experience suits best

This tour is ideal if you want:

• A coast-to-coast feeling around Lampedusa without driving
• Multiple swim and snorkeling stops rather than one long beach day
• Guided explanations in Italian or English, including underwater storytelling
• A real meal included, with enough variety that it feels like a proper lunch

It’s likely less ideal if you need wheelchair access, since it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.

Should you book Sciatumia’s Lampedusa yacht excursion?

Yes, if you’re the type of person who likes doing a place by sea: short swims at multiple coves, snorkeling with guidance, and lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. This is also a strong choice if you value safety and clear briefing, because the tour includes lifeguard instructor assistance and proper onboard gear.

Hold off or choose your day carefully if weather could be a dealbreaker for you, since the route and stops are adjusted to conditions. Also, make sure you’re ready with your own snorkeling mask and fins.

If you want a Lampedusa day that feels authentic—less “shoreline sightseeing,” more “island in motion”—this tour is the right fit.

FAQ

What time does the excursion start and when does it end?

You’ll have an appointment at 9:00am and departure around 9:15am. The trip runs until around 5:00pm.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is in front of Hotel Paladini di France.

How long is the yacht excursion?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What language is the live tour guide?

The live guide offers explanations in Italian and English.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard at the table and includes a fish-based pasta first course, multiple second courses, dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestive. Water and wine are included.

Are masks and fins included with the tour?

No. Masks and fins are not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

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