Taormina: Isola Bella, Blue Grotto & Mazzarò Bay Boat Tour

About This Experience

This is a short boat trip along the coast below Taormina, run by Escursioni Pizzichella. It starts and ends at Pizzichella - Ristorante - Lido in the Isola Bella area, and the listing gives the length as 1 hour.

The itinerary lists the timings: a 10-minute cruise, a 10-minute photo stop at Capo Taormina, a 20-minute swim at Isola Bella, a 10-minute photo stop at the Blue Grotto and a 10-minute photo stop at Mazzaro Bay. The skipper is meant to point out details about the area, and the price includes almond wine and almond pastries.

It is not a theatre tour and has nothing to do with the Ancient Theatre, which stands up in the town. At one hour it is short enough to sit alongside a theatre visit on the same day, but the listing shows start times only when you check availability and does not say how long it takes to get between the theatre and the Isola Bella area. Leave a generous gap.

The park announced that Isola Bella, the island and its nature reserve, is closed for maintenance from 2 November until about mid-December 2026. That is a single park notice, so confirm it. It concerns going ashore, not boats sailing around the island. Check with the operator before you book if landing matters to you. The listing itself is a boat trip with a swim stop.

The price is from about $25 per person (checked November 2026), with the earliest date on 4 November. Several reviewers in October 2026 say the skipper spoke little English, so expect few spoken explanations.

Highlights

• Isola Bella and the coast below Taormina seen from the sea
• Sea caves and small coves along the way
• The Blue Grotto and Mazzaro Bay from the water
• A dip in the clear water near the island
• A short trip that leaves most of the day free
• Starts and ends at the same beach lido in the Isola Bella area

What's Included

• ✓ Guided boat tour of about 1 hour
• ✓ Almond wine
• ✓ Almond pastries
• ✓ Photo stop at Capo Taormina (10 minutes)
• ✓ Swim stop at Isola Bella (20 minutes)
• ✓ Photo stops at the Blue Grotto and Mazzaro Bay (10 minutes each)

Not Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (you go to the meeting point yourself)
• Landing on Isola Bella or entry to its house museum (no landing is listed)
• Food and drinks beyond the almond wine and pastries

What to Bring

• Swimwear and a towel for the 20-minute swim stop
• A light waterproof layer, since one reviewer says no ponchos were provided
• A phone or camera for the photo stops
• Your booking confirmation with the Pizzichella meeting point

Good to Know & Caveats

• The park announced that Isola Bella, the island and its nature reserve, is closed for maintenance from 2 November until about mid-December 2026. That is a single park notice, so confirm it. It concerns going ashore, not boats sailing around the island.
• Several reviewers in October 2026 say the skipper spoke very little English, although the listing names English, Italian and Spanish. Expect a quiet ride with few explanations.
• The boat is small and open. One reviewer says no rain gear was supplied.
• One October 2026 reviewer saw similar trips advertised at the beach for less than the booked price. Booking ahead gives you a set slot and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• The listing gives no group size, pick-up or accessibility details. Ask the operator if you need them.
• The 'skip the ticket line' label is generic. There is no ticket line for this boat trip and no theatre entry.
• Most reviewers still call the ride pleasant, with calm water in several October reports.

Meeting Point

Pizzichella - Ristorante - Lido, in the Isola Bella area. The trip ends at the same place. The listing shows start times when you check availability.