San Vito Lo Capo Boat Trip: Honest Review & Tips

So, you’re thinking about doing a boat trip from San Vito Lo Capo to Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve? It’s almost like you’ve heard whispers of crystal-clear waters and untouched coastlines. I mean, let’s get real, this part of Sicily really looks amazing in photos, yet the trick is, are the boat tours actually worth the money? This is that, like your typical tourist trap, or a legit “must-do” experience? In some respects, I went on one of these trips myself, and I want to give you my totally honest review so that you can decide if it’s a great fit for your travel plans.

Booking and What to Anticipate

Okay, so booking the boat trip in San Vito Lo Capo is, in a way, fairly simple. You know, there are quite a few different companies offering roughly similar itineraries, so you might find yourself a bit swamped. Very many booths line the harbor front, each promising a slightly better deal or a more awesome experience. As a matter of fact, I booked mine the day before to make certain that there was a spot. We booked, actually with Trapani Tourism Service – and you will find there social media or ask your hotel to point you in the right direction. That said, the prices are fairly similar across the board – somewhere between €40 and €60 per person for a half-day trip. The cost may or may not hinge upon time of year and which add-ons are involved.

That said, what can you expect once you actually get on the boat? Well, you see, most of the boats aren’t huge – they usually carry, let’s say, between 20 and 50 people. This may feel like a “party boat” depending on your group. And too it’s almost all are double decker, but the space fills fast. Arguably, the tours normally run in the morning or afternoon, lasting around four hours. The itinerary usually goes something like this: cruise along the coast to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, a few stops for swimming in different coves, a visit to the Faraglioni of Scopello, and maybe a little snack or drink onboard. Seemingly, this could be more or less depending on how you book.

The Cruise to Zingaro

Clearly, the cruise itself is actually really awesome. You know, leaving the harbor of San Vito Lo Capo, you get like these killer views of the town and the surrounding mountains. And so, as the boat hugs the coastline, you’ll notice these dramatic cliffs, hidden grottos, and the impossibly turquoise water that Sicily is so famous for. Very often the staff is that too it’s almost talking on a loudspeaker sharing all the information that is in both Italian and English. Very, very occasionally it will just be in Italian though!

Typically, the first part of the trip usually heads to the Zingaro Nature Reserve. A little side note for you, you might know that the Zingaro was the first natural reserve established in Sicily and it is so much bigger on land then one might realize! I want to say that, this protected area is absolutely stunning, featuring these pristine bays and unspoiled natural beauty. Of course, the boat doesn’t dock on land so there’s a chance to explore this at another point on foot if you feel you might want to do this, but the boat does usually stop at a few of the most picturesque spots to have some swimming. In fact, that sounds idyllic.

Swimming Stops and Snorkeling

Basically, this is arguably where the boat trip either succeeds or fails. You see, the swimming stops are often in these really beautiful little coves with water that’s so clear it’s, like your bottled stuff – it’s kind of crazy. That said, the thing you have to know is that these spots get very crowded. Actually, multiple boats all arrive around the same time, so you’re sharing the space with all of these other tourists.

Just a little thing here, but you’re able to snorkel but it’s more that you’re simply swimming, so in some respects this could sway whether or not you opt for this excursion. Still, I had a blast doing this even without that kind of clarity under water. The sea its-self it’s so inviting. Actually, swimming there and taking photos, I forgot about all of the tourists with me.

Scopello and the Faraglioni

So, after Zingaro, most trips head to Scopello. Or it might be the other way around for your departure. We had done Zingaro first, then moved over to here and seemingly got here in record timing too. You may know the Faraglioni are those dramatic sea stacks that jut out of the water near the little town of Scopello, actually. That part of the coast has almost an otherworldly feel that will make the place feel like a movie set. That said, many a movie has filmed in this area. Now the water here seems to be extra clear which might make one wonder whether it’s the best point on the trip.

As a matter of fact, this place tends to get pretty busy, similar to the spots at Zingaro. So very quickly, you’re jumping into crowded waters once more. We had only had 30 minutes to spend jumping off of the boat and seeing what this bay had on offer and this really wasn’t very long, as a matter of fact. It kind of makes me thing whether it might have been nicer just to have stopped for longer.

Food and Drink Onboard

So, many boat trips include some kind of food and drink, but honestly, you do not want to come on here thinking you will receive a buffet – that is absolutely not what it is about. Instead, the boats will, depending on your party and booking choice, include things like: water, soft drinks and then occasionally some prosecco and a roll. Very, very rarely you might get something even nicer, although the expectation must always be a “snack.” Arguably you will also save your pennies buying snacks ahead of going. Actually that can be the way that one saves lots of money!

For Example, some boat trips offer additional drinks packages at an extra cost, or snacks too, although this will always amount to a minimal fee overall, anyway. Some guests even bought a ticket that was to include lunch, or a special snack. But, those who bought these add-ons seemingly only saw a “simple bread roll.” Honestly, do not expect much – that part of your trip won’t be a feast of the senses.

Is It Really Worth Doing This?

Alright, so the big question: Is the San Vito Lo Capo boat trip to Scopello and Zingaro actually worth your precious vacation time and money? My, actually super honest answer, it kinda hinges. A bit like whether a cake comes out the oven successfully, if everything lines up, this can turn into one unforgettable day. That said, I’m more than certain this is what you would expect anyway!

By the way, on the plus side, the coastline you will have the ability to take in, so very mind blowing and awe inspiring. You know, the water clarity really needs to be seen to be believed, and it’s awesome getting to swim in these super picturesque locations. By and large, the boat trip is seemingly, also a really easy way to access places that would otherwise be pretty difficult to reach. On the other hand, or I mean in reality, you must take into account that it does seem to get really crowded. I mean crazy crowded, to be truthful! At least in what one might call “peak season”. And too it’s almost not possible to take pictures due to the number of folk that will always be there. At the end of the day if there is way, you might really be able to make some long lasting memories in this part of Sicily though.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

Basically, If you do opt to go on the boat trip, here are what I like to call just a few tips to make it as great as is possible. If there is any time on offer to make a great moment, then these could well prove extremely valuable!

• Go early or late in the season: You know, if you can swing it, visiting in the shoulder season (May-June or September-October) actually really help you avoid the worst of the crowds and still enjoy fantastic weather.
• Choose your boat carefully: Just a little thing to keep in mind, boats have varying sizes, some boats include or exclude extras and it seems this hinges too upon “your budget.”
• Bring your own snacks and drinks: Well, don’t totally rely on what they have onboard. That is more than certain! Pack plenty of water, some sandwiches, maybe an abundance of yummy Sicilian things and some things you may also like from home.
• Gear up: Okay, you are going on a water trip so take loads of sunblock! You are going to be sitting there more than likely not under any form of awning (depending what vessel you opt for.)
• Be realistic: What I like to refer to is try to take things for what they will amount too, do not plan for anything special (or any bells and whistles,) and then there are many opportunities to really enjoy yourself.

In that case, there’s a quick heads-up, remember to check online the companies operating in San Vito, look out for reviews. Look at their on-board food and whether this includes the drinks, too, as the additional spend might sway one tour versus another – but this might really become that all-important swing factor. This trip can be “okay” through to very highly amazing. It must definitely be one to experience (even if like myself you feel a bit swamped by other individuals.) You know, at least then you are very able to come away saying you experienced this beautiful part of north-western Sicily!

Alternatives to the Boat Trip

As a matter of fact, if the thought of crowded boats is seemingly putting you off, anyway, there are a handful of other ways to explore the area, actually.

• Hike through the Zingaro Nature Reserve: Well, this is an absolutely fantastic option. In fact, I alluded to the Zingaro already being vast. Did you also know there are more then 50 types of bird on there. So if water travel does not really do it for you then hiking in it, more than certainly does present “an awesome view of the top!”.
• Rent a car and drive to Scopello: You know, this seemingly gives you all the freedom to explore the coast at your own pace, anyway. Now bear in mind you will want to ensure that there are adequate travel plans (insurance for the car,) the actual price that one must part with to get on the road, plus that age-old hunt to actually locate a free spot that is nearby (without lots of uphill trails – if the option is there anyway. )
• Take a taxi or bus: Now, these trips must still then follow these somewhat uphill or longer paths. At least that is a general thought based on whether “perfect drop off points can ever occur.” Plus “how the hike it-self presents (and not causes extreme exhaustion.)”

FAQs About San Vito Lo Capo Boat Trips