Home » Sicily’s Riserva dello Zingaro by Boat

It’s true that the island of Sicily is the sea, and yet, more sea! For those of us that would like to see the best the island has to offer in a short amount of time, a private boat tour is definitely the way to go. The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is one of Italy’s most stunning natural areas and in this case, the secret coves and grottoes along the rocky coast are an added bonus.

zingaro-riserva naturale-palermo

Our Tour Departed From Castellammare del Golfo

There are many companies that offer tours either by motorboat or catamaran and many can be catered to the specific interest of the tourist. Ours began in the coastal town of Castellammare del Golfo (province of Trapani). If you love the sun, a pleasant sea breeze ruffling your hair, and seaspray to cool you in the summer heat, then the place spot for you is at the bow. If, on the other hand, you prefer to avoid getting a sunburn and would rather leave the breeze to someone else, then opt for the deck.

Depending on the tour you choose, both the stops and the menu offered on board will vary.  Yes, food is an essential part of any proper tour because, after all, we are in Sicily. From seasonal fruit, pasta with pesto alla trapanese, or pani cunsatu (a sandwich with olive oil, sliced tomatoes, and salted sardines), it’s all fabulous.

The Riserva dello Zingaro encompasses an area of about 1,700 hectares of vegetation and its coast extends for 7 km from the southern entrance of Scopello to the northern entrance of San Vito Lo Capo.

The only way to visit this wonderful reserve is either on foot along a dirt path (about 2 hours total) or by boat. We chose the latter.

By boat, you’ll see the entire shimmering coastline including all 8 of its coves and its waters ranging from blue to even bluer.

Enjoy a Swim

Not to worry because your tour will likely include a stop in several coves and a much longer one in San Vito Lo Capo (where our tour stopped for about four hours). You’ll have plenty of time to splash around in the water, relax on the beach, and sip on a granita while strolling around the small town.

The return usually includes one last swim stop and a snack, before returning to port in Castellammare around 6 pm. 
But you couldn’t possibly end your tour without trying the delicious cassatelle with fresh ricotta cheese, one of Castellammare’s signature dishes. Find a pastry shop specializing in this divine dessert and buy some extra to take home with you because like your unique experience along the Sicilian coast, you won’t find this dessert anywhere but here!

photo credits boat and tower : Giulia Moscato

We suggest staying at…
Casa Ruffino B&B in Balestrate 

From this bed & breakfast, you can easily visit…

50km away

Palermo
26km awaySegesta
14km awayCastellammare del Golfo
 50 km awayErice
 56 km awayTrapani
 68 km awaySelinunte
 59 km awaySan Vito lo Capo