Lampedusa feels bigger from the sea. This Sciatumia motor yacht day trip takes you to spots you cannot reach by land, with swimming and snorkeling stops plus guide explanations along the way.

I love two things most: the friendly, prepared guidance from people like Gianfranco and Francesco, and the fact that lunch is a real sit-down meal, not a quick bite. You’re eating fish dishes at a table on board, with water, wine, dessert, coffee, fruit, and even a digestive later.

One drawback to plan around: the exact stops and timing can shift with the weather, so the captain may adjust the day to keep swims safe and comfortable.

Key Points I’d Prioritize Before You Book

• Tabaccara includes a guided stop with time to swim and snorkel, typically around 30 minutes
• Isola dei conigli gets the longest visit, with time for snorkeling and swimming
• Safety feels built-in: life jackets for adults and kids plus lifeguard instructor support
• Lunch is served at the table on board, with multiple courses based on very fresh fish
• The captain and crew share what you should notice above and under the water during stops
• It’s a full island loop when conditions allow, including caves and snorkel-accessible areas

A Yacht Excursion That Feels Like a Local’s Day Out

The best part about this Lampedusa trip is simple: you spend your time where the island is most impressive, on the water. From the boat you can reach bays, headlands, and sea caves that don’t exist as “normal” beach destinations. The day is structured, but it still feels relaxed, with stops planned around good conditions.

What makes it stand out is the mix of practical fun and real storytelling. You don’t just get dropped at a swim spot. The guides explain what you’re seeing, including hints for snorkeling so you don’t miss what’s worth looking for.

And yes, the crew makes a difference. On this kind of outing, a friendly, confident captain matters because everyone ends up spending time together in the same sun, salt air, and water rhythm.

Getting There: Where to Meet and How the Day Flows

Your day starts with an appointment at 9:00 am. Departure is about 9:15 am, so you should aim to arrive a bit early and get settled before the boat leaves. You meet in front of Hotel Paladini di France, near Via Alessandro Volta.

Then it’s a full-day loop format. Expect a return around 5:00 pm, which matches a roughly 7-hour experience once you include travel time and the on-water rhythm of stopping, getting in and out, and eating.

This timing matters because it keeps the day long enough for multiple swim periods and a proper lunch, but not so long that you’re stuck on the boat for endless hours. It’s a good trade for people who want Lampedusa’s sea views without burning the whole day.

Tabaccara: The Stop Designed for Clear Water

Tabaccara is one of the headline bays of the day. When conditions allow, the crew aims to stop for at least 30 minutes so you can enjoy the clear turquoise water for swimming and snorkeling.

Here’s what I like about how the stop is set up. A half hour is long enough to get a first swim in, adjust your comfort in the water, and still do some snorkeling with attention. You also get guided context, so you know what to focus on rather than just floating and hoping for the best.

Practical tip: if you want to snorkel effectively, bring your own mask and snorkel gear. They’re not included, and you’ll enjoy this stop more if you’re ready to go the moment you reach the water.

Isola dei conigli (Rabbit Island): Long Swim Time With Great Views

The longest stop goes to Isola dei conigli, the Rabbit Island area. You’ll have about 2 hours for swimming and snorkeling here, including time to enjoy the view from the water and get comfortable with the shoreline approach.

This is the kind of destination where the sea does the talking. You get that open-water turquoise feel, and the boat position helps you enjoy the island sightlines without needing a long transfer on land.

Also, this area can include a swim stop around the “rabbit bay” concept, with a view that includes the rabbit island and the isthmus that separates it from the mainland. In plain terms: it’s photogenic even before you get wet.

If you like snorkeling, this is the stop where you’re most likely to feel satisfied. Two hours means you can do it at a calm pace instead of rushing through one pass.

Cala Pulcino and Other Short Stops: How They Keep the Day Moving

After the main Rabbit Island time, the schedule includes shorter swim windows, such as Cala Pulcino with about 30 minutes.

These shorter stops are useful in two ways. First, they give you variety across the coast without turning the day into a series of long boat waits. Second, they let you follow the captain’s pacing and return to the boat refreshed, shaded, and ready for the next stop.

One thing to know: the itinerary is designed to be flexible. The crew always looks for less-traveled sites, and if weather conditions are right you may get more time at the star bays. If not, you’ll still see great coastal areas and do meaningful swim breaks.

Capo Ponente and the Submerged Wreck: Bonus Wonder Off the Coast

On the west side of the island, you may visit Capo Ponente, which can include a view of a submerged wreck of an old steam ship. This stop typically includes guided explanation plus swimming and snorkeling time (about 30 minutes).

I like this kind of stop because it changes the snorkeling “story” from just scenery to something you can actually search for under the surface. You get something concrete to look for, which makes snorkeling feel more like exploration and less like random floating.

As with the rest of the day, your enjoyment depends on water conditions. Still, the fact that the crew plans for these locations when the sea permits is a big part of the value here.

Punta Muro Vecchio: Caves Close-Up and Sapphire Waters

The north coast highlight is Muro Vecchio (listed as Punta Muro Vecchio and sometimes referred to as the most coveted north coast site). This is where you’re in for the “sea-cave close-up” experience.

The day includes passing by formations like Madonna rock and the sacrament(o) stack, and then continuing up the north coast. Near Muro Vecchio, the waters are described as pure sapphire tones, and the crew aims to visit caves close-up. In some cases, you may even enter certain caves, always with safety in mind.

From a practical standpoint, this is the stop category where guidance matters most. If you’re not told what you’re looking at and what’s safe, cave visits can feel unclear. Here, the captains and guides keep it organized so everyone knows what to expect.

One more helpful detail: you’ll be sailing with explanations not just about what’s above water, but also about the underwater world, including what to watch for during snorkeling.

East and South Coast Viewpoints: Mare Morto, Cala Creta, and Beyond

After the north coast, the trip shifts toward the east side with stops and passes such as Mare Morto and Cala Creta. Then the day heads back along the south coast, passing Grottacce and the Grotta del Bue Marino area.

The Grotta del Bue Marino stop is especially interesting because it can be visited by snorkeling too, by entering as conditions allow. So you’re not only viewing these places from the boat; you may get a chance to experience them from inside the water.

Even when you don’t snorkel a cave, the passing sections still give you a sense of how the island’s coast works. You see why certain coves are impossible to reach by land and how the sea shapes the coastline.

The Lunch on Board: Fish Courses, House Caponata, and Wine

Midday lunch is one of the biggest reasons this tour feels worth it. Around midday, you sit comfortably at a table on board for a rich, refined fish-based meal.

From what you can expect in the meal, the structure is clearly restaurant-style:

• A first course of pasta based on very fresh fish
• Multiple second courses, including prawn crudités and scampi crudités
• Options like marinated anchovies and other seafood dishes
• House-made caponata with aubergines, made by the Lampedusa chef
• Dessert, coffee, fruit, and a digestive

Drinks are part of the lunch setup too: water and wine are included, and you may even get limoncello later in the afternoon.

This matters for value. A lot of boat days offer snacks that pretend to be lunch. Here, it’s a full meal with fish focus, plus drink service. You’re also eating while the scenery continues around you, which makes it feel like part of the experience rather than a break from it.

If you have dietary needs, the tour can offer vegetarian variations on request and gluten-free options on request.

What You Get on Board: Safety, Toilets, Showers, and Shade

The on-board comfort details are better than you might expect for a day trip.

You get:

• Place in the shade
• Solarium cushions
• A convenient ladder for getting in and out of the water
• Fresh water showers on board
• Separate toilets for men and women
• Life jackets for every adult and child
• Lifeguard assistance from a lifeguard instructor
• Fresh water to drink without limits

This is the kind of practical safety setup that lets you enjoy the swimming stops without constantly wondering if you’re missing something. And the ladder + cushions matter because you’ll likely do repeated water entries through the day.

What to Bring: Your Small Checklist for an Easy Day

Masks and fins are not included, so bring your own snorkeling gear if you can. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel at every stop, having your kit makes the day smoother when the best water moments happen.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Snorkeling gear (mask and fins)

And one small mindset shift: treat the day like a beach day on fast water. You’ll be in the sun and salt air for hours, so plan to reapply sunscreen and keep water habits in mind even though drinking water is provided.

Price and Value: What $101 Buys You in Real Terms

At around $101 per person, this isn’t a budget “just hop on a boat” outing. But the value comes from stacking multiple things you’d otherwise pay for separately.

You get:

• A full day on a motor yacht
• Several guided swim stops across different parts of the island
• Snorkeling time at key locations
• A full sit-down lunch with multiple courses based on fresh fish
• Wine, dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestive
• Safety support with life jackets and lifeguard instructor assistance
• On-board comfort (shade, showers, toilets, water access)

If you were to recreate this experience by yourself, you’d be paying for transport, a day plan, and food. Here, it’s all packaged, and the meal is honestly the big anchor that makes the cost feel fair.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Think Twice)

This is ideal for you if:

• You want to see more of Lampedusa than land access allows
• You like swimming and want guided snorkeling help
• You care about safety and practical on-board comfort
• You appreciate a real lunch experience, not just snacks

It may be less ideal if:

• You don’t want to be on the water for most of the day
• You need wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users

If you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, the day has a social feel, but it doesn’t turn chaotic. It’s more organized than many “day trip” boats.

Should You Book Sciatumia’s Lampedusa Yacht Excursion?

If your goal is Lampedusa at its most memorable level, I think this tour is a strong choice. You get the classic dream parts: multiple swim and snorkeling opportunities, cave and coastline passes, and a lunch that actually deserves its own seat at the table.

The only real reason to hesitate is planning realism. Weather can affect which sites get the best time, and the crew will prioritize safe water and good conditions over strict timing.

If you show up ready for sun, sea, and a guided day that focuses on quality stops, I’d book it. It’s the kind of trip that leaves you with both photos and a clear sense of how the island works.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the excursion?

You meet in front of Hotel Paladini di France, near Via Alessandro Volta.

What time does the boat leave and when do we return?

You have an appointment at 9:00 am, depart around 9:15 am, and return around 5:00 pm.

How long are the swimming and snorkeling stops?

Stops vary by location: Tabaccara is about 30 minutes, Isola dei conigli about 2 hours, and other stops like Cala Pulcino, Capo Ponente, and Muro Vecchio are about 30 minutes each.

Is snorkeling gear included?

No. Masks and fins are not included.

What is included in lunch on board?

Lunch includes a pasta first course based on very fresh fish, multiple seafood second courses, dessert, coffee, fruit, and digestive. Water and wine are included, and you’re served at the table.

Can vegetarians or gluten-free guests eat onboard?

Yes. Vegetarian variations are available on request, and gluten-free options are available on request.

Is there shade and basic facilities on the boat?

Yes. There is a place in the shade, solarium cushions, separate toilets for men and women, and fresh water showers.

Does the tour include safety equipment and staff?

Yes. Life jackets are provided for every adult and child, and there is lifeguard assistance from a lifeguard instructor.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Half Day Tour : Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran named TabooFunchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise4H Private 38’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del CarmenCagliari Sailing Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Drink