SciatumiaDay boat tour to Lampedusa with typical lunch

If you’re considering a boat day around Lampedusa, this Sciatumia Day Boat Tour offers a compelling mix of stunning scenery, fresh seafood, and natural encounters. For roughly 7.5 hours, you’ll explore some of the island’s most captivating spots aboard a well-equipped motor yacht, complete with a delicious lunch based on extremely fresh fish. With a top-notch rating of 5.0 from 81 reviews and a consistent recommendation rate of 100%, this tour appears to deliver more than just a day on the water — it promises authentic moments in an unspoiled setting.

What I really appreciate about this experience is how it balances comfort and adventure. The boat features shaded areas and separate toilets for men and women — details that seasoned travelers will welcome. But the real star is the lunch, which stands out as a highlight: a restaurant-quality spread served right at your table, including pasta made with fresh fish, homemade veggie sides, and delightful desserts. Beyond the food, the guide—like Gianfranco, who receives glowing reviews for his welcoming attitude—adds a warm, educational touch that encourages genuine exploration of Lampedusa’s beautiful corners. One small consideration: the tour’s total navigation time between stops takes about 2.5 hours, which might be a long ride for some, but it’s an opportunity to relax and soak in the open sea.

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience: Expect a mix of scenic stops, swimming, and snorkeling at clear waters.
• Gourmet lunch onboard: The fresh fish meal—like homemade pasta and seafood delicacies—is surprisingly upscale for a boat tour.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Gianfranco inform with enthusiasm, enriching each location’s story.
• Natural and peaceful visits: Stops are carefully chosen for tranquility, avoiding crowded spots.
• Flexible, diverse stops: Highlights include wreck snorkeling, sea stacks, and secret coves for swimming.
• Value for the price: At about $93 per person, the tour offers a full day, quality food, and multiple memorable stops.

Exploring the Tour Itinerary

One of the major attractions of this tour is its well-planned itinerary, taking you through some of Lampedusa’s most beautiful and less-traveled spots. You start early, meeting at Via Alessandro Volta around 9 a.m., and head out in a comfortable motor yacht. The initial stop at Isola dei Conigli already sets the tone — this is one of Italy’s most famous island features, known for its pristine environment and the chance to see the sea’s beauty in detail. The tour’s flexibility means that the exact stops can vary day-to-day, adding an element of surprise.

Mid-morning, you arrive at Cala Pulcino for swimming and snorkeling. Here, you’ll find waters so clear that marine life looks like it’s floating in the air. The inclusion of admission to specific stops like Cala Pulcino emphasizes that these are natural, protected sites, perfect for quiet exploration. A common praise from past travelers notes how well-organized these swim stops are, giving ample time to enjoy the sea without feeling rushed.

Lunchtime on board is a true highlight. The meal is served as in a cozy restaurant, with a focus on fresh fish and homemade sides, including a memorable eggplant caponata. As one reviewer shared, the food was “amazing,” and it’s clear the chef uses high-quality ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful cove makes the meal almost feel like a private dinner, a treat for those who love good food on the water.

In the early afternoon, the boat makes its way to Capo Ponente to snorkel over an old shipwreck. Visibility is often excellent, and the wreck’s history (sunk over 50 years ago) adds a layer of intrigue. The tour’s naturalistic approach is evident here, with the sounds of queen’s falcons overhead creating a soundtrack to your exploration. Past travelers mention that hearing these calls is a special moment that underscores how preserved and lively this environment is.

The last stops include Sacramento Stack and Muro Vecchio, both offering superb snorkeling spots with crystal-clear waters and fascinating geological features. You might find yourself swimming through water so transparent you can watch fish dart around your feet or explore sea caves and stacks from the water. These stops often include time for swimming, relaxing, and snapping those holiday photos.

The tour concludes back at the starting point around 5 p.m., leaving you with a full day in a peaceful, natural setting that’s hard to match in other Mediterranean tours.

What Travelers Love

Reviewers consistently praise Gianfranco and the guides for their warmth and detailed explanations. As one said, “Gianfranco explained with such detail every location,” which truly enhances the experience. The quality of the lunch is also repeatedly highlighted, with many describing it as “restaurant-quality” and “surprisingly upscale,” especially given that it’s served on a boat. The focus on fresh fish and homemade dishes makes this tour stand out among typical day trips.

The scenery garners equal admiration — from dramatic sea stacks and hidden coves to the wreck of a steamship, each stop offers something visually captivating. Plus, the sense of discovering less touristy areas adds an authentic feel, away from the crowds and the hustle of typical island tours.

Even with a maximum group size of 28, the tour remains intimate enough to allow for personal questions and relaxed interaction with guides, making it suitable for travelers seeking an educational and laid-back day on the water.

Considerations for Travelers

While this tour is highly praised, a few things might be worth noting. First, the navigation time between stops is about 2.5 hours, which means some long stretches on the water. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to prepare accordingly. Second, the tour is not offered in English; at least some parts of the commentary are translated or explained, but if language is a concern, this could be a minor hurdle. Past reviews mention that the guide makes an effort to translate important info, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Finally, the tour is weather-dependent. Good conditions are necessary for the best experience, and if poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund. Given the naturalistic focus, the experience might be less enjoyable if the sea is rough or cloudy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who crave an authentic, relaxed day immersed in nature. It’s perfect if you appreciate good food, stunning landscapes, and gentle adventure—like snorkeling over wrecks or swimming in secluded coves. It suits those who enjoy informative guides and are comfortable on the water for several hours. Because of the moderate price and the quality of the stops, it offers great value for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of Lampedusa’s natural beauty.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues, or those seeking a lively, party atmosphere, as the focus is on peaceful exploration and natural serenity.

FAQs about the Sciatumia Day Boat Tour

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but younger children should be comfortable on a boat for several hours and enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

What is included in the lunch?
A delicious spread based on very fresh fish, pasta, homemade sides, desserts, fruit, coffee, and a digestive. It’s served at the table onboard.

How long are the navigation stretches?
Between stops, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours traveling, so be prepared for some time on the water.

Is the tour bilingual?
Most reviews mention the guide explaining in detail, often with translations for non-Italian speakers, but the primary language is Italian.

Are snorkeling and swimming included?
Yes, each stop offers swimming or snorkeling, with entry included for specific sites like Cala Pulcino, Muro Vecchio, and the wreck at Capo Ponente.

What’s the best way to book?
Most travelers book about 16 days in advance. The tour runs from 9 a.m. to about 5:30 p.m., with a meeting point at Via Alessandro Volta.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, towels, and perhaps a light jacket for the boat ride. Comfortable shoes and underwater gear are optional.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, the Sciatumia boat tour to Lampedusa provides an engaging and authentic way to experience the island’s natural beauty. From expertly guided stops to gourmet onboard meals and peaceful snorkeling spots, it’s designed to fill a day with memorable moments. Perfect for those who seek a genuine connection with the sea and the landscape, this tour offers excellent value and a chance to see Lampedusa in a way few visitors do.