The Best Boat Rentals in Sicily

Expect simple motorboats and RIBs to start around $200–$400 for a day, with many hourly options in the $60–$120 range. Classic sailboats for day trips commonly run $300–$900 per day, while larger catamarans are often $1,200–$2,000 per day or hired by the week. Motor yachts used for celebrations can range from about $500 to $1,200+ per hour depending on size, season, and itinerary. Inclusions vary by listing, but the boat and standard safety gear are included by default; a skipper (captain), fuel, marina fees, and catering are sometimes extra, while some tours include drinks or snacks—always check the “What’s included” section before booking. (getmyboat.com, nautal.com, dreamyachtcharter.com, katerblue.com)

You’ll find lots of choice: compact motorboats and fast RIBs for cove-hopping, cruising sailboats for relaxed days under sail, spacious catamarans for multi-family groups, traditional gulets, and sleek motor yachts for events and VIP days. Availability spans budget to luxury, so you can match the boat type to your itinerary and group size.

Both are possible. Many travelers choose a captained charter so the skipper handles navigation, moorings, and local tips while you focus on the fun. If you want to self-skipper, Italy requires a recognized boating license for sailboats chartered bareboat and for motorboats over roughly 40 hp; otherwise, smaller engines under the limit can be hired without a license in nearshore waters. Listings clearly indicate captain options and license needs. (sailconnections.com, brocardi.it, sailingitaly.net)

Common launch points include Palermo’s historic La Cala marina for coastal cruises to Mondello and Capo Gallo, Trapani’s port for the Egadi Islands, Milazzo and Marina di Portorosa (Furnari) for the Aeolian Islands, Giardini Naxos for Isola Bella and the Taormina coast, and Marina Yachting in Ortigia (Syracuse) for the Plemmirio Marine Reserve. Choosing a departure close to your planned sights keeps time on the water fun and efficient. (bnbdolcevita.com, viator.com, portorosamy.com, seafarersailing.co.uk, getyourguide.com, marinayachtingsr.it)

Highlights include Taormina’s sea caves and Isola Bella with Mount Etna on the horizon, the clear coves and sea stacks at the Zingaro Reserve and Scopello, the wild bays of the Egadi Marine Protected Area off Trapani, and the limestone cliffs and sea grottoes around Ortigia and the Plemmirio Reserve near Syracuse. On the north coast, Palermo outings often stop for swims off Mondello and under Capo Gallo. (sicilyactive.com, en.wikipedia.org, redirect.ampisoleegadi.it, ortigiatour.it)

For bareboat charters, Italian law requires a boating license beyond six nautical miles or for engines above about 30 kW/40.8 hp; recognized sailing certifications (such as an ICC or RYA/ASA equivalent) are typically required to skipper a sailboat yourself. If you hire a captain, you won’t need a license. When in doubt, book with a skipper for a stress‑free day. (brocardi.it, sailconnections.com)

Yes—most captained trips happily host families and provide life jackets sized for all guests, with infants’ and children’s vests available on request. Some short coastal tours set minimum ages or don’t accept babies for safety, and strollers may not fit on smaller boats. If you’re bringing little ones, message the owner about ages and jackets so everything’s ready at boarding. (getyourguide.com, checkyeti.com)

Usually yes. Many tours include water, soft drinks, or a light Sicilian aperitivo, and most charters allow you to bring your own snacks, wine, or celebration cake. Glass is often discouraged for safety, and red wine may be restricted on some yachts. If you want a special menu or a no‑glass policy check, confirm with your captain in advance. (musement.com, viator.com)

Pet policies vary by boat. Some operators welcome small dogs with advance notice, while others do not allow animals on board. If traveling with a pet, filter for pet‑friendly listings and confirm size, cleaning fees, and where your pet can relax during the cruise. (checkyeti.com, seatoursicily.it)

Summer brings generally calm mornings and a reliable afternoon breeze; if seas are unsafe, captains will reschedule or cancel with a refund per the listing’s policy. To maximize flexibility, plan your boat day early in your stay, keep an eye on local wind forecasts, and be ready to shift to the best‑weather morning. (moorings.com, getyourguide.com, powerboatcharter.it)

Yes—Sicily’s fleet includes comfortable day cruisers, sailing yachts, and larger motor yachts set up for private celebrations. Captains can recommend scenic swim spots, sunset routes, and photo backdrops; many will accommodate decorations and a toast on board with advance notice.

The prime boating window runs from May through October, with warm seas peaking July–September; spring and early fall have great weather and lighter crowds. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day don’t impact Sicily, but local events do: Taormina Film Fest (June 10–14, 2025), the Festa di Santa Rosalia in Palermo (July 10–15, 2025), and San Vito Lo Capo’s Cous Cous Fest (September 19–28, 2025) draw visitors and can tighten availability. Weekdays and early starts are calmer and often better‑priced than peak weekend afternoons. (taorminafilmfest.com, visitsicily.info, comune.sanvitolocapo.tp.it, italyaround.com)

For the west, day trips from Trapani to Favignana and Levanzo deliver turquoise bays in Europe’s largest marine reserve. On the north coast, Palermo to Mondello and Capo Gallo offers an easy half‑day with swim stops. In the east, Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella and the Taormina caves pairs swimming with Etna views, while Ortigia to the Plemmirio Reserve is all about crystal‑clear water and sea cliffs. (redirect.ampisoleegadi.it, seacala.com, getyourguide.com, ortigiatour.it)

Absolutely. From Milazzo or Marina di Portorosa, skippers run day and overnight trips through the Aeolian chain—Lipari’s beaches, Vulcano’s fumaroles, and, conditions permitting, Stromboli’s famous “lighthouse of the Mediterranean” glow after dark. From Trapani, boats reach the Egadi’s Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo—pristine coves inside a vast marine reserve—ideal for snorkeling and lazy swims. (portorosamy.com, en.wikipedia.org, viator.com)