Best of · ITALY ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

The 15 Best Island Boat Trips in Italy

57 tours  ·  from $14 a head

Capri’s grottos, the Venetian lagoon and the Aeolian volcanoes are all boat days with very different weather. The 15 below are priced, timed and clear about which ones need a calm sea to enter anything.

Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands - Setting out across Saint Mark’s Basin
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Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

1.Boat Trip: Glimpse of Murano, Torcello & Burano Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 15,699 reviews · 4.5 - 5.5 hours · from $29Our pick

Cruise from Venice to Murano, Torcello, and Burano with multilingual commentary, a glassblowing demonstration, and free time on each island. Expect about 45 minutes per stop, quick walks, and no full island guide once ashore. Bring food if you want lunch.

“We love the glass blowing and the tour of the glass factory! The whole trip was amazing, but this specifically stood out as a highlight for us.”

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Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat - The private boat ride from Riva degli Schiavoni
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Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

2.Murano & Burano Islands Guided Small-Group Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7,580 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $36

Join a group of 22 or fewer for a five-hour boat trip from central Venice to Murano and Burano. Watch glassblowing, see lace-making, hear local stories from guides such as Silvia, Frankie, and Alice, and enjoy free time on both islands.

“Our guide Frankie was friendly and knowledgeable. The highlight of the tour is the demonstration at the murano glass factory.”

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Capri: Island Boat Trip with Grottos - Marina Grande to the Faraglioni Rocks
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Capri: Island Boat Trip with Grottos

3.Island Boat Trip with Grottos

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 4,923 reviews · 1 - 2 hours · from $28

Sail from Marina Grande around Capri with an English or Italian speaking crew, passing the Faraglioni, White and Green Grottos, Casa Malaparte, and Punta Carena Lighthouse. Add the Blue Grotto for €18 on site, or choose a swimming option without the grotto.

“Everything was very nice except the blue cave because we had included this but we couldn't enter because the level of the sea raised and they closed the entrance to the cave”

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Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour - Isola dei Pescatori for lunch and a walk
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Stresa: 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

4.3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 4,122 reviews · 1 day · from $14Best value

Spend one day sailing from Stresa to the three Borromean Islands. Boats connect Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori, and Isola Bella, letting you choose your stops and pace. The fare covers transport and audio commentary, but palace, garden, food, and island landing fees cost extra.

“Unfortunately there was no guide, tickets got us the transfer to the islands only. Boats were fast, comfortable and there was enough room for everybody. They ran on time and we were very happy with this tour.”

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From Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat - Meeting near San Marco and leaving Venice by boat
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From Venice: Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat

5.Murano and Burano Half-Day Island Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,489 reviews · 3 - 9.5 hours · from $34

Take a small-group boat from Venice to Murano and Burano. Watch a glassblowing demonstration, see traditional lacemaking, and enjoy free time among Burano’s colorful houses. Guides such as Flavia, Claudia, and Nicole bring Venetian history to life, though Murano gets more time than some visitors prefer.

“Our guide, Sylvia, was brilliant. Lots of interesting information throughout the tour and the glass blowing demonstration was incredible. Highly recommend, we loved this tour!”

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From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat - Spargi and Cala Corsara: the first real swim
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From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

6.From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,414 reviews · 7 hours · from $59

Spend seven hours aboard the Sea Star from Palau, stopping at Spargi and Santa Maria, photographing Budelli, and swimming near Caprera. Depending on the day, finish at Cala Coticcio or La Maddalena town. Expect multilingual commentary, onboard food for purchase, and crowded summer stops.

“If seated at the front of the boat, raincoats would be a good idea. Lunch was ok, but prepare your own snacks for the rest of the journey. Lovely places!”

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From Naples: Capri and Anacapri Small Group Tour + Ferry - Meeting at Naples port and crossing by hydrofoil
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From Naples: Capri and Anacapri Small Group Tour + Ferry

7.Capri and Anacapri Small Group Tour + Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $116Top rated

Travel from Naples to Capri by prebooked hydrofoil, then explore Capri and Anacapri with a guide, island transport, and free time for lunch, shopping, and sights. Guides such as Gabriel, Sandra, and Anna have earned praise for clear advice and care. The Monte Solaro chairlift and boat ride cost extra.

“Once we found our tour guide which was challenging, we met up with our guide who was wonderful!! I wish I would of written her name down. She was extremely attentive to our group and always made sure she had us together. She was informative of Capri Island and brought us through some nice areas of Capri. Then we had some free time to shop & dine, making for a relaxing day!”

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Capri: Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop - Salto di Tiberio begins the coastal story
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Capri: Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop

8.Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 2,071 reviews · 2 hours · from $28

From Marina Grande, you will circle Capri for about two hours with an Italian and English-speaking captain, passing the Faraglioni, Casa Malaparte, Green Grotto, and Punta Carena. The Blue Grotto stop is optional, costs €18 by rowboat, and depends on sea conditions and waiting time.

“It´s very relaxing roundtrip, but more like passive observing.”

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Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and Limoncello - Entering the Green Grotto
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Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and Limoncello

9.Small Group Capri Island Boat Ride with Swimming and Limoncello

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,114 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $107

Join an English-speaking skipper for a two-hour boat ride around Capri aboard a classic Sorrentine boat. You’ll see the White and Green Grottoes, Natural Arch, Villa Malaparte, Faraglioni, and Punta Carena Lighthouse, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy snacks, drinks, and limoncello.

“This boat tour far exceeded my expectations. It was my third time staying on the island and I assumed the group tours were a bit of a gimmick. Nonetheless, my husband and I booked this one last minute after visiting the blue grotto. There were a total of 12 guests on this one which wound up being 6 couples. Lotta love in the air! The captain was so much fun and interactive with everyone. He played upbeat fun music and took photos in front of the Faraglioni. We swam, ate snacks, drank limoncello, and made friends! 10/10 experience”

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Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves - From Pizzeria K7 to the Umberto I Bridge
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Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

10.Syracuse: Boat Trip of Ortigia Island and Sea Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 937 reviews · from $23

Spend one hour circling Ortigia with a skipper such as Otto, Ninni, or Ottavio, hearing stories in English or Italian. You’ll pass under bridges, enter Syracuse’s large and small ports, visit sea caves, see the Arethusa Spring and Castello Maniace, and usually have time for a swim.

“Otto was the best! We had a wonderful time! Very happy we did it- worth every penny seeing ortiga and Syracuse from a different perspective! Thank you”

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Small Group Boat Day Excursion to Capri Island from Sorrento - The Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Punta Carena
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Small Group Boat Day Excursion to Capri Island from Sorrento

11.Small Group Boat Day Excursion to Capri Island from Sorrento

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 926 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $131

Cruise from Sorrento around Capri with an English-speaking skipper, stopping at the White and Green Grottoes, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, Punta Carena, and the Natural Arch. You get roughly 3.5 hours on land, plus swimming, snacks, soft drinks, Prosecco, and limoncello.

“We are traveling with 3 little kids, one with a disability. I booked this excursion SPECIFICALLY because it did NOT stop at the blue grotto, knowing that my kids cannot handle a 2 hour wait in line. We also selected to be picked up from our hotel. The day before I get a message that we are to meet at the port. I reply letting them know we requested hotel pick up (and sent my confirmation email). They stated we need to walk down to the port to help them avoid traffic. Ok, fine. We get there at 7:45 am and get on the boat. As we depart, the captain…”

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Capri: Island and Grottos Boat Cruise with Snacks and Drinks - Marina Grande is the easy starting point
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Capri: Island and Grottos Boat Cruise with Snacks and Drinks

12.Island and Grottos Boat Cruise with Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 910 reviews · 2 hours · from $71

From Marina Grande, you’ll cruise Capri’s coast with an Italian and English-speaking skipper such as Roberto, Alex, or Vincenzo. Expect grottos, the Faraglioni, Natural Arch, Malaparte House, a swim stop, snacks, drinks, and limoncello. The Blue Grotto is not included.

“Our guide was very friendly and fun! he played some music throughout to add to the holiday atmosphere.”

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Forio: Ischia Island Boat Tour with Local Lunch and Swimming - Citara Bay begins the swimming day
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Forio: Ischia Island Boat Tour with Local Lunch and Swimming

13.Forio: Ischia Island Boat Tour with Local Lunch and Swimming

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 831 reviews · 7 hours · from $94

Spend about seven hours circling Ischia from Forio with Simone, Sabrina, or another local guide. Expect coffee and cake, wine, seafood pasta, several swim stops, the Grotta dell’Amore, thermal waters, and a friendly onboard crew. Bring your own snorkel gear.

“The boat tour was a wonderful experience. We felt looked after, there were numerous stops where we could swim but also lovely time onboard with everyone else and crew members. There were more people on board than I thought there would be, however we did have enough seating space. We had snacks or lunch available after each swim, and had some time on land to explore a new area of the island! Overall this was the highlight of our week long Ischia trip!”

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From Sorrento: Capri Island Boat Day Trip With Transfer - From Sorrento to the Capri coastline
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From Sorrento: Capri Island Boat Day Trip With Transfer

14.Capri Island Boat Day Trip With Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 762 reviews · from $123

Travel from Sorrento to Capri with a hotel transfer and a small group of up to 12 people. Guides such as Italo, Giuseppe, Tony, and Valentino lead the island cruise, share local stories, serve drinks and snacks, stop for swimming, and give you four hours to explore Capri or Anacapri.

“We had a wonderful time! Tony and Valentino were our guides and were brilliant, sharing tips on what to do once in Capri as well as making the sightseeing boat trip around the island and back a lot of fun too! Highly recommend getting the bus into Anacapri to experience the chairlift for absolutely breathtaking views. This trip was the highlight of our time in Sorrento.”

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Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani - From Trapani to Cala Azzurra
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Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

15.Favignana and Levanzo, Egadi islands tour by boat from Trapani

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 720 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $114

Spend about eight hours cruising Favignana and Levanzo with a captain such as Vito, Francesco, or Ciccio. Swim at Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, explore sea caves, snorkel with provided gear, enjoy drinks and snacks, and take 90 minutes for lunch and a walk in Favignana village.

“Fabulous day trip! The boat was fabulous. Our skipper was brilliant fun, the music was great and everyone on the boat made friends and chatted all day. Really comfortable boat and loads of time to swim and snorkel. Loved the 2 hours for lunch too - lots of nice restaurants to choose from. Prosecco and beer flowed freely all day and we laughed until our faces hurt! A really good fun day out - and so much better than sitting by a pool or on the beach on a hot day1 I would 100% recommend!”

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New in Italy Island Hopping Tours

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★ 5.0Full Day Sailing Boat Tour to the Egadi IslandsFrom $10873 reviews
★ 5.0Sailing to Cyclops Islands Group TourFrom $13877 reviews
★ 4.5Tour to the islands of the La Maddalena Archipelago by sailing boatFrom $12081 reviews
★ 5.0Five Star Relax Cruise Sailing Yacht Islands of La MaddalenaFrom $33765 reviews
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★ 4.5Semi-Private Capri Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Island VisitFrom $19123 reviews
★ 4.7Capri Island & Blue Cave Private Boat Tour from Sorrento84 reviews
★ 5.0Private Capri Island Daily Boat Tour198 reviews
★ 4.5Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & PortovenereFrom $8362 reviews
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