Inflatable Boat Tour of the Riviera dei Ciclopi

The inflatable boat tour of the Riviera dei Ciclopi is a coastal boat excursion departing from the harbour of Aci Castello, about 9 km north of Catania in Sicily, Italy. The route follows the lava coast past the Norman castle of Aci Castello, sea caves cut into dark basalt, and the Cyclops sea stacks off Aci Trezza, with a swim and snorkel stop inside the Isole Ciclopi marine protected area. The tours take about 3 hours. No special skill is needed beyond being able to swim and board a small boat; the ride can be bumpy in a swell, so visitors with back problems or pregnancy should check first. Age limits and life jacket rules depend on the operator and should be confirmed when booking. The excursions are run by licensed local operators, and current services are listed on freedome.it and through the Comune di Aci Castello. Equipment such as life jackets and often snorkelling gear is supplied by the operator, while visitors bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a hat, water shoes and a waterproof bag. A safety briefing covers life jackets, seating on the tubes, holding on during turns and swimming rules at the stop. Skippers check wind and sea state before departing and cancel or reroute when conditions are unsafe, and the harbour is never far if a return is needed. The season runs from May to October, and June to September offers the calmest sea and warmest water. Conditions to avoid include strong wind, swell and storms. The route is short enough to fit a half day, and it combines well with time in Aci Trezza village. A glass-bottomed boat from Aci Trezza is an alternative for visitors with reduced mobility, since the inflatable requires stepping into a small craft. Prices vary by operator and group size and are published on the operator's own listing.