From Lipari: Panarea and Stromboli Boat Trip with Snorkelling

About This Experience

This trip starts from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 93, on Lipari's main street, and runs from the afternoon into the evening. Leaving Lipari, the boat passes the village of Canneto and the old pumice quarries on the island's east coast before crossing to Panarea, about an hour away. Along Panarea's coast it slows past Cala Junco, Caletta dello Zimmari and the Capo Milazzese headland, with a stop for a swim.

The boat then ties up in Panarea's harbour for time ashore, long enough to have lunch and walk the narrow lanes of San Pietro with their small shops and whitewashed houses. Afterwards it circles the islets off Panarea with another swim break and pauses over the so-called boiling sea, where volcanic gas rises through the water in streams of bubbles.

The next leg is to Stromboli, where you land and have free time in the village. You can walk up from the harbour, find a spot on the black sand beach or eat at one of the restaurants near the port. Reviewers who have done the trip describe the island stops as fairly short, so it helps to decide in advance what you want to do with your time.

At sunset everyone reboards and the boat sails past Strombolicchio, the rock stack off Stromboli's north-east coast, then waits in the water facing the Sciara del Fuoco. Whether you see explosions depends on the volcano that evening and on the sea. A glass of Malvasia and local biscuits are served, and the boat runs back to Lipari after dark, about an hour's crossing.

Highlights

• Canneto and the pumice quarries on Lipari's east coast seen from the sea
• Cala Junco, Caletta dello Zimmari and Capo Milazzese along Panarea's shore
• The boiling sea, where volcanic gas bubbles up through the water off Panarea
• Time ashore in Panarea's harbour village and in Stromboli's village
• Strombolicchio and the Sciara del Fuoco at sunset, sea permitting
• Afternoon and evening timing, so you sail back under the stars

What's Included

• ✓ Boat excursion from Lipari to Panarea and Stromboli
• ✓ Landings with free time on Panarea and Stromboli
• ✓ Snorkelling masks for the swim stops
• ✓ A stop in front of the Sciara del Fuoco
• ✓ A glass of Malvasia with typical biscuits

Not Included

• Food and other drinks
• A guide (the crew gives commentary from the boat, but there is no guided visit ashore)
• Towels
• Gratuities

What to Bring

• Drinks for the afternoon
• Swimwear and a towel
• A warm or windproof layer for the evening crossing
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Cash for lunch and dinner on the islands

Good to Know & Caveats

• Times are not fixed in the listing; the trip runs from the afternoon into the evening and lasts about 10 hours, so confirm the departure time with the operator.
• Guiding is not included; expect commentary from the skipper on board rather than a guide on the islands.
• Volcanic activity varies and explosions are never guaranteed; the Sciara del Fuoco stop depends on sea conditions.
• Time ashore on each island is limited, so a sit-down lunch and a long walk may not both fit.
• The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Meeting Point

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 93, 98050 Lipari, on the main street of Lipari town; the trip returns to the same address.