Tropea Capo Vaticano Boat Trip Review: Snorkeling & Drinks

Dreaming of seeing the stunning coastline of Calabria from a boat, maybe with a snorkel mask in hand and a cool drink in the other? A boat trip from Tropea to Capo Vaticano might just be that perfect thing. It’s something I tried recently, and very much wanted to share all the bits with you – the fantastic bits, those that could’ve been just a bit better, everything. Basically, my complete experience, what I reckon you should keep in mind if you’re thinking of going on one yourself. So, keep reading for a relaxed look at my Tropea boat adventure!

Choosing the Right Boat Trip

Figuring out the tour, I will say, that part needed a little effort, or should I say, a fair amount of web-browsing and some asking around in Tropea. Tropea’s main street is full, that’s right FULL, of kiosks and little tour companies, and each seems to offer pretty similar itineraries. Yet, that’s where things get tricky. Some boats are bigger, with loads more folks; others are smaller, more intimate affairs. Some trips go all out on drinks, providing seemingly endless refills, but with some others you will get the distinct impression that drinks are seen as more of an unwanted expense rather than a complimentary item.

What to think about? Size of the boat truly does make a difference. Think if you would prefer being surrounded by a buzzing crowd or chill on deck with a smaller gathering. The inclusion of drinks also can totally affect the vibe. Is there a “party boat” style, or is it more a relaxed sightseeing vibe? Me? I wanted something in between, a boat not overflowing, and where a cheeky glass of something wasn’t too much to ask.

Cost wise, I noticed it’s almost the same across all of them, differing just by a tiny bit. Instead of cost alone, I would very much suggest you think about what each package offers – number of snorkeling stops, how long you are in the water, whether lunch is included, and the kind of drinks available.

Tip: Book directly with local operators. Usually you get a better price this way, too it’s helpful because you can have your questions asked and directly answered!

The Boat and Crew

Alright, the boat I chose was what I think can only be referred to as “medium-sized”. Basically, not some massive tourist barge and very much not a tiny inflatable dinghy, just perfect. There was heaps of room to spread out, which included both shaded and sun-drenched areas, too it’s what I personally really liked. The music, that was playing lightly through the speakers, was at that goldilocks level – not so loud it drowned out conversation, yet creating some needed atmosphere.

And the crew? Oh, I should tell you that these guys really created the tone. Super friendly, but also actually competent. They knew the area properly, provided us with some great historical facts about the coastline, and most of all, made sure all aboard felt secure and safe.

Safety briefing happened before leaving. Locations of life jackets shown. I think, also, they explained the snorkeling equipment a bit. These small things added to that feeling of very much being in good hands. Bonus? Most of them spoke some English too it’s something that made communicating incredibly easy for the non-Italian speakers on board.

Snorkeling Spots: Capo Vaticano’s Underwater Wonders

Okay, now to what really matters – the snorkeling! Capo Vaticano, from what I saw, that is actually an underwater treat. The water really is crystal-clear. Even before you slip in, you are able to view the sea floor, waiting there to be explored.

We stopped at three places. Each of them very different. The first one, it’s almost this small, sheltered cove with soft, sandy bottom. Ideal, in my humble opinion, for less experienced snorkelers (like myself!). Loads of tiny fish darting about, it was honestly like swimming in a really big aquarium. The second spot, in contrast, boasted rocky terrain. So many cool rock formations, that fish absolutely love calling home.

Then, last of all, the third spot? This was in a little deeper water, and more for folks that are already confident swimmers. Visibility was excellent there, and the underwater landscape, very striking, included canyons and small caves.

Suggestion: Remember to bring an underwater camera. The scenery below is simply something you definitely will wish to capture.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Vibe

So, those drinks… these helped. My trip came with free soft drinks, water, and (yippee!) local white wine. Okay, I need to say the wine wasn’t the fanciest, yet it actually did the job. Sipping that, with that view of the Calabrian shoreline, that really did take the experience up a notch.

Small snacks are generally provided – simple stuff like taralli (savoury crackers from Puglia), fresh fruit, these are what we got. Very refreshing, that’s right refreshing after being in that salty sea. The overall feel of that tour was simply chilled. People chatted, laughed, took photographs, with it never really getting rowdy. I liked this.

During one break, that is something I liked very much, the captain cut the engine and all could appreciate the surrounding silence, the lapping of waves. I felt grateful.

What to Bring and Other Practical Tips

If you are thinking of doing this? Here’s a few tips to bear in mind:

• Sunscreen is your best mate. Believe me when I tell you that the sun on water can actually be very extreme.
• Towel – seems self-evident, still easy to forget!
• Hat and sunglasses: Additional sun protection, so important.
• Water shoes. If you do not have delicate feet these are quite good for entering the water from those rocky areas.
• Dry bag: to keep devices protected.
• Money – sometimes needed for extra drinks and snacks.

Other handy tips:

• Motion sickness. Take preventative meds should you suffer from seasickness.
• Timing is everything, seriously. Afternoon trips can get fairly choppy. Morning trips? Often calmer.
• Ask concerns. Don’t wait until you are on that boat, ask any tour operator about things you might be not sure of before departing.

Final Thoughts

That Tropea Capo Vaticano boat trip, you know, turned out being an absolutely smashing day. Excellent scenery, nice swimming, relaxed atmosphere and delightful company. If you find yourself near Tropea? This really should be close to that very top of the “to do” list. This really is a perfect method to view Calabria’s beauty from an entirely new angle, and the snorkeling opportunity, well that only made everything more fun.

Basically, if you’re wanting a relaxed trip, I will very much recommend to seek out the smaller to medium sized operators, it really will have its own dividends.

The boat tour can depend on the tour you will choose, and also other people traveling, you will very much not be in utter control of what is coming your way. That’s an adventure.

Have a blast and take that sun cream!

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