Water Sports in Italy

Discover the thrill of scuba with an introductory diving experience in the clear, colorful waters of Sicily's bays. Get an overview of scuba equipment, safety and techniques from a certified instructor, and then cruise along the grottoes and sea cliffs of Taormina's dramatic coastline to two beginning dive sites. Encounter an array of native marine life at a maximum depth of 6 meters, and earn credit toward your PADI certification. Return to the surface for a delicious seafood lunch at a waterfront trattoria with views of Isola Bella island nature reserve.

Explore underwater world in the Natural Reserve of Cyclops on this boat tour from Acitrezza. Diving equipment and attention from a professional dive guides included as you submerge to get views of the volcanic rock seascape, saraghi, salpe, Octopus, red starfish, and seaweed of Poseidon. Dive depths range from 23 feet (7 meters) to 98 feet (30 meters).

Voyage through the Renaissance heart of Florence without the crowds on a 2-hour stand-up paddle board adventure. Learn basic paddling and steering techniques to get you standing up in no time, and enjoy a leisurely paddle down the River Arno. As you navigate the calm waters, pass by riverside attractions like the Ufizzi Gallery and Palazzo Corsini, and glide beneath the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. No experience is necessary on this family-friendly tour.

If you've always wanted to try scuba, dive right into the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea with an introductory dive off Sicily's eastern coast. Cruise along the dramatic cliffs and grottoes of Taormina's shoreline on a dive boat, and learn about proper scuba equipment, safety and techniques from a certified instructor. Gear up and dive beneath the surface at a relatively shallow site, where you can observe native marine life up-close. Afterward, refuel with a delicious seafood lunch at a waterside restaurant overlooking Isola Bella nature reserve.

Get a taste of Cagliari's wild beauty when you go for a half-day excursion along the Devil's Saddle: a strip of land that juts into the Gulf of Angels. Known for its crystal-clear water, scenic reefs, and rocky coastline, the area is best explored up close. On this intimate tour, you can kayak, hike, and - on hot days - even snorkel. The flexible itinerary lets you customize the journey to your own preferences.

Explore the waters of the Italian Riviera on this 5-hour kayaking trip along the Cinque Terre coastline. Departing from Monterosso, paddle alongside an expert guide, passing hidden coves, rugged cliffs and the bright, pastel hues of the five villages. Pause to stretch out on the beach or cool off with a swim before continuing on your journey. For an evening adventure, choose the sunset option with a stop in a cove for wine and snacks. Numbers are limited to twelve, with all skill levels welcome.

Splash into the crystal-clear water off Taormina on a guide scuba diving adventure. Travel by boat along the grottoes, bays and sea caves of the coastline, and explore the colorful world beneath the surface on two separate dives. Observe the rich sea life of the Isola Bella marine park and the captivating ruins from an ancient Roman shipwreck, with an expert crew nearby to offer tips and ensure your safety. Return to shore for a fresh seafood lunch with wine at a traditional trattoria boasting excellent views of Isola Bella.

Glide along the beautiful coastline of Portofino's Marine Protected Area on this kayaking tour. Paddle through secret creeks and admire picturesque caves. Enjoy a break from the kayak to go snorkeling. Cap off your day with a lunch of locally-grown organic food and wine at a scenic viewpoint.

Glide around the islands of Ponza and Palmarola on a motorboat, and spend a day immersed in stunning coastline scenery. After a shuttle boat service from Terracina, you'll board your boat at Ponza Port and cruise around the two islands. Enjoy stops to swim in the sea, discover picturesque bays, and savor a pasta lunch on board with wine, water, and coffee. The full-day experience lasts around 10 hours.

See a different side of Verona with a 2-hour rafting tour along the River Adige. Learn the history of this ancient waterway as you paddle past monuments and riverside homes, hearing tales of early navigation, agriculture and milling industries, and massive floods that shaped the city. It's a great way to get active and explore Verona's long and layered past from the water.

Go paragliding over the Cinque Terre or over Tuscany in tandem with an expert instructor who accompanies you throughout your experience. Your flight starts on a hill above Monterosso where you soar through the air with your instructor, securely attached with your harness. Enjoy incredible views of the coast and Cinque Terre as you glide down to the beach at Monterosso, for departure from the Cinque Terre; or over Tuscany for paragliding from Lucca or Pisa.