The Best Boat Excursions Around Elba

Introduction: our perspective

The staff at Hotel Giardino in Lacona live and work on Elba year‑round and know every corner of the island. Each season we welcome travellers eager to discover the coast, villages and landscapes of the island, and we love sharing its secrets. Our family‑run two‑star hotel sits in a 30 000 m² pine wood a few steps from the long beach at Lacona and offers air‑conditioned rooms with flat‑screen TV, private bathroom, hairdryer and safe . Many rooms have an independent entrance onto the garden or a private patio; others have balconies. Each has a numbered parking space inside our park, ensuring convenience and security . The property has a large garden with a playground, table tennis and table football and our kitchen serves simple but tasty dishes suitable for children . We are pet‑friendly – dogs and cats are welcome and can run in our green areas .

This guide, written by our team, contains everything you need to organise boat trips around Elba. We suggest the best tours, answer frequently asked questions, provide summary tables and offer practical tips for enjoying the island by boat and on land . As travellers and hikers ourselves, we have selected experiences that most excite our guests and describe itineraries suitable for families, couples and adventurers.

Why choose Hotel Giardino as your base

An oasis in the Lacona pine wood

Our two‑star, family‑run hotel is surrounded by Mediterranean pines. Guests love the informal, genuine atmosphere in the garden and on the veranda where we serve homemade breakfasts and dinners featuring typical Elban dishes . The rooms (spread across three units) are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi‑Fi, flat‑screen TV, safe and private bathroom . Some rooms have balconies, others private gardens; all include a reserved parking place . Children enjoy the play area with ping‑pong and table football .

Strategic location on the island

Hotel Giardino is in Lacona, on the southern coast of Elba. The island’s second‑longest beach (1 200 m) is a few minutes on foot through protected dunes; its fine sand, shallow waters and coastal pine wood provide shade and comfort . The villages of Porto Azzurro, Portoferraio, Capoliveri and Marina di Campo are all within 10–15 minutes by car . Our location is therefore perfect for alternating days at the beach, boat excursions and visits to the island’s towns.

Services for boat excursion enthusiasts

We offer numbered parking and free Wi‑Fi , traditional cuisine with menus suitable for children and those with food intolerances , pet‑friendly facilities , covered bike storage and partnerships with diving centres and the Capoliveri Bike Park . We provide discounts for participants in sporting events such as the Capoliveri Legend Cup and the Elbaman triathlon and offer discounted ferry tickets for travel from Piombino to Elba .

Frequently asked questions about boat excursions

• When is the best time for boat trips? Spring and autumn are ideal – the sea is calm, the number of tourists moderate and the chances of spotting cetaceans are higher . In summer you can still go out but should book well in advance and protect yourself from the sun .
• Do I need to book in advance? Yes. We recommend booking at least a few days ahead, especially for trips to Pianosa, Capraia or Giglio, which have limited places and require permits .
• Are the trips suitable for children? Absolutely. Many excursions include stops in shallow bays and have equipment for youngsters; our guests particularly enjoy the wreck of Pomonte or Fetovaia .
• Can I bring pets on board? Some companies, such as Aquavision, allow small dogs on a leash; you must mention this when booking .
• What should I bring? Sun cream, hat, swimwear, sunglasses, water bottle, towel and camera. For longer trips we suggest an extra change of clothes and a light jacket .
• What if I suffer from seasickness? Avoid heavy meals before departure and bring anti‑nausea tablets or patches . Choose a seat in the middle of the boat where motion is reduced .
• Are trips cancelled in bad weather? Yes. Excursions depend on sea conditions. In case of strong winds or rough seas, the company will cancel or postpone the trip and offer an alternative date .
• Can I snorkel or dive during the trips? Yes. Many tours include swimming and snorkelling stops; there are also dedicated diving trips with equipment provided by local dive centres .
• Is lunch included? Some tours provide lunch on board (for example the full island tour with Magic Princess); others offer an on‑board aperitif or allow you to bring your own packed lunch .
• Can I rent a dinghy myself? Yes. In Lacona and Marina di Campo there are several rental companies offering boats without a licence. It is important to follow regulations and respect protected marine areas .
• Are the trips accessible for people with disabilities? The motonave Principe has accessible toilets and places for people with reduced mobility . We recommend contacting the organiser to discuss specific needs.

Overview of boat excursions

Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago (224 km²) and has very diverse coastlines: long golden beaches such as Lacona, white gravel coves near Portoferraio, granite cliffs on the western side and iron‑rich shores in the east . A boat trip lets you explore the coast from a privileged perspective, discovering sea caves, cliffs, submerged wrecks and bays only accessible from the water . These waters form part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a marine protected area; it is not uncommon to see dolphins and sometimes even fin whales in spring or autumn . Below are the main sea routes, grouped by type of experience and duration.

Complete island tours

Magic Princess – 6‑hour mini cruise

The Magic Princess motor ship offers a scenic full circumnavigation of Elba lasting about six hours . Departing from Marina di Campo around 9:30 am, the boat sails along the southern coast and continues anti‑clockwise back to the starting point. Highlights include:

• Gulf of Marina di Campo and the beach of Laconella;
• The long sands of Lacona and Capo Stella headland;
• Bays and beaches such as Zuccale, Barabarca, Madonna delle Grazie, Morcone, Innamorata and the Gemini Islets ;
• The Grotta delle Capre and the old mines of Calamita ;
• A passing view of Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, Cavo and several villages ;
• The Medici fortifications of Portoferraio and Napoleon’s residences ;
• The white beaches of Le Ghiaiе, Capo Bianco and Sansone and the Gulf of Biodola ;
• The Isola di Paolina and Marciana Marina ;
• The wild north‑west coast with Sant’Andrea, the Patresi lighthouse, Chiessi and Pomonte ;
• The Costa del Sole with a stop at the Elviscot wreck, a 65 m merchant ship sunk in 1972 that lies just ten metres deep .

The excursion usually makes three swimming stops and includes lunch on board (tuna pasta). A guide explains points of interest and regulations; passengers should arrive 30 minutes before departure and bring sun cream, hat and camera . Itineraries may change depending on weather conditions.

Motonave Principe – full tour of the island

The Motonave Principe is a two‑deck boat with a bar and toilets and a capacity of about 130 people . It is accessible for people with disabilities. The full tour leaves from Marina di Campo at 9.30 am and returns at 3.30 pm, with four swimming stops and the possibility of spotting dolphins . The itinerary largely follows that of the Magic Princess but may vary in stops and times. The indicative cost is €50 for adults and €25 for children (free for children under three) .

Themed excursions: wrecks, caves and beaches

Elviscot wreck excursion (Magic Princess and Principe)

The Costa del Sole between Pomonte and Fetovaia is famous for the Elviscot wreck, a 65 m merchant ship sunk in 1972 just a few metres from shore . It is a safe snorkelling site because the wreck lies only 10 m deep and visibility is excellent . The Magic Princess organises a three‑hour afternoon trip (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) departing at 4 pm from Marina di Campo . The route passes the caves of Vescovo and the Grotta Azzurra, the beaches of Cavoli and Seccheto and the bay of Fetovaia before a long stop for snorkelling at the wreck . Return is at 7 pm. Bring your own mask, snorkel and underwater camera .

The Motonave Principe offers a similar trip, departing at 4 pm and returning at 7 pm . The price is about €30 for adults and €15 for children . According to guest reviews, this is one of the most exciting experiences, especially for teenagers who love exploring shipwrecks .

South‑west caves and beaches excursion

The “Sud‑Ovest” tour by Magic Princess lasts two hours and takes place in the afternoon (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) . Departing at 4 pm from Marina di Campo, the boat passes Galenzana beach and the Grotta del Vescovo, skirts the cliffs of Colle di Palombaia, enters the Grotta Azzurra – a large sea cave where sunlight creates turquoise reflections – then continues to the beaches of Cavoli and Seccheto and reaches Fetovaia for a long swim stop . It returns at 6 pm. The tour suits families looking for a taste of the coast in a short time; the guide recounts anecdotes about the caves and pirates who once used these coves as shelters .

The Motonave Principe offers a similar Fetovaia tour leaving at 4 pm and returning at 6.30 pm. It includes three swimming stops and costs about €20 for adults and €10 for children .

Sunset aperitif cruise

For a romantic experience, the sunset cruise with aperitif organised by the Principe departs at 7.30 pm from Marina di Campo . The route varies with the light but often heads to Cavoli or Capo Stella, where passengers enjoy an aperitif featuring local products while watching the sun set over the sea . The trip lasts until after sunset; the cost is around €25 per adult and must be booked in advance .

Themed excursions: dolphin watching and nature cruises

Dolphin Watching (Magic Princess)

Every Monday and Wednesday morning Magic Princess offers a five‑hour dolphin and turtle watching trip . Departing at 10 am from Marina di Campo, the boat sails along the southern coast past Fonza, Lacona, Capo Stella, Zuccale, Barabarca and the Calamita coast . When dolphins are spotted, the boat slows to respect minimum distances and reduce noise . A swimming stop is included and the trip ends around 3 pm. Observations show that the chances of seeing dolphins are highest in spring and autumn when maritime traffic is lighter .

Evening cruises and guided snorkelling

During summer, evening cruises take place along the Gulfs of Lacona and Stella. Some operators offer snorkelling at sunset to watch the sky’s colours reflected in the water . These trips last 2–3 hours and include an aperitif. For snorkelling enthusiasts, guided outings are also organised to the Posidonia seagrass meadows off Lacona or near Capo Fonza; the shallow, flora‑rich waters are ideal for beginners and children .

Nautilus – underwater viewing cruise

If you want to admire the seabed without getting wet, board the Nautilus. Captain Massimo sails along the north‑western coast from Marciana Marina or Portoferraio, allowing passengers to view marine life through 80 m² of underwater windows . The experience lasts about two hours (3.30–5.45 pm from Marciana Marina or 10.30–12.30 pm from Portoferraio) and costs €20 for adults and €10 for children up to 12 . The boat is air‑conditioned and has a bar and toilets . The route typically includes the Elviscot wreck and some coastal caves, though it may vary with sea conditions .

Excursions to the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago

Elba is an excellent base for exploring other gems of the archipelago – Pianosa, Capraia, Giglio and Montecristo. These excursions take a full day and reveal unspoilt landscapes and unique histories .

Pianosa – the flat island of crystal‑clear sea and prison history

Pianosa lies 14 km south of Elba and is protected by the National Park . Once a prison island, it now welcomes a limited number of visitors. The company Aquavision organises daily departures from Marina di Campo (10:00–10:45) with return in the afternoon (5.45 pm) from 15 April to 31 October . The crossing takes 45 minutes and visitors have over six hours on the island . Return tickets cost about €39 (20 € for children), plus a daily park ticket (€6 off‑season or €8 in July and August) ; residents and children under 12 pay reduced rates . Guided tours on foot, by bicycle, by carriage or by boat explore the island’s history and protected species . Cala Giovanna and the “Postman’s beach” are among the most beautiful: fine white sand, transparent water and shallow seabeds . Visitors can snorkel over colourful fish and Posidonia meadows or visit the ruins of Agrippa’s Roman villa . It is forbidden to wander outside authorised paths, remove sand or plants, or bring pets . The island is closed to the public at certain times to protect wildlife .

Capraia – the volcanic island of fiery colours

Capraia is the third largest island in the archipelago and the only one of volcanic origin. In summer, Aquavision connects it with Elba and San Vincenzo; departures from Portoferraio and Marciana Marina run on Fridays from 13 June to 19 September, while from San Vincenzo they run on Thursdays and Sundays from 26 June to 4 September . The trip takes about two hours and includes a 5–7 hour stop on the island . Tickets cost €39 for adults and €20 for children; there is also an environmental ticket of €3.50 (free for children under four) . Capraia’s wild cliffs are carved by sea caves and hidden coves; a small lake sits in the interior, surrounded by dense scrub . The main village, perched on a headland, features ancient churches and a small port with restaurants, shops and dinghy tour agencies . A road about 800 m long connects the port to the town . Boat excursions circle the island, showing Cala Rossa where red lava contrasts with blue sea, and visit coves for swimming . Guided geo‑tours and hikes through the national park are also available .

Giglio – the granite jewel of the Tuscan coast

The island of Giglio is known for its picturesque villages and crystal‑clear sea. The second largest island of the archipelago, it is reached in summer with Aquavision: from Porto Azzurro on Wednesdays from 11 June to 17 September and from San Vincenzo on Wednesdays from 9 July to 3 September . The crossing takes about two hours and includes a five‑hour stop . The ticket costs €39 for adults and €20 for children from Porto Azzurro, and €45 (€25 for children) from San Vincenzo, plus a €3 environmental fee . Visitors disembark at Giglio Porto, a colourful village built by the Romans . Boatmen offer trips to Cala Cannelle and Cala Caldane, beaches reachable only by sea . The climb to Giglio Castello, a medieval fort enclosed by Pisan walls, rewards travellers with spectacular views . With 28 km of coastline alternating coves, cliffs and sandy beaches, and inland trails through oak woods and scrub , Giglio offers a mix of village strolls and secluded swimming.

Montecristo – the mysterious, protected island

Montecristo is a legendary island and an untouched paradise reserved for a few visitors. Managed by the national park, access is strictly limited to 15 people per day and tours run three times a week . Tickets, including boat and guide, cost around €140 per person and must be booked well in advance . Alternatively, a permit for private boats costs €100–500 per vessel plus €25 per person . Visits are allowed from 1 March to 15 April and from 15 May to 31 October . Bathing is prohibited, as are dogs and children under 12; visitors must wear trekking shoes and bring water . Guided walks lead to the Royal Villa, the Belvedere and the ruins of the monastery of San Mamiliano, with views over Corsica, Elba and the Tyrrhenian Sea . Montecristo is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and visiting it is a privilege for true nature lovers .

Daily services from Piombino and San Vincenzo

Besides the operators mentioned, motor vessels depart from Piombino and San Vincenzo to connect the islands of the archipelago with the mainland. Blu Navy offers fast connections to Elba; thanks to our agreements you can obtain discounted tickets by contacting reception . The public company Toremar also runs weekly lines to Pianosa (Tuesdays) and Capraia; we recommend booking through our hotel to access discounted rates .

Practical tips for boat excursions

1. Book ahead. Contact our reception for recommendations and early reservations – many tours have limited places and require permits .
2. Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothing, a wide‑brimmed hat, UV‑filter sunglasses and non‑slip shoes. Bring swimwear, a towel and, if possible, a light sweater for breezy moments .
3. Sun protection. The sun reflects off the sea, increasing exposure; apply sunscreen several times a day and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke .
4. Eat light. Have fruit, crackers or a sandwich before departing. Avoid fatty foods or fizzy drinks if you suffer from seasickness .
5. Respect the environment. Don’t throw litter overboard; use biodegradable sunscreen; during dolphin watching do not shout or feed the animals; observe distance limits from islands and coasts .
6. Equipment. Bring mask, snorkel, fins and, for early spring trips, a short wetsuit. A waterproof case for your phone or an underwater camera will help you capture the seabed .
7. Safety. Always follow the crew’s instructions; wear a life jacket when required; avoid diving if the sea is rough or if you are not a strong swimmer .

Alternative marine activities: snorkelling, diving, SUP and kayak

Not all sea experiences require a large boat. In Lacona and nearby towns you will find centres renting equipment for independent fun:

• Snorkelling. The Posidonia meadows off Lacona are a paradise for swimmers. Clear waters and shallow seabeds allow you to observe colourful fish close to shore. The stretch between Capo Fonza and Capo Stella has rocky bottoms with gorgonians and sponges; several diving centres offer guided snorkelling .
• Diving. Elba is famous for its dive sites: the Elviscot wreck, the secche (shoals) of Fetovaia, the Grotta Azzurra and Capo d’Enfola, among others. Dives are organised by certified centres and Hotel Giardino has special agreements .
• Stand‑up paddle (SUP). A fun way to explore the coast. From our hotel you can rent boards and paddles. We suggest departing early when the sea is calm and stopping at the coves of Laconella and Margidore .
• Sea kayaking. Kayaking allows you to enter caves and natural arches along the coast. Guided tours reveal hidden secrets of the southern coastline; kayaking suits families with children seated in the middle . Sunset paddles are particularly magical.

Land itineraries to pair with boat trips

Combining a morning hike with an afternoon boat trip (or vice versa) makes for a complete Elban holiday. Thanks to the hotel’s central location, you can easily explore the hinterland and still have time for the sea .

Capo Stella loop – a family‑friendly panoramic walk

The Capo Stella promontory is one of the most scenic balconies on Elba’s southern coast. Trail 258, a 6.6 km loop with 217 m of elevation gain and a walking time of about 1 hour 30 minutes, starts in Lacona . It passes through shady pine woods and Mediterranean scrub, touches small coves such as Margidore and Colle Reciso and rewards walkers with views over the gulfs of Lacona and Stella . At the summit (154 m) you can see Montecristo to the south, Corsica to the west and Monte Capanne to the north. Bring water, hat and hiking shoes; the trail is well marked .

For experienced hikers: Monte Capanne and the Grande Traversata Elbana

Experienced hikers will enjoy the climb to Monte Capanne (1 019 m), Elba’s highest peak. Starting from Marciana, trail 101 climbs about 9 km with 785 m of ascent and takes 5 ½–6 hours . Alternatively, you can take the cable car from Marciana Marina. From the top there are 360° views of the archipelago and, on clear days, Corsica and the Apuan Alps . Notable stops on the route include Rifugio San Cerbone and a medieval hermitage . Sections of the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) provide challenging hikes of shorter length, such as the Via dei Rosmarini from Marina di Campo to Lacona and the Via dei Lecci from Lacona to Procchio . These trails cross holm oak woods, panoramic ridges and ancient mines and require good fitness, navigation skills and plenty of water .

Mountain‑bike routes

Elba is a mountain‑biker’s paradise thanks to the variety of landscapes and trail network. Routes starting from our hotel include:

• Capoliveri – Fattoria delle Ripalte (20.5 km, easy). Follows the old mining road along Monte Calamita’s south side; suitable for beginners and offers views of the coast .
• Villa di San Martino – Colle Reciso (8.6 km, moderate). Climbs dirt tracks to the Colle Reciso ridge; starts at Napoleon’s Villa di San Martino and rewards with north‑coast views .
• Lacona – Monte Tambone – Marina di Campo (12.1 km, difficult). A steep climb with sandy sections to Monte Tambone, followed by a descent to Marina di Campo; recommended for experienced cyclists .
• Monte Calamita loop (37 km, moderate/difficult). Starts from Capoliveri and passes old mines, ridges overlooking the Gulf of Stella and technical descents .
• Capoliveri Bike Park. A network of over 100 km of marked trails for all levels; the park hosts the Capoliveri Legend Cup MTB race and the reception can provide maps and guide contacts .

Hotel Giardino offers covered bike storage and agreements with bike rental shops; we can provide repair kits and recommend specialised shops .

Beaches and towns to discover around Lacona

Elba is not only about the sea; characteristic villages, museums, fortresses and viewpoints await just a few kilometres from our hotel. The following places are easily reached and worth visiting :

Place	Distance/time (from Hotel Giardino)	What to see
Capoliveri	2 km – 5 min	Hill town with cobbled lanes and lively squares; Sea Museum dedicated to the Polluce shipwreck; evening markets; beaches such as Morcone and Madonna delle Grazie
Porto Azzurro	12 km – 15 min	Elegant harbour with Spanish fortress; promenade with shops and gelaterias; Elba Aquarium
Portoferraio	17 km – 20 min	Island capital rich in history: Napoleon’s residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino), Medici fortifications, Mineral Museum; white beaches such as Sansone and Le Ghiaie
Marciana Alta & Marciana Marina	25 km – 30 min	Medieval village with Pisan castle and cable car to Monte Capanne; Marciana Marina has a picturesque harbour and access to the Butterfly Sanctuary trail on Monte Perone
Lacona	a few steps	1.2 km sandy beach with dunes and pine wood; family‑friendly; beach services, bars, restaurants; kayak, pedal boat and SUP hire

Capoliveri and the Festa dell’Uva

Capoliveri is renowned not only for its beaches but also for its traditional festivals. The Festa dell’Uva in October celebrates local wine with costumed parades, food stalls and games . In July the Festa dell’Innamorata re‑enacts a romantic legend with a torchlit procession and illuminated boats . In May the Festa del Cavatore recalls the town’s mining heritage . All these events are only minutes away by car from our hotel.

Events and seasons: when to visit Elba

Spring (March–May)

Spring is the favourite season for travellers: mild temperatures (20–25 °C), blooming vegetation and uncrowded beaches . It is the perfect time for trekking, boat trips and dolphin watching . April hosts the Giro Podistico dell’Elba running event and May the Capoliveri Legend Cup MTB race; late spring marks the beginning of sailing regattas .

Summer (June–August)

Summer brings long days and warm seas. June is ideal for sun seekers without the crowds – temperatures around 25 °C, warm water and open facilities . July and August are vibrant with concerts and nightlife in the ports and squares; however, plan ahead by booking excursions and beach spots, and arrive early to park . Our rates always include use of your parking space and advice on public parking .

Autumn (September–November)

Autumn paints Elba in intense colours and still offers pleasant temperatures. It is perfect for forest walks, museum visits and tasting local products . The island hosts food festivals such as the Festa dell’Uva in late October, the chestnut festival in Poggio and the new olive oil festival . Days are shorter but the sea remains warm until mid‑October .

Conclusion

Exploring Elba by boat reveals a coastline rich in contrasts: golden sands, white pebble coves, granite cliffs and even black volcanic beaches, all washed by crystal‑clear water. From full circumnavigations to snorkelling on a shipwreck, sunset cruises with an aperitif or trips to the neighbouring islands of Pianosa, Capraia, Giglio and Montecristo, there is a tour for every taste. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for calm seas and wildlife sightings, but summer offers lively events and warm water. Always book ahead, protect yourself from the sun and respect the environment. Hotel Giardino’s central location and friendly advice make it the perfect starting point: you can set off each day for a new sea adventure, then return to a tranquil pine‑shaded base, enjoy homemade cuisine and plan your next outing. Whether you are travelling with children, on a romantic getaway or seeking adventure, Elba’s boat excursions will give you unforgettable memories.