MESSINA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Swordfish aboard the spadara: a day on the Strait of Messina
A guided fishing tour that places you with local crews in the Strait of Messina to experience traditional swordfish hunting, lagoon visits, and a shore tasting.
Swordfish aboard the spadara: a day on the Strait of Messina.
The Strait of Messina narrows between Sicily and the Italian mainland, a ribbon of sea where two seas meet and strong currents have shaped seafaring and fishing for generations. On this guided outing you board a traditional spadara and join local fishermen in one of Sicily’s oldest economic pursuits — the swordfish hunt — framed by the wild beauty of Capo Peloro and the sheltered lagoons of Ganzirri.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Ride a traditional spadara
You embark on a typical boat used in the Strait’s swordfish hunt — a living link to older craft such as the luntro and feluca — and sail under the guidance of experienced local fishermen.
An authentic swordfish experience
Spend time actively fishing with a crew that still practices ancient techniques, staying close to shore as the team works the currents where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian meet.
Capo Peloro and the lagoons of Ganzirri
The route brings you to the mariner village of Ganzirri and the lagoons of Capo Peloro — an Oriented Nature Reserve and EU Site of Community Importance — where shoreline wildlife and quiet coves provide contrast to the open Strait.
What the day feels like
What this day at sea feels like
The tour unfolds as a hands-on fishing outing aboard a traditional boat: you embark, sail the Strait without going further than half a mile from shore, interact with an expert crew as they hunt for swordfish, and step ashore to taste local granita and a light lunch, all against the dramatic meeting of two seas and the sheltered lagoons of Capo Peloro.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, light clothes, swimsuit and towel; bring seasickness pills according to your needs.
Dress in layers and bring sun protection; have any required seasickness medication on hand.
Participants should bring seasickness pills if prone; plan for sun exposure and maritime conditions.
A swimsuit and towel are recommended if you plan to get in the water or relax ashore.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
You can choose from tours that last from about 3 hours up to full-day outings of about 8 hours on the boat.
What is included in the tour?
The fishing experience includes time aboard a traditional boat with expert fishermen, a shore tasting of typical granita, and a light lunch.
Where do we meet?
After booking the operator will contact you to arrange the most convenient meeting point and start time; pick-up/drop-off at the cruise port can be arranged for cruise ship passengers.
Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is presented as suitable for all ages, though participants should be comfortable spending time on deck at sea.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, light clothing, a swimsuit and towel, and seasickness pills if you need them.
Are there private or shorter options?
Yes — pricing includes private full-day and private shorter options, and there are non-private options that run either up to 3 hours or up to 8 hours on the boat.