Scala dei Turchi boat tours: where they leave from, how long and what to expect
From the sea you see Scala dei Turchi head-on, from the base to the top, including the upper part that is closed to visitors on foot. Boat trips leave mainly from San Leone, Agrigento's seaside district with a small marina, and from Porto Empedocle, and last from about an hour and a half to a full day. Prices and what is included vary a lot from one operator to another, so compare before you book.
Where do they leave from, and what do you see?
San Leone is 10 km as the crow flies from the Scala, with short trips and half-days by boat or rigid inflatable. Porto Empedocle is closer (its Tower of Charles V is 4.8 km as the crow flies), with trips of an hour and a half and longer outings with an aperitif. Besides the cliff, with a few houses along its top, you see a longer stretch of coast; some trips stop for a swim. We read these details on operators' websites and booking platforms; we have not tested them on a trip.
You cannot land on the rock from the sea: the only way onto the cliff is the entrance on the beach, and the Coast Guard bans diving from the cliffs.
Boat or on foot?
They are not alternatives. On foot you pay €6, spend 20 minutes on the lower part of the marl and have the beach for a swim: see tickets and opening hours. By boat you see the whole cliff without touching it. If you just want the overall view, the clifftop viewpoints are free.
What to ask before booking, and how a boat trip fits into a day with the Valley of the Temples, is covered in our guide from Agrigento to Scala dei Turchi. For the light at different times of year, see the best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a boat tour to Scala dei Turchi?
There is no single price: it varies by operator, type of boat (from a rigid inflatable to a catamaran) and duration. Check the current price list when you book, and what is included.
Where do the boats leave from?
Mainly from San Leone, Agrigento's seaside district, and from Porto Empedocle. Published trips last from about an hour and a half to a full day, often with a swimming stop or an aperitif.
Can you see Scala dei Turchi from the sea at sunset?
We found no trips explicitly sold as sunset tours: some operators offer trips with an aperitif, but you need to ask about times. Ask when the boat leaves and when it passes the cliff.
Can you rent a private boat?
Yes, some operators offer private trips, for example four hours according to one operator's website. We found no reliable information on renting a boat without a skipper.
Related guides
From Agrigento to Scala dei Turchi: distance, bus and a day with the Valley of the Temples
How far is Scala dei Turchi from Agrigento, how to get there by bus or taxi, and how to combine it with the Valley of the Temples in one day. Times, tips.
Where to stay and eat near Scala dei Turchi
Hotels, B&Bs and holiday rentals near Scala dei Turchi: Realmonte, Porto Empedocle or Agrigento, pros and cons, and where to eat near the beach.
The geology of Scala dei Turchi: white marl, Trubi and how it formed
What is Scala dei Turchi made of and why is it white? Trubi marl, Pliocene age, erosion and the Messinian salinity crisis explained simply.