South Lipari by Small Boat, Four People, Six with Children

Four people at a time, six if two of them are small children. That cap is what makes the difference here: the boat gets into places the bigger tours cannot use, and the day is arranged around what the people aboard actually want, whether that is quiet bays and an aperitif at sunset, snorkelling that works for children, or sea caves and diving. The route runs along the south of Lipari, starting from Marina Corta. Praia Ferrante is the first swim, then the Secca and Punta Caprazza, and Praia di Vinci, a beach with no road to it. Vulcano is across the water for most of it, with the Gran Cratere della Fossa above the island. Past the INGV volcanological observatory the coast turns into geology you can point at: the Mummy, a lava neck standing on its own, the Arco degli Angeli, and the Faraglioni of Lipari. Valle Muria is the last swim, and there is often a stop before it where starfish are likely. Snorkelling equipment and fresh fruit are included. Departures are from Marina Corta on Lipari, opposite the D'Ambra pastry shop. Leaving instead from Porto di Levante on Vulcano, in front of the Faraglione bar, costs €20 more for fuel, and other departure points can be arranged with a fuel surcharge.