Glide through the Stagnone lagoon to Mothia, where Phoenician ruins meet centuries-old salt pans. This 3.5-hour boat tour combines close-up natural history, salt-harvesting insight and a tasting of local wines and snacks.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips from the shore and the shallow lagoon opens like a map of light: flat salt pans flashing white, low islands rising as archaeological outlines, and reed-lined channels that redirect the breeze. The guide's voice cuts through gull calls, pointing to color bands where salt crystallizes into terraces and to the low, ruined walls of Mothia, an island once a Phoenician trading post.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short boardings/disembarkations and standing for parts of the cruise.
Wildlife
History
Mothia (Mozia) was a Phoenician-Punic settlement and trading post; the surrounding salt pans have been harvested since antiquity and shaped local commerce and culinary traditions.
Conservation
The Stagnone reserve protects shallow lagoon habitats and migratory birds; visitors should avoid trampling salt works, follow guide instructions, and minimize single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Marsala Salt Pans and Mothia Island Boat Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Protect against sun and glare
Bring a broad-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen and polarized sunglasses — the white salt pans amplify UV exposure.
Stabilize your footing
Wear rubber-soled, non-slip shoes; the boat and shoreline can be wet and uneven.
Hydrate and time your trip
Carry water and aim for morning or late-afternoon departures to avoid the hottest hours and stronger winds.
Prepare for motion and wind
If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand; pack a light wind jacket for changing conditions.
Sunglasses with polarization
Reduces glare from bright salt surfaces and improves visibility on the water.
summer
Non-slip water shoes
Provide grip boarding the boat and walking on wet docks or salt-crusted shorelines.
Light windproof jacket
Blocks off-shore breezes and keeps you comfortable during cooler mornings or evenings.
spring
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important in the exposed lagoon environment.