The 20 best Boat Tours in Salento

Daily excursion departing from Vieste aboard a Turkish yacht with skipper, aperitif and lunch on board.

The excursion will depart from the port of Vieste and, depending on weather conditions and the captain's decisions, you will travel along the Gargano coastline to discover the most beautiful caves and beaches in the area.

During the day you will make stops where you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea among the crystal clear Apulian waters.

What's special about this boat is that it features, on board, a kitchen where fresh dishes made from local products will be prepared. In fact, you will be served an aperitif and a multi-course lunch including wine and water. Other drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, may be purchased on board.

It is possible, by advance request only, to have a vegetarian or gluten-free menu.

For the more curious, the staff can offer explanations and cultural nods related to the traditions of the area.

Also included in the price are insurance and membership in the organizing association.

Finally, there will also be the opportunity to purchase, on board, the autographed book, "The Emotions, the keystone," whose author, Elisabetta Monaco, will be on board with you during the outing as the owner of the boat.

The group boat excursion to Vieste Sea Caves will take you to discover the beautiful Gargano coastline.

The group tour departs from Vieste with two daily trips to Baia delle Zagare. You will visit the most striking bays and beaches, some not accessible from the main road. Descriptions of points of interest are provided in Italian and English during navigation. A stop of about 40 minutes is planned at the Bay of Seagulls.

This exclusive tour is taken aboard an inflatable boat with a skipper included who will guide you along the Gargano coastline. Embark on this excursion and experience an adventure in Vieste's Sea Caves in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 120 people for the group tour, 15 people for the private tour.

Embark on a boat adventure among crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery in the Gargano. This experience can take place in three different modes:

Dawn Breakfast (max. 6 people).

A sunrise sea trip will give you a truly unique experience as the sun rises on the horizon. Aboard the Albachiara, you will explore the coast, stop for a refreshing swim and enjoy a rich breakfast accompanied by freshly brewed coffee.

Aperitivo Al Tramonto (max. 9 people)

You will embark on a boat excursion as the sun sets, enveloped by the waters and lights of twilight. You will be treated to a delicious apericena with drinks on board.

Day At Sea (max. 9 people)

Experience the excitement by boat among crystal clear waters, fantastic coves and breathtaking views. On board the Albachiara you will visit the entire coastline with various swim stops accompanied by an aperip lunch, prosecco and seasonal fruit.

Choose the tour you prefer and get ready to experience a unique moment on the Gargano coast while swimming among its coves. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.

Discover the caves of the Gargano with a skippered boat excursion and included aperitif.

Departing from the port of Vieste, you will pass by the islet of S. Eufemia and the peninsula of San Francesco to the Pizzomunno monolith, which owes its name to the legend of the fisherman Pizzomunno and his beloved mermaid Cristalda.

You will then skirt Scialara beach and Portonuovo beach to arrive at the San Felice Arch, where the entrance to the Campana piccola cave is visible, and the Testa del Gargano.

Along the crossing, you can admire high white cliffs overhanging the sea with gorse, cysts and pine trees jutting out over the blue waters and picturesque beaches such as San Felice Bay, Campi Bay, Porto Greco Bay, Pugnochiuso Bay, Pergola Bay, Vignanotica Bay and Zagare Bay.

You will also have the opportunity to dive into the sea, thanks to some stops at the most striking points of this trip.

Finally, before returning, you will enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products, offered by the boat's staff.

Throughout the trip, you will be accompanied by a skipper who will be able to tell you delicious anecdotes about this particular area of Puglia.

Discover the southern coast of the Gargano on board an exclusive boat accompanied by a skipper.

Departing from the port of Vieste, you will sail south to visit all the most beautiful bays and caves on the coast.

Among the caves featured, you will be able to visit the Rainbow Cave, the Dolphin Cave, the Small Bell Cave, the Small Pierced Cave and the Purgatory Cave.

During the outing, you can make multiple stops for swimming in the sea at the most beautiful spots along the coast, in agreement with the skipper.

The boat is equipped with a large sundeck with cushions, telescopic awning, ladder, anchor and on-board equipment.

You can choose from 3 outings:

• Morning excursion with departure at 9:00 a.m. and return for 1:00 p.m.
• Afternoon excursion with departure at 2:00 pm and return for 6:00 pm
• Day excursion with departure at 9:00 a.m. and return for 6:00 p.m.

Discover the caves of Polignano a Mare aboard a spacious catamaran with friends or family.

Departing from Cala Ponte Marina you will sail to Polignano and sail along the coast to see the main caves and coves such as Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile and Grotta Palazzese.

There will also be a guide on board who will be able to describe all the places you will see and can answer all your questions or curiosities about the place.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes and during the navigation, in agreement with the captain, you will have the opportunity to make 1 stop to swim in the sea, discover the seabed and venture into the caves.

In addition, before returning to the port, you will be offered an aperitif of local products to be consumed on board the boat.

You have a choice of 3 options with same itinerary:

• Morning excursion with departure at 10:30 am
• Afternoon excursion with departure at 2:00 pm
• Sunset excursion with departure at 5:30 pm

There will also be music on board the boat to keep you entertained and a SUP to explore the caves in simplicity.

Enjoy a boat excursion to discover the coast of Polignano a Mare and its picturesque coves starting from the small port of San Vito.

You can choose from 2 tours:

Group Day Tour

This option lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes and is organized on a shared basis. The tour includes an aperitif with fresh fruit and prosecco.

You will visit the main local coves and caves, such as Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta delle monache and many others. A short stop to swim in Polignano's waters is also included.

Private night tour

This 2-hour tour is exclusively organized and will let you discover the beauty of Polignano at sunset, in the company of an experienced skipper. You will enjoy some excellent local prosecco and also have the opportunity to take a swim in the waters of the Ionian Sea.

A unique excursion aboard a vintage gozzo to discover the beautiful caves of Polignano a Mare.

Starting from Cala Ponte Marina you will sail south along the coast of Polignano a Mare passing by Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito.

You will then make a stop at the Scoglio dell'Eremita and on this occasion you will be offered refreshments of local products to be consumed on board the boat. Also, during the stop you can take a swim in the "blue painted blue" and enjoy the relaxation of these crystal clear waters.

You will then resume sailing north to return to Cala Ponte Marina.

Throughout the excursion, which lasts about 2 hours, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will be able to tell you the best facts about the area and the caves.

Among the various times offered, you can choose the last run of 18:00 or 19:00 to make the exit during sunset.

To ensure the safety of passengers, in case of bad weather the itinerary may vary at the discretion of the captain.

Explore Polignano a Mare aboard a sailboat on an unforgettable group excursion.

Departing from the port of Monopoli, you will set sail north to discover the coastline and caves that lie hidden beneath Polignano a Mare.

The gentle progress of the sailboat on the crystal clear waters will lull you and listening to the wind caressing the sails you can relax for a boat trip unlike any other.

The itinerary, determined by the captain according to the weather conditions, will take you to visit the most beautiful caves, coves and beaches in the area, such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta dell'Eremita, Lama Monachile and Cala Eremita.

In addition, you can dive into the clear waters populated with colorful fish and admire the seabed by snorkeling.

Finally, you will be offered a tasty aperitif on board based on typical local products.

Throughout the experience you will be accompanied by a skipper who can answer your questions and tell you pleasant trivia about the caves.

Explore Puglia's most fascinating caves with this private or group boat tour, ideal for visiting Polignano a Mare, the fantastic waters of the Adriatic Sea and its picturesque bays.

You'll have the opportunity to swim, enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and visit some of the area's most striking sights, including the "Grotta Palazzese," the "Grotta dell'amore," the Archbishop's Cave, Domenico Modugno's Statue, Lama Monachile, the Red Bull Balcony, Ardito Cave, Favale Cave and many more.

The excursion lasts 1 1/2 hours and you can choose between the shared and exclusive option.

Maximum capacity: 6 people for the private tour, 13 people for the group tour.

Boat excursion to the caves of Polignano a Mare with skipper and aperitif served on board.

Departing from San Vito, you will head out to discover Polignano a Mare from a new point of view. You will admire the grandeur of this town overlooking the sea and the beauty of its caves.

The itinerary includes:

• Grotta Palazzese, which houses an exclusive restaurant inside
• Lama Monachile, a famous natural inlet with a pebble beach
• Hermit Island
• Lovers' Cave
• Ardito Cave

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to stop for a swim in the sea among the crystal clear waters of the area.

On board you will be offered a flute of prosecco, typical Apulian taralli, water and fresh soft drinks. There will be music on board the boat for dancing and having fun together.

You will be able to choose from 3 possible options with the same itinerary:

• Excursion shared with other participants: 1 1/2 hours
• Private excursion with exclusive boat: 1 1/2 hours
• Private excursion with exclusive boat: 3 hours

The group catamaran trip from Torre Vado to Santa Maria di Leuca is a unique opportunity to discover the most striking caves in Salento.

It departs from the Torre Vado marina in the morning or afternoon. During the excursion, you will visit the caves of the Ionian Sea, including the "Mannute Complex."

The tour continues all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca and the Heel of Italy, which can be admired directly from the sea.

During the tour there are two short stops of about 25 minutes to take a swim in the crystal clear water.

An aperitif with a drink and fruit is included in the price, but bar service is available on the boat for any other needs.

Boat excursion starting from Santa Maria di Leuca to discover the caves on both sides, Ionian and Adriatic.

For this excursion you have a choice of 3 options

Daytime tour

During this outing you will be accompanied to discover the caves on the coast. Thanks to the presence of an experienced skipper, you will learn the history of the caves and various interesting facts about the area.

On board the boat you will also find, snorkeling equipment and thanks to this you will be able to venture inside the caves and enjoy the spectacle of these seabeds during the 2 dedicated stops.

This tour leaves at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm and lasts about 3 hours.

Sunset Tour

This excursion is perfect for those who want to enjoy the sunset from the sea. It departs for 5:00 pm from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca and heads to both coasts, Ionian and Adriatic.

During this excursion you will be offered an aperitif of local products to be consumed on board during the sunset.

In addition, you can make a stop to swim in the sea, at the captain's discretion.

Private tour

This tour will give you the opportunity to have the entire boat exclusively, always accompanied by a skipper who will be dedicated to you and your needs.

Again, you can choose from 3 departure times: 10:00 am, 2:00 pm or 5:00 pm to enjoy the sea at the time you prefer.

The navigation will take place on both sides, Ionian and Adriatic, and will allow you to visit the most beautiful caves and stop at the best spots to dive into the water and observe marine fodnals thanks to the snorkeling equipment on board.

Sunset boat excursion with an aperitif on board along the Salento coast departing from Torre Vado.

The boat, carries a maximum of 12 people, complete with cushions and awning for shelter from the sun.

Departing from the port of Torre Vado, you will visit some of the most characteristic spots at sunset:

• San Gregorio from the sea.
• Ionian Slope which includes: cave of the dragon, cave of the lovers, cave of the stable, cave of the crib, cave of the giants, cave of the three doors, caves of the river, cave of mesciu scianni and cave of the devil.
• Torre Marcheddu and Torre dell’uomo morto.
• Punta Ristola, the southernmost point of the heel of Italy.
• Santa Maria di Leuca from the sea (Bagnarole, Villas of the’800’,monumental waterfall, Sanctuary and the Lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca).
• Punta Meliso, meeting point between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea.
• Adriatic side that includes: Fiumara inlet, cave of the Indians, cave of the seagulls, caves verduselle, cove orto cupo, cave of the Soffio,cave of the vora, cave of the mannute.

The whole tour explained è commented by the crew. Three bathroom stops, with fin masks for those who want to snorkel and life jackets.

To finish, an aperitif will be served on board at sunset based on local products, namely: fresh mozzarella, baked goods, Prosecco, peach tè and water.

In September and October it will be possible to fish for tuna on board the boat, with equipment provided by the facility.

Sailboat excursion with skipper to discover the Salento caves of Santa Maria di Leuca with aperitif on board.

Half-day or full-day excursions are available:

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Half day (Low season)

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Departing from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca for 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m., you will begin with sailing in which you can participate in the maneuvers and help the captain helm. In fact, this experience has a sporting matrix, so that even those who are not è experienced can have fun.

Once out to sea, you will sail both on the Adriatic side, to the resort of Novaglie, and on the Ionian side, to the resort of San Gregorio. On both sides you will be able to stop near the most suggestive caves and bays in the area.

Full day (High season)

During the day excursion, you will have the opportunity to spend about 7 hours on board. The captain will choose the best itinerary for the day based on the weather and sea conditions.

On board, a lunch will be served, usually spaghetti or pasta cooked directly on board, fruit and coffeeè. Drinks included.

During some stops, it will be possible to swim in the sea and reach the caves by swimming or SUP (present on board the boat).

In addition, regardless of the tour you choose, you will be offered an aperitif of typical local products. 

In order to participate in the sailing activity è you must fill out the membership card on board. This card does not involve any additional cost.

Sailing excursion at sunset, along the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca.

Leaving from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca, you will head out to sea driven by the wind and follow an itinerary decided by the captain that will take you to visit some of the caves on the coast. You will be able to sail to either the Adriatic or Ionian sides depending on the wind and weather conditions of the individual day.

During the excursion, there will be an opportunity, with the help of the staff to learn the first rudiments of sailing. Taking part in on-board maneuvers and helming with the skipper’s assistance.

In addition, you will be offered an aperitif on board consisting of typical local products.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours and you will have a choice of:

• Shared excursion with other participants
• Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively

The departure time è is approximate and varies depending on the time of year when the excursion takes place.

If the outing will be held in the off-season months, we recommend appropriate clothing for the weather.

In order to participate in the sailing è activity, a membership card must be filled out on board. This membership card does not involve any additional cost.

Excursion aboard a 9-meter gozzo to explore the coast around Santa Maria di Leuca.

This very special boat is equipped with cushions, sun awning and stern sundeck.

You will depart from the Santa Maria di Leuca marina and venture to both the Ionian and Adriatic sides. This tour will focus on the best caves on the coast that will be narrated to you by the skipper who is always on board to answer all your curiosities

In addition, there will be 2 stops for swimming in the sea among the crystal clear waters of this paradise on earth. It is recommended that you bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy the view among the rocks.

Before returning to the port, you will be offered an aperitif of typical Salento products to be consumed on board the gozzo.

You will be able to choose from 2 options with the same itinerary:

• Tour shared with other participants
• Tour with the whole boat exclusively

The catamaran excursion to Porto Cesareo offers a unique snorkeling experience in the evocative seabed of the Marine Protected Area. With sanitized equipment provided by the partner, you can admire architectural treasures such as the submerged Roman Columns and places of worship such as the Madonna dei Naviganti.

Unlike the sailboat, the twin-engine catamaran offers more space and comfort, with two hulls providing stability for smooth and safe sailing. You can soak up the sun at the bow on large cushions, while there is a canopy in the middle and stern for shade and coolness.

The experience includes an aperitif with local produce and wine in one of the enchanting coves of the Marine Protected Area.

The duration of the excursion is three hours and will be confirmed upon reaching at least 10 participants. Maximum capacity: 36 people.

Boat trip and fishing trip with lunch or dinner starting from Porto Cesareo accompanied by two experienced guides.

This experience is also suitable for beginners as there will be a skipper who will follow you throughout the outing.

You can choose two schedule options:

• Selecting the departure time at 9:30 am you will have lunch included, consisting of the morning catch
• Selecting the departure time at 4:00 pm you will have dinner included, consisting of the afternoon catch eaten at sunset.

For both trips, departure is from the port of Porto Cesareo and fishing will be done in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area. The itinerary will be defined by the ship's captain according to the season and weather conditions.

In addition, stops are planned to dive into the sea and swim in these crystal clear waters.

Departing from Lungomare Raffaele Sambati in Porto Cesareo, the Santa Maria motorboat will take you to the most striking destinations in the Marine Protected Area, with bathroom stops to take a dip in the sea.

The itinerary will touch destinations such as Isola dei Conigli, Scala di Furno, Isola della Malva, Torre Chianca, Torre Lapillo and ends at Torre Castiglione, where you will stop for an aperitif on board based on typical products and rosé wine, accompanied by fresh fruit.

In Torre Lapillo Bay, there is also a snorkeling stop, where you can dive into the seabed with equipment provided directly by the facility.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 60 people.

Enjoy a sunset aperitif in Porto Cesareo and dive into the crystal-clear waters of Salento as the sun sinks to the horizon.

Departing from the Lungomare Raffaele Sambati, you will embark on the motorship Santa Maria, which will take you along the following itinerary:

• Rabbit Island
• Scala di Furno
• Island of the Mallow
• Chianca Tower
• Bay of Torre Lapillo
• Castiglione Tower

During the navigation you will be offered an aperitif on board at sunset based on typical Salento products, accompanied by rosé wine and fresh fruit.

You will also be provided with equipment to practice surface snorkeling and admire the Salento flora and fauna.

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change.