the 10 best boat excursions in Castro

Leaving from the Raffaele Sambati waterfront in Porto Cesareo, the motorship Santa Maria will take you to the most picturesque destinations in the Marine Protected Area, with swimming stops for a dip in the sea.

The Motorship will sail northward touching some of the most important points of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, thus exploring natural and archaeological sites, between a snorkeling stop and one with a typical Salento aperitif, included in the price.

The itinerary will touch destinations such as Isola dei Conigli, Scala di Furno, l'Isola della Malva, Torre Chianca, Torre Lapillo, Punta Prosciutto and 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, moreover, a snorkeling stop is planned, where you can dive into the seabed with the equipment provided directly by the facility.

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

Maximum capacity: 60 people.

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 10 participants.

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
•    Punta Prosciutto

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.

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 10 participants.

Experience a gozzo excursion along the coast of Castro Marina and discover sea caves, bays and crystal clear waters of Salento, accompanied by experienced sailors.

During the cruise, visit some of the area's best-known caves, such as Grotta Palombara, Grotta Rotundella, Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta Zinzulusa, as well as Baia Romanelli.

You can choose from three options:

•    The 1-hour tour with cave visit and one swimming stop
•    The 2-hour tour that continues to Porto Miggiano and Santa Cesarea Terme with more time for swimming
•    The 3-hour tour that offers a more complete experience, with additional swim stops and an aperitif on board, all the way to Luvara Bay.

Rent a 40hp boat for a full or half day and set out to explore the Apulian coast starting from San Foca.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing time with friends and family.

You will have the opportunity to rent a boat (maximum capacity of 6 people) equipped with a sun shade and comfortable cushions.

Leave in total autonomy to discover the best-known places in Puglia, such as Torre dell'Orso, Sant'Andrea and Otranto. 

To drive this boat does a nautical license is not required, but you must be of legal age.

Fuel is not included and must be paid on site.

Set out to discover the Otranto caves guided by an experienced skipper and lulled by the waves of the sea.

Once you set sail from the port of Otranto, you can take 2 itineraries at the captain's discretion and depending on weather conditions:

•    North Itinerary: Grotta Monaca, Baia Mulino ad Acqua, Baia dei Turchi
•    Southern itinerary: Grotta Palombara, Baia delle Orte, Faro Palascia, Sant Emiliano

The skipper, present on board for the duration of the excursion, will tell you the history of the caves and can answer all your questions.

In addition, thanks to a dedicated stop, you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea, for which we suggest you bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy this moment.

Return is scheduled about 2 to 3 hours later, depending on the option you choose, still at the port of Otranto.

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.

Experience the sea in total freedom by renting a boat without a license in Santa Maria di Leuca, ideal for exploring the Salento coast independently.

You can choose between two types of boats, 5- or 7-seater, both easy to drive and suitable even for those with little experience. The departure from Santa Maria di Leuca allows you to reach some of the most suggestive areas of the coast, including sea caves, hidden coves and unique natural views.

Multiple rental options are available: half-day or full-day, so you can organize the experience at your own pace.

Sunset boat excursion to discover the caves of Santa Maria di Leuca.

You will leave from the tourist port of Santa Maria di Leuca and sail to the Ionian coast to admire the beautiful caves. In total you will have the chance to see about 8 of them and thanks to the skipper's explanations you will discover all their secrets.

The highlight of this tour is the stop at the Lovers' Cave with the possibility of swimming right into the cave. This unique opportunity will give you indelible memories.

Before heading back, you will be offered an aperitif consisting of a glass of bubbly and typical Salento dishes to enjoy as the sun slowly sinks into the sea.

This experience lasts about 2 hours and the departure time depends on the time of year you want to make the excursion.

We recommend that you bring the necessary to dry off once you get out of the water and appropriate clothing for the evening weather.

3-hour boat excursion to discover the Salento caves starting from Santa Maria di Leuca.

The itinerary for this excursion, again at the captain's discretion, includes:

•    Departure from the tourist port of Santa Maria di Leuca
•    .
•    Navigation on both the Ionian and Adriatic sides
•    .
•    Visit to the most beautiful caves on the coast (about 8 per side) such as Grotta del Fiume, Grotta delle Tre Porte, Grotta degli Innamorati and Grotta del Soffio
•    Return, again at the marina in Santa Maria di Leuca
•    .

You can choose between 2 tours with the same itinerary:

.

Shared tour

.

This option will allow you to enjoy the boat tour shared with other participants. It includes 2 stops of about 25 to 30 minutes to dive into the water and swim in a crystal clear sea.

This tour has a maximum of 12 participants at a time.

Exclusive tour

This second option will allow you to have the whole boat exclusively for groups of up to 10 people and, in agreement with the captain, you can stop to swim in the sea whenever you want.

In addition, you will be offered refreshments on board consisting of a glass of bubbly and typical Salento delicacies.

The presence of a skipper on board, will allow you to discover the beauty of the caves and all the curiosities about them.

È strictly forbidden to smoke on the boat.

Visit Salento by boat tour from Torre Vado with an aperitif on board and bathroom stops.

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:

• 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 masks fins for those who want to snorkel and life jackets.

To finish, an aperitif on board with local products, namely: fresh mozzarella, baked goods, Prosecco, peach tè and water.

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

Discover the wonders of the Gallipoli coastline with a shared tour of relaxation and breathtaking scenery.

During the excursion, there are stops in crystal-clear waters so clear that the fish seem to be suspended. The route includes two not-to-be-missed stops, true postcards of Salento:

•    Sant'Andrea Island
•    Lido San Giovanni

The experience includes stops for swimming, relaxing on the boat and snorkeling. The necessary equipment will be available directly on board, for a comfortable and carefree experience.

During the sailing, you will be able to relax while listening to your favorite music and enjoying a tasty aperitif: crunchy tarallini, frisa salentina with local cherry tomatoes, fresh watermelon, water and a glass of prosecco for a relaxing toast in the Salento sea.

Departure available in two time slots from the historic center of Gallipoli.

Discover St. Andrew's Island starting from Gallipoli with a boat excursion.

For this experience you will have a choice of:

•    Morning excursion
•    Afternoon excursion

For each of these excursions, the itinerary includes:

•    departure from the port of Gallipoli
•    Island of St. Andrew and swim stop to swim surrounded by fish
•    Punta Pizzo bay with a stop to swim in the blue waters of this natural oasis
•    return skirting Punta Suina with typical aperitif served on board

During the morning excursion, the boat staff will serve you both an aperitif and a typical fish dish.

During the excursion you will be guided by a skipper who can satisfy all your curiosity about the place.

On the boat there is snorkeling equipment, to admire the seabed, and a sunshade awning to relax in the shade if necessary.

The use of sunscreen, not on board, is recommended to protect yourself from the sun.

Depart from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a group boat tour along the coast of Gallipoli.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island, where a stop for swimming is planned.

On board, you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the experience in complete comfort: a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

During the excursion, a refreshing aperitif with prosecco or a non-alcoholic beverage will be served, accompanied by fresh fruit.

Depart at 5:00 p.m. from the Riva di Levante marina in San Leonardo for a sunset boat tour along the Gallipoli coast, accompanied by an experienced skipper.

The cruise will begin by sailing along the historic center, surrounded by its ancient walls, and then continue toward Sant’Andrea Island. Two stops for swimming are planned along the way, perfect for relaxing and taking a dip in the waters of Salento.

On board, you’ll find a shaded area with comfortable seating, a sun deck with a float and pillows, a boarding platform with a ladder, a shower, restrooms, a refrigerator, goggles and fins, kickboards, life jackets, and binoculars.

As the sun sets, you can enjoy the view accompanied by good music. An “apericena” (evening aperitif) will also be served with a drink of your choice, so you can toast the picturesque Gallipoli sunset.

The return to the port is scheduled for after sunset.

The Gallipoli boat excursion allows you to explore the Salento region while admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea and diving into the crystal clear waters.

You will have the opportunity to admire Old Gallipoli with its towers, walls and churches. You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will share with you the history and traditions of this area. 

The tours last 3 hours; the morning and afternoon departures include a swim stop at the island of Sant’Andrea, a natural park dominated by a tall lighthouse and characterized by a rich marine ecosystem, and one at Punta Pizzo where the sandy seabed and inlet create a natural pool.

The sunset tour includes a stop at the island of Sant’Andrea and one in the Lidi area where it will be possible to admire the sun disappearing into the sea in peace.

You can dive, snorkel or relax on a SUP thanks to the equipment provided by the facility.

On board you will be offered an aperitif with artisanal focaccia, fresh fruit and local wine. 

The boat can accommodate up to 11 people and it is equipped with soft cushions, awning then extended shade area, swim platform and ladder for comfortable ascent, music and freshwater shower.

Shared or private tours can be arranged.

Discover the wonders of the Gallipoli coastline with a private excursion amid relaxation and breathtaking scenery.

The tour includes stops in crystal-clear waters so clear that the fish seem to be suspended.

The route includes three must-see stops, true postcards of Salento:

•    Sant'Andrea Island
•    Lido San Giovanni
•    Punta Pizzo (weather permitting)

The experience includes stops for swimming, relaxing on the boat and snorkeling. The necessary equipment will be available directly on board for a comfortable and carefree experience.

While sailing, you will be able to relax while listening to your favorite music and enjoying a tasty aperitif: crunchy tarallini, Salento frisa with local cherry tomatoes, fresh watermelon, water and a glass of prosecco for a toast in the Salento sea.

It doesn't end there, because included is a tasty seafood salad with octopus and squid caught directly by the skipper himself.

Departure available in two time slots from the historic center of Gallipoli.

Experience a gozzo excursion along the coast of Castro Marina and discover sea caves, bays and crystal clear waters of Salento, accompanied by experienced sailors.

During the cruise, visit some of the area's best-known caves, such as Grotta Palombara, Grotta Rotundella, Grotta Azzurra and the Grotta Zinzulusa, as well as Baia Romanelli.

You can choose from three options:

•    The 1-hour tour with cave visit and one swimming stop
•    The 2-hour tour that continues to Porto Miggiano and Santa Cesarea Terme with more time for swimming
•    The 3-hour tour that offers a more complete experience, with additional swim stops and an aperitif on board, all the way to Luvara Bay.

Set out to discover the Otranto caves guided by an experienced skipper and lulled by the waves of the sea.

Once you set sail from the port of Otranto, you can take 2 itineraries at the captain's discretion and depending on weather conditions:

•    North Itinerary: Grotta Monaca, Baia Mulino ad Acqua, Baia dei Turchi
•    Southern itinerary: Grotta Palombara, Baia delle Orte, Faro Palascia, Sant Emiliano

The skipper, present on board for the duration of the excursion, will tell you the history of the caves and can answer all your questions.

In addition, thanks to a dedicated stop, you will have the opportunity to swim in the sea, for which we suggest you bring snorkeling equipment to enjoy this moment.

Return is scheduled about 2 to 3 hours later, depending on the option you choose, still at the port of Otranto.

Get ready to explore Salento's most fascinating caves aboard a 10-meter gozzo or a 7-meter gozzo with bathroom stops.

Departing from Castro's Porto Vecchio, the itinerary includes three main stops, namely Grotta Palombara, with its striking triangular entrance, Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Zinzulusa, known for its stalactites ("zinzuli") hanging from its ceiling. Finally, on the return trip to Castro, there will be a bathroom stop at Porto Miggiano and nearby Santa Cesarea Terme.

The excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts 2 hours. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may vary.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Boat tour from Otranto to the Bay of Turks with aperitif on board perfect for spending a day at the sea between relaxation and diving.

The experience starts from the port of Otranto where you will set sail and begin your itinerary between stops such as the Grotta della Monaca, the Imperial Bay, the Mulino d'Acqua, the Baia Murrune, until you reach the Baia dei Turchi. There will be at least two bathroom stops along the way, perfect for swimming and snorkeling via the equipment available on board.

During the itinerary you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical Salento aperitif surrounded by the colors and scents of the Mediterranean. 

The duration of the experience è is about 3 hours for a price of 60€ per person. The tour è suitable for everyone and will be conducted in the period from May until October, also è recommended to bring a windbreaker in June and September.

In case of bad weather, the facility or the captain may cancel or modify the itinerary to ensure comfort and safety. Contact the facility to receive more information.

Experience a day's sailing from Castro aboard a 1957 15-meter vintage ketch, along the Salento coast with lunch and aperitif on board.

The excursion takes place along two possible routes, chosen by the skipper according to weather conditions:

•    The northern route from Castro to Otranto via Porto Miggiano, Santa Cesarea Terme, Porto Badisco, Punta Palascìa and the Bay of Orte.
•    The southern route from Castro to Santa Maria di Leuca, which instead follows the coast of Andrano, Tricase Porto and Marina Serra.

During the day you'll sail along some of the mostù beautiful stretches of Salento, including bathroom stops, sea caves, bays and coastal views, accompanied by stories and trivia about the area.

The experience includes lunch and aperitif on board and the return è scheduled in the afternoon, around 6 p.m., after an experience that combines sea, relaxation and atmosphere of yesteryear.

Sunrise boat tour from Otranto with breakfast on board to watch the sunrise from the sea and be able to enjoy a breakfast served on board, with fresh and local products.

The starting point of the experience è at the port of Otranto where you will set sail and thus begin your itinerary that includes stops for swimming in two of the most fascinating bays on the coast: Baia delle Orte and Baia Mulino d'Acqua.

The duration of the experience è is about 3 hours ideal for groups of friends, families, couples and sea lovers. In addition, the experience is suitable for everyone in a period from May to the end of October. It is recommended to bring a windproof jacket to best enjoy the sailing.

In case of bad weather, the activity may be canceled or be subject to changes.