the 5 best boat excursions in Castro

Discover the Salento coast with a boat tour from Castro Marina, available in 1, 2 or 3 hours, and experience sea caves and crystal clear waters.

During the excursion you will depart from Castro Marina Port and sail along the area's main caves, such as Grotta Palombara, Rotundella, Azzurra, Zinzulusa and Romanelli, with bathroom stops in the most beautiful bays. On longer tours you will reach Porto Miggiano, Santa Cesarea Terme and Porto Badisco, with additional stops for swimming and relaxing.

The’experience è shared with other participants and guided by an experienced skipper, with itinerary and boat subject to change to ensure safety and comfort.

Leave from the Port of Castro Marina for a’full-day boat excursion to Otranto, exploring one of the most’evocative stretches of the northern Salento coast,

with lunch on board.

During the tour you will visit the main sea caves in the area, including Grotta Palombara, Grotta Rotundella, the scenic Grotta Azzurra with blue and emerald green reflections, the iconic Grotta Zinzulusa with its stalactites and Grotta Romanelli, an important archaeological site. Two swimming stops are planned: the first in the bay of Porto Miggiano, ideal for swimming and relaxing, and the second in Malepasso, perfect for snorkeling thanks to its seabed rich in marine life. The sailing continues to Santa Cesarea Terme and along the coast of Porto Badisco, with views of the Punta Palascia Lighthouse, the easternmost point in Italy.

On board you will be served a cold lunch with music, to experience a full day of sea, views and fun. The excursion concludes with a striking view of Otranto and its cathedral overlooking the sea, before returning to the port of departure.

Depart from the Port of Castro Marina for a boat excursion along the Salento coast, past sea caves, cliffs and crystal-clear waters, to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic.

During the cruise we visit Grotta Verde, the cliffs of Marina Serra and Novaglie, Ponte Ciolo and the caves of Soffio, Laghetto and Grotta Cattedrale, with two bathroom stops at natural coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A cold lunch with music is served on board, while the tour ends in Santa Maria di Leuca with views of the Lighthouse and the Basilica “de Finibus Terrae”, for a’complete experience of sea, nature and relaxation.

Rent a boat without the need for a license to experience an unforgettable day at sea. The boat can accommodate up to 8 people and is equipped with a 40 hp engine, ideal for exploring the Salento coast independently.

The boat is fully equipped to ensure comfort and safety: sunshade awning to protect yourself from the sun in the hottest hours, large sundeck to relax, ladder to facilitate the ascent after a refreshing bath and all the mandatory safety equipment.

You can sail freely, discover hidden coves, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the sea in total freedom with your family or friends.

The shared boat excursion departs from San Foca and then sails along the coast of the Melendugno Marines.

This experience is perfect for admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea in the company of friends or family.

You will sail across

•    Roca Vecchia (archaeological site, cave of Poetry)
•    Torre dell'Orso (rocky ridge, Faraglioni delle Due sorelle, Spiaggia dell'orso beach)
•    Torre Sant'Andrea with the famous Faraglioni and beautiful bays
•    Conca Specchiulla with shallow waters, small hidden coves and a white rock surrounded by miles of Mediterranean scrub

Basic duration is about 2.5 hours with 2 swimming stops.

On board you will find:

•    sun shade,
•    decker,
•    cushioning,
•    snorkeling gear,
•    Refreshments and Salento snacks (fruit, local baked goods with drinks)

Embark on a private boat excursion that takes you to explore the Melendugno Marines departing from San Foca.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing time with friends or family while admiring the Apulian coastline from the sea.

You will sail to the crossing of

•    Roca Vecchia (archaeological site, cave of Poetry)
•    Torre dell'Orso (rocky ridge, Faraglioni delle Due sorelle, Bear Beach)
•    Torre Sant'Andrea with the famous Faraglioni and beautiful bays
•    Conca Specchiulla with shallow waters, small hidden coves and a white rock surrounded by miles of Mediterranean bush

The basic duration is about 2.5 hours with 2 swimming stops, all times and stops are easily customizable by hiring the boat exclusively.

On board you will find:

•    sunshade awning,
•    hand shower,
•    cushions,
•    snorkeling equipment,
•    refreshments and Salento snacks (fruit, local baked goods with drinks)

This three-hour boat excursion from Santa Maria di Leuca allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the Salento coastline.

Aboard a comfortable boat you will have the opportunity to explore both sides of the coast, thus having a complete view of this stretch of coastline.

The trip will take you through striking landscapes and unique rock formations that characterize both the Ionian and Adriatic sides of the coast.

The suggestive sea caves you will encounter along the way will add a touch of mystery and wonder to the adventure, offering you the opportunity to admire the shades of color of the crystal-clear waters surrounding the region.

During the tour you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the turquoise and refreshing waters of the Salento coast, enjoying direct contact with the unspoiled nature that characterizes this part of Puglia.

Swimming stops add an element of relaxation and fun to the trip, allowing you to relax and appreciate the beauty of the sea.

On the boat you can request snacks, wine and fresh water (included in the price).

Three-hour group boat excursion departing from Santa Maria di Leuca.

You will board a comfortable shared boat, capable of accommodating up to twelve people, and you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you stories and trivia about the places you will visit.

You will sail along the beautiful coasts of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, among caves, inlets and breathtaking views, with the opportunity to indulge in refreshing stops for a dip during the hottest days.

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.

The boat excursion from Torre Vado in lower Salento offers a 4-hour tour to visit the caves of Santa Maria di Leuca, with two stops for swimming and an aperitif with typical products.

After departing from the port of Torre Vado, you will admire the beaches of the Salve marinas and the villa that was once a coastal tower in the Marina di San Gregorio. Next, you will pass through the Marina of Felloniche, located in a small gulf with an emerald green seabed.

During the tour, you will visit the Grotta del Drago and the gulf between Punta Marchiello and Punta Ristola, where dozens of caves such as the Grotta dei Giganti and the Grotta delle Tre Porte are enclosed. You will finally arrive at Punta Ristola, the southernmost tip of Puglia.

On the return trip to Torre Vado, you can enjoy a rich aperitif served by the crew. Products for celiacs are also available. En route, you can make a bathroom stop and visit Grotta del Soffio and Grotta della Vora, accompanied by the sailors.

Boat excursion with aperitif, to discover the fascinating natural caves of Santa Maria di Leuca, at the striking point where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.

During the excursion you can admire the many caves that characterize this stretch of Salento coastline, with their natural beauty and crystal clear waters.

The experience includes two swimming stops and an aperitif served directly on board.

Experience a sunset excursion along the Salento coast departing in the late afternoon from the port, aboard a shared boat in small groups.

During the cruise the experienced skipper will tell information about the area, while stops are scheduled for swimming and relaxation. On board you can relax with soft music and admire the coastline from the open sea.

At sunset time an aperitif will be served on board, to end the day in a pleasant way.

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.

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.

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.

The shared boat tour in Gallipoli allows you to spend a relaxing day in the company of friends discovering the Salento coast.

The excursion lasts 3 hours. You will have the opportunity to admire and get to know the most suggestive places of this part of the Apulian coast.

Initially, you will visit the Bay of Gallipoli, with its crystal-clear waters and fortified city, and the island of Sant'Andrea, with its lighthouse and nature reserve.

Next you will reach Punta della Suina, famous for its long white sandy beach.

The navigation will then continue to Punta Pizzo, a well-known resort characterized by a jagged cliff and a unique panorama.

During the excursion, refreshing swimming stops are planned, allowing you to soak in the crystal-clear waters.

The exclusive boat tour to Gallipoli allows you to spend a relaxing day in the company of friends discovering the Salento coastline.

The excursion lasts 3 hours and allows you to visit the most striking places of this part of the Apulian coast.

The first stops planned are the Bay of Gallipoli, with its crystal clear waters and fortified city, and the Island of Sant'Andrea, with its lighthouse and nature reserve.

Next, you will reach Punta della Suina, famous for its long white sandy beach.

The navigation will then continue to Punta Pizzo, a well-known resort characterized by a jagged cliff and a unique panorama.

During the excursion, refreshing swimming stops are planned, allowing you to soak in the crystal clear waters.

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.

Discover the Salento coast with a boat tour from Castro Marina, available in 1, 2 or 3 hours, and experience sea caves and crystal clear waters.

During the excursion you will depart from Castro Marina Port and sail along the area's main caves, such as Grotta Palombara, Rotundella, Azzurra, Zinzulusa and Romanelli, with bathroom stops in the most beautiful bays. On longer tours you will reach Porto Miggiano, Santa Cesarea Terme and Porto Badisco, with additional stops for swimming and relaxing.

The’experience è shared with other participants and guided by an experienced skipper, with itinerary and boat subject to change to ensure safety and comfort.

Leave from the Port of Castro Marina for a’full-day boat excursion to Otranto, exploring one of the most’evocative stretches of the northern Salento coast,

with lunch on board.

During the tour you will visit the main sea caves in the area, including Grotta Palombara, Grotta Rotundella, the scenic Grotta Azzurra with blue and emerald green reflections, the iconic Grotta Zinzulusa with its stalactites and Grotta Romanelli, an important archaeological site. Two swimming stops are planned: the first in the bay of Porto Miggiano, ideal for swimming and relaxing, and the second in Malepasso, perfect for snorkeling thanks to its seabed rich in marine life. The sailing continues to Santa Cesarea Terme and along the coast of Porto Badisco, with views of the Punta Palascia Lighthouse, the easternmost point in Italy.

On board you will be served a cold lunch with music, to experience a full day of sea, views and fun. The excursion concludes with a striking view of Otranto and its cathedral overlooking the sea, before returning to the port of departure.

Depart from the Port of Castro Marina for a boat excursion along the Salento coast, past sea caves, cliffs and crystal-clear waters, to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic.

During the cruise we visit Grotta Verde, the cliffs of Marina Serra and Novaglie, Ponte Ciolo and the caves of Soffio, Laghetto and Grotta Cattedrale, with two bathroom stops at natural coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A cold lunch with music is served on board, while the tour ends in Santa Maria di Leuca with views of the Lighthouse and the Basilica “de Finibus Terrae”, for a’complete experience of sea, nature and relaxation.

Rent a boat without the need for a license to experience an unforgettable day at sea. The boat can accommodate up to 8 people and is equipped with a 40 hp engine, ideal for exploring the Salento coast independently.

The boat is fully equipped to ensure comfort and safety: sunshade awning to protect yourself from the sun in the hottest hours, large sundeck to relax, ladder to facilitate the ascent after a refreshing bath and all the mandatory safety equipment.

You can sail freely, discover hidden coves, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the sea in total freedom with your family or friends.

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.