The 20 best Boat Tours in Salento

Embark on a boat adventure among crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery in the Gargano.

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

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

This day excursion will depart at 10:00 a.m. from the Vieste marina on the 12-meter boat Albachiara.

The boat has an awning that will allow you to experience the excursion and the listening to the description of the sea caves and the coast by the tour guide comfortably in the shade, afterwards instead for those who want to enjoy the sun the boat has a wide bow equipped with comfortable mats to which you can lie down freely.

The first swimming stop will be about an hour after leaving the marina in Porto Greco, one of the most breathtaking bays of the Gargano along with Baia Vignanotica and Baia delle Zagare.

After finishing the first swimming stop, obviously without any time limit, the second stop is Baia di Vignanotica. It is precisely in this bay that lunch will take place, consisting of fresh local products (sea and land products) prepared on board, accompanied with some excellent fresh prosecco.

For those who do not drink alcohol will be provided peach tea, lemon tea and water. 

After eating and resting, navigation resumes in the afternoon where the third swimming stop will take place in the most suggestive bay of the Gargano, Baia delle Zagare, where there will be a buffet of seasonal fruits and also an excellent coffee prepared on board at the moment. 

Return to port is scheduled at 17:00.

Fuel is included in the price.

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.

Boat trip along the coast of Vieste, rent a boat without a license among friends or family.

Program

After a brief driving lesson from the staff, you will depart from the port of Vieste and have the opportunity to explore the Gargano coast on your own.

You can choose your itinerary by exploring hidden coves or better known beaches such as Baia San Felice, Baia di Campi and Pugnochiuso Beach. You can also make several stops to dive into the sea in the crystal clear waters.

To personalize the experience you can choose from

•    half-day rental
•    full-day rental

Fuel is to be paid on return and the cost is around 50/60€ but may vary depending on several factors.

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.

The boat tour from Monopoli to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to discover the Apulian sea and its gastronomic traditions.

The first part of the tour takes place in the historic area of Monopoli as seen from the sea. Here you will admire Charles V Castle and its ancient walls.    

Next, passing through Cala Corvino, a small cove visible only from the sea, you will sail to Port'Alga, a characteristic cove reachable only on foot or by boat 

Passing Scoglio dell'Eremita, you will arrive in Polignano a Mare to enjoy a typical Apulian aperitif consisting of:

•    focaccia Barese
•    homemade taralli of different flavors
•    frisella with tomato and basil
•    prosecco or soft drinks

Here you can also enjoy a relaxing swimming stop.

The last stop will be the most famous beach in Polignano, Lama Monachile. Next to it you will also meet the statue of the famous Italian singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno.

Back in Monopoli you will stop to admire all the famous caves of Polignano, including the Grotta degli innamorati. 

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

The boat tour from Monopoli to the caves of Polignano a Mare allows you to discover the Apulian sea and its gastronomic traditions.

This private boat experience is perfect for those who want the ultimate in personalization and comfort.

The boat is chartered exclusively to fully enjoy bathroom stops in sought-after places. A full aperitif with typical Apulian products is also provided during the cruise.

This option is ideal for special occasions such as anniversaries, bachelorette/bachelorette parties or simply to experience the Apulian sea in total privacy and relaxation.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Discover the caves of Polignano a Mare aboard a spacious catamaran with friends or family on this private day tour.

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 can describe all the places you will see and can answer all your questions or curiosities about the place.

The stops planned during this tour are:

•    Polignano a Mare
•    Cala Portalga
•    Cala Corvino
•    Monopoli
•    Cala Santo Stefano

The excursion lasts about 7 hours, and during the trip you will have the opportunity to take swim stops in the sea, discover the seabed and venture into the caves.

On board the boat there will also be music, to keep you entertained, and a SUP to explore the caves in simplicity. In addition, you will be treated to an aperitif of local products.

During the excursion you will be provided with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the open bar (white and rosé wine, prosecco, beer, still and sparkling water, regular and zero Coke, iced tea, and fruit juices).

When booking, you can also select lunch if you wish. Three different menus are available:

•    Menu 1 (light buffet lunch) which includes hot and cold typical Apulian dishes such as frittatina with vegetables, rolls, bread balls, savory croissants and rustic pizza
•    Menu 2 (2-course lunch) which includes first or second course and side dish
•    Menu 3 (3-course lunch) which includes first course, second course and side dish

In case of food allergies and intolerances, you can contact the facility after booking.

Leave for a half-hour tour along Monopoli's picturesque coastline, departing from Molo Margherita.

You will board a comfortable boat and be accompanied by a skipper who will tell you stories and traditions of the places you will visit.

You will have the opportunity to sail along the coast, admiring unique sights and hidden coves, and enjoying spectacular views of Monopoli from the sea.

Shared boat excursion to Polignano a Mare aboard a wooden motor gozzo with an aperitif on board.

Starting from Monopoli, you will skirt the coast going up towards Polignano a Mare and once you arrive you can:

•    visit some caves such as Grotta Palazzese, Grotta degli Innamorati and Grotta Ardito
•    see from a distance the famous beach of Lama Monachile
•    take a closer look at the Hermit's Island.

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 also be music on board the boat for everyone to dance and have fun together.

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

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.

The boat excursion from Torre Vado to the Leuca caves, includes two stops for swimming, where you will be given the necessary equipment for snorkeling and you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of Salento and go scperta the various caves that characterize the coast.

Departing from the port of Torre Vado, the boat excursion allows you to visit the Salento coast behind Cape Leuca on both the Ionian and Adriatic sides. You can admire the sheer cliffs, the resorts on the coast and especially the many renowned caves dotted along the entire stretch that will leave you breathless.

The daytime experience lasts 3 hours and you can choose the shift with the time of your choice. While the sunset experience has a duration of 2 hours starting at 6 pm.

Each cave has its own characteristic and among them you will visit: The Cave “of the Devil", The Porcinara Cave, The Cave of Morigio The Cave of the Crib, The Cave of the Three Doors, The Cave of the Giants, The Cave of Ortocupo, Cave of Vora.

Maximum capacity: 12 people per raft. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the stages may be subject to change.

A boat excursion to discover the caves of Santa Maria di Leuca accompanied by an experienced skipper.

Departing from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca, you will pass by the Heel of Italy, the point where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet, and then continue on to the area's wonderful caves.

Among the various caves and coves along the coast, visit the Grotta del Diavolo, the Baia delle Sirene, the Grotta del Fiume, the Grotta delle Tre Porte and many others.

In addition, the itinerary includes 2 stops for swimming in the sea in two breathtaking locations:

•    The first stop will be near the Cave of the Dragon and the Lovers.
•    The second will be at the Cave of the Breath and in this case you will be accompanied inside the cave by the guide

The skipper, who will be on board throughout the outing, will provide explanations about the caves and be able to answer your curiosities about the area.

Finally, before returning to port, you will be offered an aperitif of local products.

You will have a choice of 3 outings with the same itinerary depending on your departure time:

•    Morning excursion, departing at 10:00 am
•    Excursion in the afternoon, departing at 2:00 pm
•    Sunset hike, departing at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Group boat excursion with Skipper in Porto Cesareo, including crystal clear sea, regenerating swim and visit to the Rabbit Island, ideal for couples, families and small groups.

You can choose from three types of tours:

•    Short tour: discovering the picturesque Roman Columns with swimming stop and visit to the Rabbit Island
•     Long tour: with sailing to Punta Prosciutto, two swimming stops and visit to the Rabbit Island
•    Sunset Tour: to enjoy a romantic atmosphere by the sea.

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.

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.