The 20 best Boat Tours in Salento

Experience a day trip to the Tremiti Islands departing from Vieste that includes a motorboat transfer, free time on the island and tour of the archipelago.

After the ferry transfer, you can choose to visit San Nicola or San Domino.

In San Nicola you can immerse yourself in the history of the ancient village and visit the imposing Montecassino Abbey-Fortress of the Adriatic. If, on the other hand, you choose San Domino, the largest island in the archipelago, you can stroll through dense Aleppo pine forests and discover beautiful coves such as Cala Matano, Cala dello Spido and Cala degli Inglesi.

Next you will take part in a boat tour around the archipelago on a smaller motorboat, sailing between San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio and Capraia. While sailing you will visit sea caves with a swim stop.

If time permits, you can also disembark on the other island you have not yet visited and continue your exploration.

Rent a rubber boat in Vieste and enjoy a day at sea on your own terms, with no boat license required. Explore the Gargano coast at your own pace and stop wherever you like to swim or relax.

Aboard a 5.60-meter inflatable boat with a 40 CV Mercury motor, you’ll have everything you need to cruise safely and comfortably. The awning will provide shade from the sun during the hottest hours of the day, while the comfortable cushions will make every moment of your trip enjoyable. Thanks to the boarding ladder, you can easily jump in and climb back on board after a swim in the crystal-clear waters.

To make your day even more enjoyable, you’ll also find a cooler bag to keep drinks and snacks fresh, in addition to all the required safety equipment on board. A perfect experience for exploring the sea off Vieste in total freedom—as a couple, with friends, or with family.

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.

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.

The group boat tour of the southern coast of Vieste will take you on a journey to discover the stunning Gargano coastline.

The group tour departs from Vieste with two daily trips to Baia delle Zagare. You’ll visit the most picturesque bays and beaches—some of which are inaccessible from the main road—as well as sea caves visible from the outside. During the cruise, descriptions of points of interest are provided in Italian and English. A stop of about 40 minutes is planned at Baia dei Gabbiani.

The exclusive tour takes place aboard a rubber dinghy with a skipper included who will guide you along the Gargano coast. Embark on this excursion and experience an adventure in excellent company.

Maximum capacity: 90 people for the group tour, 15 people for the private tour.

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

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

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

Maximum capacity: 10 people.

Private experience of traditional gozzo fishing in Bari, designed to let you experience the sea in an authentic way aboard the historic wooden boat of local fishermen.

During 2,5 hours of sailing, you will be accompanied by an experienced Bari sailor, who will teach you traditional fishing techniques and guide you in your choice between bolentino fishing or octopus fishing, sharing tales and curiosities about seafaring life and the link between the city and its port.

The activity is reserved for a maximum of 4 people and allows you to bring your catch with you, for an intimate, genuine experience deeply linked to Bari's seafood tradition.

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

The tour is conducted with 7-meter open boats, ideal for visiting the coves. Each boat has a maximum capacity of 10 people. 

During the tour you will have the opportunity to discover all the wonders of the Polignano a Mare coastline and to swim at the spots where the sea is more blue.

Departure is scheduled from the small port of San Vito, with subsequent navigation to the most famous caves, including: Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Ardito, Grotta dei Fossili, Grotta dei Due Occhi and the Scoglio dell’Eremita.

On board an aperitif with prosecco and taralli is included.

The tour can be taken in shared mode with other guests or privately.

Discover the beauty of the Polignano a Mare coastline with an’eco-friendly catamaran excursion.

Go aboard the Suncat, Mar y Sol's sustainable catamaran, and sail past hidden coves, sea caves and crystal clear waters. During the tour you will make stops for swimming and snorkeling in the most striking areas of the coast.

You will explore the famous sea caves, relax on the sundeck, and enjoy an onboard aperitif with snacks and soft drinks, all in small groups for a comfortable and intimate experience.

Boat excursion to discover the caves of Polignano a Mare accompanied by a skipper.

At Cala Ponte Marina you will be welcomed by a skipper aboard a spacious 8-meter motor boat, equipped with a sunshade and a convenient ladder for access to the water.

Thanks to this boat tour you will explore Polignano from an unusual and unique point of view, discovering all the caves it hides. The itinerary, at the skipper's discretion, includes visits to some of the caves and coves on the coast, such as Grotta delle Rondinelle, Lama Monachile, Grotta delle Monache and Scoglio dell'Eremita.

Highlight of this excursion is the stop inside Grotta Palazzese to take a sea bath that will give you memorable memories.

In addition, you can enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products and a drink of prosecco on board.

You can choose from 2 tours with the same itinerary:

•    Group tour with the boat shared with other participants: 1 hour and 30 minutes
•    Private tour with the whole boat exclusively: 2 hours

Start your day with a unique experience: a morning excursion among the caves of Santa Maria di Leuca, an authentic jewel of the Apulian coast.

At 08:00 you will board a comfortable boat to explore the natural wonders of the coastline in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, far from the crowds and heat of the central hours. An ideal opportunity to experience the sea in its most authentic form.

You will sail among striking caves and spectacular cliffs, where the deep blue of the Ionian Sea blends with the emerald hues of the Adriatic, providing glimpses of extraordinary beauty. Rock formations sculpted by time and the sea create a unique and fascinating landscape.

Accompanying you will be an expert guide who will share stories, trivia and anecdotes about the geology, culture and history of this wonderful corner of Puglia.

During the navigation there will be stops for pleasant swims in the crystal clear waters. On board you will be treated to a tasty aperitif of typical local products: fresh mozzarella, baked goods, Prosecco, peach tea and water.

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.

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.

Presonaizable boat excursion with 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.

The special feature of these tours è that the skipper will make you visit caves, submerged lakes and exclusive places, having more time to explore the coast and meet your needs.

Starting from the port of Torre Vado, you will visit some of the most characteristic spots:

• San Gregorio from the sea.
• Ionian Slope that 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, Indians cave, seagulls cave, verduselle caves, Orto Cupo inlet, Soffio cave, Vora cave, Mannute cave. 

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

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.

Set out from Castrignano del Capo and enjoy an exciting snorkeling excursion along some of Salento’s most beautiful bays.

Accompanied by an expert diving guide, you’ll explore the crystal-clear waters off Santa Maria di Leuca and its fascinating coastal caves.

During the experience, you’ll swim through clear waters and spectacular natural scenery, discovering the rich marine biodiversity that characterizes this stretch of coastline.

The guide will accompany you along the route, sharing ancient legends passed down by local fishermen, making the excursion even more engaging.

You won’t have to worry about equipment: you’ll be provided with everything you need to snorkel in complete safety, including professional gear.

The boat is also equipped with a convenient ladder that makes it easy to climb back on board after each stop in the water.

To enjoy the experience in maximum comfort, we recommend wearing water shoes, which are ideal for walking on the rocky surfaces of the coast. 

Rent a boat without a license from Porto Cesareo and experience the Salento sea in total freedom. Choose from a half-day, full-day or sunset experience and set out to discover the Marine Protected Area.

After an initial briefing, you will be ready to sail independently along the coast, admiring coves, transparent seabed and breathtaking views.

The boats are equipped with Yamaha engine, onboard stereo system, and modular sundeck to make your day at sea even more enjoyable.

If you prefer to relax worry-free, you can request skipper service and enjoy the experience by letting a professional guide you.

In order to personalize your outing, several extra services are available, including icebox, shower, snorkeling masks, prosecco on board, and raw seafood tasting, to experience the sea of Porto Cesareo the way you prefer.

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.

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.