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 discovering the most beautiful caves and beaches in the area.

During the day you will make stops (including an extended one for lunch) where you will have the opportunity to take one or more swims in the sea among the crystal clear Apulian waters.

What is special about this boat is that it features, on board, a galley in which fresh, locally sourced dishes will be prepared. In fact, you will be served an aperitif and a multi-course lunch including wine and water.

For organizational reasons, the experience is not suitable for those with food intolerances or special dietary needs.

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

The price also includes insurance and membership in the organizing association, namely Gulet Eco Freedom Team Project A.P.S.

To personalize your experience portete choose between 2 tours

•    Group tour: shared with other participants
•    Private tour: exclusively. You can customize the departure/arrival time in agreement with the organizers.

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

During the winter period, the reservation will be confirmed upon reaching the minimum number of 8 participants.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

Shared boat tour to Polignano a Mare caves departing from Monopoli.

Enjoy a’unique experience off the coast of Puglia with this boat tour.

The departure è from Monopoli and, while sailing, you will get a close-up view of Polignano a Mare's striking caves.

The tour also includes a rejuvenating swim stop in the crystal clear waters of Cala Corvino.

On board a’pleasant atmosphere awaits you, accompanied by good music and a rich aperitif based on typical local products.

An’experience suitable for everyone, ideal for groups of friends who want to experience a day of relaxation and carefree.

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.

This exclusive boat excursion departing from Monopoli takes you to discover the most beautiful sea caves on the coast of Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare is a location of great scenic interest along the Adriatic coast, particularly striking when viewed from the sea.

This boat excursion allows you to admire the historic center perched on the cliffs and the numerous sea caves located at the base of the coast.

Departure is from the port of Monopoli, from which you will sail up the coast in the direction of Polignano. Along the way you will be able to see some of the most characteristic caves in the area, including Grotta della Colonna, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta delle Monache.

From offshore it will also be possible to see some iconic places such as Lama Monachile and Scoglio dell'Eremita.

The excursion is led by an experienced skipper and includes a stop for swimming in one of the most scenic stretches of the coast. Refreshments with typical local products will be offered on board.

For this experience you can choose 2 options with the same itinerary:

•    Private tour of about 2 hours
•    Private tour of about 3 hours

A two-hour shared boat trip to discover the most beautiful sea caves on the coast of Polignano a Mare departing from Monopoli.

Polignano is a real jewel on the Adriatic Sea and offers all its beauty precisely when seen from the sea. In fact, with this boat excursion you will be able to admire the buildings overhanging the sea and the caves below.

You will set sail from the port of Monopoli and sail up the coast until you reach Polignano. Along the way you will see beautiful caves such as Grotta della Colonna, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta delle Monache.

You will also be able to see Lama Monachile and Scoglio dell'Eremita from offshore.

During this excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will allow you to dive into the sea at one of the most beautiful and scenic spots on the coast before returning.

Finally, you will be offered refreshments of local products to eat on board.

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.

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).

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
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•    Navigation on both the Ionian and Adriatic sides
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•    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:

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Shared tour

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.