Sail Bari's coast: steer the boat, swim offshore

You get to steer the sailboat yourself, not just watch from the deck.

A private half-day sailing experience from Bari where you take the helm, learn basic navigation maneuvers like tacking and anchoring, and swim offshore in sheltered bays. The boat sails a few hundred meters from the coast, passing the Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino. Local food—focaccia, taralli, olives, and wine or beer—is provided depending on your departure time. Weather permitting, you may see dolphins. Minimum age 18; a live guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and swim around Bari coast

• Admire bay views of Basilica San Nicola
• Admire bay views of Cathedral San Sabino
• Stop for swim in the bay
• View Old Port of Bari
• Stop for swim or meal at Old Port
• Swim at Pane e Pomodoro beach
• Swim at Torre Quetta beach

The Experience

You board a sailboat in Bari and spend the afternoon learning to handle it. Instead of sitting as a passenger, you take turns at the helm, trying the simplest maneuvers first—tacking, gybing, anchoring in a sheltered bay. The guide walks you through each one. The boat stays a few hundred meters offshore, close enough to see the Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino clearly, far enough that you're actually sailing rather than motoring along the waterfront.

Depending on when you depart, lunch or dinner arrives: focaccia, taralli, olives, local wine or beer. The boat makes stops at the Old Port, Pane e Pomodoro beach, and Torre Quetta, and at any of these you can swim in the open sea if the weather holds. The water is calm in the sheltered bays. On rare days, small pods of dolphins play alongside the boat—it happens, but it's not guaranteed. Everything hinges on weather; if conditions turn, the itinerary shifts or the experience is rescheduled.

This is a private tour, so the boat is yours and your group alone. The guide is live and speaks English, Spanish or Italian. The whole experience runs about four hours.

What’s included

• Private sailboat for your group.
• live guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• instruction in basic sailing maneuvers.
• local food and wine or beer depending on departure time.
• multiple stops for swimming in sheltered bays.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Filippo Mola

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on steering and sailing maneuvers rather than watching from a seat, or if a private boat with just your group suits you better than sailing with others.

Top questions

Can I actually steer the sailboat, or is that just something the guide does?

You steer the boat yourself. The guide teaches you the rudiments of navigation and you try the simplest maneuvers—tacking, gybing, and anchoring. It's hands-on, not a demonstration.

What happens if I want to swim—is it safe to jump in from the boat?

Swimming is possible in the sheltered bays where the boat stops, weather and safety conditions permitting. The stops include the Old Port, Pane e Pomodoro beach, and Torre Quetta, all calm enough for a swim offshore.

What's included in the meal, and when do we eat?

Lunch or dinner is provided depending on your departure time, with typical local products: focaccia, taralli, olives, and local wine or beer. The timing depends on when you set out.

Is this tour private, or will there be other groups on the boat?

This is a private tour, so the sailboat is reserved for your group alone.

What if the weather is bad on the day I book?

The experience depends entirely on weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe, the tour can be rescheduled or adjusted; swimming and some stops may not be possible in rough seas.

Do I need sailing experience to do this?

No. The guide teaches you the rudiments of navigation from the start. The tour suits all physical fitness levels, though the minimum age is 18.