Bari sailing cruise: Search for dolphins with hands-on sailing

Participate in sailing maneuvers instead of watching from a deck chair

A 3.5-hour sailing cruise from Bari along the Apulian coast where you can help handle the boat, swim in the Adriatic if the sea permits, and pass the Romanesque St. Nicholas Basilica. The captain serves local wine and snacks during a relaxation stop. Wind determines the day: strong wind means active sailing. Calm water means swimming in open sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sailing and swimming along Apulian coast

• Admire Apulian coast and Bari navy
• Sail past Basilica of San Nicola
• Swim in the Adriatic Sea if weather permits

The experience

Can you help sail a boat, or do you want to learn? This cruise gives you the choice. Those who want hands-on work can participate in the maneuvers and help drive the sailboat. If the wind is strong enough, you'll feel the boat respond to your input. If the sea is calm, you'll anchor and swim in the Adriatic instead, and if there's still wind, experienced swimmers get towed behind the boat on a rope, pulled by the sail's force.

The route follows the Apulian coast past Bari's old navy and the historic center, then sails directly in front of the St. Nicholas Basilica, where the white Romanesque stone rises from the water. You'll have time to take it in from the deck. During the relaxation stop, the captain brings out genuine Apulian wine and snacks, not a generic spread, but food chosen to represent the region. The whole outing runs about three and a half hours.

What you get depends on the sea. If wind shows up, you sail. If it doesn't, you swim. Either way, you're on the water with someone who knows it and wants to share how to spend time in Puglia well.

What’s included

• The captain and live guide in English or Italian.
• Apulian wine and snacks during the relaxation stop.
• all sailing instruction and boat maneuvers if you choose to participate.
• swimming in the Adriatic if sea conditions permit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 17:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Child (9 to 17 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Vito Mancini

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Italian, so you can follow the commentary and instructions in either language. Children from age 9 are welcome, though a moderate level of physical fitness helps, especially if you're helping with the sails or swimming in open water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 17 years). Children under 9 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I help sail the boat if I've never done it before?

Yes. The captain invites anyone who wants to participate in the maneuvers and help drive the sailboat. No experience is required. The crew will show you what to do.

What happens if there's no wind?

If the sea is calm and wind is light, the boat anchors and you swim in the open Adriatic instead. The captain still offers the Apulian snacks and wine during the stop.

Will we see the St. Nicholas Basilica up close?

The sailboat passes directly in front of the Basilica of San Nicola, so you'll see the white Romanesque stone and architectural detail from the water. It's part of the standard route along Bari's coast.

Is swimming in the sea included, or is it optional?

Swimming happens only if conditions allow it: calm enough water and the captain's judgment. When it does occur, you can choose to swim or stay aboard. The towed-rope activity is for experienced swimmers only.

What's the Apulian snack like?

The captain serves genuine local food and excellent wine during the relaxation stop. It's chosen to represent the region's flavors, not a standard tourist snack.

How long does the whole cruise take?

The cruise runs three and a half hours from start to finish, including the relaxation stop with food and wine.