Caves Boat Tour from Santa Maria di Leuca: Blowhole Cave & Swim

Four caves, two swims, and an aperitif where the Ionian meets the Adriatic

A 3-hour boat tour from Santa Maria di Leuca takes you to the point where two seas meet, stopping at the Devil's Cave, Sirens' Bay, River Cave, and Three Doors Cave. You swim twice in clear water, once near the Dragon and Lovers' Caves, and again at the Blowhole Cave, where your guide leads you inside. The skipper shares stories about each site, and the tour ends with a local aperitif served on board.

The experience

The boat leaves the port of Leuca and heads straight for the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, where the coastline opens into a series of sea caves carved into the limestone. Your skipper navigates along the rock face, pointing out the Devil's Cave, Sirens' Bay, River Cave, and Three Doors Cave: each one named for the myths and histories attached to it. The stories come as part of the ride, woven into the route itself rather than delivered as a lecture.

Two designated swim stops break up the cruising. The first is near the Dragon and Lovers' Caves in water clear enough to see the bottom. The second takes you to the Blowhole Cave, where the real thrill happens. Instead of viewing it from the boat, you enter the cave itself with your guide, moving through the opening on the water and into the rock chamber. That entry is the centerpiece of the tour. The moment the caves stop being scenery and become something you move through.

Before heading back to port, the boat slows and the crew sets out a local aperitif on board, served with the view still in front of you. The whole outing runs three hours, fuel included, and the skipper speaks English or Italian depending on the group.

What’s included

• Boat excursion from the port of Leuca.
• fuel and skipper's time.
• two designated swimming stops in open water.
• guided entry into the Blowhole Cave.
• local aperitif with sea views served on board before return.

Before you book

Lasts 3h, runs every day, 7 start times, from € 45 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 11 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 17:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 11

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Holidoit

Is this one for you?You'll explore caves and swim at set stops with other passengers, plus enter the Blowhole Cave with a guide. Something only possible on this guided boat tour.

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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 (2 to 12 years).

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.

What exactly is the Blowhole Cave and why is it different from the other caves on the tour?

The Blowhole Cave is the only one you enter with your guide rather than view from the water. It's a sea cave with an opening large enough for the boat to pass through, and you go inside the rock chamber itself. That's the defining moment of the tour.

How much time do you actually spend swimming, and is the water always safe?

There are two swim stops, each giving you time in the water near the named caves. The skipper chooses the stops based on conditions that day, and both locations are in open water where the crew can watch you. Bring your own towel and sunscreen if you want them.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The boat, fuel, the skipper's time, both swim stops, and the aperitif with local products are all included. You'll need to arrange your own transport to the port of Leuca, and bring a towel and sunscreen, neither is provided.

How long is the boat ride to reach the caves, and do you stop anywhere else?

The entire outing is 3 hours from departure to return. Most of that time is spent cruising the coastline and exploring the four named caves, with two breaks for swimming. There are no other port stops. You leave and return to Leuca.