Caves of Santa Maria di Leuca boat tour: Guided by sea

The lighthouse and the meeting point of two seas

A guided boat tour from the marina of Leuca explores the caves and coastline of Santa Maria di Leuca, with stops to swim in turquoise bays and a live guide explaining the history and geography of the cliffs, the Heel of Italy, and the point where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. The tour runs 3.5 hours and includes snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks and an aperitif with typical Apulian products.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Leuca caves and coast

• Start tour from marina of Leuca
• Stop to explain caves and coast features
• Visit Punta Ristola, admire staircase and lighthouse
• Navigate to Punta Meliso, see sea meeting point
• Visit Adriatic Sea, observe cliffs and caves
• Make two swimming stops in turquoise bays
• Enjoy aperitif with Apulian products and drinks

The experience

The boat leaves from the marina of Leuca, where nineteenth-century villas in Greek-Arab style line the water and the monumental staircase leads up to the lighthouse: the second most important in Italy. From there, the route moves along the coast to Punta Ristola, the Heel of Italy, where the guide points out the caves carved into the cliffs and explains the names and stories that mark this stretch of the Adriatic. The navigation continues to Punta Meliso, where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea meet. The change in cliff face, water colour and cave formations is visible as you cross from one sea to the other.

Two stops for swimming are built into the route, in bays with turquoise water where you can use the snorkelling equipment provided. The guide speaks Italian and describes the particularities of the caves and coast throughout. At the end of the tour, an aperitif with typical Apulian products and drinks is served on board.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment for both swimming stops.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• an aperitif with typical Apulian products and drinks served on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideItalian

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Noleggio Nettuno

Is this one for you?The tour departs from the marina of Leuca itself, so you don't need a car to reach the starting point: public transport reaches the area, and the marina is wheelchair accessible. This works well if you're staying in the town or arriving without your own transport.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 is Punta Meliso and why does the tour stop there?

Punta Meliso is the point where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea meet. The tour stops there so you can see the dramatic change in the cliff face, the colour of the water, and the caves themselves as the landscape shifts between the two seas.

How many times do you get to swim during the tour?

You make two stops for swimming in bays with turquoise water. Snorkelling equipment is provided for both stops.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Italian and provides explanations throughout the tour to help you understand the history, geography and stories of the caves and coast.

What is included in the tour besides the boat ride?

The tour includes snorkelling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and an aperitif with typical Apulian products and drinks served at the end.

Where does the tour start and how do I get there?

The tour departs from the marina of Leuca. Public transportation options are available nearby, and transportation to the marina is wheelchair accessible.