Gaeta Boat Tour: Snorkeling, Grotta del Turco & Serapo Beach

Summary

Gaeta’s cliffs, ancient fortresses and secret swimming spots by boat

You’ll join a small group on Dario’s boat tour from Gaeta’s harbor, gliding past fortresses and ancient churches before swimming in turquoise pools only reachable by sea. Hear local legends about Monte Orlando and Grotta del Turco, snorkel among rocky coves, and let salt air linger on your skin long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

First thing Dario did was hand me a mask and grin, “You’ll need this later.” He’s been taking people out on these Gaeta boat tours since before I was born, apparently. We pushed off from the dock with that diesel-and-salt smell you only get in old harbors. There was a couple from Naples next to me, already snapping photos of the Cathedral of Sant’Erasmo as it loomed over the Gulf. Dario pointed at the Bastions and started telling us about sieges — his hands flying everywhere. I couldn’t help but watch the way the sun bounced off those old stones, kind of gold but also chipped and worn.

We rounded Punta Stendardo and suddenly everything felt quieter — just water slapping against the hull and a bit of wind. The Borgo Antico perched above us looked like it might slide into the sea if you stared too hard. Dario kept up his stories (“They used to say: ‘I’ll send you to Gaeta’ — not exactly a holiday back then!”), which made me laugh. He slowed near Monte Orlando so we could see both parts of the castle — Angevin on one side, Aragonese on the other — and honestly, I’d never realized how many layers this place had until someone pointed it out like that.

I didn’t expect to be so taken by Grotta del Turco. The rock face there is jagged, almost sharp under your hand if you reach out (which I did, probably not supposed to). The air smelled faintly of seaweed and something mineral, like wet stone after rain. Right next to it is Montagna Spaccata with its chapel tucked inside a fissure — Dario explained how people still come here for pilgrimages. It’s strange seeing something sacred wedged into such wild geology.

After drifting past Serapo Beach (the sand looked impossibly white from the water), we finally stopped at Pozzo del Diavolo for swimming. The water’s colder than you’d think — makes your skin prickle in a good way. I tried snorkeling but mostly just floated around watching little fish dart between rocks; someone else dove right in like they’d done it forever. Dario waited patiently while we dried off in the sun before heading back toward town. That feeling of being suspended between cliffs and sky stuck with me longer than I expected… still does sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and swimming in Gaeta

• Cast off and admire Gulf of Gaeta
• Circle Punta Stendardo and see fortifications
• Enter Monte Orlando blue oasis
• Approach cliffs overhanging the sea
• View Grotta del Turco and hear its story
• See Montagna Spaccata and its Chapel
• Pass Serapo beach
• Swim and snorkel at Pozzo del Diavolo
• Dry off and return to port

Top questions

How long does the Gaeta boat tour last?

The boat excursion lasts about 2 hours total.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Gaeta tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear is included for all guests.

Do we get off the boat during the tour?

No disembarkation; all sightseeing and swimming are from the boat itself.

Where do we swim during the Gaeta boat trip?

You’ll stop to swim at Pozzo del Diavolo and 40 Remi—natural pools only accessible by sea.

Are children or infants allowed on board?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller; children are welcome with supervision.

Is this Gaeta boat excursion wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchairs can be accommodated on board.

Are service animals permitted?

Service animals are allowed during this tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at the port in Gaeta for departure.

What’s included

Your day includes fuel for the journey along Gaeta’s coast plus use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops—just bring yourself to the harbor as there’s no hotel pickup provided. Infants, strollers, wheelchairs, and service animals are all welcome aboard for this two-hour adventure before returning to port together.