Snorkeling in Gaeta: Boat excursion with natural pools

Dive into natural pools only the boat can reach

A 2-hour boat excursion from Gaeta that circles the Gulf, passes medieval castles and cliff formations, then anchors at Pozzo del Diavolo and 40 Remi for 30 minutes of snorkeling in turquoise natural pools set among caves and inlets. The boat stays afloat for most of the route while the commander narrates the city's fortifications and geology; snorkeling equipment is included. Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and swimming in Gaeta

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

The Experience

The boat leaves the port and heads into the Gulf of Gaeta, where the commander points out the ancient fortifications, Bastions, the Church of San Francesco and the Cathedral of Sant'Erasmo that dominate the shoreline. You stay aboard as the boat rounds Punta Stendardo to show you the Borgo Antico perched on the cliff above and the Church of San Giovanni a Mare, which opens directly onto the water. The real draw comes next: Monte Orlando, a protected marine oasis where the boat passes the Castle—built in both Angevin and Aragonese periods and once used as a maximum-security prison—and the cliffs that rise straight from the sea.

As you continue along the coast, the boat navigates past the Grotta del Turco, a large inlet where the commander explains how the cave formed, and then Montagna Spaccata, a split mountain with a chapel built into the fissure. You'll pass Serapo Beach, one of seven stretches of sand in Gaeta, before reaching the snorkeling stop. The boat anchors at Pozzo del Diavolo and 40 Remi—real natural pools accessible only by sea, set among caves and smaller inlets. You have about 30 minutes to enter the water with the included snorkeling gear, then time to dry off before heading back to port.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• fuel.
• live narration in English or Italian of the Gulf's fortifications, castles, and geological formations.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gaeta Escursioni

Is this one for you?The boat moves constantly for the first hour and a half, so this suits travelers comfortable with being on the water and ready to enter it at the natural pools. If you prefer a longer swim or multiple snorkeling stops, a different excursion may fit better; if you want the castles and cliffs without getting wet, you can stay aboard the whole time.

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Top questions

What exactly is Pozzo del Diavolo, and why can you only reach it by boat?

Pozzo del Diavolo and 40 Remi are natural pools carved into the Gaeta coastline, surrounded by caves and rock inlets. The boat is the only practical way to access them because they sit in a protected marine oasis with no beach or land approach; the water and rock formations make land entry impossible.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The snorkeling break lasts about 30 minutes. After you finish, the crew gives you time to dry off before the boat returns to port, so you're not sitting wet for the ride back.

Will the guide speak English, or only Italian?

The commander gives the tour in both English and Italian, so language is not a barrier.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel—can I just stay on the boat?

Yes. You can remain aboard during the snorkeling stop. The boat anchors at the natural pools, but there's no requirement to enter the water.

Is there hotel pickup, or do I need to get to the port myself?

There is no hotel pickup included. You'll need to make your own way to the port in Gaeta; public transportation options are available nearby.

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

Fuel and snorkeling equipment are included. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and sun protection; the crew provides time to dry off between the water and the return journey.