Gaeta boat tour to Sperlonga: Cliffs, caves and swimming stops
Sail past 80-meter cliffs and swim inside the Blue Grotto
A 4.5-hour boat tour departing from Gaeta that follows the Riviera di Ulisse coastline to Sperlonga, stopping at three coves for swimming and snorkeling. The route passes the Aragonese Castle, the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata carved into a cliff face, and the limestone caves of Sperlonga, including the Blue Grotto. A live guide in English or Italian narrates the history. Red pizza and snorkeling equipment are included, and you can change clothes on board.
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Step-by-step itinerary
Gaeta and Sperlonga coastal tour
- See medieval Gaeta from the sea
- Admire Temple of San Francesco
- View Aragonese Castle on rock
- Explore Riviera di Ulisse marine reserve
- Visit Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata
- Learn Saracen ship history
- Observe the ship of Serapo rock
- Swim at the devil's well
- Snorkel with provided equipment
- See Grotta di Tiberio and villa remains
- Admire Torre Truglia and historic center
The experience
You board near the TIDE Bar on the Caboto seafront in Gaeta, where the captain meets you 15 minutes before departure. The boat heads out into the Gulf of Gaeta, and the medieval town rises from the sea as you pass the neo-Gothic Temple of San Francesco and the Aragonese Castle standing on its rocky perch. The route then follows the coastline into the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, where the cliffs climb to more than 80 meters and drop sheer into the water.
At the extreme point of Monte Orlando, the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata appears: a small chapel built on a rock wedged between the cliff walls, still suspended over the deep water after centuries. Just offshore sits the "ship of Serapo," a rock formation that resembles a vessel and draws photographers and divers year-round. The first swimming stop happens in one of the coves, with snorkeling equipment provided on board and a changing room to use afterward. The tour continues along the ancient via Flacca (built in 187 BC) and passes the Grotta di Tiberio, where the remains of a Roman villa are visible from the water.
Arriving in Sperlonga, you see the Torre Truglia tower and the medieval center behind it before heading into the limestone caves (the Grotte di Capovento and the Grotte di Bazzano), and finally the Blue Grotto, where a second and third swimming stop let you spend time in the water. The boat is equipped with a sun tent that covers the seating area, and red pizza is served during the tour. Morning departures are recommended because the sea is calmer. Afternoon trips can be canceled with short notice if mistral winds pick up. Arrive 15 minutes early at the harbor. The minimum group size is six participants.
What’s included
- Red pizza.
- snorkeling equipment.
- changing room and restroom on board.
- sun tent covering the seating area.
- live guide in English or Italian.
Before you book
Prices and times updated today
Operated by Sperlonga Escursioni - Boat tours & rent
Is this one for you?The boat leaves from the harbor in central Gaeta near public parking and transport, so you don't need a car to reach the departure point. Morning departures are calmer and more reliable than afternoon ones, which can be canceled if the mistral wind picks up.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (under 12).
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 are the three swimming stops like on this tour?
The three coves are natural limestone formations along the Riviera di Ulisse coast. Two of them are inside caves (the Grotte di Capovento and the Grotte di Bazzano), and the third is the Blue Grotto in Sperlonga, where the water is clear enough to snorkel. Each stop lasts roughly 30 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is provided on board.
Can I swim and snorkel on this tour?
Yes, there are three dedicated swimming stops where you can enter the water. Snorkeling equipment is included and provided on board. You bring your own mask and snorkel for hygiene reasons, or rent one separately if needed.
What is the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata?
The Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata is a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Crucifix, built on a rock wedged between two cliff walls at the tip of Monte Orlando. It has stood there for centuries, still suspended over the sea, and is one of the most striking stops on the route.
Is this tour suitable if I don't have a car in Gaeta?
Yes, the boat departs from the harbor near the TIDE Bar on the Caboto seafront, which is in the town center with parking nearby and accessible by public transportation. You meet the captain at the jetty 15 minutes before departure.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Morning departures are recommended because the sea is calmer. Afternoon tours can be canceled with short notice if mistral winds make the sea too rough. The operator will offer an alternative date or cancel the reservation if conditions are unsafe.
What's included in the tour price?
Red pizza, snorkeling equipment, a changing room on board, a restroom, and a sun tent covering the seating area are all included. A live guide in English or Italian narrates the history and sites throughout the 4.5 hours.
Gaeta boat tour to Sperlonga: Cliffs, caves and swimming stops
4h 30m · EN · IT
from € 105 per person
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