Guided Boat Tour to Santa Maria di Leuca Caves: Swim & Snorkel

Three caves, three swims, one afternoon on the water

A 3-hour guided boat tour from Santa Maria di Leuca sails the east and west coasts to reach sea caves where you swim and snorkel. The boat stops at Grotta del Bambino, an ancient cave with a 30-meter tunnel named for a Neanderthal child's molar found inside, and two other caves nearby. You'll also pass Punta Ristola, the southeastern tip of Italy, and a 16th-century tower built to watch for Saracen raids.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour exploring sea caves

• Depart from port towards east coast
• See meeting point of Ionian and Adriatic Seas
• Swim at Soffio cave for 30 minutes
• Travel towards west coast
• View 1500s Saracen watchtower
• Visit Punta Ristola, Italy's southeastern tip
• Swim and explore Grotta del Bambino cave
• Visit two additional caves
• Return to port

The experience

The boat leaves the port heading east toward the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Within the first hour, you reach Soffio cave, where the boat stops for about 30 minutes so you can swim inside and see the cave formations up close. The water is clear enough to move around freely, and the guide points out the rock formations and the way light plays across the water.

After Soffio, the boat turns west along the opposite coast. You'll pass Punta Ristola, Italy's southernmost point, and a defensive tower from 1500 that once warned of Saracen ships. The main stop is Grotta del Bambino, named for a child's molar discovered inside dating to the Neanderthal era. A 30-meter tunnel runs through the cave, and the entrance has three separate openings that frame the water in different ways. You get another 30-minute swim break here to explore the tunnel and the cave interior. Two smaller caves follow before the boat returns to port.

The tour runs with a live guide speaking English or Italian, and an aperitif is served on board. Soda and pop are available throughout, and the boat is air-conditioned between stops.

What’s included

• Soda and pop.
• aperitif.
• fuel.
• air-conditioned boat between stops.
• live guide in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00, 13:00 and 16:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Audio guideEnglish 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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nautica Marilor

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim into the caves rather than walk to them, and you're comfortable with 30 minutes of open-water swimming in a group setting. Choose the land-based tour instead if you prefer to explore at your own pace or skip swimming altogether.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

61 verified traveler reviews

5 ★52

4 ★9

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 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.

How much time do I actually spend swimming versus sitting on the boat?

You get two dedicated swimming stops of about 30 minutes each: one at Soffio cave and one at Grotta del Bambino. A third, smaller cave is visited briefly after that. The rest of the 3-hour tour is spent sailing between stops, passing landmarks like Punta Ristola and the 16th-century tower.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The tour is listed as suitable for all physical fitness levels. The swimming stops are in sheltered coves where the water is calm and clear. If you have concerns about your swimming ability, let the guide know when you board so they can offer guidance at each stop.