Boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano caves with aperitif

Palazzese Cave opens straight onto the sea, and you stop there for aperitif.

A 2.5-hour boat tour from Monopoli along the Polignano coast, passing the Old Port, Porta Vecchia, Scoglio dell'Eremita and several sea caves, with a live guide in English, Spanish or Italian. The tour includes an Apulian aperitif of taralli, focaccia, and Prosecco or soft drinks served aboard at Palazzese Cave, one of the most famous natural wonders of the area. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Monopoli and Polignano coast

• View Old Port of Monopoli from sea
• Admire Porta Vecchia and city beach
• See Scoglio dell'Eremita rock
• Pass Cala Corvino and reach Port’Alga cove
• Explore Grotta Piana sea cave
• View Lama Monachile beach and Modugno statue
• Stop at Palazzese Cave for aperitif

The experience

The boat leaves Monopoli and begins with the Old Port from the water: colorful fishing boats, historic walls and white houses overlooking the harbor, the heart of the city's maritime tradition. Sailing along the coast, you pass Porta Vecchia, a historic opening in the city walls with a beach at its feet, then reach Scoglio dell'Eremita, the imposing rock that marks the entry to Polignano a Mare and is named after a hermit who once lived in a nearby cave.

The route continues through Cala Corvino, a hidden cove visible only from the sea, and into Port'Alga, a small bay that was once a mooring point for local fishermen's boats and still keeps its rustic charm. Transparent waters and wind-shaped rocks make it a stop for photos or a short swim. Then you reach Grotta Piana, a sea cave with a wide opening and turquoise waters so clear you can see the rock below, followed by Lama Monachile, the iconic beach surrounded by high cliffs that plunge into the water, with a small pebble beach between the rock walls and a bridge connecting the cliffs. Nearby stands a statue of Domenico Modugno, the Italian singer-songwriter famous for "Volare."

The tour ends at Palazzese Cave, one of the most famous natural wonders of the area, where the cave opens directly onto crystal clear sea and access is only possible by water. Here you stop to relax and enjoy an aperitif on board: taralli in various flavors (mortadella, calzone, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel), focaccia from Bari, and your choice of Prosecco or soft drinks. A guide in English, Spanish or Italian explains the places as you go.

What’s included

• Use of boat and guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• rich Apulian aperitif with taralli of various flavors, focaccia from Bari, and Prosecco or soft drinks.
• explanation of the places visited.
• fuel included in the price.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday and WednesdayDepartures at 09:00, 12:00, 15:30 and 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Child (3 to 6 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Toboat

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to swim and snorkel among the sea caves rather than view them from shore. Your guide takes you by boat directly to the underwater sites, with aperitif served at Palazzese Cave.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 6 years); Infant (under 3): 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 Scoglio dell'Eremita and why does it matter on this tour?

Scoglio dell'Eremita is an imposing rock in the middle of the sea named after a hermit who once lived in a nearby cave. It marks the entry point to Polignano a Mare and is visible from the boat as a natural symbol of the transition between Monopoli and the Polignano coast.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, you can take a short regenerating bath at Port'Alga, a small bay with transparent waters and wind-shaped rocks that was once a mooring point for local fishermen's boats.

What exactly is included in the aperitif served at Palazzese Cave?

The Apulian aperitif includes taralli in various flavors (mortadella, calzone, sun-dried tomatoes, fennel), focaccia from Bari, and your choice of Prosecco or soft drinks.

How long is the whole tour?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours from start to finish, including the aperitif stop at Palazzese Cave.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes, infants are welcome and required to sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all physical fitness levels, and service animals are allowed.