Boat tour Polignano caves from Monopoli: swim and Prosecco

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.77 (200 reviews) 85% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/10

Duration2h 30m

GroupUp to 11

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Sail past the cliffs where Red Bull divers jump, then float in the caves they frame

A shared motorized gozzo boat tour departing from Monopoli port and sailing to the sea caves of Polignano a Mare, with stops at Grotta Palazzese, Lama Monachile, and Isola dell'Eremita. The tour runs 2.5 hours, includes a swim in the water, Prosecco and Apulian snacks aboard, and a live English or Italian-speaking guide. Small groups of mixed nationalities travel together on the same boat.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Polignano a Mare caves

Depart from Monopoli port
Admire Monopoli port and ancient walls
Visit Grotta Palazzese cave and restaurant
View cliffs and pebble beach of Polignano a Mare
Sail past small cove and pebble beach north of Polignano
See statue of famous singer from the sea
Swim in Polignano a Mare waters
Toast with Prosecco and local snacks onboard

The Experience

The boat leaves Monopoli port and heads south toward Polignano a Mare, a town built on cliffs that drop straight into the sea. You'll pass the ancient walls that ring Monopoli's harbor, then sail toward the caves carved into the rock face — Grotta Palazzese (the one with the restaurant inside), Lama Monachile (a natural inlet with a pebble beach where Red Bull cliff divers compete), and Isola dell'Eremita, a small island where Corsican seagulls nest. The guide points out the Lovers' Cave, the Ardito Cave, and others as you move along the coastline.

Partway through, the boat stops so you can swim in the water off Polignano a Mare. After you climb back aboard, you'll have Prosecco, focaccia from Bari, taralli, and olives — all local Apulian products — with the cliffs still in view. The boat also carries bottled water, tea, cola and orange soda. There's a restroom on board if you need it.

This is a shared tour, so you'll be on the boat with other travelers from different countries. The guide speaks English or Italian depending on the group. Children can ride in a stroller or pram, and infants sit on an adult's lap. The pace is set by the boat's schedule, not by individual requests, so everyone moves through the same stops in the same order.

What’s included

Motorized gozzo boat transport from Monopoli port.
visits to Grotta Palazzese, Lama Monachile, Isola dell'Eremita and other sea caves.
one swimming stop in the water.
Prosecco, focaccia, taralli and olives.
bottled water, tea and soft drinks.
on-board restroom.
live guide in English or Italian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Wave - Escursioni in barca

Is this one for you?Choose this shared tour if you prefer a guided route through the caves with other travelers rather than coordinating your own transport, and want Prosecco and snacks included; book the private option if you'd rather have the boat and guide dedicated to your group alone.