Monopoli & Polignano: Gozzo Boat Tour with Caves & Aperitif

Summary

Polignano caves by boat from Monopoli with local snacks and Prosecco

You’ll feel the salty breeze as you cruise from Monopoli to Polignano’s famous sea caves on a classic gozzo boat, sharing stories with fellow travelers over focaccia, olives, and chilled Prosecco. Swim in clear blue water beneath limestone cliffs before heading back—still grinning from sun and laughter.

What’s the experience like?

Salt in the air and that first slap of sunlight off the water — that’s what I remember as we pushed off from Monopoli’s old port. Our guide, Marco (he waved like he knew everyone on the docks), steered the wooden gozzo out past the stone walls. There were just eight of us, all strangers at first, but it didn’t feel awkward. Someone pointed at a fisherman untangling nets and I caught the faintest smell of diesel mixed with seaweed. The engine hummed low as we slid along the coast toward Polignano a Mare.

I’d seen photos of those caves before but nothing really prepares you for how they look up close — Grotta Palazzese especially, where there’s actually a restaurant tucked inside. Marco told us stories about smugglers and monks (I only half caught it over the engine noise), then suddenly cut it so we could hear water echoing inside one of the smaller caves. That was kind of magic. He handed out taralli and focaccia from Bari — still warm, somehow? — plus olives that tasted briny and sharp. We toasted with Prosecco while bobbing near Lama Monachile; someone played “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu” on their phone and even Marco sang along, badly.

The swim stop was quick but cold — honestly I hesitated at first, but two others jumped right in so I followed. The water near Polignano a Mare is clearer than any pool I’ve ever seen; I could see my feet dangling above smooth pebbles. When we climbed back in, shivering and laughing, Marco poured peach tea into plastic cups for anyone who wanted something sweet instead of more bubbles. Sunlight started to slip behind the cliffs but no one seemed in a hurry to head back.

I keep thinking about that moment when everything went quiet except for seagulls wheeling overhead and someone crunching into an olive pit by accident (she laughed so hard she nearly dropped her glass). It wasn’t perfect — my towel got soaked and my Italian is hopeless — but sometimes that’s what makes it real, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Polignano a Mare caves

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

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but typical tours along this route last around 2–3 hours including stops for swimming and snacks.

Is swimming included during the Polignano caves boat tour?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming in the clear waters near Polignano a Mare during the tour.

What food or drinks are served on board?

You’ll get Apulian focaccia, taralli, olives, Prosecco, bottled water, peach or lemon tea, Coca Cola or orange soda.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Monopoli port for departure.

Is there a restroom on board the gozzo boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board during your trip.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

Do guides speak English during this tour?

The tour welcomes guests of different nationalities; guides generally speak English and Italian.

What are some highlights visited during this boat trip?

You’ll see Grotta Palazzese cave restaurant, Lama Monachile beach inlet, Isola dell’Eremita island, Lovers’ Cave and Ardito Cave.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Monopoli port with a local guide aboard a classic gozzo boat; stops to visit several famous sea caves near Polignano a Mare; time for swimming in crystal-clear waters; Apulian aperitivo featuring focaccia from Bari, taralli and olives; flutes of Prosecco; soft drinks like peach tea or soda; bottled water; plus access to an onboard restroom before returning to port together.