Boat tour Polignano caves from Monopoli: Swim and Prosecco

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.

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Shared gozzo boat trip from Monopoli to the Polignano cavesGuide in English or Italian · 10:00, 13:00, 15:30 and 18:00

Private gozzo cruiseGuide in English or Italian · Available from 25 Oct 2027

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 13:00, 15:30 and 18:00Last departure this season: 17 Nov

Book up to1h before

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

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish 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 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 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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English 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 Grotta Palazzese and why is it famous?

Grotta Palazzese is a sea cave in Polignano a Mare with a restaurant built inside it. You'll sail past it during the tour and see the cave opening from the water.

Can I swim during the boat tour from Monopoli?

Yes, the tour includes a swimming stop in the water off Polignano a Mare. You'll have time to get in the water before returning to the boat for snacks.

What food and drinks are included on the gozzo boat?

The tour includes Prosecco, focaccia from Bari, taralli, and olives. Bottled water, peach or lemon tea, cola, and orange soda are also available on board.

How long is the boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano?

The tour lasts 2.5 hours total, including the sailing time, cave visits, and the swimming and snack stop.