Boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano a Mare sea caves

See the caves and the coast from the water, then swim in one of them

A 2-hour boat tour from Monopoli to the sea caves of Polignano a Mare, with a swimming stop in one of the caves and a small aperitif served on board. The route passes the 16th-century Castle of Charles V, the Grotta Palazzese restaurant built inside a cave, and the famous cliff-diving beach, with a live guide in English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour from Monopoli to Polignano a Mare

• See ancient port of Monopoli
• Pass by Castle of Charles V
• View coast and sea caves
• Appreciate terraces overlooking sea
• See Grotta Palazzese restaurant
• Visit famous Polignano beach
• View statue of native singer
• Enjoy swimming stop and aperitif

The experience

The boat leaves Monopoli and runs the coast south toward Polignano a Mare. You'll pass the ancient port and the Castle of Charles V, a 16th-century fortress that anchors the Monopoli waterfront, then move into the stretch of limestone cliffs and sea caves that make this coast distinctive. The water is clear enough that you see the rock formations below the surface as the boat slows to point out each cave.

One stop is the Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant carved directly into a cave mouth: the kind of place that looks impossible until you're floating in front of it. The tour also passes the postcard beach of Polignano a Mare, where the Red Bull Cliff Diving festival takes place each summer, and a statue in the water dedicated to a famous singer from the town. The guide narrates in English or Italian, so you get the history and the names of what you're looking at.

Partway through, the boat anchors at one of the caves for a swimming stop. You can jump in or stay on board. Either way, a small aperitif and snacks come out. The whole thing runs 2 hours, which is long enough to see the full stretch of coast without the day becoming a boat ride.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• snacks and a small aperitif on board.
• live guide in English or Italian.
• swimming stop in one of the sea caves.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (7 to 80 years) · Child (under 7)

GroupUp to 9 · max 7 per booking

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by ImbarcaTour

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here. The boat is intimate enough that you hear the guide and see the caves without fighting for space. Pick this tour if you want the coast and the caves without renting a boat or driving the cliff roads yourself.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

156 verified traveler reviews

5 ★120

4 ★21

3 ★8

2 ★3

1 ★4

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 (under 7).

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 the Grotta Palazzese that the tour passes?

The Grotta Palazzese is a restaurant built inside a sea cave on the Polignano coast. You see it from the water during the tour, carved into the rock face where the cave opens to the sea.

Do I get to swim during the 2-hour tour?

Yes, there is a swimming stop at one of the sea caves. You can jump in or stay on the boat. Snacks and a small aperitif are served either way.

What is the Red Bull Cliff Diving beach I'll see?

It's the famous postcard beach of Polignano a Mare, where the Red Bull Cliff Diving festival takes place. The tour passes it during the route along the coast.

Is the guide in English?

The guide speaks English or Italian, so you can choose the language when you book.

What do I need to bring for the swimming stop?

Bring a swimsuit and a towel. The boat provides bottled water, snacks and a small aperitif during the tour.