Polignano a Mare boat tour: Caves and swim break, small group

Five caves carved into the limestone cliffs of Polignano a Mare, reached by boat.

A small-group boat tour of Polignano a Mare explores five sea caves along the rocky Adriatic coast, including the restaurant cave Grotta Palazzese and the lovers' cave Grotta degli Innamorati. The tour includes a swim break, bottled water, Prosecco and taralli snacks on board, and runs roughly two hours with a live guide in English or Italian. Pickup is available on one option; the other departs from the harbor without it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Polignano a Mare caves

• Admire statue of Domenico Modugno
• View panoramic Bourbon period site
• See famous cave restaurant from sea
• Enjoy swim break
• Have Prosecco and Apulian taralli refreshment

The Experience

The boat leaves from Polignano a Mare's waterfront and moves along the limestone cliffs, passing the statue of Domenico Modugno—the singer whose "Volare" made the town famous—before entering the caves themselves. Grotta Palazzese appears first, the one carved into the rock face where an exclusive restaurant operates inside; then Grotta Ardito and Grotta degli Innamorati, each with its own shape and depth. The guide points out Scoglio dell'Eremita and Lama Monachile as the boat works its way along the coast.

A swim break happens partway through, so bring a towel or wear something that dries fast. While you're on board between stops, the crew serves bottled water, Prosecco and taralli—the local Apulian crackers—so you're not thirsty or hungry by the time you get back. The whole outing runs about two hours and suits any fitness level, including infants (who sit on an adult's lap) and service animals.

You'll choose between a private boat for your group alone, or a small shared tour. If you pick the option with pickup, the driver collects you from your hotel; without it, you meet the boat at the harbor in Polignano a Mare itself. The guide speaks English or Italian depending on the group.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• Prosecco and taralli snacks on board.
• a swim break during the route.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• hotel pickup on the option that includes it.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blue Wave - Escursioni in barca

Is this one for you?Book the private option if your group wants the boat to yourself and the flexibility to linger at whichever cave appeals most; choose the small shared tour if you'd rather split the cost and meet other travelers while the guide handles the route and timing.

Traveler reviews

4.86★★★★★★★★★★

534 verified traveler reviews

5 ★495

4 ★21

3 ★9

2 ★2

1 ★7

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What are the caves we'll actually see on this boat tour?

The tour visits five caves: Grotta Palazzese (the famous restaurant cave), Grotta Ardito, Grotta degli Innamorati (the lovers' cave), Scoglio dell'Eremita and Lama Monachile. Each one is carved into the limestone cliffs and has its own character.

Is there time to swim during the tour?

Yes—a swim break is built into the route, so bring a towel or wear clothes that dry quickly. The boat stops long enough for you to get in the water before moving on to the next cave.

What's included to eat and drink on the boat?

Bottled water, Prosecco and taralli (Apulian crackers) are served on board during the tour, so you won't go thirsty or hungry between the caves.

Can I book a private boat just for my group?

Yes—one option is a private two-hour boat tour for your group alone. The other options are small shared tours, with or without hotel pickup included.

How long does the whole tour take?

The boat tour runs roughly two hours from start to finish, including the swim break and the time spent at each cave.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

One option includes pickup from your hotel in Polignano a Mare; the other two options depart from the harbor without it, so you'll meet the boat at the waterfront.