Polignano a Mare boat tour: 10km of caves and snorkeling

Sea caves glow with blue light from inside skylights you can only reach by boat.

A 90-minute boat tour from Polignano a Mare covers 10km of coastline with visits inside all the sea caves, a swim stop where snorkeling gear is provided, and an onboard aperitif with drinks. The guide speaks English, Italian and French, weaving historical detail and local anecdotes through the route. Music plays if guests want it, and sun shade is available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour with caves and aperitif

• Visit sea caves with blue skylights
• Enjoy emerald green water and nature
• Discover Polignano with historical guide
• Swim and snorkel stop
• Aperitif on board in Polignano

The Experience

The tour runs 90 minutes along the Polignano a Mare coast, visiting 10 sea caves from the inside—the skylights in one of them cast blue light through the water in a way you cannot see from land. You travel by boat the whole way, so the caves themselves stay accessible without climbing or swimming to reach them. The guide narrates in English, Italian or French, mixing the history of the area with entertaining local stories as the boat moves along.

A swim stop breaks up the route, though the exact location shifts depending on sea conditions and maritime traffic. Snorkeling gear (mask and tube) is provided on request if you want to go under. The water here is emerald green and undeveloped, so the stop feels removed even though you are still close to shore. Music accompanies the ride if all guests are comfortable with it.

An aperitif with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks seals the tour on board, served in the setting of Polignano a Mare itself. Sun shade is available if you need it. The tour can be canceled before boarding if weather conditions do not guarantee safety; refunds are issued in that case.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and tube, provided on request).
• aperitif with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served onboard.
• English, Italian or French-speaking guide.
• sun shade on request.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Dorino Gite in Barca

Is this one for you?The boat stays on the water the whole time, so you do not need to swim to the caves or climb to reach them—the route works for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, and infants can sit on an adult's lap for the full 90 minutes.

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Top questions

What are the sea caves like inside Polignano a Mare?

One of the most famous caves has two skylights that allow blue light to glow through the water—a sight only visible from inside the cave itself. The caves are visited from the boat, so you see them without needing to swim or climb to reach them.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes, the tour includes a swim stop where snorkeling gear (mask and tube) is provided on request. The exact location of the stop depends on sea conditions and maritime traffic that day.

How long is the Polignano a Mare boat tour?

The tour runs 90 minutes and covers 10km of coastline, visiting all the sea caves along the way.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Italian and French, mixing historical information with local anecdotes throughout the route.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour can be canceled before boarding if weather conditions do not guarantee safety for the route. A full refund is issued in that case.