Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour, Sea Caves & Swim with Aperitif

Summary

Boat along Polignano’s coast into blue caves swim and snack

You’ll glide along Polignano a Mare’s coast by boat with a local guide, slipping into glowing sea caves and stopping to swim in clear green water. Snorkeling gear is included if you want it. Finish with an Italian-style aperitif on board—olives, taralli, drinks—and time to soak up those cliffside views that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the little boat at Polignano a Mare and honestly, I was still fiddling with my sunscreen when our guide, Paolo, started pointing out these wild limestone cliffs. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen (probably mostly me), and the water was that deep green you only see in travel magazines. We weren’t even five minutes out before Paolo steered us right under this arch — he called it “la porta blu” — and suddenly we were inside a cave where the light turned everything electric blue. Someone behind me gasped; I think it was justified.

Paolo kept switching between Italian and English, tossing in stories about old fishermen and why the rocks have those weird holes (sea urchins, apparently). He even let us pick the music for a bit — though I think he regretted letting my friend DJ. After weaving through maybe three or four more caves (I lost count because I was busy sticking my hand in the cold water), we stopped somewhere quiet for a swim. The water was colder than I expected but so clear you could see your toes wiggling. They handed out snorkels if you wanted them; I just floated on my back for a while, listening to distant voices echoing off the cliffs.

After drying off — or trying to, since my towel blew away for a second — Paolo brought out little trays with olives, taralli, and some local wine. It wasn’t fancy but it felt right, especially with everyone’s hair still wet and salty. There was this moment when everyone just kind of went quiet, watching the sun bounce off the cave walls. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. If you’re looking for something easy but actually memorable around Polignano a Mare, this boat tour is worth it… even if you butcher “grazie” like I did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Polignano a Mare boat tour and aperitif

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

Top questions

How long does the Polignano a Mare boat tour last?

The boat tour lasts about 90 minutes along 10km of coastline.

Are drinks or snacks included on the boat tour?

Yes, an aperitif with alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks plus snacks is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks and tubes are available on request from staff.

Can children or infants join the Polignano boat tour?

Yes, infants must sit on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If safety can’t be guaranteed due to weather, the tour may be canceled before boarding with refunds given.

Will there be historical information shared during the trip?

Yes, guides share historical facts and anecdotes in English or other languages as needed.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided boat ride from Polignano a Mare exploring sea caves along 10km of coastline, use of snorkeling gear if you want it during your swim stop (location depends on sea conditions), plus an Italian aperitif with drinks and snacks served onboard before heading back to shore.