Polignano a Mare: Boat Tour with Sea Caves & Prosecco

Summary

Polignano boat trip caves prosecco swim local guide included

You’ll cruise along Polignano’s coast by boat with a local guide, slipping into sea caves and past famous landmarks like Grotta Palazzese. Enjoy prosecco and taralli as you float or take a swim in that unreal blue water. It’s relaxed, sometimes funny, always genuine — you’ll leave salty-haired and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that happened was I nearly missed the dock — I’d been staring at the water, not the signs. Our captain, Mario, waved me over with this big grin and a “Tranquilla!” like he’d seen it all before. We set off from Cala Ponte Marina in Polignano a Mare, which already smelled like salt and sunscreen and something faintly sweet from the little café nearby. The boat was smaller than I pictured (in a good way), and everyone shuffled around awkwardly at first, but then someone made a joke about “MAMMAMIA” being how we’d all sound if we fell in. It broke the ice.

As we drifted past Grotta delle Rondinelle and Cala Paura, Mario pointed out spots where locals jump into the sea — apparently there’s an art to it. He told us stories about Domenico Modugno (the statue looks even more dramatic from the water) and where they hold that wild cliff diving competition at Lama Monachile. The caves were honestly cooler than I expected; there’s this blue-green light inside Grotta Palazzese that makes everything glow. At one point, I tried to say “taralli” properly when they handed out snacks — Li laughed when I butchered it. The prosecco tasted extra crisp out there, maybe because of the salty air or just because everyone seemed happy.

I didn’t plan to swim but somehow ended up jumping in anyway — peer pressure works even on grown-ups, apparently. The water was cold for a second and then perfect. There was this weird silence underwater except for my own bubbles, which I still think about sometimes. On deck after, people just sat quietly for a bit, drying off in the sun. We passed Scoglio dell’Eremita and Mario pointed out Grotta degli Innamorati — he winked when he said it’s “romantic,” but nobody pressed him for details.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Polignano coast

• Depart from Polignano a Mare port
• Pass Grotta delle Rondinelle and Cala Paura
• See Grottone and Domenico Modugno statue
• View Lama Monachile cliff diving balcony
• Admire Grotta Palazzese and other caves
• Spot Scoglio dell'Eremita and Grotta degli Innamorati
• Opportunity to dive into blue sea

Top questions

How long does the Polignano boat tour last?

The excursion lasts about two hours from departure to return.

Where does the boat depart from in Polignano a Mare?

The tour starts at Cala Ponte Marina, the new tourist port of Polignano a Mare.

Is swimming included during the boat trip?

Yes, there is an opportunity to dive into the sea during the tour.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

You’ll be offered a glass of prosecco and a packet of taralli during the trip.

Can infants or small children join this excursion?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Are pets allowed on the Polignano boat tour?

Small dogs are allowed on board for this excursion.

Is public transportation available near the departure point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available nearby Cala Ponte Marina.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Cala Ponte Marina with a local guide at the helm, time exploring sea caves and coves along Polignano’s coast, plus prosecco and taralli served on board before returning to port refreshed (and probably still sandy).