Polignano boat tour: caves, cliffs & prosecco

The boat winds through limestone caves carved into the cliffs where people actually dive.

A two-hour guided boat tour along the coast of Polignano a Mare departs from Cala Ponte Marina and passes through a sequence of sea caves, coves and rock formations, including the Grotta Palazzese, Grotta degli Innamorati, and the Lama Monachile cliff. The route includes time to swim; prosecco and taralli are served on board. A live guide speaks English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat excursion along Polignano coast

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

The Experience

The boat leaves Cala Ponte Marina and heads into the Grotta delle Rondinelle, the first of several caves carved into the limestone cliffs. From there the route winds through Cala Paura, the Grottone, and past the Statue of Domenico Modugno before reaching the Lama Monachile — the balcony overlooking the water where the Red Bull cliff diving competition is held. You see the divers' launch point from the boat itself, then continue to the Grotta Palazzese and other smaller caves and coves, including the Scoglio dell'Eremita and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

Swimming happens during the excursion: you have the opportunity to dive into the water between the rock formations. The boat carries a live guide in English or Italian who narrates the route. On board you're offered a glass of prosecco and a packet of taralli — the local crackers — as the boat moves through the water.

The excursion lasts about two hours total and operates from the new tourist port at Cala Ponte Marina in Polignano a Mare. Small dogs are allowed on board. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, though small children must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. Public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Italian.
• a glass of prosecco and taralli on board.
• swimming time during the route.
• passage through multiple sea caves and coves including the Grotta Palazzese and Grotta degli Innamorati.
• views of the Lama Monachile cliff diving site.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mammamia boat experience

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the Polignano caves and cliffs from the water rather than from the land — the boat gets you inside the limestone formations and past the Red Bull cliff diving location, with time to swim between the stops.

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Top questions

What caves does the boat actually go through on this tour?

The route passes through the Grotta delle Rondinelle, Cala Paura, the Grottone, the Grotta Palazzese, the Scoglio dell'Eremita, and the Grotta degli Innamorati. You also see the Lama Monachile, the cliff formation where the Red Bull cliff diving competition takes place, from the water.

Is there time to swim during the two hours?

Yes — you have the opportunity to dive into the sea during the excursion, swimming in the water between the rock formations and caves.

What's included on the boat?

A glass of prosecco and a packet of taralli are served on board. The guide is live and speaks either English or Italian depending on the departure you book.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from Cala Ponte Marina, the new tourist port in Polignano a Mare, and returns to the same location after the two-hour excursion.

Can I bring children or small dogs?

Small dogs are allowed on board. Infants can travel in a pram or stroller, though small children must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.