Snorkeling in Polignano a Mare: Sea caves and Lama Monachile

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1/29

Duration2h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Two hours, four sea caves, one swim in Lama Monachile

A two-hour boat tour from the Abbey of San Vito in Polignano a Mare takes you along dramatic cliffs and hidden coves to snorkel in crystal-clear Adriatic waters and see the iconic Lama Monachile from the sea. The small group stays under 10 guests, and a local skipper narrates the route in English or Italian. Snorkeling gear is provided; the tour ends with Prosecco, focaccia from Bari, and soft drinks aboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Polignano a Mare coast

Start at Abbey of San Vito
Discover Cala Paura beach
View Domenico Modugno statue
See Belvedere di Santo Stefano
Stop at Lama Monachile cove
Admire Grotta Palazzese cave
Visit Rock of the Hermit
End at Grotta degli Innamorati cave

The Experience

The tour departs from the Abbey of San Vito, a historic stone structure overlooking the water that doubles as your launch point and first photo stop. From there the mini catamaran heads out along the coast, passing Cala Paura—a cove ringed by cliffs and natural caves where local fishing boats still anchor—and a statue of Domenico Modugno, Polignano's most famous son, his arms open toward the sea. The boat moves at a pace that lets you take in the Belvedere di Santo Stefano, one of the most photographed viewpoints on the Adriatic, before arriving at the main event.

Lama Monachile is where you stop to swim and snorkel. The cove sits between high cliffs and a historic Bourbon bridge, with golden sand and water clear enough to see the bottom. Snorkeling equipment is provided; you enter the water on your own and stay as long as you want during the stop. The skipper watches from the boat and can point out what lives below. This is also where the Red Bull Cliff Diving event takes place each June, though you'll experience it in far calmer conditions.

On the return, the route passes Grotta Palazzese—the most famous cave in Polignano, now home to a restaurant carved into the rock—and the Rock of the Hermit, a solitary formation rising from the water. The tour ends at Grotta degli Innamorati, a small inlet hidden in the cliffs, where you get a final swim before heading back. Once aboard, you relax with Prosecco rosé, focaccia barese, iced tea, peach tea, lemon drinks and water. The whole experience runs two hours.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment.
Prosecco rosé.
focaccia from Bari.
iced tea, peach tea, lemon drinks and water.
bathroom stop aboard.
local skipper guiding in English or Italian.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Croccante Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel from a boat rather than dive, and need a morning or afternoon slot that leaves time to explore Polignano's town center and restaurants afterward.