Snorkeling in Polignano a Mare: Sea caves and Lama Monachile

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 19:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants 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.

Traveler reviews

4.48★★★★★★★★★★

31 verified traveler reviews

5 ★25

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lama Monachile and why is it the main stop on this tour?

Lama Monachile is an iconic cove between high cliffs and a Bourbon bridge, with golden sand and clear water: one of the most photographed places in Italy. It's the designated snorkeling stop where you swim and use the provided equipment in shallow, calm water.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No. Snorkeling gear is provided and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The water at Lama Monachile is shallow and clear, and you can stay in as long as you want during the stop.

How many people go on this boat?

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, keeping the group small enough that the local skipper can give personalized attention and the boat doesn't feel crowded.

What sea caves do we see on this tour?

You pass four notable caves: Cala Paura, a cove surrounded by cliffs and natural caves near local fishing boats; Grotta Palazzese, the most famous cave in Polignano, now home to a restaurant built into the rock; the Rock of the Hermit, a solitary formation with a legend attached; and Grotta degli Innamorati, a small inlet where the tour ends with a final swim.

Is the Prosecco and focaccia included in the price?

Yes. Prosecco rosé, focaccia from Bari, iced tea, peach tea, lemon drinks and water are all included and served aboard after the snorkeling stop.