Polignano a Mare boat tour: caves, swimming & aperitif

Swim in hidden coves and drink prosecco where the cliffs meet the sea

A 2-hour boat tour along the Polignano a Mare coast explores sea caves and natural arches accessible only by water, with time to swim and snorkel in the Adriatic. The crew shares the history of each landmark while you enjoy Apulian prosecco and tarallini; snorkeling gear is included, and the boat departs from Polignano a Mare itself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Polignano coast

• Start tour at departure point
• Listen to guide's story
• See natural arches and caves
• Visit Peter and Paul Cave
• Visit Cave of the Doves
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Enjoy aperitif with prosecco and tarallini
• Relax and take panoramic photos

The Experience

The boat leaves Polignano a Mare and heads along the limestone cliffs where the coast opens into sea caves and arches carved by centuries of water. Your guide points out the Peter and Paul Cave and the Cave of the Doves, explaining what each one is and why it matters to the town's story. These formations sit too far below the clifftop roads to reach on foot, so the boat is how you actually get close enough to see them.

Partway through, the crew anchors in a cove and hands out snorkeling gear so you can slip into the water and look around underwater. The Adriatic here is clear enough to see the seabed, and the swim break gives you time to move around instead of sitting on a bench for two hours. After you're back on board and dried off, there's an aperitif: Apulian prosecco and tarallini, the local cracker-like snack. It's a small thing, but it marks the difference between a boat ride and an actual outing.

The crew speaks English and Italian, so the stories about the caves and the coastline come through clearly. You'll have chances to photograph the cliffs and the arches from the water—angles you can't get from land. The whole tour runs about two hours, which is long enough to feel unhurried but short enough to fit into an afternoon.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• Apulian prosecco and tarallini.
• crew commentary in English and Italian.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Carmy tour on Boat

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the caves and arches of the Polignano a Mare coast without arranging your own boat or spending the day on a crowded group excursion—the fixed departure and small-boat format mean you move at a steady pace and stop where the crew knows the water is safe for swimming.

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Top questions

What can you actually see on the Polignano a Mare boat tour?

The tour passes sea caves and natural stone arches carved into the limestone cliffs, including the Peter and Paul Cave and the Cave of the Doves. These formations sit below the clifftop and are only accessible from the water, so the boat gets you close enough to see the detail and hear the crew explain their history.

Do you get time to swim during the tour?

Yes. The boat anchors in a cove partway through, and you can snorkel in the Adriatic with gear provided. You're free to stay in the water or stay on board—it's your choice during that break.

What's included in the aperitif?

The aperitif includes Apulian prosecco and tarallini, a local savory cracker. It's served on board after the swim break.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours from start to finish, including the swim and snorkel break and the aperitif.

What languages does the guide speak?

The crew speaks English and Italian, so the stories and information about each stop come through in both languages.