Private boat tour of Gargano coast from Vieste: Caves and Zagare

White cliffs, sea caves and a swim stop along the southern Gargano coast

A private boat tour departing from Vieste port explores the southern Gargano coastline with a skipper, passing the monolith of Pizzomunno, the peninsula of San Francesco, the islet of S. Eufemia, and bays named San Felice, Campi, Porto Greco, Pugnochiuso, Vignanotica and Zagare. The tour includes a swim stop and an aperitif, runs about four hours, and operates only in favorable weather conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour along Gargano coast

• Start from Vieste port
• Admire islet of S. Eufemia
• View peninsula of San Francesco
• See monolith of Pizzomunno
• Pass Scialara beach and Portonuovo
• Observe Arco di San Felice and Campana cave
• Admire Testa del Gargano cliffs
• Enjoy bays of San Felice, Campi, Porto Greco
• Visit bay of Pugnochiuso and cala della Pergola
• See bay of Vignanotica and gravel bay of Zagare
• Swim stop in sea caves
• Enjoy aperitif on board

The experience

What makes this tour work is that it starts from Vieste's port itself: no transfer needed, no waiting at a separate dock. You board a private boat with a skipper who speaks Italian and takes you along a route that strings together named landmarks most visitors miss from land. The monolith of Pizzomunno rises from the water with its legend attached (a fisherman and a mermaid, the story goes). The peninsula of San Francesco and the islet of S. Eufemia sit offshore where the light hits them differently than from the shore. Between these named stops, the boat passes high white cliffs where pines and rockroses lean out over the water, and a sequence of bays (San Felice, Campi, Porto Greco, Pugnochiuso, Vignanotica) each one distinct enough that the skipper can point them out.

The Arco di San Felice marks where the entrance to the small Campana cave becomes visible from the water, and the route ends at the bay of Zagare, where the gravel beach and the cliffs behind it form the visual anchor of the southern coast. Somewhere in the middle of the crossing, you stop to swim in the clear water. Afterward, an aperitif comes on board. The whole outing takes about four hours. Because this is a private boat, the skipper adjusts the pace (lingering where the light is best, moving on if the swell picks up), rather than holding to a fixed schedule.

Weather decides whether the tour runs. If conditions turn, you can rebook for another date or take a full refund. Infants travel on an adult's lap, and service animals are welcome. The experience is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy, as the boat motion and sea conditions carry real physical demands.

What’s included

• Private boat rental with skipper for the full crossing.
• a swim stop in the sea.
• an aperitif served on board.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Apr 2027

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideItalian

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.

Paid on site€ 50

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gargano Viaggi

Is this one for you?Starting from Vieste port means no separate transfer or pickup. You walk to the dock and board. This suits anyone staying in town or without a car, since the tour begins where the town meets the water.

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Top questions

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 the monolith of Pizzomunno, and why does it matter on this tour?

The monolith of Pizzomunno is a distinctive rock formation rising from the water off the Gargano coast, named after a legend of a fisherman and a mermaid. It's one of the landmark sights the boat passes on the route from Vieste, and its shape and story make it a visual anchor for understanding the coastline.

Can I swim during the four-hour tour, or is it just sightseeing from the boat?

The tour includes a swim stop in the clear water of the Gargano, so you get in the sea during the crossing. After swimming, an aperitif is served on board.

Does the tour run every day, or does weather affect the schedule?

The tour only runs in favorable weather conditions. If bad weather cancels your departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Is the skipper a guide who explains the sights, or just the boat operator?

The skipper operates the boat and speaks Italian. The tour is personalized to your group, so the skipper can point out landmarks and adjust the route based on conditions and your interests.

Where exactly does the boat depart from, and do I need to arrange my own transport there?

The boat leaves from the port of Vieste itself, so if you're staying in town or can reach the port on foot, no separate transfer is needed. The private boat rental includes the skipper and transportation along the coast.