Private Boat Trip to Polignano a Mare Caves: Swim and snorkel in hidden coves

Seven-meter boat into caves and coves most visitors never reach

A private boat tour of Polignano a Mare's caves and coastline departs from Cala Ponte with a licensed guide who navigates the hidden coves and swimming spots. You'll explore the sea caves carved into the cliffs, stop at secluded spots for swimming and snorkeling, and sunbathe on the water between stops.

The experience

The boat is a modern 7-meter vessel with a 115 or 150 horsepower engine, licensed for pleasure cruising and marked with CE safety certification. Your guide is an expert navigator who knows the Polignano coast and speaks English or Italian. The tour runs roughly two hours and departs from the new tourist port at Cala Ponte, the main harbor in town.

Once on the water, you'll move through the sea caves that cut into the limestone cliffs: the defining feature of Polignano's coastline. The guide takes you into the smaller coves where larger tour boats can't fit, and stops at spots deep enough and calm enough for swimming and snorkeling. You can sunbathe on deck between stops, and there's a bathroom break built into the route.

What’s included

• Guided tour with a licensed navigator.
• access to sea caves and hidden coves.
• stops for swimming and snorkeling.
• bathroom break during the tour.

Before you book

Lasts 1h 50m, runs every day at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, from € 400 per group, with a live guide in English and Italian, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

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 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Escursioni Sofia

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Cala Ponte in Polignano itself, so you don't need a car or a separate transfer to reach the water. If you're staying in town or arriving by train or bus, you walk to the port and board directly.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

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 are the Polignano a Mare caves actually like?

The caves are natural formations carved into the cliffs by the sea over centuries. They range from small grottos to larger caverns, and the boat navigates directly into them so you see the rock formations and water inside. The caves are most striking in the morning light, and the guide points out the different types and their features as you pass through.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The guide stops at small hidden coves and calm water spots where swimming and snorkeling are safe. You'll have time to get in the water at these stops, and the boat stays anchored so you can return easily.

Do I need boating experience to go on this tour?

No. This is a guided tour, not a rental where you drive the boat. The licensed guide handles all navigation and operation. You sit as a passenger and the guide takes you to the caves and coves.

Where does the boat leave from, and how do I get there?

The boat departs from Cala Ponte, the new tourist port in Polignano a Mare itself. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a car, and the port is easy to find in the town center.