Boat tour Sperlonga to Gaeta: two snorkeling stops

Two snorkeling stops, two ancient landmarks, one afternoon on the water

A guided boat tour from Sperlonga to Gaeta along the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, with two 30-minute snorkeling breaks in natural caves and a stop at Montagna Spaccata. The tour runs four and a half hours with a live guide in English or Italian, sun covers on deck, and pizza served after the swim breaks. Minimum six participants required; the operator holds a permit to approach Montagna Spaccata that most tours do not have.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour from Sperlonga to Gaeta

• Embark at Sperlonga port
• View Grotta di Tiberio from sea
• Explore Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park
• Swim and snorkel at blue Grotto
• Swim break at bay with cave
• Enter gulf and see Gaeta from sea
• Admire Temple of San Francesco
• Pass along coast and Serapo Beach
• Visit Montagna Spaccata and Sanctuary
• Snorkel at Devil's Well marine reserve
• Admire natural marine reserve sights
• Return westward to Torre Truglia
• Disembark at Sperlonga harbour

The Experience

The boat leaves Sperlonga port with the Truglia Tower behind you. Your guide will show you Grotta di Tiberio from the water—the remains of the Emperor's villa and what it meant to Roman power—then move slowly into the park, pointing out the natural caves and medieval towers that line the coast. The first snorkeling stop comes at the blue Grotto, where you'll have 30 minutes in the water to explore the seabed. The water is cold and flows directly from the cliff, so the break is as refreshing as it is clear.

The route continues toward Gaeta, passing the Temple of San Francesco and Serapo Beach before reaching Montagna Spaccata. This is where the operator's permit makes a difference: you'll approach the site by boat and see the Sanctuary of the Trinity built in the 11th century on a rock wedged between two cliffs, the 80-meter rocky walls dropping to the sea, and the Grotta del Turco. The second snorkeling stop gives you another 30 minutes to swim in the protected marine reserve around Monte Orlando. For the more daring, there's a cave with stalagmites and an exceptional cliff to explore; if you'd rather stay on board, that's fine too.

On the return, the boat passes Torre Truglia again so you can photograph it and the historic center. Pizza is served after the swim breaks. The boat is equipped with sun covers that shade all passengers, and you'll need to arrange your own parking—either the private lot at the entrance with shuttle service or the public lot a seven-minute walk away. Delays for the scheduled departure time are not tolerated, so arrive early.

What’s included

• Boat with sun covers for all passengers.
• live guide in English or Italian.
• two 30-minute snorkeling breaks in natural marine caves.
• pizza after the swim stops.
• access to Montagna Spaccata by permit.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sperlonga Escursioni - Boat tours & rent

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to snorkel in protected marine caves and see Montagna Spaccata from the water—the operator's permit to approach the site is what makes that possible, and the two swim stops break up the four and a half hours on deck without requiring you to arrange anything yourself.

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Top questions

What is Montagna Spaccata and why is it worth the boat ride?

Montagna Spaccata is a dramatic natural formation in the Gulf of Gaeta where a sanctuary built in the 11th century sits on a rock suspended between two cliffs over deep water. The site is known for its 80-meter rocky walls, natural caves including the Grotta del Turco, and the protected marine reserve around it. Most boat tours cannot approach it; this operator holds a permit to do so.

How much time do I actually spend in the water?

You get two 30-minute snorkeling breaks—one at the blue Grotto near Sperlonga and one in the marine reserve near Montagna Spaccata. You're not required to enter the water; you can stay on board if you prefer.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the boat, a live guide in English or Italian, sun covers on deck, and pizza served after the swim breaks. You'll need to bring your own snorkeling gear or rent it separately; the operator does not provide masks and fins.

How do I get to the port and where do I park?

The boat departs from Sperlonga port, marked by the Truglia Tower. The area is a restricted traffic zone, so you'll need to park either at the private Parking delle Vite at the entrance of Sperlonga (which offers shuttle service) or at the public lot on via dell'Angolo, a seven-minute walk from the boarding point.

What happens if the tour doesn't have enough people to run?

The tour requires a minimum of six participants. If that number isn't reached, the operator may offer an alternative date or cancel the reservation.