Riviera di Ulisse Boat Tour: Sperlonga to Gaeta Caves & Swim

Summary

Boat journey from Sperlonga’s port past Grotta di Tiberio caves medieval towers and Gaeta’s dramatic cliffs

You’ll set off from Sperlonga’s harbor by boat with a local guide who knows every story along this ancient coast. Swim inside sea caves, taste fresh pizza after your dip, and float beneath Gaeta’s dramatic cliffs where few boats can go. This isn’t just sightseeing—it feels like slipping into another time for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Sperlonga’s little port, Truglia Tower behind us, and the air already smelled salty and a bit like sunscreen. Our guide—Antonio—waved us over with this easy grin, shouting something about “no shoes on deck!” as he handed out pool noodles. We drifted away from shore, the old village shrinking behind us, and I could hear kids laughing somewhere up on the promenade. The first thing we saw was Grotta di Tiberio—Antonio slowed down so we could really see the ruins clinging to the rocks. He started telling us stories about Emperor Tiberius and Ulysses (I’ll admit I got lost in the details, but it made me want to read more later). The water was this impossible blue—almost fake-looking—and you could smell wet limestone when we got close to the cave mouth.

The Riviera di Ulisse day trip kept surprising me. We cruised along Via Flacca, passing these medieval towers that looked like chess pieces left behind by giants. At one point Antonio pointed out a tiny cove and said locals used to hide there during pirate raids—I tried to imagine it, but all I could think about was how cold that water must’ve been back then. When we stopped for our first swim near the Blue Grotto, I hesitated (cold water is not my thing), but everyone else jumped in so I did too. The shock of it! It was freezing but kind of electric—you wake up fast. There were little fish darting around my ankles and the cave echoed every splash back at us.

After drying off in the sun (and yes, there’s a big tent cover if you’re pale like me), Antonio brought out pizza slices—still warm somehow—and someone passed around olives they’d picked up in town earlier. We carried on toward Gaeta; you start seeing the Montagna Spaccata cliffs before you realize how high they are. The sanctuary perched between those rocks looks unreal from the sea. Antonio told us he has a special permit for this part of the regional park—he seemed proud of that, and honestly it felt special just being allowed so close. There was another chance to swim near Monte Orlando; some people snorkeled while others just floated quietly looking up at those cliffs. I stayed on board for a minute just listening to nothing but water slapping against hull—one of those moments you remember later when things get noisy again.

On our way back toward Sperlonga, we circled past Torre Truglia for photos—the light made everything look golden and old. Someone asked Antonio why people say Ulysses’ ship turned into an island here; he just shrugged and said “Italians love a good story.” I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic or scrolling through my phone—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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 near natural 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 area
• Admire natural marine reserve sights
• Return west to Torre Truglia and historic center
• Return to Sperlonga harbour and disembark

Top questions

Where does the Riviera di Ulisse boat tour start?

The tour starts at the Port of Sperlonga, near Torre Truglia.

Is swimming included during the Riviera di Ulisse day trip?

Yes, there are two swim stops with time for snorkeling or relaxing onboard.

What do you see on the Sperlonga to Gaeta boat tour?

You’ll see Grotta di Tiberio, medieval towers along Via Flacca, Blue Grotto caves, Serapo Beach, Montagna Spaccata cliffs, Monte Orlando marine reserve, and Torre Truglia.

Is food included on this Riviera di Ulisse tour?

Yes, pizza is served after one of the swim breaks onboard.

Does this boat tour include access to Montagna Spaccata?

The boat approaches Montagna Spaccata closely thanks to a special permit but cannot enter by boat.

Are sun covers provided on board?

Yes, there is a tent cover that shades all passengers from direct sun.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No professional snorkeling gear is provided; pool noodles are available for floating.

How long does the Riviera di Ulisse day trip last?

The full experience lasts several hours with multiple stops along the coast between Sperlonga and Gaeta.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Sperlonga’s port with sun cover on deck for comfort; two swim stops where you can snorkel or relax; warm pizza served after your first dip; stories from your local guide as you pass ancient ruins and natural caves; plus rare close-up access by boat to Montagna Spaccata before returning past Torre Truglia for photos—all without worrying about lunch or shade along the way.