Santa Maria di Leuca: Caves & Swim Stop Boat Tour

Two Hours on the Water, Caves You Can Touch

You board at Leuca port, spend two hours on a small passenger boat exploring sea caves and limestone cliffs, and get a swim stop in crystal-clear water. Bottled water is provided, the boat is wheelchair accessible, and the whole thing wraps before lunch. It's the kind of outing that works whether you have three hours free or you're building a longer coastal day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour to caves of Santa Maria di Leuca

• Depart from Leuca port
• Board "Anema and Core" boat
• Visit exclusive caves
• Enjoy swimming stop
• Return to port

The experience

You're at the port of Leuca, and the Anema and Core is waiting. It's a passenger boat built for exactly this: short runs to the caves that line the Salento coast, the ones you can only reach by water. The boat leaves, and within minutes the limestone cliffs start rising up around you, pale and sharp against the blue. Your guide points out the cave entrances as you move through, and the water is so clear you can see straight down. Two hours sounds short until you're actually there, floating past rock formations that have been carved by centuries of waves.

There's a swim stop built into the route: one of those moments where you can slip into the water in a spot that feels completely removed from anywhere else. The caves of Santa Maria di Leuca aren't a famous landmark you've seen in a hundred photos. They're the kind of place that stays with you because it's quiet and the light hits the water in a way that photographs don't quite capture. Bottled water is included, which matters on a boat in the sun. The boat itself is new to the fleet, designed to handle these short excursions without the weight of a full-day tour operation.

Families with small children can bring a pram, and the boat is wheelchair accessible, so the logistics don't become part of the experience. Service animals are welcome. The pace is steady but not rushed. You're not being herded through a checklist. If you've just arrived in Lecce or you're staying nearby and want to see the coast without committing to a full day, this is the kind of thing that fills a morning or an afternoon without leaving you exhausted. Book through the port directly or ask your hotel. They'll know the current departure times.

What’s included

Your two-hour tour includes passage on the Anema and Core passenger boat, a guided route through the sea caves of Santa Maria di Leuca, a swim stop in the clear water, and bottled water throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30, 11:30 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, French 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alexander Leuca

Is this one for you?Right for travelers staying in or near Lecce who want to see the Salento coast without renting a car or booking a full-day excursion. The two hours fit between other plans, and the swim stop is what makes the caves feel like more than just a boat ride past rocks.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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.

How long is the boat tour to the caves?

Two hours total, departing from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes, a bathroom and swim stop is included in the route.

What's included in the ticket price?

Bottled water and access to the boat tour. Entry to any caves is by boat viewing only.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Anema and Core is wheelchair accessible.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

Where do I board?

At the port of Santa Maria di Leuca.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The swim stop is optional. You can stay on the boat if you prefer.