Santa Maria di Leuca: Boat Caves Tour with Wine & Snacks

Summary

Boat along Leuca’s caves swim Ionian Adriatic taste wine relax

You’ll cruise Santa Maria di Leuca’s rugged coastline by boat with a local skipper, exploring both Ionian and Adriatic sea caves. Swim in crystal-clear water, snack on tarallini, sip local wine, and listen to stories about these ancient cliffs. It’s salty air, laughter, and those cave shadows you’ll remember most.

What’s the experience like?

I climbed onto the boat at Santa Maria di Leuca still a little groggy from the early start — but honestly, the sea air woke me up fast. Our skipper, Marco, had that easy Salento smile and started chatting straight away (I understood about half, but his gestures did most of the talking). We set off hugging the coast, sunlight bouncing off the limestone cliffs. I could smell salt and sunscreen and something herbal — maybe wild fennel? The caves looked like they’d been carved by some giant hand, all jagged shadows and cool blue water inside.

We stopped for a swim near one of the Ionian caves — water so clear I could see my own feet waving below me. I’m not usually brave about jumping in, but everyone else was already laughing in the water so… in I went. It was cold at first but then just perfect. Marco handed out tarallini and poured us little cups of local white wine (cold, slightly salty — or maybe that was just my lips). He told us stories about how fishermen used to shelter here when storms rolled in from the Adriatic. I tried to repeat one of the cave names; he grinned and shook his head. My accent’s hopeless.

We drifted past more caves along both coasts — Ionian and Adriatic — each with its own weird shapes and secret corners. Sometimes we’d slow down so Marco could point out a rock that looked like an elephant or a heart (I squinted; sometimes I saw it). There were families with little kids wrapped in towels, older couples holding hands, even a dog wearing a tiny life vest. The sun kept shifting on the water and for a minute it felt like we could’ve been anywhere or nowhere at all. I still think about that view through the cave mouth back toward Leuca — light spilling everywhere.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tour of Santa Maria di Leuca caves

• Board the boat with skipper
• Admire caves on Ionian coast
• Admire caves on Adriatic coast
• Make several bathroom stops
• Enjoy crystal clear sea views

Top questions

How long is the Santa Maria di Leuca boat caves tour?

The tour lasts around 3 hours along both Ionian and Adriatic coasts.

Are swimming stops included during the boat tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming during the excursion.

Is wine provided on this Santa Maria di Leuca boat trip?

Yes, local wine is served on board along with snacks like tarallini chips.

Is this boat tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can join; small children may ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

Does this tour include both Ionian & Adriatic sea caves?

Yes, you’ll visit caves along both coasts during your trip.

Is there a guide or skipper on board?

A professional skipper guides you throughout the experience.

Are public transportation options nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour guided boat tour with fuel covered by the operator; several swimming stops; fresh local wine; plenty of cold water; crunchy tarallini chips for snacking; plus friendly help from your professional skipper throughout.