Santa Maria di Leuca: Boat Tour to Adriatic & Ionian Caves

Summary

Boat along Leuca’s coast past hidden caves and swim stops with stories from locals

You’ll board at Santa Maria di Leuca’s port with a small group and local captain, sailing along both Adriatic and Ionian coasts past famous caves like Terradico and Lovers’ Cave. Snorkel gear is included for swimming stops in clear water (if you want), while your guide shares stories only locals know. The whole thing feels easygoing — perfect for letting go of time for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the pier at Santa Maria di Leuca, sun already bouncing off the water like it was in on the joke. Captain Mino was waiting — he’s got this calm way about him, like he’s seen every wave here twice. The boat wasn’t crowded, which I liked; just a handful of us clutching hats and sunscreen, trying not to look too much like tourists (impossible). As soon as we pulled away from the port, you could smell salt and something almost herbal — maybe wild thyme from the cliffs? Mino started pointing out names of caves in Italian that I immediately forgot but loved hearing anyway. He told us about the difference between the Adriatic and Ionian sides. I didn’t expect to care, but you can actually feel it — light shifts, cliffs change color.

The first stop was near Terradico Cave. Mino handed out masks and fins for anyone who wanted to swim. I tried not to think about how cold the water would be (it was bracing — let’s call it “refreshing”). A couple next to me laughed as they tried to take a selfie with their snorkels still on; honestly, I’d have done the same if my phone wasn’t zipped in a dry bag. Floating there, you see tiny fish darting around your ankles and hear nothing but your own breath through plastic — oddly peaceful. On board again, someone asked about the Cathedral cave and Mino launched into a story about smugglers hiding there ages ago. The way he told it made me half believe he’d met one himself.

After looping around to the Ionian side — which really does look different, somehow softer? — we passed by Lovers’ Cave and Dragon’s Cave (the names alone are worth coming for). We didn’t go inside any caves because of new rules, but honestly you can see everything from just outside; shadows flicker on stone walls, and sometimes you catch a whiff of seaweed when the wind shifts. There were kids onboard who kept squealing every time we hit a small wave. At some point I realized my shoulders were sunburned but I didn’t even mind.

Back at the port, everyone seemed quieter than before — maybe tired or just content? It’s funny how three hours can stretch out when you’re watching sunlight bounce off limestone or listening to someone tell stories about places you’d never heard of until today. I still think about that view back toward Leuca as we returned — blue on blue on blue. If you ever do this boat tour from Santa Maria di Leuca, don’t worry too much about remembering all the cave names. Just let yourself drift a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Santa Maria di Leuca caves

• Meet captain at Leuca Tourist Port
• Board comfortable boat
• Receive snorkeling and safety equipment
• Explore Adriatic side caves from boat
• Explore Ionian side caves from boat
• Swim near caves with snorkeling gear
• Return to port at embarkation point

Top questions

How long does the Santa Maria di Leuca boat tour last?

The group boat tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return at the port.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, snorkeling masks, mouthpieces, fins, and lifebuoys are provided if you want them.

Are children allowed on this boat trip?

Yes, children are welcome; life jackets are available for both adults and kids.

Is this boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including boarding at Leuca port.

Will we enter inside any of the caves during the tour?

No, boats stay parallel to shore for safety; caves are viewed clearly from outside.

Which caves will we see on this day trip?

You’ll see caves like Terradico, Cathedral Cave (Adriatic), Lovers’ Cave & Dragon’s Cave (Ionian) among others.

Is lunch included during this Santa Maria di Leuca boat tour?

No meals are included; bring snacks if you wish as only snorkeling gear is provided onboard.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from pier i at Leuca Tourist Port in Santa Maria di Leuca.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Santa Maria di Leuca’s tourist port with Captain Mino or another local skipper guiding your route along both Adriatic and Ionian coasts; all snorkeling equipment is provided if you want to swim; life jackets available for adults and kids; return drop-off at your original embarkation point after about three hours on the water together.