Santa Maria di Leuca: Boat Tour to Caves & Swim Stops

Summary

Boat trip exploring Santa Maria di Leuca caves with swimming

You’ll glide along both Adriatic and Ionian sides of Santa Maria di Leuca with a local skipper guiding you through wild sea caves and sharing stories along the way. Swim stops let you dive straight into Salento’s clear waters (snorkeling gear included). If you love salty skin and half-remembered legends, this is your kind of day.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that?” our skipper shouted over the engine, pointing at a jagged opening in the rock. I’d just caught my breath after our first swim stop — salt still on my lips, hair plastered to my forehead. The sun was already high above Santa Maria di Leuca but it felt like we were sneaking into another world, one cave at a time. There’s this odd echo inside the Cazzafri cave — you hear your own laugh bouncing back at you. It’s weirdly comforting. I tried to say “Verdusella” like he did; Li laughed when I butchered it. The water here is colder than you’d expect for June, but in a good way.

We drifted past Punta Meliso and that white lighthouse — honestly, it looks even taller from the water. Our guide told us stories about smugglers hiding in these caves (I think he was half-joking), and pointed out Ortocupo and Suffio as we floated by. After rounding Punta Ristola onto the Ionian side, everything changed: cliffs softer, light warmer somehow. The Cave of the Devil was nothing like I pictured — just this dark mouth yawning open, cool air brushing your face as you peer in. I kept thinking how locals must know every inch of this coastline.

The best part? Jumping off the boat into that glassy blue — twice! Both times I hesitated (I always do), but then you’re under and it’s silent except for your own bubbles. They handed out snorkels if you wanted them; some folks just floated on their backs instead. I still think about that feeling of looking up at those pale rocks while treading water, sun burning through closed eyelids. We never really dried off before heading back — which was fine by me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to Santa Maria di Leuca caves

• Board boat at departure point
• Explore Adriatic side caves
• Visit Punta Meliso and lighthouse
• Stop for swim in crystal waters
• Explore Ionian side caves
• Stop for second swim break
• Learn history from skippers
• Return to departure point

Top questions

How long is the Santa Maria di Leuca boat tour?

The boat tour lasts around 3 hours total.

Are there swimming stops during the tour?

Yes, there are two swim stops of about 20 minutes each.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Which caves are visited on this boat tour?

Caves on both Adriatic and Ionian sides are visited, including dei Cazzafri, Verdusella, Ortocupo/Suffio, della Vora, Cathedral Cave, Cave of the Devil, Three Gates, Giants, Dragon and others.

Is this boat trip suitable for families with kids?

Yes, infants can join with prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Where does the Santa Maria di Leuca boat tour start?

The tour starts from Santa Maria di Leuca harbor area.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point.

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour boat excursion from Santa Maria di Leuca with all cave visits on both Adriatic and Ionian sides led by a local skipper; two swim stops where snorkeling equipment is provided; infants welcome with prams or specialized seats; service animals allowed; easy access to public transport nearby before heading home salty-haired and sun-warmed.