What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Bravo Mattia!

  418mariuszw,

  Nov 10, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Fantastic boat ride with Mattia: nice, flexible and above all excellent navigator. Highly recommend for adults and children!

• An Unforgettable Coastal Experience with Claudio!

  JGLot,

  Nov 8, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This boat tour was absolutely incredible! Our guide Claudio was outstanding – knowledgeable, professional, and engaging throughout the entire journey. Despite traveling from the United States (New Jersey), we couldn't have asked for a better experience exploring the stunning Polignano a Mare coastline. What Made This Tour Special: Expert Commentary: Claudio delivered fascinating historical and geological information about the area, from the famous Domenico Modugno statue and "Volare" connection to the Red Bull Cliff Diving Challenge platforms. His explanations about the limestone formations, seashell fossils, and tectonic processes were educational without being overwhelming. Spectacular Cave Exploration: We visited multiple stunning caves including Grotta Palazzese (home to the famous restaurant), Bishop Cave, Grotta Ardito with its historic passage, and the massive Pigeons Cave. Each had unique features and stories. Swimming Opportunity: The stop for swimming near Grotta Palazzese was a highlight – the water temperature was around 18-19°C (mid-60s°F), refreshing and totally worth it! Perfect Pacing: The ~1.5 hour tour covered approximately 3.5 nautical miles of coastline without feeling rushed. Claudio balanced narration with time to simply enjoy the views. Small Group Experience: Our boat (Marika) had a comfortable group size, allowing for personalized attention and easy interaction with our guide. Bonus Details: Learning about local history like the trulli structures, the former butchery cave that once attracted blue sharks, and the illegal salt production caves added authentic cultural depth. Pro Tips: Book early, bring a towel if you plan to swim, and don't worry about the November timing – the experience is magical year-round! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Puglia. Worth every euro! What You Should Know Before Booking This Tour: BOOKING & LOGISTICS: Book well in advance – tours fill up quickly Meeting point is at the port in Polignano a Mare Check-in involves paperwork (one person fills out main form, others just sign) You'll be assigned to specific boats (ours was "Marika") Tour duration: approximately 1-1.5 hours Distance covered: 3.5 nautical miles of coastline WHAT TO BRING: Towel if you plan to swim Waterproof case/bag for phones and electronics (water spray is possible, especially with southeast winds) Light jacket – it gets breezy on the water even if the day is warm Bathing suit under your clothes if you want to swim SWIMMING DETAILS: There IS a swimming stop (not all tours offer this in November) Water temperature in November: 18-19°C (mid-60s°F) – cold but doable Depth at swimming area: approximately 5 meters Boat has platforms and stairs for easy water access Swimming is optional – no pressure to get in Most participants did swim despite the temperature WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS: Tours run year-round, including November Expect some bumps and water spray, especially with southeast winds The guide will warn you about conditions at the start Dress in layers LANGUAGE: Tour conducted in English (guide speaks slowly and clearly for international guests) Guide accommodates multiple nationalities on same tour ACCESSIBILITY: You'll need to board/exit the boat via stairs/platforms Some movement required during the tour Not ideal for those with severe mobility limitations WHAT YOU'LL SEE: Multiple sea caves (Grotta Palazzese, Bishop Cave, Grotta Ardito, Pigeons Cave, Saddle Cave, Well Cave) Red Bull Cliff Diving platforms (27m for men, 21m for women) Domenico Modugno statue ("Volare" singer) Old Town Polignano elevated 23m above sea level Limestone cliffs, seashell fossils, rock erosion patterns Port Alga (old fishermen's village) Hermit Rock island with cross monument Views toward Monopoli GUIDE QUALITY: Claudio is a licensed ship master with 10+ years experience Extremely knowledgeable about local history, geology, and culture Professional yet personable Takes photos for guests Willing to answer questions GROUP SIZE: Small groups split across multiple boats Intimate experience, not overcrowded Easy to hear guide and ask questions VALUE CONSIDERATIONS: This is educational AND experiential – not just a scenic ride You get historical context, cave exploration, AND swimming opportunity Comparable to or better than similar coastal tours in Italy Well worth the price for the quality of experience PHOTOGRAPHY: Excellent photo opportunities throughout Guide will take photos of you with cave backgrounds Protect your phone from water spray Best lighting is during "golden hour" (late afternoon) SAFETY: Life jackets available Professional captain with proper licensing Boats are well-maintained Guide explains safety procedures at start NOT INCLUDED: Hotel pickup/drop-off (you meet at the port) Food or drinks Wetsuits (if you want to swim comfortably in cold water) BEST FOR: Couples, families, small friend groups History and geology enthusiasts Photographers Adventure seekers willing to swim in cooler water First-time visitors to Polignano a Mare BOTTOM LINE: This is a must-do experience in Puglia. The combination of natural beauty, expert narration, cave exploration, and swimming opportunity makes it exceptional value. Don't skip it due to cooler November temperatures – the experience is worth it year-round!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• An Unforgettable Coastal Experience with Claudio!

  Joseph L,

  Nov 8, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This boat tour was absolutely incredible! Our guide Claudio was outstanding – knowledgeable, professional, and engaging throughout the entire journey. Despite traveling from the United States (New Jersey), we couldn't have asked for a better experience exploring the stunning Polignano a Mare coastline. What Made This Tour Special: Expert Commentary: Claudio delivered fascinating historical and geological information about the area, from the famous Domenico Modugno statue and "Volare" connection to the Red Bull Cliff Diving Challenge platforms. His explanations about the limestone formations, seashell fossils, and tectonic processes were educational without being overwhelming. Spectacular Cave Exploration: We visited multiple stunning caves including Grotta Palazzese (home to the famous restaurant), Bishop Cave, Grotta Ardito with its historic passage, and the massive Pigeons Cave. Each had unique features and stories. Swimming Opportunity: The stop for swimming near Grotta Palazzese was a highlight – the water temperature was around 18-19°C (mid-60s°F), refreshing and totally worth it! Perfect Pacing: The ~1.5 hour tour covered approximately 3.5 nautical miles of coastline without feeling rushed. Claudio balanced narration with time to simply enjoy the views. Small Group Experience: Our boat (Marika) had a comfortable group size, allowing for personalized attention and easy interaction with our guide. Bonus Details: Learning about local history like the trulli structures, the former butchery cave that once attracted blue sharks, and the illegal salt production caves added authentic cultural depth. Pro Tips: Book early, bring a towel if you plan to swim, and don't worry about the November timing – the experience is magical year-round! Highly recommended for anyone visiting Puglia. Worth every euro! What You Should Know Before Booking This Tour: BOOKING & LOGISTICS: Book well in advance – tours fill up quickly Meeting point is at the port in Polignano a Mare Check-in involves paperwork (one person fills out main form, others just sign) You'll be assigned to specific boats (ours was "Marika") Tour duration: approximately 1-1.5 hours Distance covered: 3.5 nautical miles of coastline WHAT TO BRING: Towel if you plan to swim Waterproof case/bag for phones and electronics (water spray is possible, especially with southeast winds) Light jacket – it gets breezy on the water even if the day is warm Bathing suit under your clothes if you want to swim SWIMMING DETAILS: There IS a swimming stop (not all tours offer this in November) Water temperature in November: 18-19°C (mid-60s°F) – cold but doable Depth at swimming area: approximately 5 meters Boat has platforms and stairs for easy water access Swimming is optional – no pressure to get in Most participants did swim despite the temperature WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS: Tours run year-round, including November Expect some bumps and water spray, especially with southeast winds The guide will warn you about conditions at the start Dress in layers LANGUAGE: Tour conducted in English (guide speaks slowly and clearly for international guests) Guide accommodates multiple nationalities on same tour ACCESSIBILITY: You'll need to board/exit the boat via stairs/platforms Some movement required during the tour Not ideal for those with severe mobility limitations WHAT YOU'LL SEE: Multiple sea caves (Grotta Palazzese, Bishop Cave, Grotta Ardito, Pigeons Cave, Saddle Cave, Well Cave) Red Bull Cliff Diving platforms (27m for men, 21m for women) Domenico Modugno statue ("Volare" singer) Old Town Polignano elevated 23m above sea level Limestone cliffs, seashell fossils, rock erosion patterns Port Alga (old fishermen's village) Hermit Rock island with cross monument Views toward Monopoli GUIDE QUALITY: Claudio is a licensed ship master with 10+ years experience Extremely knowledgeable about local history, geology, and culture Professional yet personable Takes photos for guests Willing to answer questions GROUP SIZE: Small groups split across multiple boats Intimate experience, not overcrowded Easy to hear guide and ask questions VALUE CONSIDERATIONS: This is educational AND experiential – not just a scenic ride You get historical context, cave exploration, AND swimming opportunity Comparable to or better than similar coastal tours in Italy Well worth the price for the quality of experience PHOTOGRAPHY: Excellent photo opportunities throughout Guide will take photos of you with cave backgrounds Protect your phone from water spray Best lighting is during "golden hour" (late afternoon) SAFETY: Life jackets available Professional captain with proper licensing Boats are well-maintained Guide explains safety procedures at start NOT INCLUDED: Hotel pickup/drop-off (you meet at the port) Food or drinks Wetsuits (if you want to swim comfortably in cold water) BEST FOR: Couples, families, small friend groups History and geology enthusiasts Photographers Adventure seekers willing to swim in cooler water First-time visitors to Polignano a Mare BOTTOM LINE: This is a must-do experience in Puglia. The combination of natural beauty, expert narration, cave exploration, and swimming opportunity makes it exceptional value. Don't skip it due to cooler November temperatures – the experience is worth it year-round!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Expensive to get to the meeting point

  Krista B,

  Nov 5, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  1.00

  This excursion was very far from our cruise ship and was expensive to get too. We decided after trying to find suitable transport to not go.

• Great trip! So much fun.

  Shelly P,

  Nov 4, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Excellent! So fun and guide was knowledgeable. We got to swim in the sea and go into all the caves. Well worth it, a must do!

  

  

  

• Fantastic boat tour

  Marianne7310,

  Oct 30, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The boat tour was a great experience. Our guide and captain Claudio spoke very good English and brought the right mood with entertaining stories, appropriate music and a small aperitif.

  

  

  

• Wonderful

  Valerie V,

  Oct 13, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Very nice experience that lasts relatively long (about 2 hours). The guide Giuseppe is very friendly. He speaks Italian & English but even if you do not understand much, the view is extraordinary to see the city and the caves. I strongly recommend it; it is essential to make your reservation with the site because if you arrive to take the boat directly this is not possible.

• So sad, it got cancelled due to wind warnings!

  ladpresley,

  Oct 8, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  I was so dissappointed that the wind was so bad they had to cancel. But, they did immediately refund our money. Thank you!

• Great views from the...

  David V,

  Oct 7, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Great views from the boat, highly recommend, worth getting to the port from the main town as the cliffs are spectacular

• Five stars

  Scenic791851,

  Oct 5, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Wonderful 2 hour boat trip with an informative and personable Skipper. Great communication throughout even though we booked late at night for following day. Departs from marina with easy parking. Choose this trip with confidence

• Load more reviews