Ponza Island Day Trip from Rome with Boat Tour Swimming and Lunch

Overview

Available languages

English

Italian

14 hours

Mobile ticket

Escape the crowds and heat of Rome for a day on the stunning island of Ponza.

A quick one hour transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle will take you from central Rome to the coast. From there, board a fast ferry for the 1.5-hour crossing to Ponza (ferry ticket €60 per person, payable at check-in).

Once in Ponza, set off on a 5-hour boat tour around Ponza’s spectacular coastline. Cruise past dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and hidden coves as your tour leader shares insights about the island’s history and geology. Along the way, enjoy several stops to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it in advance by selecting the option when booking.

Relax onboard with a freshly prepared pasta lunch served picnic-style, accompanied by water, local wine, and an Italian espresso.

After the boat tour, enjoy an hour of free time to explore Ponza’s charming harbor, browse local shops, or grab a gelato.

Arrive back in Rome at approximately 9:00 PM.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Ponza Island

Ponza is the largest island of the Pontine archipelago, known for its colorful harbor, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Its volcanic landscape has created a coastline filled with hidden coves, sea caves, and natural rock formations.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Grotte di Pilato

The Grotte di Pilato are an impressive complex of ancient Roman caves carved directly into Ponza’s cliffs. Once used as fish ponds by the Romans, they remain one of the island’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Pic-nic style pasta lunch served with water, wine and espresso coffee.

Snorkel equipment included when option is selected

5 hour scenic boat tour around the island with swim stops

English and italian speaking tour leader

Transfer from Rome to Anzio Port and back

Round trip ferry ticket between Anzio Port and Ponza.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Options

Tour + Snorkel Set Rental

Includes rental of snorkel gear (mask + snorkel) for the duration of the day.

Tour Only

Does not include snorkel gear.

Reviews

5.00

23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Best Day Trip Ever
Y1161OIchristians,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This Open Up Italy trip to Ponza was actually insane. The island is SO pretty it almost doesn’t look real. Bright blue water, hidden swimming spots, colorful buildings, boats everywhere… literally felt like a movie. The whole day was super chill and fun and honestly one of the highlights of our trip. Everyone was so nice and it felt way more personal than I expected. Definitely gave “Italian summer” energy. If you’re in Rome and thinking about doing this trip, do it. It was 100% worth waking up early for.
From Tourist to Insider: The Most Memorable Day Trip from Rome
jessicasY7526PT,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re considering a day trip from Rome, this experience with Open Up Italy to Ponza is absolutely worth it. What made it so special was how it completely shifted from feeling like a typical tourist excursion into something far more personal and authentic. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we were being shown the island through the eyes of locals rather than just checking off sightseeing stops. Ponza itself is breathtaking — crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and colorful seaside charm — but what truly elevated the experience was the atmosphere the team created. Everything felt relaxed, curated, and intimate in the best way. It was the kind of day that makes you slow down, take everything in, and feel genuinely connected to the place you’re visiting. Out of everything we did in Italy, this ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip. If you want to escape the crowds of Rome for a day and experience something unique, beautiful, and a little more “insider,” I couldn’t recommend this enough.
Unforgettable experience
Roving29923014726,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had the pleasure of living a truly unforgettable experience with Open Up Italy, and I can only recommend it to anyone who wants to discover the wonderful island of Ponza in an authentic and relaxing way. The organization was impeccable from the first moment: friendly, helpful and always attentive to detail. The boat tour was simply fantastic, with stops in breathtaking coves, crystal clear waters and views that look like something out of a postcard. Each stage has been studied to perfection, leaving the right balance between exploration and relaxation. An added value is certainly the passion and professionalism of the staff, which made the experience even more engaging by telling curiosities and anecdotes about the island. If you are looking for a special day, between sea, nature and fun, Open Up Italy is the perfect choice. I will definitely be back!
A real Ponza experience
ericw101022,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I generally avoid guided trips, but this was an incredible experience. We discovered so many beautiful places that we never would have found or figured out how to access. Our guide Kimberly was extremely personable, knowledgable, and fun to spend time with. I can highly recommend this experience.
Worth every penny!
zorbathegreek2011,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ponza in one day feels a bit like cheating life. One moment you are in busy Rome and the next you are floating in water so blue it looks edited. Ponza from the sea is something else and I can't promisse I won't do it again 🙃 So glad that I came across this tour that delivered on each of their promisses! Thank you for an unforfetable day!
Beautiful Island Trip
johnqI273FR,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really enjoyed this Ponza Day Trip it was the best day of my vacation to Rome. Thank you Kimberly for organizing everything.
Worth every penny
tiffanymciver,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you’re looking for somewhere to go as a day trip out of Rome, it doesn’t get any better than this. The time on the boat was unbelievably relaxing and beautiful. Swimming in the crystal clear waters was definitely a “peak experience” moment of my life. Every detail was taken care of and well planned. 10/10 recommended wholeheartedly.
I’d do it again 5 stars
Odyssey537773,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The boat tour was truly an unforgettable experience for our entire family. From start to finish, everything was handled with such care and attention to detail. Kimmy went above and beyond to make sure every aspect of the day ran smoothly, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Ponza. Her professionalism, warmth, and thoughtful planning made all the difference. Whether it was the route, the timing, or making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves, she managed it all effortlessly. It felt personal, well-organized, and genuinely special. If you’re looking for a memorable and seamless boat tour experience, I can’t recommend this enough. It was a highlight of our trip, and we’re already looking forward to doing it again.
YOU MUST DO IT
domip246,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had the absolute BEST TIME. I highly recommend booking your trip to ponza with Open Up.
I've been to Ponza before - or so I thought.
gabrielevolpe,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I've been to Ponza before - or so I thought. This time was something else entirely. From the moment we arrived, everything just worked. The organization was flawless: transfers, accommodation, activities, all perfectly timed and handled with real care. Nothing felt rushed, nothing felt improvised. Thank you, we'll be back!