Polignano Boat Tour from San Vito : Caves, Volare, Swim & Prosecco

5.0
(22 reviews)
Bari, Italy

1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

This is not a crowded boat trip. We are a small family-run team with a 10 - seat boat, departing from the quiet fishing harbor of San Vito to avoid the chaos of the main port.

You will see all of Polignano’s famous sea caves, including Grotta Palazzese and the Lovers’ Cave where a heart-shaped light appears at 1 PM. We stop in front of Domenico Modugno's statue while playing "Volare" for the ultimate photo moment.

Your local skipper chooses the best secluded cove for a swim stop based on sea conditions. Enjoy a true Puglian aperitif on board with chilled Prosecco DOC, crunchy taralli, and fresh fruit. No crowds, no rush, just you, the sea, and the real dolce vita.

What's Included

small aperitif with taralli and prosecco

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The port of San Vito can be reached by car or with extra transfer services

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Spiaggia di San Vito

    Check-in at San Vito, a small fishing harbor with no crowds. Easy 5 - min walk downhill from free parking. Board our 10 - seat boat. Quick 2 - min safety briefing from your local skipper.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Lama Monachile

    Cruise under the iconic Bourbon bridge for the postcard photo of Polignano. We stop in front of Lama Monachile beach to see Domenico Modugno's statue overlooking the cove. Your skipper plays "Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)" as you take in the view where the famous song was born. Best photo spot and most emotional moment of the tour.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Grotta Palazzese

    Photo stop in front of the world-famous Grotta Palazzese, the cave restaurant built into the cliff. With calm sea conditions, we get as close as possible for incredible photos from the water. Your skipper shares the history of this 18th-century noble palace carved into the rock. This is the most iconic view in all of Puglia and the main reason travelers visit Polignano.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Grotta Ardito delle Caldaie

    Slow pass in front of Grotta Ardito, known for its tall vaulted ceiling and emerald water reflections. Your local skipper points out the natural rock formations and explains how the sea carved this cave over centuries. Quick photo opportunity from the boat. With calm sea conditions, we get closer to admiring the colors inside.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Polignano a Mare

    Slow scenic cruise back along Polignano's dramatic coastline, with views of the old town houses perched on cliffs. Your skipper will choose the safest and most beautiful cove for your swim stop based on sea and wind conditions that day. Once anchored, enjoy 20 minutes of free time to swim in crystal-clear water, only accessible by boat. On board : chilled Prosecco DOC, traditional Puglian taralli, and fresh seasonal fruit. Music and time to relax before heading back to port.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Scoglio dell'Eremita

    Cruise past the Rock of the Hermit, the "Hermit's Rock" standing alone in the sea. Your skipper shares the local legend of the hermit who lived here in solitude, praying for fishermen. Dramatic photo stop with the rock, open sea, and Polignano cliffs in the background. With calm sea conditions, we circle the rock for 360 - degree views.

    5 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 7

    Pass by the Cave of Lovers, also known as the "Lovers' Cave" or Cave of Doves. Your skipper shares the romantic legend of the two lovers who hid here. Around 1 : 00 PM on sunny days, a beam of light enters through a hole in the ceiling and creates a heart-shaped reflection on the rock inside. With calm sea conditions, we approach the entrance for the best photo of this natural phenomenon. A must-see for couples and photographers.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 8
    Polignano a Mare

    Swim stop in a secluded cove with crystal-clear, turquoise water, accessible only by boat. Your expert skipper chooses the best and safest cove of the day based on sea conditions, wind, and crowds, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort. Drop anchor and dive into the Adriatic Sea. Snorkeling gear and floating mats provided. The water here is often 5 + meters deep and incredibly clear - perfect for photos and videos. Back on board, enjoy a traditional Puglian aperitif : chilled Prosecco DOC, artisanal taralli from a local bakery, fresh seasonal fruit, and a selection of soft drinks and cold water. Relaxing Italian music plays in the background while you swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the view of Polignano's cliffs from the water. This is the most loved moment of the tour.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Spiaggia di San Vito

    Slow scenic cruise back to the quiet fishing harbor of San Vito. Enjoy your final panoramic views of Polignano’s dramatic limestone cliffs, the whitewashed old town perched above the sea, and the famous Bourbon bridge from a new perspective. Your skipper slows down and points out hidden coves, tiny sea caves, and secret beaches you may have missed on the way out. Relaxing Italian music plays on board while you take in the coastline bathed in golden light. This is the perfect time for last videos, drone shots, and group photos with no other boats around. The most peaceful 15 minutes of the entire experience.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 10

    Safe disembark back at the quiet fishing harbor of San Vito, the exact same dock where your adventure started. Your captain and crew help everyone off the boat one by one and are available for final photos together with the boat and the harbor in the background. This is the most requested photo of the whole tour. Perfect moment to ask for local tips : best seafood restaurants in Polignano with sea view, hidden beaches only locals know, or what to see next if you're traveling through Puglia. We're happy to share our favorite spots. Easy 5 - minute uphill walk back to the large free parking area at San Vito. The path is paved but has a gentle slope. Thanks for sailing with us - we hope to see you again in Polignano!

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Freeride Boat Polignano

Tags

Day Cruises
Private and Luxury
Underground Tours
Water Tours
Sightseeing Cruises
Small Group
Excellent Quality
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

5.0 Based on 22 22 reviews
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