Polignano a Mare Caves: In-depth Exploration with Boat Tour and On-Board Aperitif

Explore the stunning Polignano a Mare caves on a boat tour, discovering hidden treasures and enjoying an on-board aperitif. Swim in crystal-clear waters and marvel at the jagged cliffs.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Cala Paura -

The first inlet along the coast is a cove known as Cala Paura, originally named Cala Paguro. The name likely evolved from the dialect term “Pagour” (hermit crab) to Cala Paura due to similar sounds. This cove features the famous “Torno Subito” inscription in wrought iron letters embedded in the rock. It is believed to be the work of an Iranian sculptor who visited Polignano, though the intended recipient of the message remains unknown. Perhaps it was someone from our town.

  • Lama Monachile - Lama Monachile is the iconic image of Polignano, the most photographed beach and the first destination for visitors. In the 15th century, it served as Polignano’s commercial port. From the sea, you can see the Bastione di Santo Stefano cliff on the left and, on the right, rocks with large steps leading up to a bronze statue of Domenico Modugno. There is also a small cave accessible from the inlet, with an exit visible from the sea: La Grotta della Piana, a rock tunnel.
  • Grotta Azzurra - The Blue Cave is situated beneath the Santo Stefano Bastion. It gets its name from the interplay of light between the sea water, the sun, and the rocks, which gives the cave its distinctive blue hue.
What's Included
  • Snacks
  • Carbonated beverages
Additional Information

Embark on a boat tour of the caves of Polignano a Mare and marvel at the rugged seaside cliffs!

Throughout the journey, you will explore every cave in Polignano, the celebrated Palazzese cave, the bird’s nest cave, extending along the shoreline up till Cala Port’alga and a bit further to the Cave of Lovers, going via the Recluse’s crag.

Our package includes a complimentary aperitif on the ship and an opportunity to halt for a swim in the sapphire ocean!

Departure is from San Vito, a district of Polignano a Mare; the departure site is a 10-minute distance from the heart of Polignano but for those who require it, a shuttle service can be availed.
There’s a pause in the trip for a dip in one of the most picturesque spots on the Polignano coastline.

With Pugliamare, savor a delightful aperitif consisting of cool beverages and prosecco served by the onboard team.

JOIN US AS WE DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS OF THE STUNNING POLIGNANO A MARE.

  • Not recommended for travelers suffering from seasickness
Location
La Veranda di Giselda
Frazione San Vito
The starting point of the tour is in front of the bar 'La veranda di Giselda', where you will find a member of our staff wearing a Pugliamare t-shirt.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(511 Ratings)
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Anonymous
Jul 29, 2024
Amazing - I booked the trip with pick up so there was a guy who got us. I also booked the 18:30 time to watch the sunset. All I’ve got to say is it was an unforgettable experience. Our guide, whose name I can’t remember, was amazing and was really fun which made the whole thing even better. Definitely worth the price. <3
Review provided by Viator
Danielle_j
Jul 21, 2024
Beautiful afternoon on the water - Very relaxed and beautiful boat afternoon exploring the caves around Polignano. It isn't close to town so you either need to drive or pay additional for shuttle service but it's pretty cheap (10 Euro return)
Review provided by Viator
Venkateswar_p
Jul 19, 2024
nice ride - very nice experience. we were a few minutes late and the boat was waiting for us and guide was fantastic and explained everything clearly and was also very friendly and energetic.
Review provided by Viator
Antonio
Jul 19, 2024
Tour caves of Polignano a Mare - We did the boat tour with Captain Franco and skipper Piero. Highly recommended tour. Piero in the professional world illustrated the various caves with hints of history and anecdotes; Franco, despite the rough sea, led us expertly into caves for others difficult to reach.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_h
Jul 17, 2024
Tasty Waves! - What a cool experience! Christian was a great driver and very knowledgeable about the area. Totally worth the trip to Polignano a mare! Thank you for an awesome time!
Review provided by Viator
Carolyn_s
Jul 15, 2024
Incredible - What an amazing tour absolutely loved it especially having such an experienced driver Franco who expertly manoeuvred through the caves with a rough sea. There was music dancing swimming Prosecco and the most beautiful seascape, highly recommend. The Pugliamare team were fantastic in coordinating and updating us throughout.
Review provided by Viator
Tremblov
Jul 21, 2024
Sympa - Very nice boat ride beautiful scenery, the Guide enthusiastic but I had paid for a Guide written in French, which had not understood everything of the visit pity
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine_c
Jul 30, 2024
Worth visiting but hope you get a tour boat operator with a better attitude! - Great places to view with beautiful scenery - unfortunately spoiled by the lack of enthusiasm and terrible attitude of the tour boat driver.
Review provided by Viator
Pamitalie
Jul 19, 2024
Do not have expectations - Raffaele was very kind and welcoming. The duration was well over 3 hours. But only one Swimming point and the only cave seen offshore is that of Polignano in which there is a magnificent restaurant but totally uninteresting as part of this walk for discovery of the coast. Clean sea but no intimate cove with crystal clear water. Nothing. Given all this, the Award is exorbitant. We need to redefine the title of this sea ride.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Remapibe
Jul 30, 2024
Bad experience - Very bad because my tour was cancelled and I need to change my plans at the last minute. They want me to change my trip 3 days after and that was impossible.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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