Where does the tour depart?

Departure is from Porticciolo San Vito, Polignano a Mare; meet at the listed marina point on your booking confirmation.

How long is the tour?

The trip lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with multiple photo stops and one optional swim stop.

Is the aperitivo included?

Yes—prosecco and tarallini pugliesi are provided as part of the onboard aperitivo.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes; the crew will select a sheltered cove for a supervised swim when sea conditions permit.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility is noted for wheelchair users, but specific boarding assistance should be confirmed with the operator in advance.

Does the tour include transfers?

No. Ground transport to and from Porticciolo San Vito is not included in the booking.

Sailing Polignano a Mare: Aperitivo Boat Tour to Grottos, Arches & Sea Caves

Adventure Brief

Glide along Polignano a Mare’s cliffed coast from Porticciolo San Vito on a 1.5-hour shared boat tour that visits Grotta Palazzese, hidden arches and sea caves. Enjoy a local aperitivo of prosecco and tarallini, swim in crystalline water, and capture panoramic coastal photos—ideal for short visits to Puglia.

1–1.5 hours

easy

From €41.97

On a sun-swept coastline of Puglia, the one-hour-and-thirty-minute 'Tour in Barca della Costa di Polignano a Mare con Aperitivo' launches from Porticciolo San Vito, Polignano a Mare, Italy. This compact sea outing threads between limestone cliffs and sea caves, offering a front-row seat to Grotta Palazzese, Grotta delle Rondinelle, and the slender archways carved by Adriatic surf. Aboard a comfortable craft that carries up to nine guests, you glide past Lama Monachile and the Statua di Domenico Modugno while the crew narrates local anecdotes and navigational choices.

The coastline here is predominantly karst limestone, sculpted into cliffs, arches, and grottoes whose interiors glow aquamarine when sunlight filters through. Key photo moments include the Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano from off the stern, the dramatic mouth of Grotta dell'Arcivescovado, and the intimate caverns of Grotta Palazzese. The itinerary also skirts Grotta dei Colombi, Grotta delle Monache, Scoglio dell'Eremita, Cala Paura and Cala Port'Alga—features accessible only by boat and best seen at sea level.

What elevates this trip beyond a scenic cruise is the aperitivo: a small, convivial spread of prosecco and tarallini pugliesi served as you bob on glassy water. It’s an authentic, low-key way to taste regional flavor while enjoying a swim stop in a sheltered cove. The experience suits photographers, swimmers, and anyone who prefers short, high-impact outings rather than full-day charters.

Practical details are compact and visitor-friendly. Departure is from Porticciolo San Vito; group size is limited to nine, and the route includes multiple photo stops for careful boarding and brief swims. Accessibility is noted for wheelchair users—confirm specifics with the operator. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and expect to store larger bags on board. The tour does not include ground transport.

Culturally, Polignano a Mare wears its history visibly: cliff-top terraces and the statue of Domenico Modugno nod to the town’s maritime past and its modern identity as the birthplace of a famous Italian singer. Environmentally, boats like this concentrate visits offshore, reducing foot traffic on fragile clifftops and helping limit erosion when operators follow no-landing protocols for sensitive caves.

This is a short, sensory slice of the Adriatic—a way to experience karst geology, blue-green water, and island-like sea caverns with the relaxed rhythm of a late-afternoon aperitivo. For visitors staying in Polignano a Mare or nearby Bari, it’s an efficient, memorable addition to a coastal itinerary. Bookings are typically available year-round, but sea conditions and seasonal schedules can alter departure times; call ahead during shoulder seasons. Small-group dynamics mean conversations, photography, and crew tips shape the pace, so arrive with curiosity and a light bag. This short sail offers an easy, high-value coastal perspective that deepens any stay in Puglia without needing specialized sea experience.