Discover sea caves, cliffs, and hidden coves on a private boat along the Polignano coast

The Ultimate Coastal Highlights: Witness Polignano’s world-famous limestone cliffs and the legendary Grotta Palazzese from the best perspective—the sea.
A Journey Through Hidden Grottos: Explore a secret world of sea caves, including the "Forgotten" Grotta Segreta and the romantic Grotta dell’Amore.
Crystal Clear Swim Stops: Escape the crowds to dive into the turquoise waters of secluded coves only accessible by boat.
An ideal experience for couples seeking romance, families on an adventure, or travelers looking for a fun sea escape within a few hours.

Authentic Apulian Aperitif: Sip on chilled Prosecco and enjoy local specialties like fresh focaccia, mozzarella, and crunchy taralli.
Professional English-Speaking Skipper: Sit back and relax while our local experts navigate and share the hidden secrets of the coast.
Full Onboard Comforts: We provide everything you need, including fresh towels, high-quality sunscreen, and snorkeling masks for underwater exploration.
Premium Fleet Options: Choose from our selection of traditional Italian boats, with luxury options (30-35 FT) featuring onboard toilets for maximum convenience.

Description:

Discover the most iconic stretch of the Apulian coast with this half-day private boat tour from Polignano a Mare designed for travelers who want to experience dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, sea caves, and hidden coves without committing to a full day at sea.

Whether you have limited time, are looking for a relaxed yet memorable experience, or want to enjoy an aperitif on the water with breathtaking views, this tour offers the perfect balance of scenery, comfort, and flexibility, with different boat sizes and durations to suit your style and budget.

The Itinerary: Cliffs, Grottos, and Crystal Waters

Departure & Welcome

Your experience begins at San Vito Port in Polignano a Mare or at Cala Ponte Marina, just 3 km from the town center. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our ground staff and introduced to your private English-speaking skipper, who will assist you before boarding and ensure a smooth, relaxed start to your cruise.

Sailing Along the Polignano Coast

Once at sea, you will cruise along one of southern Italy’s most scenic coastlines, characterized by sheer cliffs, emerald and turquoise waters, and dramatic caves carved by the Adriatic Sea.

From the boat, you will admire Polignano a Mare’s most famous coastal landmarks, including:

Cala Paura
Statua di Domenico Modugno
Lama Monachile (Polignano’s iconic beach)
Bastione di Santo Stefano, part of the ancient city walls
Grotta Palazzese, beneath the renowned cave restaurant

As you continue, you will discover lesser-known sea caves and natural formations such as Grotta Scret (the “Forgotten Cave”), Grotta Ardita, Scoglio dell’Eremita, Grotta delle Monache, Grotta Sottomacello, Cala Portalga, Grotta dei Piccioni (or Grotta dell’Amore), and Grotta di Pozzovivo.

Throughout the navigation, your skipper will share local stories, curiosities, and cultural insights, adding depth and context to the scenery around you.

Swimming Stop & Aperitif on Board

Sea conditions permitting, the boat will stop in a quiet hidden cove for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling masks are provided, allowing you to explore below the surface.

After swimming, enjoy a relaxed Apulian aperitif on board, including prosecco, water, iced tea, soft drinks, and local snacks such as taralli, focaccia, mozzarella, or similar seasonal products.

Extended Route for 3.0–3.5 Hour Tours

If you choose a 3.0 or 3.5 hour option, the itinerary is extended to explore even more of the coastline:

Sailing north toward the wild landscapes of Costa Ripagnola
Reaching Cala Incina to the south, known for its natural beauty and calmer waters

This longer duration allows for additional swimming and sunbathing time, and a more unhurried pace.

Return to Port

At the end of the tour, you will cruise back to your original embarkation point, enjoying final views of Polignano’s cliffs from the sea.

Choosing Your Experience

Duration:

We offer two distinct ways to experience our half-day tours, allowing you to match the pace to your schedule:

1.5 Hours (The Express Tour): Perfect for a "highlights" reel. We focus on the central grottos and the Polignano skyline—ideal for those short on time but big on adventure.
3.0 - 3.5 Hours (The Extended Coastal Discovery): Our most popular choice. In addition to the Polignano highlights, we sail further North to Costa Ripagnola and South to Cala Incina, offering a much deeper exploration of the coastline’s natural beauty.

Boat Models:

Essential Line (24 FT): The 24 FT Essential Line boats are perfect for couples or families seeking an agile, traditional experience.
Comfort Line (26 FT): The 26 FT Comfort Line boats are ideal for the ones looking for a more spacious and comfortable time.
Premium Line (30-35 FT): The 30-35 FT Premium Line models offer expanded deck space and the added convenience of an onboard toilet.

Why Choose This Tour

Private experience – Your boat and skipper are exclusively for your group
Flexible durations & boat choices – From short scenic cruises to extended half-day experiences
Local expertise – Knowledgeable skippers sharing authentic insights
Iconic sights & hidden caves – A perfect mix of famous landmarks and lesser-known spots
All-inclusive comfort – Swimming, aperitif, and unhurried navigation along the coast

Who Is This Tour For

Couples: Seeking a romantic backdrop for photos and shared memories.
Families: Looking for a safe, fun, and educational way to see the coast.
Photography Enthusiasts: Capturing the unique perspective of the city walls and "Scoglio dell"Eremita" from the water.
Travelers on a Schedule: Those who want a high-end experience without committing to a full 7-hour day.

Ready to Set Sail?

Don"t miss the chance to see Polignano a Mare from its most beautiful angle.

Book Your Half-Day Boat Tour Online Now. Looking for something more specific or a private celebration? Contact us for a customized itinerary

Not Sure a Half-Day Is Right for You?

If you would like to spend more time at sea, enjoy longer swimming stops, or include a relaxed lunch along the coast, you may want to explore our Full-Day Private Boat Tours in Puglia, designed for travelers who want a deeper, unhurried experience on the water.

If you are still deciding which duration, boat, or experience best fits your plans, we recommend reading our Private Boat Tours in Puglia Guide, where we explain the differences between short, half-day, and full-day tours, along with practical tips to help you choose with confidence.

FAQs - Polignano Half-day Boat Tour

Where does the tour depart from?
Departure is from San Vito Port in Polignano a Mare or Cala Ponte Marina, approximately 3 km from town.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this private tour is suitable for families with children. Please let us know ages in advance.

What is included on board?
Private skipper, towels, sunscreen, snorkeling masks, water, iced tea, prosecco, taralli, and local snacks.

Is there a toilet on board?
A toilet is available only on the 30 ft and 35 ft boats.

What should we bring?
Swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, and a camera. Everything else is taken care of.

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Included:

Private boat
English-speaking skipper
Fuel and port tax
Drinks and snacks onboard
Towels

Not included:

Lunch

Languages:

Italian, English

Duration:

1.5 Hours

Dress code:

Remember yous swim-suit!

Options:

Included: 24 FT - 1.5 HRS

UPGRADE: 24 FT - 3.0 HRS

UPGRADE: 26 FT - 3.5 HRS

UPGRADE: 30 FT - 3.5 HRS

UPGRADE: 35 FT - 3.5 HRS

Half-Day Boat Tour from Polignano a Mare