Boat tour Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area

The Boat tour Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area offers an engaging 3-hour journey through some of Salento’s most picturesque and historically rich coastal sites. Priced at $48.62 per person and recommended by 91% of recent travelers, this tour provides a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, archaeological discovery, and maritime history. The vessel, Santa Maria, is a restored 20-meter fishing boat built with traditional oak and iroko wood, capable of accommodating up to 60 passengers across three decks with panoramic views. Its classic design and spacious layout make for a comfortable and scenic ride.

This tour departs from Piazza Nazario Sauro and Lungomare Raffaele Sambati in Porto Cesareo and covers key highlights within the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area. Notable stops include Isola Grande, archaeological sites, and Torre Chianca, as well as a visit to Torre di San Tommaso and Punta Prosciutto. While the tour’s duration is about 3 hours, the sailing itself offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea breeze, panoramic views, and the spectacular coastline. It’s especially suitable for those interested in exploring both natural and historical landmarks in a relaxed boat setting.

Key Points

• Three-hour boat tour exploring Porto Cesareo’s marine and archaeological sites
• Price of $48.62 per person includes navigation and some stops
• Operated on a historic vessel, Santa Maria, with spacious decks and panoramic views
• Visit important sites like Isola Grande, the Bronze Age archaeological remains, and Torre Chianca
• Ideal for those interested in nature, history, and coastal scenery
• Free time is available for exploring at stops like Punta Prosciutto

The Historic Santa Maria Vessel and its Classic Design

The tour takes place aboard Santa Maria, a vessel that was originally used for Red Coral fishing. Built at the Torre del Greco shipyard using oak and iroko wood, it reflects traditional seafaring craftsmanship. The boat’s size—20 meters long—and capacity—up to 60 passengers—make it suitable for both small groups and larger parties, ensuring a comfortable experience.

With three decks, the vessel offers two covered areas with panoramic views, a dining room, and an exposed foredeck with sun seats. This layout allows guests to choose between shaded comfort and sunbathing, making it adaptable to different preferences. The vintage design and spacious decks contribute to a relaxing atmosphere while sailing through the protected waters.

Exploring the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area

The tour begins with a northbound sail through the marine protected zone, giving travelers a chance to see both natural and archaeological highlights. The Porto Cesareo area is known for its clear waters and diverse seabed, protected by local laws to preserve its ecological integrity.

A key stop is Isola Grande, often called Isola dei Conigli by locals. This island’s history includes past cattle breeding activities during wartime, giving it a unique cultural story. The island is easily visible from the boat and provides a scenic backdrop during the cruise.

Visiting the Bronze Age Archaeological Site

The tour includes a visit to an archaeological site where excavations in 1969 uncovered Bronze Age remains, including animal fossils and archaeological finds. This spot offers insight into ancient human settlement, adding a layer of historical depth to the scenic cruise. While the site is mainly viewed from the boat, its significance enriches the experience for those interested in the area’s ancient past.

Discovering the Unspoiled Islet of Malva

The island of Malva is a small, heart-shaped landmass emerging from the turquoise waters. Its name derives from the tree mallow that grows abundantly there. The island’s untouched landscape and sandy shores make it a highlight for nature lovers seeking pristine scenery.

The tour boat approaches closely enough to admire its natural beauty, offering photo opportunities and a break from the open sea. Its minimal development and lush flora make Malva a true jewel of the Salento coast.

The 16th Century Torre Chianca and Coastal Defense History

The tour stops at Torre Chianca, a 16th-century watchtower built by the Spaniards. Its purpose was to defend against Ottoman and Saracen incursions, and its impressive structure still dominates the coastline. This historic tower, also known as Torre di Santo Stefano, is a reminder of the strategic importance of the region’s maritime defense.

Photographers and history enthusiasts appreciate this site for its commanding views and well-preserved architecture. The tower’s vantage point offers sweeping views of the sea and coastline, making it a favorite photo stop.

Visiting Torre di San Tommaso and Its Beach

Next, the boat reaches the Torre di San Tommaso, another 16th-century watchtower. This site is part of an old defense system and lends its name to the locality. The adjacent Punta Prosciutto beach is renowned for its soft golden sands and crystalline waters.

The “Lapillus” beach, characterized by its fine small stones and shells, is a favorite for relaxing walks and swimming. The tour allocates around 20 minutes here, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the natural landscape, take photos, or dip into the sea.

Free Time and Scenic Navigation

Much of the cruise involves scenic sailing between stops, with the remaining time spent exploring each site and enjoying free time. While the stops themselves are brief, they allow guests to appreciate diverse aspects of the coast—both natural and historic.

The boat ride itself offers panoramic views of the coastline, with plenty of opportunities to relax or take photos from the sun-exposed foredeck or shaded decks. The experience balances sightseeing with a leisurely pace suitable for all ages.

Practicalities: Meeting Point and Comfort

The tour begins at Piazza Nazario Sauro & Lungomare Raffaele Sambati in Porto Cesareo, with public transportation nearby. The mobile ticket system simplifies access, and service animals are allowed. The activity typically involves groups of up to 58 travelers, ensuring a manageable and comfortable experience.

The vessel’s classic design and spacious decks make it accessible and enjoyable, even for those who prefer a relaxed cruise rather than high-speed rides.

The Real Value of the Tour and Customer Feedback

At $48.62, this tour offers a good value considering the variety of sites and scenic sailing. The majority of reviews, rated 4.6 out of 5, highlight the stunning views and the expertise of the crew, particularly the captain’s courtesy and knowledge.

One reviewer praised the perfect timing of the sunset cruise, describing it as a beautiful ending. Conversely, an isolated negative review noted issues with booking and scheduling, emphasizing the importance of confirming availability before planning.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This boat tour in Porto Cesareo suits those eager to see historic towers, unspoiled islands, and archaeological sites from the comfort of a well-equipped vessel. It is ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and families seeking a relaxed day out on the water. The scenic stops and informative commentary make it a rewarding experience, especially for visitors interested in the marine environment and local heritage.

While the tour is not lengthy, the combination of sailing, sightseeing, and brief explorations offers a balanced and enjoyable outing. It’s best suited for those comfortable with boat rides and looking for a culturally enriching day along the Salento coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours.

What is included in the price?
The $48.62 ticket includes navigation and entry to the archaeological site near Isola Grande.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for a broad age range, but specific restrictions are not mentioned.

Is the boat accessible for people with mobility issues?
The vessel’s classic design with multiple decks may pose some access challenges; no specific accessibility info is provided.

Can I bring food or drinks?
The tour offers free time for sightseeing and relaxation but does not specify if outside food or beverages are permitted.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Isola Grande, archaeological site, Malva Island, Torre Chianca, and Torre di San Tommaso.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended, especially for time spent on the sun-exposed foredeck.

Are there any age-appropriate considerations?
The tour appears suitable for most ages, but families with very young children should consider the boat ride’s duration.

What is the cancellation policy?
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance; cancellations due to weather are also accommodated with rescheduling or refunds.

Who operates this tour?
The Boat Tour Porto Cesareo provider manages this experience, with contact details available for inquiries.