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Discover Polignano's stunning caves on a private boat tour with an aperitif, exploring iconic spots like Grotta Palazzese in a personalized 2-hour experience.

This private boat tour in Polignano a Mare offers an intimate way to explore the area’s breathtaking coastal caves and rock formations. Priced at $404.89 per group, it accommodates up to 10 people with a 2-hour duration that balances sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation. Starting from the Cala Ponte Marina, guests enjoy a brand new 7.5-meter motor boat equipped with shaded areas, a large ladder for sea access, and a fresh water shower, ensuring comfort throughout the adventure.
What makes this tour stand out is its customizable nature, allowing the entire experience to be tailored to your interests. The tour includes visits to several renowned sites like Grotta Palazzese, often called one of the 7 wonders of the world, along with scenic stops at Lama Monachile and Cala Paura. A highlight for many is the apertif served during the cruise, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the stunning scenery.
While the tour provides unforgettable views and close encounters with Polignano’s famous caves, it is designed for those who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and personalized experiences. The most common booking window is around 33 days in advance, emphasizing its popularity among visitors eager for a private, exclusive outing.

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The tour begins at Cala Ponte Marina, a peaceful private port with excellent facilities such as private changing rooms, large showers, and toilets. Guests can also securely leave their luggage or strollers at the ticket office, making the start of the experience smooth and hassle-free. The dedicated staff welcomes visitors in a calm setting before departing on the brand new motor boat.
This private setting ensures minimal crowds at the start, allowing guests to prepare comfortably for the adventure ahead. The marina’s location makes it easy to reach via public transport, and the service animals are permitted, enhancing accessibility for all.

The 7.5-meter motor boat used for this tour is newly built, with an awning for shaded relaxing areas and a large wooden beach for easy swimming access. The ladder facilitates quick dips in the sea, and the freshwater shower allows for refreshment after swimming. The boat’s design emphasizes comfort, making the journey enjoyable even during warmer days.
Guests can personalize the experience, choosing how long they spend at each stop and whether to swim, snorkel, or simply relax aboard. The quiet, modern vessel ensures a smooth ride through the rocky coastlines, with plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing.

The initial stops include Cala Paura, a small, rocky cove once used by fishermen, now popular for sunbathing and swimming in Acqua Smeralda. This 10-minute stop offers a chance to enjoy peaceful waters in a scenic setting.
Next, the famous Lama Monachile—a recognizable blades of Polignano—serves as a postcard-perfect photo spot. The 10-minute visit allows guests to marvel at the towering cliffs and overhanging houses, and it’s also the location for the notable Red Bull Cliff Diving event. The dramatic landscape here makes it a favorite for capturing memorable shots.

Arguably the most renowned site, Grotta Palazzese is a world-famous cave often regarded as a wonder. This 15-minute stop provides opportunities to swim and explore inside the cave, with masks and floats supplied to enhance the experience. Its crystal-clear seabed and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and underwater exploration.
Guests can admire the huge rock formation that houses a luxurious restaurant, making it a truly unique sight. The calm waters and spectacular scenery create a memorable backdrop for snorkeling and taking photos.

The Grotta Piana offers a pebble and sand beach inside, accessible during a 10-minute stop. This spot is popular with hikers and SUP enthusiasts who enjoy landing here for a swim or relaxation.
Grotta delle Rondinelle allows double access via land and sea, with a short 10-minute visit. Known for its sad story, this cave is also a favorite diving spot, especially for those interested in acrobatic dives from the cliffs into deep waters. Its distinctive shape and diving appeal make it a notable highlight of the tour.
The most extensive part of the tour lasts around 1 hour and 5 minutes, during which the boat visits all the caves of Polignano. This segment offers a comprehensive view of the area’s spectacular coastline, as the guides share legends and secrets associated with each site.
On the way back, the group enjoys a small aperitif while taking in the spectacular coastline view, making this a relaxed way to conclude the experience. The free admission to the caves during this part ensures a value-packed end to the tour.

The meeting point is at the Marina Boat – Boat Tours at Cala ponte marina porto turistico di Polignano, which is near public transportation. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, and the service providers are attentive to guests’ needs, including service animals.
Guests can expect a smooth check-in process, with confirmation received at booking. The tour duration of approximately 2 hours allows for a leisurely pace that fits well with most travel plans.
The tour is booked on average 33 days in advance, highlighting its popularity. It offers free cancellation if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility. Cancellations less than 24 hours ahead are non-refundable, so timely planning is advised.
In case of poor weather, the tour may be canceled, with options for rescheduling or full refunds. This ensures that guests are protected from weather-related disappointments.
This private tour is ideal for those who appreciate personalized experiences and comfort. The scenic stops, especially at Grotta Palazzese, are perfect for photographers or anyone seeking a romantic outing.
It suits families, couples, or small groups who enjoy adventure combined with relaxation. The inclusion of an aperitif makes it especially appealing for lunch or sunset drinks while soaking in the stunning coastal views.
The private boat tour in Polignano offers a comprehensive and customizable experience of the area’s most iconic caves and rocky coastlines. The modern boat, relaxed pace, and special stops like Grotta Palazzese make it stand out.
While the 2-hour duration might be short for some, the quality of sights and comfort provided compensates well. The small group size ensures a personalized atmosphere, perfect for those looking for a peaceful yet exciting sea adventure.
This tour offers excellent value for its price, particularly for groups up to 10 people who want a luxurious, private exploration of Polignano’s breathtaking caves and coastlines.
“Our boat trip was great. We toured the grottos and caves followed by a swim and aperitif. The tour ran to time on a clean modern boat.”
What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $404.89 per group, suitable for up to 10 participants.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, including all stops and sightseeing.
Where does the tour start and end?
The departure and return point is Cala Ponte Marina, at the Marina Boat – Boat Tours.
Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, with only your group participating.
What stops are included?
Stops include Cala Paura, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Piana, and Grotta delle Rondinelle, plus the coastline of Polignano.
Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, the stops at caves like Grotta Palazzese and others include time for swimming and snorkeling.
What about the aperitif?
A small aperitif is served during the return journey, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the scenery.
What facilities are available at Cala Ponte Marina?
Guests can take advantage of private changing rooms, large showers, toilets, and safe luggage storage.
Is there a risk of cancellation?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. Tours may be canceled due to bad weather with options for rescheduling or full refunds.
How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 33 days ahead, so planning early is recommended to secure a spot.