Classic Caves Boat Trip

Classic Caves Boat Trip, rated 4.8 across 464 traveller reviews.

Overview

This boat trip runs out of Calaponte Marina, which one reviewer describes as a few kilometres outside Polignano a Mare, and spends just under two hours working along the limestone coast and in and out of the sea caves that made the town famous. The boat goes right up to, and sometimes inside, the grottoes, and reviews describe the captain steering into tight spaces along the cliff face. Several travellers mention the crew sharing information and stories about the area during the crossing.

The outing is not only a sightseeing run. There is a swim stop, where passengers can jump in for a dip in the Adriatic. With a maximum of 10 travellers, the group stays small, and people who took the trip said it felt uncrowded rather than packed.

It suits travellers who want the coastline from the water without a full-day commitment, including families, since pushchairs are allowed and infants ride on laps. It does not suit wheelchair users, as the boat is not wheelchair accessible. Plan for the weather, since the trip only runs in good conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Calaponte MarinaMeet the crew at Calaponte Marina, Via S. Vito, Polignano a Mare, at the entrance to the tourist port. The trip starts and finishes here.
2. Boat tour of the cavesBoard the boat for a 2 hours cruise along the Polignano a Mare coast, passing close to and inside many of the sea grottoes. Admission is free, no entry fees apply.
3. Swim stopThe boat pauses for a swim, which is included in the trip.
4. Return to the marinaAfter the swim the boat heads back to Calaponte Marina, where the experience ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the tour description and in traveller reviews, and they are worth knowing before booking.

• Getting there. The marina sits outside the main town, and one reviewer measured the walk from the train station at around 25 minutes with no footpath for part of it. The same reviewer said the organisers helped book a taxi for the return at their request. Budget extra time to reach the port.
• Swim stop. A stop to swim is included, and several reviewers describe the dip in the Adriatic as a highlight of the trip. Bring swimwear and a towel if you want to get in.
• Group feel. The trip is capped at 10 travellers, and reviewers said the boat did not feel crowded at that size. One traveller described the outing as fairly private with only around 10 passengers on board. There is also space to relax and sunbathe on board.
• Drink and snack. Reviewers mention a glass of fizz or wine being served on board, which several called a nice touch. Shower facilities after the swim are not included.
• Weather and season. The trip requires good weather and will be cancelled in poor conditions, with a different date or a full refund offered. One couple visiting on a cold, cloudy day skipped the swim, and another reviewer wished for blankets, so dress for the season.
• Cameras. Reviews repeatedly mention the cliffs and cave interiors as the photographic highlight of the trip. Several travellers said going inside some of the caves was a standout moment worth capturing. Keep gear protected from sea spray.

Common issues. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The trip depends on good weather and on a minimum number of travellers, and if either condition fails you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer noted the start time was changed at short notice, which was inconvenient, and another found their driver's English hard to follow, though the same reviewer praised his handling of the boat. The marina is a fair walk from the town and station, with no footpath for part of the route.

Common Questions