Cruise With Prosecco, 110 Minutes

Cruise with Prosecco, 110 Minutes, 110 minutes, rated 4.8 across 935 traveller reviews.

Overview

This cruise runs from Cala Ponte Marina in Polignano a Mare and spends roughly 110 minutes working along the town's coast by boat. After meeting the skipper and crew, the boat heads out to a string of sea caves that are hard or impossible to reach from the beaches, including Grotta Palazzese, Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Ardito and the Caves of the Lovers. Short stops are made at each for photos and sightseeing from the water.

Toward the end of the route there is a swimming stop in clear water, and a bottle of prosecco plus soft drinks are served on board, along with local snacks. One recent group said the prosecco and snack at the end were a welcome touch, and travelers also mention a lively atmosphere on board, with music and a sociable mix of passengers.

The outing suits anyone after a relaxed coastal trip with swimming, cave views and an aperitif. Multiple reviewers said they would recommend it, describing friendly crews and an enjoyable way to see Polignano a Mare from the sea.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Cala Ponte MarinaArrive 20 minutes before boarding and say at the entrance gate that you are booked with Hemera. The marina stop includes check-in and optional extras such as food and drinks, some of which carry an extra fee.
2. Grotta AzzurraA 10 minute stop for photos, sightseeing and a close look at the cave from the boat.
3. Grotta delle RondinelleAnother 10 minute pause for photos and cave sightseeing.
4. Grotta ArditoA 10 minute stop, with aperitif service, local snacks and sightseeing.
5. Viewpoint and Grotta PalazzeseTwo 10 minute stops each, for photos, breaks, aperitif drinks and the coastal scenery, including the famous Grotta Palazzese.
6. Swim stopA 20 minute stop with time for swimming, photos, drinks and snacks. A hidden gem stop beforehand also allows photos and visits.
7. Return to Cala Ponte MarinaThe boat heads back to the marina, with the full cruise lasting approximately two hours depending on sea conditions.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this cruise before you board.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way to Cala Ponte Marina, which is a short car or tuk-tuk ride or a longer walk from the town center. Arrive 20 minutes before boarding and mention Hemera at the entrance gate. If walking or cycling, follow the car directions for the final stretch, as the walking path uses a now closed road.
• What to bring. Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat are advised. There is a sunshade on the boat and life jackets are provided, but sun protection matters for the open stretches.
• The swim. There is a dedicated swimming stop, and reviewers repeatedly mention the refreshing swim as a highlight of the day. Be ready to get in the water during that stop. One past traveler said clearer information on where the swim happens would help, so feel free to ask the crew on the day.
• Drinks and snacks. One bottle of prosecco and soft drinks are included, along with local snacks at the cave stops. One reviewer praised the aperitif served on board. Anything beyond the included drinks, such as additional food at the marina, is optional and may cost extra.
• Group feel. Reviews describe a fun, sociable atmosphere with music, and one group said they met fantastic people on board. One reviewer noted their group was smaller than other companies' boats and had a longer swim. Crew and skipper are regularly praised as skilled and friendly.
• Weather and timing. The duration may vary slightly depending on sea conditions and the pace of the day. Pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change.

Common issues. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the marina is not right in the town center, so allow travel time and note the walking route follows a closed road for the final stretch. Parking near the marina is public and subject to availability. The tour runs on sea conditions, so the timing and pace can shift slightly from the schedule. One reviewer felt the information about where the swimming happens could be clearer. Some food and drink options listed at the marina stop are optional and carry an extra fee.

Common Questions