Catamaran, Aperitif, Local Food

Catamaran, Aperitif, Local Food, 2.5 hours, rated 4.9 across 301 traveller reviews.

Overview

This two and a half hour catamaran outing, run by the operator Almarano, starts at Calaponte Marina in Polignano a Mare and spends its time entirely on the water. The route hugs the town's coastline, passing Lama Monachile with its Bourbon bridge, the cave of Grotta Palazzese, the Hermit's rock by the San Paolo islet, and Cala Port'Alga, with short photo pauses at each. After the sightseeing stretch the boat anchors at Cala Corvino for the longest stop of the trip, where passengers swim, use the two paddleboards on board, and taste the Apulian aperitif served during the stop.

The food is a real spread rather than a token snack: focaccia, friselle, mozzarella, seasonal vegetables, a selection of cold cuts, and fruit, with Prosecco, beer, white and rosé wine, plus soft drinks and water. Several also single out the crew, describing them as attentive and happy to explain the landscape along the way.

The trip centres on a swim stop, so it is best for travellers happy to get in the water, and reviewers who went with children report the whole family enjoyed it. Bring a towel, as beach towels are not included, and note there is no hotel pickup, so travellers arrange their own way to the marina.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Calaponte MarinaThe tour departs from Calaponte Marina on Via S. Vito in Polignano a Mare. No pickup is included, so travellers make their own way there.
2. Lama Monachile cruiseA photo stop and boat cruise lasting 15 minutes along the famous beach below the town, with its Bourbon bridge.
3. Grotta PalazzeseA 5 minute photo stop and cruise past the well known sea cave.
4. Hermit's rockA 10 minute photo stop and boat cruise past the Hermit's rock and the San Paolo islet.
5. Cala Port'AlgaA further 5 minute photo stop along the cliffs before the anchor goes down.
6. Cala Corvino swim stopThe heart of the tour: 50 minutes for swimming, stand up paddleboarding, and the Apulian aperitif with drinks.
7. Return cruiseA 45 minute boat cruise back to Calaponte Marina, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points make the day smoother, from what to pack to how the swim stop works.

• What to bring. Pack swimwear and a towel. Beach towels are specifically noted as not included, and the swim stop gives time for a proper dip as well as a paddle on the boards.
• The food. The aperitif includes focaccia, friselle, mozzarella, cold cuts, vegetables, and fruit, with both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks.
• Getting there. There is no pickup, so plan the journey to Calaponte Marina yourself. One reviewer suggested a tuk tuk from Polignano a Mare to the marina as an easy option when travelling without a car.
• Group feel. Reviewers describe a clean catamaran with space to spread out. The crew are repeatedly praised as attentive, friendly, and happy to explain the landscape along the way.
• Pace and swimming. The cruising legs between photo stops are short, and the main swim stop is about 50 minutes. Two paddleboards are on board and available to use during the stop, so confident swimmers get the most from it, though non swimmers can simply eat and relax on board.
• Weather and timing. Check the current departure time before planning the day. As with any sea trip, it makes sense to allow plenty of time to reach the marina, since one reviewer found parking a rush.

Common issues. A few travellers felt the boat did not go as close to the cliffs and caves as they had hoped, and asked for clearer detail on the approach distance, so set expectations accordingly. Parking near the marina was a rush for one family, who arrived just in time, though the crew helped them find a spot. The swim stop is the core of the experience, which leaves less appeal for anyone who does not want to get in the water. Beach towels are not provided, and there is no hotel pickup, so transport to the marina is each traveller's own arrangement.

Common Questions