Swim Stop, Cave, Aperitif

Swim Stop, Cave, Aperitif, 1.5 hours, rated 4.7 across 1,955 traveller reviews.

Overview

This hour and a half trip departs from the meeting point at Via S. Vito 328, in the San Vito area just along the coast from Polignano a Mare, on board the Dorino, a boat operated by Dorino Gite in Barca. The crew takes passengers along the Adriatic shoreline and into a series of sea caves sculpted by centuries of waves, where the light turns the water shades of blue and green. Commentary runs in English, Italian, French or Spanish, covering the history of the caves and the town above them.

The middle of the trip is a swim stop. The boat anchors in calm, clear water and passengers can jump in, float, or stay on deck in the sun. A snorkeling mask is provided, so bring a swimsuit you can get into easily. Swimmers and non-swimmers both travel on the same boat, and staying aboard during the stop is perfectly normal.

After the swim, everyone gets a glass of chilled Prosecco with taralli, the ring-shaped savory crackers typical of Puglia, before the cruise back past the cliffs and white buildings of Polignano a Mare. The outing is short and relaxed rather than a full-day excursion. Hotel pickup is not included, so travelers make their own way to the meeting point on Via S. Vito.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at San Vito harborCheck in at the Dorino boat tour meeting point at Via S. Vito 328, in the San Vito area. Arrival on your own, as hotel pickup is not included.
2. Cruise along the coastThe Dorino heads out along the Polignano a Mare coastline while the crew points out landmarks and shares the history of the area.
3. Sea cave explorationThe boat enters and passes close to the grottos along the cliffs, where the crew explains each cave's formations and significance.
4. Swim stopThe boat anchors in a calm, clear spot. Passengers can swim, float or snorkel with the provided mask, or stay aboard and enjoy the sun.
5. Aperitif on boardA chilled glass of Prosecco is served with traditional Apulian taralli crackers.
6. Return cruiseThe boat heads back to the harbor with panoramic views of the cliffs and the whitewashed houses of Polignano a Mare, a good stretch for photographs.

What To Expect From The Tour

A short boat outing with a cave pass, a swim and a drink, with a crew that keeps the commentary flowing.

• Getting wet. The operator warns that passengers may get wet during the tour. One reviewer suggests a waterproof jacket if the weather is poor. Beachwear is on the official what-to-bring list.
• Guide style. Reviewers describe the guides and skippers as funny, engaging and knowledgeable.
• What to bring. Sunglasses, a camera and beachwear are recommended. Towels and dry clothes are a sensible addition given the swim stop. A snorkeling mask is provided on board.
• Pace and timing. The summary of past feedback notes some travelers felt it ran short and rushed. Plan to arrive at the harbor in good time.
• Food and drink. A glass of Prosecco and taralli crackers are included, served after the swim. One reviewer mentions an offer of a second glass in exchange for a dip, which gives a sense of the playful mood on board.
• Photography. The return leg offers the best photo angles of the cliffs and town from the water, and the caves themselves are picture-worthy. Bring a camera, ideally one you can keep dry between shots.

Common issues. Some recent feedback, summarized across the past year of reviews, says the trip felt shorter and more rushed than advertised, with swimmers wanting more time in the water. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included, so travelers must reach the San Vito meeting point on their own. The operator warns that passengers may get wet during the tour, and the swim stop means the outing is best for people comfortable around water.

Common Questions