Shared Boat, Aperitif Included

Shared Boat, Aperitif Included, rated 5 across 373 traveller reviews.

Overview

Two hours on the water with Carmy tour on Boat, departing from the pier in front of the Abbey of San Vito in Polignano a Mare. The boat follows the coast past the abbey and along a string of sea caves and natural arches that can only be reached from the water, including Grotta Palazzese, Grotta dell'Arcivescovado, Grotta delle Rondinelle and Grotta Ardito delle Caldaie. The crew points out the Domenico Modugno statue and the Lama Monachile beach from offshore, with short stops for photos along the way.

After the sightseeing run, the boat anchors for a swim in the clear water, with snorkelling equipment available on board. Back on deck there is an Italian aperitif of Apulian prosecco and tarallini. Some past passengers also mention extras like homemade tiramisu or limoncello, though these appear in individual accounts rather than the official tour description.

The group is capped at nine travellers. It works well for anyone who wants the coast's caves, a swim and a drink without committing a full day. Travellers with back problems or who are pregnant are advised against it, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible. The meeting point is the pier in front of the Abbey at Via S. Vito.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at San Vito pierMeet on the pier in front of the Abbey of San Vito, at Via S. Vito 342, and wait for the Carmy boat to pull up.
2. Abbazia di San VitoThe boat passes the abbey as it leaves the pier and heads along the coast.
3. Grotta delle RondinelleA short stop at this sea cave along the coast.
4. Cala Paura and Modugno statuePassing stops at Cala Paura and the statue of Domenico Modugno, both seen from the water.
5. Lama Monachile and terracesThe boat passes the beach at Lama Monachile and the Belvedere Terrazza Santo Stefano.
6. Caves of the old townShort stops at Grotta dell'Arcivescovado, Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito delle Caldaie along the Polignano coast.
7. Swim stop and aperitifThe boat anchors for a swim and snorkelling, followed by an aperitif of Apulian prosecco and tarallini.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the two hours smoother, drawn from the tour details and from what past passengers repeatedly mention.

• Getting there. Transport to the meeting point is not included.
• Swim stop. There is a proper swim stop, not just a quick pause, and one reviewer described being anchored for swimming for much of the second half of the trip. Bring a swimsuit under clothes and a towel. Snorkelling gear is provided.
• Motion sickness. While anchored the boat sits and rocks, and one reviewer suggested taking a motion sickness remedy if you are prone to it. Another mentioned waves getting a little rough at points along the coast.
• Food and drink. The aperitif of prosecco with tarallini is included, along with all fees and taxes. Some past passengers also mention extras like homemade tiramisu or limoncello, though those are a bonus rather than a guarantee.
• Small group. The tour is capped at nine travellers. Reviewers often praise the skipper, who talks through the caves and the history of the coast along the way.
• Timing and sun. The tour lasts two hours out on the water, so dress for the sun and the sea. The swim stop means you may want a dry layer for the ride back.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the operator advises against it for travellers with back problems, pregnant travellers or anyone with serious heart conditions, while noting infants must sit on laps. Swim conditions depend on the sea: one reviewer found the swimming spot crowded and suspected rougher water elsewhere had forced the choice, and another noted the swim happens near, not inside, the caves. The experience requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions you are offered a different date or a full refund. Refunds are not given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure.

Common Questions