Polignano: Coastline Tour With Prosecco And Taralli & Swim

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the stunning views, natural caves, and charming seaside scenery of Polignano a Mare, this 2-hour coastline boat tour might be just what you need. Operated by Blue Moon Escursioni, this experience promises a quick but immersive escape into one of Italy’s most photogenic spots. With stops at major grottos, opportunities to swim in clear waters, and a casual tasting of local snacks and Prosecco, it’s designed to offer a compact yet memorable coastal adventure.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic sightseeing and authentic regional flavors, all delivered on a comfortable boat with knowledgeable guides. That said, the experience is dependent on weather conditions, and the boat’s size limits participation, so it’s worth considering if you’re traveling with mobility concerns or seeking a more extensive tour. Overall, it’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate short, scenic trips with a touch of local culture and the chance to cool off in the sea.

Key Points

• Short but impactful: A 2-hour tour packed with photo stops and scenic views.
• Small group comfort: Boats accommodate up to 8 people, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Expert guides: Guides such as Davide provide insightful commentary about the sites.
• Authentic hospitality: Enjoy Prosecco and Taralli during a relaxing break.
• Ideal for photo enthusiasts: Multiple stops at caves, beaches, and viewpoints.
• Weather-dependent: The experience may be affected by sea conditions.

An Overview of the Polignano Coastline Tour

This boat tour is designed as a quick, scenic escape along the striking coastline of Polignano a Mare. It’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the sea, stunning views, and a chance to see the famous grottos without committing to a long outing. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with departure options from San Vito’s harbor — a charming spot just under a 15-minute walk from the historic town center of Polignano. You’ll cruise along the coast on one of two modern boats, both equipped with comfortable seats, tables, ladders, and life jackets.

What makes this experience appealing is the balance of guided sightseeing and leisure. Whether you’re into snapping photos of the colorful houses overhanging the sea, exploring caves, or simply floating in crystal-clear waters, this tour offers plenty of opportunities for memorable moments.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

The itinerary features around 14 stops, each offering a different perspective of the coast’s natural and cultural highlights.

Starting Point: San Vito’s Harbor

Your adventure begins at San Vito’s harbor, a picturesque setting under an ancient XI-century Abbey. The proximity to good restaurants like La Veranda Di Giselda makes it easy to arrive relaxed and ready for the cruise.

Cala Paguro & Domenico Modugno Monument

First stops include Cala Paguro and the Domenico Modugno Monument — both offering fantastic photo opportunities. On the way, guides share insights about the area’s history and geography, adding depth to your experience. The scenic views here often draw praise for their natural beauty, as noted by past travelers.

Lama Monachile Beach & Grottos

A highlight is Lama Monachile Beach, famous for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Expect a quick stop for photos, with guides explaining interesting facts about the formation of the caves and the town. You might get to see the Grotta dell’Arcivescovado, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Ardito, and others, each presenting different shapes and sizes filled with interesting formations. Multiple reviews mention how striking the caves are, with one guest noting, “We even sailed into two caves — very nice, clear water,” emphasizing the appeal for snorkelers and lovers of natural scenery.

Unique Natural Landmarks

You’ll also visit Hermit’s Rock and Cala Port’Alga, notable for their distinctive shapes and secluded feel. The Cave of Pigeons is another popular stop, often praised for its photogenic qualities. Guides provide commentary about the geological features that make these caves unique.

Swimming & Relaxation

The tour includes a pause to swim in the serene, transparent waters — a favorite feature among reviewers. This is a prime chance to cool off and enjoy a relaxed float, often accompanied by Prosecco and Taralli, local snacks that make the experience feel authentically Italian. One reviewer highlighted that they appreciated the “plenty of room on the boat” and the “great swim in the sea,” indicating how well the experience balances sightseeing with leisure.

The Final Stop: Polignano a Mare

The last stop involves free time in Polignano, with options to swim, snorkel, or simply soak in the scenery. During this time, many guests enjoy tasting some local snacks and taking in sweeping views of the town’s rooftops and coastline. The tour wraps up with a scenic drive back to San Vito, with some reviewers mentioning that the aperitif was a lovely, casual way to end the trip.

The Boats and Comfort

Both boats used by Blue Moon Escursioni, Arabesque and Elegance, are designed for small groups, creating an intimate atmosphere. Past guests noted that the boats are clean and modern, with comfortable cushions and easy ladders for swimming. The outboard engines provide smooth cruising, and the shade awnings help keep everyone comfortable during sunny spells.

The boats’ size (8m and around 6.7m in length) means the experience is quite personal, with guides able to tailor commentary and point out specific features up close. However, it also means that larger groups or travelers with mobility issues may find it less accessible, as the activity is limited to those who can comfortably get onto the boat and swim.

Guides and Reviews: Authentic Insights

Guests rave about the guides, with reviews mentioning guides like Davide — “informative and very professional” — who go beyond basic commentary. Others appreciated the knowledgeable explanations about the caves and coast, making the trip more enriching. One reviewer from Poland said, “Our guide was really knowledgeable and told us interesting stuff (in English).” It’s clear that the guides’ enthusiasm and expertise contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment.

Value for Money

Pricing is set at around $41 per person, which, considering the included snacks, Prosecco, the scenic stops, and the personalized experience, offers solid value. Some travelers mentioned that the prosecco was a single glass, which they felt was a bit light, but overall, reviews suggest that the tour is competitively priced given the quality of sights and service.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoyment

• Arrive early at San Vito harbor to secure a good spot and enjoy the charming surroundings.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for both boat and land, plus swimwear for the swim stop.
• The tour is weather-dependent; if sea conditions are rough, the experience might be less smooth or could be canceled.
• If you’re traveling from Polignano an Mare, note that the boat departs from San Vito, so plan your transport accordingly.
• The small group size means the tour can be quite intimate, but it also means you should book ahead during peak season.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for travelers craving a quick yet scenic experience of Polignano’s coastline. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who enjoy natural beauty, caves, and sea swimming. If you value personalized guides who share insights and stories, you’ll likely appreciate this tour’s lively and informative approach. It’s also a good fit for those seeking authentic local snacks and a relaxed vibe, rather than a long, crowded boat trip.

However, those with mobility impairments or looking for more extensive exploration might need to consider larger or longer tours. Also, if you’re hoping for an extensive inland cultural experience, this sea-focused excursion will be too limited.

Final Thoughts

This Polignano Coastline Tour with Blue Moon Escursioni offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and leisure. Its small-group setting and passionate guides make it a standout choice for travelers who want to see the caves and coast from the water in a relaxed setting. The inclusion of Prosecco and Taralli adds a slice of local flavor to an already picturesque experience.

Priced competitively, the tour provides great value for money—especially considering the personalized service, stunning views, and the chance to swim in clear waters. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this tour offers an efficient way to grasp the magic of Polignano’s coast in just a couple of hours.

If you want a taste of Italy’s spectacular coastline with a friendly guide and authentic snacks, this could become one of your highlights in Apulia.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from San Vito’s Harbor, just below the XI-century Abbey, a scenic spot with nearby restaurants like La Veranda Di Giselda.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, providing enough time to see multiple caves and enjoy a swim without feeling rushed.

What boats are used?
The experience is on two modern boats: Blue Moon Arabesque and Blue Moon Elegance, both equipped with shade, cushions, tables, ladders, and life jackets.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, but keep in mind the activity involves swimming and boat boarding, so supervision is needed.

Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely, there is a designated stop for swimming in the calm, clear waters, often highlighted as a favorite part of the trip.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and casual clothes are recommended. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel for swimming.

Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, an aperitivo with Prosecco and Taralli is part of the experience, adding a relaxed, authentic touch.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If sea conditions are unfavorable, the activity may be canceled or rescheduled, and full refunds are available if canceled in advance.

Is there a difference between the two boats?
Both boats are similar in size and comfort, with the main difference being the engine power; the Arabesque has a 250hp engine, while Elegance has 140hp. Either is suitable for this tour.

This boat tour along the Polignano coast offers a perfect slice of seaside adventure—packed with views, caves, swimming, and local flavors—ideal for a short but memorable outing in Italy’s captivating region.