Sailing boat tour with lunch and swimming stops

Trying to capture the essence of Salento’s coastline in just words is no easy task. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a sailing trip up the coast might just be worth a thousand stories. This particular tour, offered by Morgana Sailing Charter from Lecce, promises a 6-hour adventure filled with scenic views, swimming in crystal waters, and a tasty onboard meal. It’s a chance to see the Salento coast from a perspective few get — aboard a comfortable sailing boat, drifting past caves, beaches, and cliffs that look almost unreal.

What we love about this experience is the personalized nature of the tour. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it feels intimate and well-paced, allowing you to truly soak in each stop. The inclusion of lunch and multiple swimming stops means you’re not just cruising past sights; you’re actively engaging with the environment. That said, one thing to consider is the weather dependency — a sunny day makes all the difference, and the tour can be canceled if conditions aren’t suitable. This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation, scenic beauty, and a touch of adventure, especially those who love being on the water and exploring caves and beaches.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal views and access to caves and inlets of karst origin
• Multiple swimming stops in transparent waters ideal for snorkeling or relaxing
• A delicious onboard fish-based lunch that outperforms many local restaurants
• Small group size enhances the personalized experience
• Cruising along both the Ionian and Adriatic sides offers diverse scenery
• Weather-dependent — clear, sunny days are best for this tour

The Experience: What to Expect on This Salento Sailing Adventure

This tour begins at Leuca Marineporto turistico, and if you’re staying in Lecce, it’s conveniently accessible. Starting at 10:30 am, you’ll board the Morgana sailing boat — a vessel that accommodates up to 10 travelers, ensuring a cozy but comfortable atmosphere. The crew, renowned for their hospitality and knowledge, will guide you through the day, sharing insights into the coast’s geological features and cave formations.

The Itinerary Breakdown: Exploring Caves and Inlets

The tour’s highlights are the visits to caves and inlets, which are of karst origin — meaning they have unique formations and dramatic entrances that make for fantastic photo opportunities. The first stop is at the Ionian side, where you’ll explore the Grotta delle Tre Porte. This cave’s name, translating to “Three Doors,” refers to its monumental entrance split into three sections, reminiscent of a biblical tableau, according to some reviewers. Nearby, the Dragon Cave and the Lovers’ Cave invite swimming, offering chances to cool off in clear, calm waters.

One reviewer, LukasPhilipp_S, describes the caves as “so beautiful,” and mentions that the stops are long enough to swim, explore, and relax — a rare treat when you’re on a boat tour.

The next stop, Marina di Felloniche, features shallow, sandy seabeds with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. This bay is described as beautiful and ideal for families or anyone looking for a peaceful water break.

Transition to the Adriatic Side

After exploring the Ionian side, the boat sails around Punta Meliso to the Adriatic coast, where the landscapes change dramatically. Here, the Terradico Cave gets its nickname “Indians’ Cave” because of its tent-like shape, an interesting detail that adds to the adventure’s charm. The Grotta Verdusella and Grotta del Soffio are next, noted for their spraying water that creates a playful, almost mischievous effect on visitors.

Before heading back, you’ll visit the Grotta del Laghetto — a stunning freshwater lake inside a cave, visible after a short climb over rocks. A reviewer loved the view — “it’s breathtaking,” he said, with the lake blending with sea water in a surreal scene.

Final Swim and Scenic Wrap-Up

The last stop is at the Falesia Delle Mannute, a towering cliff with stalactites and caves, where another swim in front of this imposing geological feature awaits. The scenery here is dramatic and lends itself perfectly to photos and peaceful reflection.

Lunch and Relaxation

Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy a typical fish-based lunch prepared on board. The quality is a highlight, with one reviewer noting that the onboard meal surpassed many restaurant offerings. Relaxing on the deck with fresh seafood, enjoying a glass of local wine, while the coast drifts by, is a simple but memorable pleasure.

The Authenticity and Practicalities

This tour emphasizes authentic experiences — from exploring caves to swimming in pristine waters. The small group size (max 10 guests) ensures personalized service, and the flexible itinerary allows the skipper to adapt stops based on weather and conditions.

Pricing at $138.82 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: six hours of cruising, multiple swimming stops, and a quality onboard lunch. When compared to the cost of private boat hires or guided tours with fewer stops and less food, it offers excellent value.

Booking is recommended about 44 days in advance — a sign of its popularity. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, couples, and groups who are comfortable on boats and enjoy outdoor activities. Service animals are permitted, and the tour can be canceled with full refunds up to 24 hours in advance if weather conditions don’t cooperate.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

The standout feature is the variety — from caves and coves to sandy beaches and cliffs. The scenic diversity ensures you get a rounded view of the coast’s natural beauty. The onboard lunch is a significant perk, especially for those who prefer authentic local cuisine over touristy restaurants. The small group setting fosters a relaxed environment, perfect for conversation, photos, and enjoying the scenery at your own pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you love being on the water, exploring hidden caves, and swimming in clear waters, this tour is a great fit. It’s especially ideal for travelers who appreciate a personalized experience rather than large group tours. Food lovers will enjoy the freshly prepared onboard meal, which is a welcome break from typical packed lunches. However, those sensitive to weather or prone to seasickness should check the forecast, as the tour is dependent on good weather and involves some boat navigation along both the Ionian and Adriatic sides.

This sailing trip offers a well-rounded, authentic experience of Salento’s coastline, combining scenic views, adventurous cave visits, and relaxing swims. The small group size and quality onboard lunch elevate it beyond a simple boat ride, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Lecce. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or just looking for a serene day on the water, this tour delivers value and charm in spades.

In particular, the stunning caves, crystal-clear waters, and delicious local cuisine make it stand out. It’s best suited for travelers who want a genuine, immersive experience with a touch of adventure — perfect for those who love discovering hidden gems at a relaxed pace.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 10:30 am and ending back at the port.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the boat trip, swimming stops, and a fish-based lunch prepared on board.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy water activities and boats will likely love it. Small group size means flexibility and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A camera or smartphone for photos is also recommended.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour has a full refund policy if canceled at least 24 hours in advance or if canceled due to poor weather.

How many people are on the tour?
A maximum of 10 travelers ensures a personalized experience and more space to relax.

Where do we meet?
At Leuca Marineporto turistico in Santa Maria di Leuca, ready to set sail at 10:30 am.

Whether it’s the caves, the waters, or the onboard meal that appeals most, this sailing experience from Lecce promises a day of discovery, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for those who want to see the coast from a fresh perspective, it’s a memorable way to enjoy the best of Salento.