Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 640 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif worth booking?
Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif is a 1.5-hour experience in Bari, Italy, from $41 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 640 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (640)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $41 per person
Choose the Boat Tour of the Caves of Polignano a Mare and be enchanted by the cliffs overlooking the sea and the crystal clear waters! During the excursion you will visit all the caves of Polignano, including the famous
What you get
About this experience
Choose the Boat Tour of the Caves of Polignano a Mare and be enchanted by the cliffs overlooking the sea and the crystal clear waters! During the excursion you will visit all the caves of Polignano, including the famous Grotta Palazzese and Grotta delle Rondinelle, along the coast to Cala Port’alga and Grotta degli Innamorati, passing through the Scoglio dell’Eremita. The tour includes an aperitif on board based on taralli and prosecco and offers the opportunity to stop for a dip in the bluest waters of the Polygnane coast. The departure is from the Port of San Vito, just 10 minutes by car from the center of Polignano; an optional transfer service is also available. With Pugliamare, the experience becomes a perfect combination of sea, relaxation and taste, for an unforgettable day between nature and Apulian flavors.
What's included
Included
- Panoramic Bathroom Stop
- Snacks
- Professional Skipper
- Surcharges on fuel
Not included
- Gratuities
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Use of SCUBA equipment
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Abbazia di San Vito
The small port of San Vito is used as a dock for local fishermen's boats. From the sea you can see the Abbey of the same name overlooking the marina, dating back to the eighteenth century and currently a private residence. On the left we can see the control tower and the fishponds, built to store live fish during the winter months.
10 minutes here
Cala Paura
The first recess we find along the coast is a cove, not a cave: Cala Paura. In reality, its original name is Cala Paguro. It is thought that, from the pronunciation of the dialect term "Pagour" (hermit crab), it came to be called Cala Paura due to assonance. In this cove there is the famous writing "Torno Subito" with wrought iron letters set in the rock. It seems that they are the work of an Iranian sculptor visiting Polignano but it is not known who the artist was referring to. Maybe right in our country.
5 minutes here
Immediately after Cala Paura we find Grottone. Think that in the early 1900s inside the cave there was a cinema, accessed through the small door to the sea.
5 minutes here
Grotta Azzurra
The blue cave is located below the Santo Stefano Bastion. It is called this because of the play of light that occurs between the sea water, the sun and the rocks, which gives the cave its blue colour.
5 minutes here
Lama Monachile
Lama Monachile is the postcard of Polignano. It is the most photographed beach, the first stop that visitors reach once they arrive in town. In the 15th century it was the commercial port of Polignano. Looking at Lama Monachile from the sea, on the left you can observe the cliff of the Bastione di Santo Stefano. On the right, however, the rocks welcome large steps at the top of which there is the bronze statue dedicated to Domenico Modugno. There is a small cave accessible from the blade, whose exit can be seen from the sea: La Grotta della Piana. It's a kind of rock tunnel.
5 minutes here
Statua di Domenico Modugno
Looking to the right, at the top of the stairs on the rocks is the bronze statue dedicated to the singer Domenico Modugno, born in Polignano a Mare famous for the piece “Volare - Nel blu dipinto di Blu”.
Pass by without stopping
The Palazzese Cave is the best known, also thanks to the restaurant of the same name. In the 1920s this cave housed a magnificent bathing establishment, one of the first in Italy. In the cave there are two caverns, a smaller one and a larger one, and the smaller one also houses a small pebble beach.
5 minutes here
There are many legends about the islet: it is said that a pilgrim returning from the Holy Land lived there, who decided to move to the Rock. Certainly we know that in 1612 the fishermen had us built on a chapel dedicated to St.Antonio Abate, In 1837 there was a cholera epidemic and the church became a lazaret. It was then destroyed. In 1901, a group of missionaries fixed in the rock the iron cross that we can still see today on the Rock.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bari
By car the coastal road by the sea is closed northbound until the end of September. To reach us, take the San Vito - San Giovanni junction from the Tangenziale or Complanare; continue straight to the end of the road and you will arrive at your destination. It is possible to park.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
By car the coastal road by the sea is closed northbound until the end of September. To reach us, take the San Vito - San Giovanni junction from the Tangenziale or Complanare; continue straight to the end of the road and you will arrive at your destination. It is possible to park.
Options you can book
Shared tour with pick-up
Taralli and Prosecco
Shared tour NO pick up
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Prosecco and Taralli
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, pt, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Pugliamare
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for travelers suffering from seasickness
- For any need, guests can contact the main number for WhatsApp calls or messages. For urgent WhatsApp calls, please contact.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 639 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
639 verified traveler reviews for Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very underwhelmed not good value
Very disappointing late starting the trip 3.30 leave we left at 3.45 for and hour and a half trip and arrived back at 4.45 the guide was uninformative with an arrogant air we were taken to swim in a port with graffiti on the walls amongst other boats not beautiful at all it felt cheap and not the experience it was sold as
via Tripadvisor
Captain, caves and prosecco 🌊
A fantastic boat experience exploring beautiful caves, swimming in crystal-clear waters, enjoying an aperitif, and taking in stunning coastal views. Our guide made the trip especially memorable with his good energy. A definite highlight of our time in Puglia! 🚤☀️🍹
via Tripadvisor
Great trip!
Really enjoyed our trip, the staff were very friendly and we had a great boat trip, Prosecco was lovely! Captain was very friendly and gave us lots of info On the trip. When you get off recommend the restaurant for pizzas!
via Viator
Great tour, saw the...
Great tour, saw the caves, famous beach in Polignano a Mer, anchored and had a lovely swim finishing with prosecco and a snack. Christian was welcoming and funny..he even stopped and let one of the passengers retrieve her sunglasses which she dropped in the cave! Highly recommend for an inexpensive tour!
via Viator
So much fun!
A fast boat ride, spectacular views along the coastline with an interesting explore into the caves and then a wonderful swim.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $41 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 224
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bari.
How much does Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif cost?
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Prices start at $41 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bari usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bari is not rushed.
Is Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 640 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bari, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif?
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Around 224 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bari can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bari and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves with aperitif start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bari within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bari?
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On Outty we rank every Bari experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better, Boat Tour of the Polignano a Mare Coast with Aperitif, Bari Vecchia Group Tour in Italian. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bari?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bari?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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