On the water · CRUISES WITH OPEN BAR IN ITALY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who asked: 15 cruises with open bar in Italy worth the fare, each with its price, its passenger verdict and the one thing to check before you pay.
Spend two hours cruising Polignano a Mare’s 11-kilometer coast by 7-meter speedboat. Guides such as Giuseppe, Claudio, and Mattia share local stories, steer into sea caves, and stop for a swim. Your $35 ticket includes an aperitif, life jacket, sun visor, skipper, and return to Cala Ponte Marina.
“It's very good,very pleasant experience,I recommend it!”
From San Vito, you’ll cruise past Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, Cala Port’Alga, and other coastal caves. Guides such as Christian, Vincenzo, and Dominic are known for lively commentary, while the boat provides swimming stops, floats, shade, local snacks, and a Prosecco aperitif.
“The trip started at 5pm and upon returning we stopped for an apero and watched a magnificent sunset. The whole experience was very enjoyable though at times the sea was a little choppy in a small speedboat.”
Join Nautisardinia in Cagliari for a three-hour shared RIB boat trip around Devil’s Saddle. Swim and snorkel at four handpicked bays, listen to local stories from skippers such as Matteo, Giovanni, Pietro, or Alessandro, and enjoy water, snorkeling gear, and Prosecco. The boats hold up to 12 people and leave from Via Roma near the cruise terminal.
“Great guide, very flexible with regards to stops, friendly and professional!”
Cruise Lake Como’s first basin from Como with a friendly skipper such as Mario or Alessandro. Sip Prosecco, pass Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, Villa Versace, Cernobbio, and other grand homes, and use the optional audio guide for added context. The cushioned boat has a canopy, restroom, and room for a relaxed small-group outing.
“the scenery, the boat, the music and the fabulous guide was incredible. one of the best things we've done for a long time!!”
Set out from Polignano a Mare aboard the Dorino for a 1.5-hour coastal cruise with up to 10 people. You’ll see Grotta Palazzese and other caves, pause for a swim, and finish with Prosecco and Apulian taralli. Guides such as Nicolas, Valerio, and Enzo add lively commentary in English, Italian, or French.
“Nicolas was a great boat tour guide. He was informative but very funny and inclusive of each guest. Highly recommend”
Sail from Tropea with Captain Paolo’s crew along Calabria’s Coast of the Gods. You’ll pass beaches, caves, Riaci Bay, Praia di Fuoco, and Capo Vaticano, with swimming, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, music, and dancing. The tour is conducted in Italian, though some crew members may explain key instructions in English.
“Definitely recommended! Lovely and knowledgeable crew. You'll see the stunning beaches of Tropea and Capo Vaticano. There will be few stops to enjoy a swim with the fish and a lovely happy hour with prosecco, other drinks and snacks on board.”
Set out from Cala Ponte Marina with an Italian or English-speaking skipper for a 1.5-hour speedboat cruise along Polignano a Mare’s coast. You’ll see Grotta Azzurra, Grotta Palazzese, Grotta Ardito, and other sea caves, stop for a swim, and enjoy Prosecco, soft drinks, and light snacks aboard.
“We had a great time seeing the sights from the water.”
Set sail from Catania with an English- or Italian-speaking guide and a skipper, bound for Aci Trezza and its Cyclopean Isles. You’ll pass Aci Castello, swim or snorkel near volcanic rocks, try the SUP, and share Prosecco with Sicilian cheeses, cold cuts, tomatoes, bread, and pesto. Crews have included Jennifer, Sergio, Lulu, and Gabriele.
“Daria & Sergio were our dream team for seeing Sicily. Not only were they great guides, they care about our safety in addition to the success of the original itinerary. The weather threw us for a curve but they were able to pivot and make our trip ever more unforgettable. We loved their knowledge share as well as the appetisers and apertifs. We can't wait to book Daria for our Mt Etna tour. This was our favourite part of Sicilia!”
Set out from Portus Karalis with Alma Sailing Charter for three hours along Cagliari’s Golfo degli Angeli. With up to 12 people, you’ll stop at Cala Mosca, Cala Fighera, and the Devil’s Saddle for swimming and snorkeling. Alma, Patrick, or another bilingual crew member shares local stories, provides floats and equipment, and serves prosecco before the return to port.
“This boat tour was absolutely amazing! It’s definitely a must do while in Cagliari. They were very so nice and accommodating.”
Join local captain Francesco and his son Gabriel aboard Popeye for a three-hour cruise from Cefalù. Swim at Kalura and Mazzaforno, explore coastal caves, try the paddle board, and finish with homemade Sicilian snacks, fruit, bruschetta, and Prosecco. The 5:30 PM departure adds sunset views and an evening swim beneath underwater lights.
“We had such a great time on the 2:30pm cruise! There were only about 14 of us on board, which made it feel really relaxed and personal. We stopped three times to swim, snorkel, or try the paddle board, all with beautiful views back over Cefalù. At the end, we were treated to some delicious snacks and a glass of Prosecco, which was the perfect touch. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip to Sicily.”
Join a bilingual skipper such as Sandro or Samuele for a three-hour dinghy ride from Marina di Sant’Elmo. With up to 10 people aboard, you’ll visit Cala Bernat, Calamosca, Cala Fighera, Grotta dei Colombi, Sella del Diavolo, and Poetto Beach, with swimming, snorkeling gear, water, music, and prosecco included.
“Tour guide was really friendly, polite and helpful. It was a beautiful boat trip, scenery is stunning. Highly recommend!”
Cruise Palermo’s coast with guides such as Giuseppe, Gabriele, or Stefano, stopping in Mondello Bay, Vergine Maria, and Grotta Regina. Swim, snorkel, explore a cave, then enjoy Sicilian snacks and wine. Groups of six or fewer use the sailing boat; larger groups use the vintage motor yacht.
“Our experience exceeded our expectations! Our guides (G&G) were informative and fun! They gave us fascinating history of the area and gave us opportunities to swim in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea! The snacks were delicious and plentiful and we thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend the excursion!”
Join skipper Andrea aboard a small sailboat from Alghero Port for a two-hour sunset cruise. Sail toward Maddalenetta, swim or snorkel in clear water, then enjoy Sardinian snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, and music as the sun drops behind Capo Caccia. The boat carries a limited number of people, with equipment provided.
“It was an amazing evening. We sailed to the light house and swam there with the sunset. The captain prepared a delicious home made spritz and made some Sardinian snacks. The vibe was amazing, the captain was really funny and entertaining. He made sure all the passengers were having fun. We would recommend this to everyone!”
From San Vito fishing port, guide Piero takes you along Polignano a Mare’s cliffs and caves, including Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito. Expect local stories, music, a swim with snorkeling masks, and Prosecco with taralli. The tour costs $41 and runs for 90 minutes in good weather.
“We had an amazing time. Definitely worth the money.”
Set out from San Vito with Venture Vibes for a two-hour cruise along Polignano a Mare’s cliffs and caves. Piero and other captains guide the route, with audio commentary available in several languages. Expect cave viewpoints, a swimming stop, snorkeling masks, Prosecco, taralli, and a close look at Lama Monachile from the water.
“Funny and fresh captain. Beautiful coastline. Nice chauffeur who drove the minivan from and to the center of Polignano a Mare.”
Pick a hull, a coast or an hour of the day.
