On the water · SEA CAVE BOAT TOURS IN ITALY
Every one of these 15 sea cave boat tours in Italy has a queue of people who have already been. Below: what each costs, how long it runs and where they differ.
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!”
Cruise from Sorrento to Capri aboard a small boat for up to 12 people with guides such as Fabrizio, Antonio, Michele, or Emmanuel. You will swim, snorkel, see the Faraglioni and grottos, and spend four hours exploring Capri. The early option reaches the Blue Grotto near opening time, when queues are often shorter.
“It was wonderful! The day started with light rain so we were worried but the weather cleared up and the guides were super helpful and fun!”
Set out from Sorrento with a skipper and guide such as Flavio, Agatha, or Alessandro for a small-group cruise to Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto when conditions allow, circle the island’s famous caves and Faraglioni, enjoy drinks and fruit, swim from the boat, and spend three hours exploring Capri on your own.
“The crew were very knowledgeable and attentive. The views were amazing! The Blue Grotto experience was once in a lifetime”
Start at Marina Grande and circle Capri aboard a crewed sightseeing boat for about two hours. You’ll pass the Faraglioni, Casa Malaparte, Green Grotto, Punta Carena Lighthouse, and other coastal sights, with Italian and English commentary. The Blue Grotto stop is optional and costs €18 by rowboat, with access controlled by weather and waiting times.
“Great we were very lucky to have a guide on our boat ( who was with a group of people). She told us everything about the island etc. made it very very good. P”
Cruise from Sorrento to Capri in a traditional gozzo boat with up to eight people, stopping at coastal grottoes, swimming spots, and the Blue Grotto. Guides such as Luca, Anna, Francesco, and Nello add local tips, snacks, drinks, and history. You also get 3 to 5 hours to explore Capri independently.
“We had such a great time on our trip! We didn't get to see the Blue Grotto due to high tides, but our boat captains made up for it. They took us to another inlet which had beautiful turquoise water. The drinks flowed, the music was great and the company was fantastic. We also had an amazing time on Capri. I highly suggest eating at Billy's Bar. The views are amazing and the food was delicious. I would 100% do this excursion again in the future!”
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 a small group of up to 12 for a Sorrento to Capri cruise led in English or Italian by a skipper-guide such as Lucio, Agatha, or Alessandro. See the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni Rocks, and island coves, then enjoy free time in Capri. Prosecco, beer, fruit, snorkeling gear, and onboard facilities are included.
“The tour guide was amazing, such a great vibe. The same with the captain! very good trip!”
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”
Cruise from Marina di Leuca with a skipper such as Ugo, Hugo, or Gigi, visiting caves from Punta Ristola to Punta Meliso and the Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse. The three-hour trip includes two swimming stops, a drink, and a snack. Boats carry no more than 12 people, though English commentary can vary by skipper.
“Two swims, one in the Adriatic Sea and the other in the Ionic Sea…!!!”
Cruise from Giardini Naxos past Grotta della Conchiglia, Capo Taormina, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, and Mazzarò Bay. You get a 25-minute swim stop, snacks, and a welcome drink. Guides such as Francesco, Antonio, and Salvatore add local stories, music, photos, and good humor, though English ability can vary.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the boat tour. The guide/driver was friendly and informative and our group had a wonderful time exploring the Taormina coastline.”
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 out from Molo Margherita near Carlo V castle for a 2.5-hour cruise from Monopoli to Polignano a Mare. Francesco and the Blue Wave crew guide you into coastal caves, stop for a swim, and serve focaccia, Apulian drinks, and prosecco. Private and small-group options are available, with longer departures offered at selected times.
“Swimming at night under the cliffs was great. Guide was fun”
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!”
Sail from Amalfi on a 10 to 12 metre gozzo with a captain and English-speaking host. You’ll see Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano, Positano, and Atrani, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. Towels, masks, snacks, soft drinks, prosecco, beer, limoncello, shade, a toilet, and a shower are provided.
“The trip was fantastic, the boat was immaculate and comfortable while travelling. A great way to visit different places along the Amalfi coast and jump in for swims at these locations. A family favourite trip, would definitely recommend. Thank you for a fantastic day. 😊”
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.
