Guided Tour by Catamaran with Aperitif from Polignano a Mare

If you’re considering a way to see the coast of Polignano a Mare without spending hours on foot or in crowded sightseeing spots, this guided catamaran tour might just be what you’re looking for. Designed for those who want a relaxed, scenic experience with the bonus of swimming and enjoying some local flavors, it offers a laid-back way to soak up the beauty of Puglia’s coastline.

What really draws us in is the combination of stunning scenery and good company—the reviews consistently praise the friendly staff and gorgeous views. Plus, the inclusion of an aperitif with local products adds a nice touch that elevates the experience beyond just looking at pretty rocks. On the flip side, some might find the duration a little on the short side, especially if you’re craving a longer escape out on the water.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a casual, social atmosphere, appreciate beautiful coastlines, and value good food and drinks while on the water. If you’re after a quick but memorable outing with a friendly crew, it could be perfect. Families with older kids who can enjoy swimming and paddleboarding might also find it a good choice, but it’s not specifically tailored for young children.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastline views and access to caves and Lama Monachile from the water.
• Friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide interesting commentary and care for guests.
• Inclusion of local Apulian products—focaccia, seasonal vegetables, taralli, and drinks—that complement the scenic cruise.
• Swim stop and water activities like paddleboarding, making the trip interactive.
• Short duration of about 2.5 hours; perfect for a gentle, quick getaway.
• Limited group size (max 12 travelers) for a more personal experience.

An Honest Look at the Experience

We love the idea of seeing Polignano a Mare from the sea — it’s one of those views that just takes your breath away. The itinerary is thoughtfully planned to give you a taste of the area’s highlights without rushing. The tour kicks off at Calaponte Marina, with the boat pulling away to reveal the famously photogenic Lama Monachile, with its dramatic cliffs and the Borbonico bridge. From the water, you’ll really appreciate the scale of the cliffs and caves that are otherwise hard to grasp from land.

The first leg of the trip is all about appreciating the coast. As you drift past caves and the rock of the Hermit (San Paolo islet), the guides often share insights about the area’s geography and history — as some reviews mention, they’re quite knowledgeable and friendly, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable. The views of the Red Bull Cliff Diving location are particularly striking from the boat, and many reviews highlight how much everyone enjoyed the scenery.

The swimming stop is a real highlight. During the excursion, you’ll anchor near a beach between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, where you can jump into the clear, refreshing waters. Here, you also get to try paddleboarding — a fun way to explore the calm waters, especially if you’ve never tried it before. The crew is attentive, providing snacks and drinks along with the opportunity to relax and take it all in.

The aperitif is a delightful touch, offering local Prosecco, white and rosé wines, beer, and soda. The onboard snack selection is simple but well-received, with focaccia, seasonal vegetables, and taralli, giving you a taste of authentic Apulian bites. Many reviews mention how the drinks are kept flowing, with staff taking care of everyone’s needs, which helps foster a convivial atmosphere.

The Itinerary in Detail

Departure from Calaponte Marina

Starting point is easy to find, located in Polignano a Mare. The boat is modern, clean, and spacious enough to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests, making it a more intimate experience. The small group size is appreciated by most, as it allows for better interaction with the guides and less crowding.

Admiring Lama Monachile and the Borbonico Bridge

This is the star of the show. From the water, you’ll see the iconic Lama Monachile, a narrow inlet flanked by steep cliffs, with the white buildings of the town climbing up the hillside. The views here are stunning, and many reviewers rave about how impressive it looks from the water, especially with the sunset or good weather.

Coastal Cave Exploration and San Paolo Islet

Next, the boat glides past caves and rocky formations, giving you a new perspective on the coast. The guides often point out interesting formations, and the photos you’ll take here are memorable. The San Paolo Islet offers a close-up view of the rock of the Hermit, adding to the scenic charm.

Swimming and Paddleboarding Stop

The stop for swimming takes place on a beach between Polignano and Monopoli, with calm waters ideal for a refreshing dip. The paddleboards are available on board, which many reviews note as a fun addition. One traveler mentioned that their kids loved taking a swim and trying out paddleboarding, which suggests this experience is engaging for those with children old enough to enjoy water activities.

Enjoying the Aperitif

As you relax in the water or after swimming, the crew brings out the local snacks and drinks. This part of the tour is highly praised, with many saying it feels like a true taste of Apulian hospitality. The Prosecco and wines are a nice complement to the scenery, and the snacks are described as fresh and flavorful.

Return to the Marina

The trip concludes with the boat heading back towards the marina. Many reviews mention how friendly and attentive the crew is, often commenting on how well they take care of everyone. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a beautiful sunset along the way, making the return journey as breathtaking as the start.

Price and Value

At around $75 per person, this tour is a good deal considering the inclusions. You’re getting a scenic boat ride, local drinks and snacks, and the chance to swim and paddleboard — all in a relaxed, intimate setting. For many travelers, this is a relaxing way to enjoy Polignano a Mare without the hassle of navigating by land, and the small group size adds to the feeling of exclusivity and comfort.

While it is a shorter experience — about two and a half hours — many reviewers feel it offers enough time to see the highlights and unwind without feeling rushed. If you’re after a more extensive boat tour, you might want to look for longer options, but for a quick taste of the coast, this hits the mark.

Practical Details

The meeting point is in Polignano a Mare, at Calaponte Marina, which is easy to reach if you’re already in town. The tour runs most days, but it’s wise to book at least 26 days in advance, as it’s a popular choice. The group size is limited to 12, helping ensure a more personalized service.

You should bring a towel for swimming, although this isn’t provided. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most being able to participate, but if you have mobility issues or are uncomfortable on boats, it might be worth considering.

Cancellation is free if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option if your plans change due to weather or other reasons.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the water-based activities like swimming and paddleboarding can be enjoyed by older children. The relaxed pace and friendly staff make it a comfortable option for most travelers, but very young kids might find it less engaging.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, giving enough time to see key sights, enjoy a swim, and have some drinks without feeling overly long.

What is included in the price?
You’ll get bottled water (natural and sparkling), alcoholic beverages including beer, Prosecco, and wines, snacks like focaccia and taralli, and access to paddleboards. Towel is not included, so bring your own if you plan to swim.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The starting point is Calaponte Marina in Polignano a Mare, located at Via S. Vito.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, a maximum of 12 travelers keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellation is free if you do so more than 24 hours before the tour starts. If canceled within 24 hours, no refund is provided.

What about weather dependency?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic way to enjoy Polignano a Mare’s coast, this catamaran tour offers excellent value. With friendly guides, stunning views, and a refreshing swim stop, it caters to travelers who want a relaxed experience that combines sightseeing with casual water fun. The inclusion of local apéritif and snacks makes it feel like a small celebration on the water — ideal for a romantic escape, a laid-back day with friends, or anyone wanting a taste of Puglia’s charm without a packed schedule.

While the experience is relatively short and the group size limited, many reviewers truly enjoyed the personal touch and the scenic beauty. It’s a good choice if you want to combine comfort, great views, and some local flavor in a well-organized setting.

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