Brindisi is one of Italy’s most intriguing ports, not just for its strategic position but for its scenic views and historical landmarks. Exploring Brindisi from the water gives you a fresh perspective that land-based visits often miss. Whether it’s admiring ancient Roman columns, the imposing Swabian castle, or simply soaking up the sun on a boat, this city offers memorable maritime experiences. We especially love the Brindisi Bay Boat Tours for their combination of relaxed sightseeing and expert commentary, which makes the history come alive from the deck. For a more active day, snorkeling from the boat uncovers underwater beauty that’s just as captivating as the surface sights.
Brindisi’s location makes it ideal for short boat trips that highlight the city’s monuments or full-day excursions exploring nearby towns like Alberobello and Ostuni. The options include scenic bay cruises, cultural shore excursions, and even underwater adventures. Below, we explore each of the best boat experiences in Brindisi, helping you find the perfect match for your interests and schedule.
What types of tours made the list?
We’ve included a variety of boat tours that showcase Brindisi’s charm and natural beauty: from 1-hour scenic bay cruises that give you a broad view of the city’s monuments [], to specialized snorkeling excursions exploring the bay’s underwater world []. For those who want a nod to Italy’s cultural richness combined with a day trip, there’s a 6-hour shore excursion visiting Alberobello and Ostuni [].
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated experiences.
1. Brindisi: Brindisi Bay Boat Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 (4 reviews)
Price: Check availability for starting times
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Apulia, Italy
This one-hour boat tour offers a peaceful and scenic way to view Brindisi’s key monuments. The trip departs from the harbor, giving you a fresh perspective on the city’s famous sites. The boat’s friendly, qualified skippers provide a concise briefing on the monuments, making it a great introduction for first-timers.
The views from the bay are truly stunning, especially at sunset, when the city lights start to twinkle. Passengers rave about the knowledgeable skipper who shares insights into Brindisi’s history, turning what might seem like simple sightseeing into an engaging experience. One reviewer even called it a “beautiful view of Brindisi from the sea,” emphasizing the memorable sunset scenery. The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a relaxing break from land explorations.
Bottom line: For a quick, scenic overview of Brindisi’s waterfront with expert commentary, this Bay Boat Tour hits the spot.
2. Brindisi Bay Boat Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $57.64 per person
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Brindisi, Italy
This slightly more detailed boat tour shares many similarities with the first but emphasizes its rich itinerary around the bay’s most iconic monuments. From the Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia to the Castello Svevo di Brindisi, the boat passes by these historic landmarks, allowing you to appreciate their grandeur from the water.
What makes this tour stand out is the narrative focus—the qualified skippers provide a thorough briefing on each site, helping you picture the city’s maritime past. The Roman Columns and the Castello Alfonsino, both key symbols of Brindisi, are highlighted, making this trip ideal for history enthusiasts.
Guests have praised the tour’s value for money, noting how the detailed commentary and scenic views exceeded expectations. One reviewer mentioned, “The monuments look even more impressive from the bay, and the guide’s insights made the experience memorable.”
Bottom line: If you want an informative, relaxed cruise that covers Brindisi’s most important landmarks with a personal touch, this tour delivers.
3. Celebrity Cruise Shore excursion Discover Alberobello and Ostuni
Rating: 4.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $146.07 per person
Duration: 6 hours
Location: Brindisi, Italy
Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this full-day guided tour takes you beyond Brindisi’s city limits to two of Puglia’s most famous sights: Alberobello and Ostuni. In Alberobello, you’ll marvel at the trulli, the limestone dwellings with conical roofs that earned the town UNESCO World Heritage status. Visiting the Trullo Sovrano adds a deeper understanding of these quirky structures.
Next, the trip continues to Ostuni, known as the “White City,” perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Adriatic. You’ll wander narrow, whitewashed streets and admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The tour provides a professional guide in Alberobello and a dedicated leader throughout the day, ensuring smooth logistics and engaging commentary.
While some reviews suggest the tour could be tightened (notably cutting Ostuni short), most value the opportunity to see two iconic towns in one day without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s an ideal choice for those on a cruise seeking a comprehensive cultural experience with minimal fuss.
Bottom line: Perfect for cruise travelers wanting a stress-free, all-in-one day trip to Puglia’s famous towns.
4. Brindisi: Snorkeling from boat
Rating: 4.4/5 (reviews vary)
Price: $45.55 per person
Duration: Full day (check availability)
Location: Apulia, Italy
For those who prefer active adventures, this snorkeling experience offers an engaging way to explore beneath the surface of Brindisi’s waters. Operated by the official diving center of Marina di Brindisi, the team boasts over 10,000 certified divers and professional instructors, ensuring safety and quality. Their ISO-certified instruction means you’re in capable hands, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just trying it for the first time.
The tour takes you into the crystal-clear waters of the bay, revealing underwater flora and fauna. The focus here is on discovering marine life that’s often hidden from view during land visits. It’s a full-day activity, making it suitable for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with adventure.
Since the tour is led by experienced instructors, it’s a great choice for families or those interested in learning more about marine ecosystems. Plus, the competitive price makes it a good deal for underwater explorers. Keep in mind that weather conditions can influence snorkeling availability, so booking early and checking local forecasts is wise.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to add a splash of adventure and see underwater life, this snorkeling trip is a worthwhile experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Brindisi Boat Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. If you want a quick scenic overview, the Brindisi Bay Boat Tours are perfect—just pick the one with the best reviews or most detailed commentary. For a full cultural day, the Alberobello and Ostuni trip is ideal, especially if you’re on a cruise and want a hassle-free way to see two iconic towns. For the adventurous, the snorkeling experience offers a fun way to connect with the marine environment.
Booking early is recommended, especially in the busy summer months. If you’re short on time, the 1-hour tours pack a lot of sights into a brief window, while the full-day excursions require more planning but reward you with a deeper experience.
Final Thoughts
Brindisi’s boat tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from panoramic bay views to underwater adventures and cultural excursions. For relaxed sightseeing, the Brindisi Bay Boat Tours are highly recommended, especially for their knowledgeable guides and stunning vistas. If you’re in the mood for a full day of exploring beyond the city, the Alberobello and Ostuni tour will make your trip truly memorable. And for those who love water sports, snorkeling from the boat provides a refreshing, active option to see a different side of this port city.
Whatever your interests, booking your boat tour early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Take your pick and enjoy the unique maritime charm of Brindisi.
