Sailing boat tour with lunch and swimming stops

Exploring Salento’s Coast with a Sailing Boat Tour: An Honest Review

If you’re dreaming of a day on the sea along Italy’s captivating Salento coast, a sailing boat tour like this one might be just what you need. Promising a six-hour adventure with swimming stops, cave explorations, and a delicious onboard lunch, it’s crafted for those who want a blend of relaxation and scenic discovery. While I haven’t done this exact trip myself, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect and who it’s best for.

One thing I love about this experience is how it offers a different vantage point on the coast — from the water, you’ll see beaches, caves, and inlets that are often hidden from land. Plus, the included lunch, which has been praised for exceeding typical expectations, adds a lovely touch of comfort to the day. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the tour runs for about six hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day outdoors on a boat. This tour could be perfect for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, scenic views, and a touch of adventure, especially if you like being on the water.

Key Points

• Beautiful coastal scenery from the Adriatic and Ionian sides
• Multiple swimming stops in clear waters and caves
• Tasty onboard lunch that often surprises guests
• Small group size (max 10 people) for a more personal experience
• Flexible cave visits, with options to explore caves like Grotta Tre Porte and Terradico Cave
• Free cancellation, making it a low-risk choice for planning

What the Tour Offers: A Detailed Look

This sailing boat tour departs from Santa Maria di Leuca at around 10:30 am, setting the stage for a relaxed yet enriching day on the water. With a maximum of 10 travelers, it promises an intimate experience, allowing you to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed or crowded. The boat, Morgana Sailing, is equipped to handle this journey comfortably, giving plenty of space to relax as you glide along the coast.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start Point and Departure
The tour kicks off at Leuca Marineporto turistico, a convenient spot that signals the beginning of a day filled with natural wonders. After leaving the port, the skipper’s discretion guides the route along both the Adriatic and Ionian sides. This flexible approach means you’ll likely see the best and most accessible caves and coves, with the crew tailoring the experience based on weather and conditions.

First Stop: La Grotta delle Tre Porte
This cave, on the Ionian side, is a highlight visually. Its monumental entrance with three openings makes it a standout feature, perfect for photos. The caves here, including the Grotta del Presepe with biblical imagery and the Dragon and Lovers’ Caves, are a feast for the eyes. Guests often say they appreciate the ability to stop as they please, enabling plenty of swimming and exploring time. Expect about 30 minutes at this spot, which is enough to snap some pictures and enjoy a dip in the water.

Second Stop: Marina di Felloniche
A shallow, sandy bay with crystal-clear water sounds like the ideal place to cool off, and it seems to live up to expectations. With another 30-minute stop, you can float in the water, relax on the boat, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings. Its calm, shallow waters make it suitable even for less confident swimmers.

The Adriatic Side: Cave Exploration and Scenic Views
Passing Punta Meliso, you’ll visit caves like Terradico (the “Indians’ Cave” due to its tent-like shape), Grotta Verdusella, and Grotta del Soffio, known for water sprays that add a fun element to the exploration. The finale on this side is the Grotta del Laghetto, which features a freshwater lake—yes, a lake that mixes with the sea water, visible after a bit of rock climbing. It’s a pretty unique sight and offers a sense of adventure.

Falesia delle Mannute
The tour then makes a final swimming stop in front of this stunning cliff. With stalactites and caves, it offers yet another beautiful backdrop to enjoy some time in the water. Guests have praised this stop for its dramatic scenery and clear waters.

The Food and Comfort Onboard

A significant part of why this tour earns a high rating (5/5 from reviews) is the onboard lunch. Guests have commented that the meal surpasses typical expectations, with quality comparable to good restaurants. Expect a fish-based menu, likely with local ingredients, served in a relaxed, scenic setting. It’s a great touch that turns a sightseeing trip into a full-day enjoyment.

The boat itself provides a comfortable platform for relaxing, with ample space to lounge during the sailing portions. The crew is often described as fabulous, attentive, and accommodating—making the experience all the more enjoyable.

Pricing and Value

At approximately $138.82 per person, this tour offers good value considering its inclusions: the boat ride, multiple swimming and cave stops, and a quality lunch. With only 10 guests, the experience feels personalized, and the variety of stops means you’ll get a well-rounded taste of Salento’s coast. Plus, the flexibility to swim as long as you want at each stop means you can tailor your day to your mood.

The fact that most travelers book about 44 days in advance indicates its popularity — probably because it hits a sweet spot for a relaxing yet adventurous day out.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

If you love being on the water, appreciate scenic caves and coves, and want a day of relaxed exploration, this tour is a solid choice. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or just lounging in beautiful surroundings. The small group size makes it ideal for travelers who prefer a more intimate experience rather than large, crowded tours.

This experience also suits those who value good food—the onboard lunch is a highlight—and don’t mind spending most of the day on a boat. It’s less ideal if you’re seeking active adventure like hiking or if you’re uncomfortable on a boat for several hours.

Final Thoughts

This sailing boat tour offers a blend of stunning scenery, peaceful waters, and excellent food, making it a memorable way to spend a day along Salento’s coast. The flexibility of stops, the small group size, and the quality of the experience seem to catch the attention of travelers, especially those who want a calm, scenic, and tasty day out.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy relaxation, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure in a small-group setting. Of course, weather plays a role—good weather is essential for this trip to shine—and the cancellation policy provides reassurance if plans need to change.

If you’re after a laid-back exploration of caves, coves, and scenic viewpoints with the bonus of a tasty meal, this tour could be just right.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours, starting around 10:30 am, with multiple stops for swimming and exploring caves.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers the boat ride, stops for swimming in crystal waters and caves, and a fish-based onboard lunch.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s gentle pace and scenic stops make it generally suitable for most travelers comfortable on boats, but children should be able to enjoy swimming and be okay with being on the water for several hours.

Are there any restrictions or requirements?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. Good weather is necessary; cancellations happen if conditions are poor.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

What kind of caves will I see?
You will visit caves such as La Grotta delle Tre Porte, Grotta del Presepe, Dragon Cave, Lovers’ Cave, Terradico Cave, Grotta Verdusella, and Grotta del Laghetto, each with unique features.

Do I need to bring anything?
While not specified, it’s wise to bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and perhaps a light jacket for the boat.

All in all, if you’re looking for a peaceful yet fascinating day on the water with good food and beautiful scenery, this sailing tour in Salento checks many boxes. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a relaxed pace and natural beauty without the hassle of large crowds.