Leuca Caves Boat, Swim, Aperitif

Leuca Caves Boat, Swim, Aperitif, 3 hours, rated 4.8 across 462 traveller reviews.

Overview

This three-hour boat trip from Santa Maria di Leuca covers both sides of Capo di Leuca, with the tour visiting caves on the Ionian and Adriatic coasts. You board with Blue Marine Leuca at the tourist port, meet your skipper, and head out along the Adriatic coast first. Past Punta Meliso and the lighthouse, the boat works its way along a stretch of sea cliffs honeycombed with caves.

The route takes in named caves on both coasts: on the Adriatic side, Cazzafri, la Fiumara, Terradico, dei Gabbiani, Verdusella, Ortocupo or Soffio, della Vora and della Cattedrale. After rounding Punta Ristola, the Ionian side brings Grotta del Diavolo, del Cerchio, di Mesciu Giannu, del Fiume, del Presepe, delle Tre Porte, dei Giganti, del Drago and degli Innamorati. Somewhere along the way the boat stops for a swim off the Salento coast.

An aperitivo is served on board, and reviewers repeatedly mention it: taralli, prosecco, water and soft drinks in one account, with several describing relaxed snack and drink stops as a highlight. The tour runs in Italian, English and French, and suits travellers who want a lot of coastline and cave scenery in a single outing without a full-day commitment. Hotel transfers are not included, so travellers make their own way to the port's first mole.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Blue MarineCheck in at Blue Marine Porto Turistico, at the first mole of the port in Santa Maria di Leuca. The tour starts and ends here, and there is no hotel pickup.
2. Sail the Adriatic coastDepart the port of Leuca with your skipper and cruise the Adriatic side, passing Punta Meliso and the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca.
3. Adriatic sea cavesVisit the Cazzafri, la Fiumara, Terradico, dei Gabbiani, Verdusella, Ortocupo or Soffio, della Vora and della Cattedrale caves.
4. Round Punta RistolaContinue past Punta Ristola onto the Ionian side of the peninsula.
5. Ionian sea cavesSee Grotta del Diavolo, del Cerchio, di Mesciu Giannu, del Fiume, del Presepe, delle Tre Porte, dei Giganti, del Drago and degli Innamorati.
6. Swim stopStop for a swim in the water off the Salento coast. An aperitivo is served on board during the outing.
7. Return to portCruise back to the port of Leuca and disembark at Blue Marine. Total duration is 3 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most out of this outing, from timing the departure to knowing what is served on board.

• Timing matters. The listing covers a 3-hour cruise, though one reviewer noted the actual run came in slightly shorter. One reviewer who chose a later departure found the sunset version well worth it and recommended early morning or evening slots.
• What is served. The aperitivo on board is included. Reviewers describe taralli, prosecco, water and peach tea, and several mention the relaxed snack and drink stops as a highlight.
• Swim and snorkel. Bring a swimsuit and towel, since the tour includes a swim stop and one reviewer described snorkelling through interconnected caves.
• Group feel. Reviewers generally describe a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with mentions of music, drinks and a sociable crew. However, one reviewer felt the boat was a bit crowded when filled with adults.
• Language. The tour runs in Italian, English and French, and reviewers mention guides making the effort to explain things in French. One felt the commentary was thin on their trip, so depth of explanation can vary.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Travellers need to make their own way to Blue Marine at the port's first mole in Santa Maria di Leuca in time for departure.

Common issues. One reviewer felt the boat was a bit crowded when filled with adults, which is worth keeping in mind for anyone who values space. Commentary depth varies: some travellers found the explanations too brief or hard to follow. One reviewer reported the outing ran about half an hour shorter than advertised.

Common Questions