Is the tour suitable for children?

Yes, all tours are family-friendly.

Is snorkelling included?

Available in 2h and 3h tours (equipment if available).

Castro Marina harbour (arrive 15 minutes early).

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

Castro Marina Cave Tours: 1, 2 or 3-Hour Boat Trips

Departure
Castro Marina Harbour
Arrival
Castro Marina Harbour
Duration
1 / 2 / 3 hours
Guide
Expert skipper on board
Language
Italian, English
Availability
By reservation
Group
Small groups or private
Minimun age
No limit (children welcome)
Aperitif
Included only in the 3-hour tour

The Most Famous Caves of Salento

1 Hour – The most iconic caves of Salento in just one hour

Departure from Castro Marina for one hour of pure wonder along one of the most spectacular coastlines in the Mediterranean. Perfect for experiencing the essence of the Salento sea: breathtaking caves, crystal-clear waters and a refreshing swim stop.

2 Hours – Caves, snorkelling and Santa Cesarea Terme

Two hours at sea between spectacular caves, a snorkelling stop in Porto Miggiano and a scenic cruise along Santa Cesarea Terme. A complete experience combining adventure and relaxation.

3 Hours – The full Salento experience

Three hours for those who want it all: caves, snorkelling, Santa Cesarea views and the hidden Luvara Bay, ending with an aperitif on board.

Before boarding, here are a few useful details to help you make the most of the experience.

Pets on board: Dogs and small pets are welcome on our boats. We kindly ask you to inform us at the time of booking, so we can organise the space on board and ensure everyone’s comfort.

Groups: For group bookings, the group leader must present a valid ID at boarding. This helps us ensure a safe and well-organised experience for all guests.

Excursion agreement: Before departure, the group leader or individual guest is required to complete and sign a simple rental agreement. It’s a quick procedure that protects both you and us — just a few minutes, and then we set sail.

Tour Highlights

Expert local skipper (𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Ideal for families, couples and groups (𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Guided visit to Castro caves (𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Grotta degli Innamorati, Gemelle, Palombara, Azzurra, Zinzulusa e Romanelli (𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Swimming stop in Castro Bay (𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Striare caves (𝟐 & 𝟑 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Snorkelling in Porto Miggiano (𝟐 & 𝟑 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Santa Cesarea panoramic cruise (𝟐 & 𝟑 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Sea view of Palazzo Sticchi and the sulphur caves (𝟐 & 𝟑 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Second swimming stop on the way back to Castro (𝟐 & 𝟑 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬)
Luvara Bay & aperitif on board (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑-𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧)
The best boat experience available from Castro (𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑-𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧)

Stop 1 :

Departure from Via Scalo delle Barche

The adventure begins at the port of Castro Marina. After a safety briefing on board, we set sail north along the coastline, where the shore immediately starts to reveal its most beautiful hidden gems.

Stop 2 :

Punta Mucurone

First panoramic stop of the tour. The limestone cliff plunges straight into the sea, marking the beginning of the most spectacular stretch of Castro’s coastline. From here on, the caves follow one after another.

Stop 3 :

Grotta degli Innamorati (Lovers’ Cave)

A romantic and evocative cave, bathed in light filtering through the water. Its name is no coincidence: legend has it that couples who visit it together are destined to stay together forever.

Stop 4 :

Grotta Palombara (Palombara Cave)

Spacious and bright, Palombara Cave is striking for the play of light on its turquoise waters. Inside, it reveals stalactites and dramatic rock formations shaped by time.

Stop 5 :

Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave)

The queen of Castro’s caves. Thanks to the reflection of light on the water, the interior glows with an intense, almost unreal blue. A breathtaking sight, even for those who have seen it countless times.

Stop 6 :

Grotta Zinzulusa (Zinzulusa Cave)

The most famous cave in Salento, also accessible from land. From the sea, however, it offers a unique perspective: its entrance opens onto the Adriatic like a gateway to an ancient and mysterious underground world.

Stop 7 :

Grotta Romanelli (Romanelli Cave)

A site of extraordinary historical and scientific importance. Prehistoric remains dating back over 12,000 years have been discovered here. Sailing past it feels like travelling through thousands of years of human history.

Stop 8 :

Swimming Stop in Castro Marina Bay

The perfect ending. We drop anchor in some of the clearest waters in Salento for a refreshing swim. Some will dive in, others go snorkelling, while some simply relax in the sun and enjoy the silence. Then it’s back to the harbour, with a smile on your face.

Stop1 :

Departure from Via Scalo delle Barche

We set sail from the port of Castro Marina heading north. The skipper introduces the itinerary and tour highlights as the coastline immediately begins to reveal its first stunning views.

Stop2 :

The Castro Caves

We cruise along the coastline of Castro, visiting all its iconic caves: Innamorati, Gemelle, Palombara, Azzurra, Zinzulusa and Romanelli. A continuous sequence of breathtaking natural wonders.

Stop3 :

Striare Caves

Exclusive to the 2-hour tour, the Striare Caves stand out for their sculpted rock walls shaped by marine erosion, with unique colour streaks that make them unlike any other caves along the coast.

Stop4 :

Porto Miggiano: Snorkelling Stop

Arrival at Porto Miggiano, one of the most charming coves along the Adriatic coast of Salento. Shallow, clear waters rich in marine life. Alternatively, you can simply relax in the sun on board.

Stop5 :

Cruise along Santa Cesarea Terme

We continue sailing south along the coast of Santa Cesarea Terme. The skipper shares stories about Palazzo Sticchi, the sulphur caves and the elegant Art Nouveau buildings that make this village one of the most refined in Salento.

Stop6 :

Second Swimming Stop and Return to Castro

Before heading back to the harbour, there is one last swim stop in the waters of Castro — the perfect way to end the experience. We then return to Via Scalo delle Barche with unforgettable memories and plenty of photos to take home.

Stop1 :

Departure from Via Scalo delle Barche

We set off at a relaxed pace from the port of Castro Marina. Three hours ahead of us — no rush, just sea, sunshine and the stunning Salento coastline.

Stop2 :

The Castro Caves and Striare Caves

Cruising along the coast of Castro with a guided visit to all the caves: Innamorati, Gemelle, Palombara, Azzurra, Zinzulusa, Romanelli and Striare. A parade of natural wonders that never ceases to amaze.

Stop3 :

Porto Miggiano: Snorkelling Stop

First swim stop at Porto Miggiano. Shallow, crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling. You can explore the seabed, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the peace of this charming cove.

Stop4 :

Cruise along Santa Cesarea Terme

We continue sailing along the elegant seafront of Santa Cesarea Terme. The skipper shares the story of Palazzo Sticchi, the healing properties of the thermal waters, and the secrets of one of Salento’s most refined villages — best admired from the sea.

Stop5 :

Luvara Bay

The most anticipated moment. We sail beyond Santa Cesarea Terme to the inlet of Luvara: a secluded and unspoilt bay where the water reaches almost unreal shades of colour. A relaxing swim stop far from the crowds, surrounded only by nature and the sound of the sea.

Stop6 :

Aperitif on Board

Whether still in the water or back on board, it’s time to raise a glass. An aperitif offered by Noleggio Fortunato to celebrate three hours of sea, beauty and freedom — the perfect way to end an unforgettable experience.

Stop7 :

Return to Castro Marina

We head back to the port of Castro with the satisfaction of having experienced Salento in a truly special way. See you again soon.

Castro Caves Boat Trip – 1, 2 or 3-Hour Tours

Trip Info

The Most Famous Caves of Salento

1 Hour – The most iconic caves of Salento in just one hour

2 Hours – Caves, snorkelling and Santa Cesarea Terme

3 Hours – The full Salento experience

Tour Highlights

1 Hour Tour

What’s Included

Not Included

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Info

Contacts