CAVE SNORKELING AND SWIMMING IN ITALY
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 cave snorkeling and swimming in Italy justify the slot, priced and timed, with the stairs, the temperature and the wet bits stated plainly.
Join a small group of up to 10 on the Dorino boat for a 1.5-hour cruise past Polignano a Mare’s famous caves, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and Cala Port’Alga. Guides such as Nicolas, Valerio, and Enzo add humor and local stories, with a swim stop, snorkeling mask, Prosecco, and Apulian taralli included.
“Funny, friendly guide, nice prosecco break at the end of trip!”
Cruise from Sorrento to Capri in a small group of up to 12, stopping at coastal coves, sea caves, the Faraglioni, and swimming spots. You get a Caprese sandwich, snacks, drinks, and 3 to 4 hours on Capri. Guides such as Francesco, Rosella, and Yana add local color.
“It's a small group tour, therefore a small boat. The water between Sorrento and Capri is generally not smooth. Having said that, I'm slightly susceptible to feeding the fish on this type of trip. No worries this time, some ginger pills with breakfast and all good. It fit our timeline for seeing the highlights, but I would suggest an earlier morning ferry ride over, smoother and less costly, and spend time at your leisure exploring. Our guide Francisco was highly enthusiastic, very engaging and knowledgeable, giving us a multitude of tidbits along the way. Open bar is always a plus. A wonderful daytrip, highly recommend it.”
Spend 90 minutes cruising around Ortigia with Captain Mirko or another local crew member. See Maniace Castle, the Aretusa Fountain, sea caves, forts, and the Umbertino Bridge, then stop for a swim with masks and fresh water provided.
“We had a great tour with Captain Mirko. He was knowledgeable and funny. We were able to stop and swim which was great since it was super hot! Great way to see a little of the island!”
Cruise around Ortigia with an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking skipper. Pass under Umbertino Bridge, view Arethusa Spring and Maniace Castle, enter sea caves, stop to swim and snorkel, and enjoy seasonal fruit, juice, and prosecco. Guides such as Michelangelo, Gaetano, Salvo, and Gianni are known for adding plenty of personality.
“I liked every moment of this trip. Our guide was extremely friendly, we had a really good time. The water, caves and swimming were all perfect. I absolutely recommend this activity for every age group. He spoke English which was a big help, moreover I think all of the people on that boat became a little community at the end of the trip. We got fruits, drinks and equipments. I will come back if I come to Sicily next time. Thank you for everything!”
Join Piccola Nautica in Marina di Leuca for a three-hour cruise around Punta Ristola, Punta Meliso, Santa Maria di Leuca’s caves, and two swimming spots. Boats carry up to 12 people, with a skipper, snack, drink, and swimming time included.
“It was amazing !! Loved it…. Explains everything even if a different language It really was Great !! Boat was nice small group perfect ❤️”
Leave Palermo’s Seica Boat port for Mondello Bay, the Vergine Maria coast, and Grotta Regina. Swim, snorkel with provided gear, explore a sea cave, and finish with Sicilian snacks and wine. The boat may be an 11-metre sailboat or a 14-metre vintage yacht, depending on group size.
“The boat trip is not just great fun but an amazing way to see the beautiful city. The Skipper and his team were very helpful and were knowledgeable about the areas you visit. The timings in each area were perfect and it is a highly enjoyable way to spend a day and I would definitely recommend and do again”
Paddle east from Maiori with guides such as Danilo, Salvatore, Nicola, and Danny, stopping at Torre Normanna, Acquachiara beach, and Grotta di Pandora. You get kayak gear, snorkeling equipment, fruit, water, photos, and a 3.5-hour view of the coast from sea level.
“The experience was designed for both experience kayakers and complete novices, it felt safe throughout. the guides were knowledgeable, gun and relaxed....worth every penny”
Sail from Amalfi on a 10 to 12 metre gozzo with an English-speaking host and captain. Stop at caves, beaches, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano, and Positano for swimming, snorkeling, snacks, and drinks. Longer options include two hours to explore Positano on foot.
“Great, both attendants were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Plus, very friendly.”
Set out from San Vito with Venture Vibes for a two-hour cruise along Polignano a Mare’s cliffs and caves. Expect stops at Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and quieter coves, plus swimming, snorkeling gear, Prosecco, soft drinks, and an onboard toilet.
“Very fun and they were very nice! Helped us get to the center”
Set out from San Vito on a small Isola Blu boat with a multilingual guide and expert skipper. See Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and sea caves, then stop to swim, snorkel, enjoy drinks and snacks, and listen to music.
“We had such a blast! Our guides were amazing! The tour was both fun and educational. We had the tour at 18:00 and the views during sundown were something to behold. Would absolultely 100% recommend taking this tour.”
From Leuca Explorer, cruise the Adriatic and Ionian coasts with a skipper such as Mino or Freddy. Expect cave visits, two swim and snorkel stops, coastal stories, and possibly an aperitif. The 3-hour shared boat carries up to about 10 people.
“Great trip, nice captain, choice of sitting in the shadow or the sun on the boat, max 10 passengers so a small group which is nice. Two swims and we even borrowed a sup for a the captain. Beautifull caves and water of the ionic coast and Adriatic coast”
Join HP Travel at Marina Grande for a two-hour Capri coast cruise limited to 12 people. Expect grottos, Faraglioni, the Natural Arch, Malaparte’s villa, a swim stop, snacks, drinks, and limoncello. Captains such as Ciro, Roberto, Marco, and Vincenzo have received warm praise, though English commentary can vary.
“A boat tour is definitely the best way to experience Capri. The staff at HP Tours were helpful and accommodating. Our ferry was late arriving to Capri. We emailed and advised that we were making our way to the meeting location. A representative called right away to assist us in locating the meeting spot. They were very gracious to delay the departure so that we would not miss our tour. Roberto, our captain, was pleasant and informative as we made our way along the coast. Though the water was very choppy, Roberto still managed to make our experience one not to forget. Cheers with Limoncello hit the spot!”
Join local guide Alessio for a small-group sea-kayak trip from Minori to Pandora Cave and Dead Horse Beach. You will paddle past coastal forts, swim and snorkel in clear water, and enjoy fruit, lemonade, and a lemon spritz. Equipment, photos, water, storage, and changing facilities are included.
“Liked the historical inputs from our guide Alessio, about the cities we passed along the way and the pace of the kayaking. The cave we saw was amazing, and very much enjoyed the beach we ended up on as it was very few people there besides our tour and a beach that only was reachable from the sea. Very good drinks also, both with and without alcohol. A very chill and relaxed excursion. Highly recommended.”
Set out from Maiori with local guides including Danilo, Nicola, Federico, Carmelo, Francesco, or Salvatore, depending on the day. Paddle to Acquachiara beach and Pandora Cave, stopping to swim, snorkel, eat fresh fruit, and hear coastal stories before returning to Maiori.
“This is an amazing experience and great value. Dani and Nicola were such friendly and helpful guides. Dani has great stories and interesting facts about different locations along the tour and they show you some fantastic sites. The snack they provided was the best melon my wife and I have ever had in our lives! It's a great tour with a real personal touch by the guides and for incredible value and the pictures they take for you are a really nice additional touch. We enjoyed them so much that Dani joined us for dinner one night we were there. We loved this tour and had a great time with…”
Paddle along the Amalfi Coast from Minori with guide Alessio, stopping at the Sulfur Cave, Pandora’s Cave, and Cavallo Morto Beach. You’ll get a kayak, safety gear, snorkeling equipment, water, photos, and a small aperitif. The route uses open sea, so swimming ability and fair fitness are required.
“Alessio is an amazing, hardworking and passionate guide! He cared for our group’s safety and made sure we had a great experience. Thank you Alessio!”
By boat, by ladder, by staircase or on a rope.
