Catamaran Trip around Porto Cesareo with Snorkeling
4.9()
Activity
Catamaran
Languages
Italian
Included
Aperitif
Minimum age
No age restrictions
Details
Our catamaran trip with snorkeling allows you to see the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo in comfort, sunbathing and swimming while enjoying the amazing sea of Salento. And to round off the tour in the best possible way, a typicalApulian apéritif awaits you after one of our snorkeling stops!
Isola Grande, which is notable for its dense vegetation of pines and acacias, better known as Rabbit Island, as it was once home to hundreds of wild rabbits and is now undergoing wildlife repopulation. An enchanting site is the Heart-shaped Island discovered in 2017 by a film drone pilot while filming for a documentary; the heart-shaped island has become a must-see for swimmers and boats sailing along our beautiful stretch of coastline. Of marvelous beauty is Torre della Chianca, in front of which a small island emerges; it dates back to 1570 and is lapped by a natural inlet, in ancient times a Roman port. On the sandy seabed at a depth of about 4 meters, impressive columns lost from aRoman ship that sank during an erroneous docking maneuver can be seen.
Next is Malva Island, which stands in front of the Chianca Tower at the Bacino Grande. In the direction of Torre Lapillo, you will be able to skirt the most beautiful beaches in Salento, until you reach the foot of the Lapillo Tower, where the spring waters springing from the low rocks of the cliff create an enchanting play of color and a splendid underwater landscape. The site is not only naturalistic, but houses on the seabed the statue of the Madonna dei Naviganti dedicated to the victims of the sea, the Costa Concordia and migrants.
The countless coves of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area are the setting for our aperipranzo or apericena based on strictly local products, native wine and various unlimited drinks.
Highlights
- Spacious and comfortable catamaran ride
- Swimming and snorkeling stops
- View of Rabbit Island, Heart shaped Island, Malva Island, beaches of Porto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo and Torre Chianca
- Typical apéritif served on board
Departure & Return
We meet at the harbour in Porto Cesareo 20 minutes before departure. Close to the meeting point you can find a paid car park, and in the side streets free car parks. The catamaran tour lasts about 3 hours, at the end of which we will return to the starting point.
Characteristics of the boat
- Number of passengers: 36
- Comfortable 72 m² catamaran
- Boat length: 13 m
- Sun-protected area
- Restrooms
- Accessible to strollers and wheelchairs
- Pets allowed
Included services
- Typical apéritif with panzerotti, pizzo (typical bread with vegetables), potato panzerotti, rustico leccese, black olive taralli, battered vegetables, pasticciotto (local cake with custard filling) and sugared taralli
- Wine, water and soft drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
Bring along
- Bathing suit and towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
Good to know
- In case of bad weather, we will contact you either to reschedule your activity to the first day possible
- The tour will only take place with a minimum of 10 participants
- If you use a wheelchair, we invite you to contact us after booking to check whether its dimensions are compatible with the boat's spaces
This catamaran tour along the Salento coast is an overwhelmingly positive experience, with around 96% of reviewers giving it five stars. Guests consistently praise the "super friendly and helpful" crew for their professionalism and creating a fun atmosphere. The trip is highlighted by a fantastic and abundant aperitif with typical local products. While the scenery is stunning, some mention the provided snorkeling gear is basic. Perfect for families and couples, this is described by one guest as "An experience to repeat!", offering a wonderful day on the beautiful waters near Torre Lapillo.
AI generated from the text of customer reviews
Popular mentions
Crew51
Food and drinks39
Swimming stops12
Organization10
Landscape10
Boat6
Comfort6
Safety4
CATIA · FamilyItaly · September 2026
I would recommend it because it's an experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beautiful Salento waters, learn about local curiosities and history, and enjoy an aperitif with typical local products.
Translated from Italian
Linda · CoupleNetherlands · September 2026
A really fun trip that we would do again in a heartbeat. Plenty of stops for snorkeling. The staff is friendly. As described, the spoken language was Italian, but despite this, the staff tried to give brief explanations in English, using both Translate and a pre-printed map.
Hats off to them!
Translated from Dutch
Jessica · FamilyItaly · September 2026
Beautiful experience, kind and very well trained staff
Translated from Italian
Showing 1 - 3 out of 242 reviews
Offer by A Mare Salento242 Reviews1 Offer
Can I bring my dog or pet?
Yes, pets are allowed on board the catamaran.
Can I bring my own food & drinks?
A typical apéritif with a variety of local products is served on board. Unlimited wine, water and soft drinks are also included.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the use of snorkeling equipment, a typical apéritif with local products, and unlimited wine, water and soft drinks.
Are there swimming and snorkeling stops?
Yes, the tour includes several stops for swimming and snorkeling in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area.
What will we see during the tour?
The tour offers views of Isola Grande (Rabbit Island), the Heart-shaped Island, Torre della Chianca, Malva Island, and Torre Lapillo with the submerged statue of the Madonna dei Naviganti.
Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the catamaran is accessible to wheelchairs. However, you are asked to contact the provider after booking to ensure your wheelchair's dimensions are compatible with the boat.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at the harbour in Porto Cesareo. You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Is parking available near the meeting point?
Yes, there is paid parking available close to the meeting point, as well as free parking in the side streets.
Is there a minimum number of participants for the tour?
Yes, the tour will only take place with a minimum of 10 participants.
The checkyeti guarantee1-click cancellation7 days/week support100% price clarity
Italy · September 2026
Netherlands · September 2026
