Boat excursions “Samiro”

A Complete Review of the “Samiro” Boat Excursion in Gallipoli

If you’re visiting Lecce and craving a relaxing, authentic way to explore the stunning southern coast of Puglia, the “Samiro” boat tour offers a delightful escape. For about $41.50 per person, you get roughly three hours of sailing from the Canneto marina, passing beneath the medieval Angevin Castle, along lively islets, and onto the pristine waters near Gallipoli. Led by friendly guides, this small-group experience (max 8 travelers) promises intimate moments with nature, local flavors, and a touch of history—an excellent value for anyone wanting to see the coast without the crowds.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: first, the swimming stops at Punta Pizzo and near the ancient San Giovanni tower, where you can snorkel amid rare fish species—a true highlight for ocean lovers. Second, the local aperitif on board, served with regional products, offers a taste of Salento that makes the trip feel more personal and rooted in local culture.

A possible caveat: because the tour is weather-dependent, a poor forecast might mean rescheduling or a full refund. Also, while the guides’ enthusiasm shines, reviews note that the information is primarily in Italian, which might be a consideration for non-Italian speakers. This experience suits travelers who enjoy relaxed boat trips, scenic coastal views, and engaging stories from knowledgeable captains. It’s especially ideal for those seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and leisure in a small, intimate group.

Key Points

• Authentic Coastal Exploration: Sail along Gallipoli’s coast, passing islets and historic landmarks.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Multiple stops for swimming and exploring underwater life with snorkeling gear provided.
• Local Tastes: Enjoy regional aperitifs and local products on board, adding a culinary touch.
• Small Group: Max 8 travelers, fostering a relaxed and personal experience.
• Weather Dependent: The experience relies on good weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds.
• Rich Narration: Guides share stories and history, though primarily in Italian.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Canneto Marina and Angevin Castle

The adventure begins at the Riviera Armando Diaz, situated just below Gallipoli’s striking Angevin Castle. This historic fortress adds a scenic backdrop to your departure. From here, the boat gently sets sail along the coast, giving you your first glimpses of Gallipoli’s seaside charm. The initial part of the trip is perfect for snapping photos of the castle and the lively marina—great for those who love maritime scenery combined with a touch of history.

First Stop: Punta Pizzo Bay and the Islets

After about 40 minutes of sailing, you’ll reach Punta Pizzo, known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches. Here, you’ll get a chance to swim and snorkel, exploring underwater environments teeming with rare fish species. The reviews highlight how much travelers enjoy these stops; one noted, “It was a fun little trip, got to see a lot of the coast I have not seen before, we had two stops and some snack and rose’.” The calm waters and scenic surroundings make this a restful spot to soak in the sun and enjoy the marine life.

Second Stop: The Island of S. Andrea and Lighthouse Visit

Next, the boat heads towards the Island of S. Andrea, a mile from Gallipoli. This island boasts one of the oldest lighthouses on the coast, which the guides happily point out and share stories about. The island’s fauna and underwater life are vibrant and diverse, making it an attractive snorkel stop. One traveler commented, “We visited one of the oldest lighthouses and made another stop on the island with the snorkelling service where you can swim to admire rare fish.” Expect a relaxed, informative experience as the guides reveal secrets about the lighthouse and island’s history.

Coastal Skirting and a Second Swimming Break

After exploring the island, the boat continues along the southern coast, skimming past rugged cliffs and ancient towers, including the San Giovanni tower. This stretch offers stunning coastal vistas and a chance for more swimming in calmer waters. The guides do a good job of narrating the local stories, adding a layer of cultural engagement that enriches the trip.

The Aperitif and Return

As the tour winds down, you’ll be served a local Salento aperitif, featuring regional products like cheese, olives, and perhaps some local bread—an excellent way to relax and toast your day on the water. The boat then heads back towards Gallipoli, passing beneath the city’s coast and scenic landmarks, giving you plenty to gaze at during the return journey.

Practical Details and What You Can Expect

Duration and Group Size: At around 3 hours, the tour is a perfect half-day activity, leaving you free to explore other parts of Gallipoli or nearby towns. Because it’s limited to 8 travelers, it feels more like a private outing, which means more personalized attention from the guides.

Price and Value: For just over forty dollars, you get an engaging experience that combines sea adventure, local cuisine, and cultural insights. The stops for swimming and snorkeling are especially valuable, offering tangible memories with underwater photos and marine encounters. The inclusion of regional snacks makes the experience feel authentic and generous.

Meeting Point: The activity starts at Riviera Armando Diaz, 127, a central, accessible spot near public transport, making it easy to reach for most travelers staying in Gallipoli. The tour ends back at the same point, ensuring convenience.

Weather and Cancellation: Since the experience is weather-dependent, check the forecast beforehand. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, adding peace of mind.

Accessibility and Language: The guides’ stories are mainly in Italian, which might limit understanding for non-Italian speakers, though the visuals and the friendly atmosphere help bridge the language gap.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Travelers who value small-group intimacy, want to see Gallipoli’s coastline from the water, or enjoy snorkeling will find this trip especially rewarding. It’s ideal for those who like a relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and regional food in one package. Because the tour is only about three hours, it’s perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire for an authentic seaside experience.

If you’re a family with kids who love water activities, or a couple looking for a romantic outing, this tour hits the right notes. Those interested in history will appreciate the lighthouse visit, while nature lovers will revel in the marine life snorkeling stops.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This “Samiro” boat excursion offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, local flavors, and relaxed exploration. Its small size creates an intimate setting, making it easy to engage with guides and fellow travelers. The value is excellent, especially considering the snorkeling stops and regional aperitifs included in the price.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a fun, laid-back half-day and are eager to see Gallipoli from a different perspective. If you’re after a more active or educational experience, you might find this more focused on leisure and scenery—but for many, that’s exactly what makes it special.

In short, if you’re seeking a gentle ocean journey that offers a taste of local culture, marine life, and scenic coasts, the “Samiro” tour is a worthy choice in Gallipoli.

FAQ about the “Samiro” Boat Tour

Do I need to know Italian to enjoy the tour? While guides mainly speak Italian, the beautiful scenery and visual storytelling mean you’ll still enjoy the experience. However, some information might be limited if you don’t understand Italian.

Is snorkeling included? Yes, snorkeling gear is provided during the stops at Punta Pizzo and S. Andrea, allowing you to explore underwater without extra costs.

How long is the tour? The total experience lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

What should I bring? Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. It’s also wise to have some cash for optional snacks or souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and children who enjoy water activities will likely love the snorkeling stops.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, cancellations due to poor weather are free, with options to reschedule or get a full refund.

How many people are on the boat? The tour is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a cozy, less crowded experience.

What’s included in the aperitif? The local snack and regional products vary but typically include cheeses, olives, and regional bread.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins and ends at the same meeting point on Riviera Armando Diaz, near Gallipoli.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The tour details do not specify accessibility features; it’s best to contact the provider directly for specific needs.

To sum it up, the “Samiro” boat tour in Gallipoli provides a delightful blend of scenic sailing, marine adventure, and regional flavor. It’s a superb choice for those seeking a gentle, authentic maritime experience that captures the essence of Puglia’s coast in just a few hours. Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, or simply relaxing by the sea, this tour promises genuine memories—well worth considering for your Gallipoli itinerary.