Polignano a Mare: Stand-Up Paddle Board Sea Cave Trip

Imagine gliding over clear, turquoise waters, surrounded by towering cliffs dotted with ancient sea caves, and stopping for a refreshing swim at iconic beaches. That’s exactly what you get with the Polignano a Mare Stand-Up Paddle Board Sea Cave Trip — a 1 to 1.5-hour guided adventure that takes you along one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastlines for just $30.75 per person. Led by friendly, multilingual instructors, this experience is perfect if you’re after a unique, active way to see the scenic cliffs, hidden coves, and dramatic caves of Apulia.

What we love most about this trip is the opportunity to explore the Grotta Palazzese and Grotta Ardito, caves famous for their beauty and pirate lore, while enjoying the easygoing pace suitable for all skill levels. Plus, the inclusion of a waterproof bag and phone holder means you can focus on soaking in the views without worrying about your valuables. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that weather and water conditions can impact the tour’s timing and safety, so it’s best to check the forecast before booking.

This paddleboarding trip suits travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, scenic sights, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re a complete beginner who appreciates a good tutorial or an experienced paddler eager to explore new caves, you’ll find this excursion rewarding. Family-friendly, with children allowed to join free if accompanied on a board, it’s a flexible option for groups looking to add a memorable activity to their stay in Polignano a Mare.

Key Points

• Cost-effective: At around $30, it offers excellent value for a scenic, guided water experience.
• Accessible for all levels: Includes a beginner tutorial that builds confidence on the water.
• Authentic exploration: Paddle past caves, coves, and beaches once used by pirates.
• Photo and safety gear included: Waterproof bags and phone holders keep your devices safe.
• Flexible and family-friendly: Non-paddling children ride free when with an adult.
• Weather-dependent: Water conditions can affect the schedule or safety, so check ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Paddleboard Tour?

This trip is more than just a casual paddle — it’s a chance to see the coastline from a fresh perspective. We loved the way the instructor guided us smoothly past the Lama Monachile Beach, allowing us to appreciate the famous cove’s natural beauty before stopping for a swim. The caves, especially Grotta Palazzese, are stunning formations that you’d likely only see from the water, and the fact that you can paddle into them makes for fantastic photos and a real sense of discovery.

Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and professionalism. One happy participant noted, “Our guide Matteo was an excellent guide,” which speaks to the quality of instruction and the personal touch. Plus, the guides’ patience with beginners makes this a relaxing and enjoyable experience, even for those new to paddleboarding.

A highlight for many is the ability to take a dip or snap photos in the caves, which is made easy with the waterproof gear provided. The experience of exploring the hidden coves between caves is calming and awe-inspiring, offering a different dimension of the coastal scenery that boat tours can’t quite match.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

The tour begins at the Sup Polignano – Escursioni SUPuglia shop, where we meet our instructor and listen to a safety briefing. The tutorial is straightforward, even for complete novices, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable before hitting the water. The group size is typically small, and in reviews, travelers appreciated having personalized attention, sometimes even enjoying a private tour if they were the only participants.

Once on the water, the first stop is Lama Monachile Beach — a postcard-perfect cove with dramatic cliffs. Here, we are encouraged to take a swim, making the experience both relaxing and invigorating. The beach’s clear waters are a highlight, and the enclosed nature of the bay makes it a safe place to enjoy a dip.

Next, the instructor guides us toward the caves along the coast, including Grotta Palazzese, with its famous limestone arch, and Grotta Ardito, a cave steeped in pirate lore. Paddling inside these caves feels like stepping into an ancient, secret world. The guide often pauses here for photos, so you can capture the surreal formations and shimmering water. The Grotta Azzurra offers a vibrant splash of color, where sunlight filtering through the water creates an almost otherworldly glow.

Throughout the trip, we paddle between secluded coves and rocky inlets, passing by caves that were historically used as pirate hideouts. The journey is about 2 kilometers in length, making it manageable for most and perfect for a quick, scenic escape. The guide’s commentary adds context, sharing stories of the coast’s history and geology, which elevates the experience beyond just paddling.

The tour concludes back at the starting point, with an option to purchase additional photos taken during the trip. Many reviews mention how the pictures, sent promptly via WhatsApp, serve as tangible memories of this unique day.

What Makes This Experience Truly Valuable

Valuing your time and money, this paddleboard tour offers a rare combination of active adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural intrigue. For a modest price, you’re not just renting a paddleboard — you’re gaining an intimate, up-close view of the coastal caves and beaches that are often only accessible by boat or on foot.

The guided element ensures safety and enriches the trip with insights into the caves’ history and the area’s natural features. The inclusion of safety gear and waterproof bags means you can focus on the experience rather than worrying about your belongings. Plus, the opportunity for swimming, photo-taking, and exploring makes this a versatile activity that appeals to both active travelers and those simply seeking a peaceful, picturesque outing.

The reviews highlight how personalized the guides are, with one participant sharing that they received all their photos afterward, allowing for lasting memories. Many travelers appreciated the patient, friendly instruction — making it suitable even for complete beginners or families with children.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re visiting Polignano a Mare and want a unique perspective of its rugged coast, this paddleboard trip is a smart choice. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want a small-group, intimate experience away from the crowds. It also suits those interested in history and geology, thanks to the stories of pirates and natural formations.

However, keep in mind that water and weather conditions can influence the tour’s safety and enjoyment, so it’s best suited for those with flexible schedules and good weather. It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments, but families with children can participate if they’re comfortable on a paddleboard, as children ride free when accompanied by an adult.

This activity is especially appealing if you’re looking for a cost-effective, memorable adventure that combines physical activity with sightseeing. If you care about authentic experiences, friendly guides, and stunning scenery, this tour will not disappoint.

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FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes an introductory paddleboarding tutorial, making it accessible for all skill levels, including complete beginners.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to explore caves, swim, and take photos without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided instructor, a paddleboard kit, a life jacket, and waterproof gear for your phone and valuables.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can join for free if accompanied by an adult on their paddleboard.

Do I need to bring anything?
Swimwear and beachwear are recommended, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a water bottle.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions aren’t suitable, the activity can be canceled or rescheduled, so check the forecast before booking.

Where do I meet the guide?
At ‘Sup Polignano – Escursioni SUPuglia’ — look for an instructor in an orange T-shirt with ‘SUPuglia Excursions’ written on it.

Is there an age limit?
The information doesn’t specify an age limit, but children must be comfortable on a paddleboard; non-paddling children join free.

Can I buy photos after the tour?
Yes, guides typically send photos via WhatsApp after the trip, which many travelers appreciate as souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

The Polignano a Mare Stand-Up Paddle Board Sea Cave Trip offers an eye-opening blend of activity, scenery, and history, all for a reasonable price. It’s an authentic way to connect with the coast — paddling past caves that once sheltered pirates, stopping for swims in crystal-clear waters, and capturing incredible photos. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking a hands-on, small-group experience that goes beyond conventional sightseeing.

If you’re comfortable on a paddleboard or eager to try, and if you value friendly guides, stunning natural formations, and a relaxed pace, this trip will serve you well. It’s a memorable way to see Polignano a Mare from the water, with enough adventure to make your trip truly special.

Whether you’re looking to add a splash of adventure to your trip or just want to enjoy the coast from a different angle, this paddleboarding tour offers a genuine, fun, and scenic experience worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: