Santa Maria Boat Tour: Snorkeling and Scenic Views

Embark on a thrilling 3-hour boat tour aboard the Santa Maria and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area. Explore the ancient seafaring vessel, enjoy panoramic views, and soak up the sun on the foredeck.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Area Marina Protetta Porto Cesareo - From embarkation, the Santa Maria motorboat will sail north touching some of the most important points of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, thus exploring naturalistic and archaeological sites.

  • Isola dei Conigli - It is also known as Isola Grande, due to its size, and is located a few meters from the coast of Porto Cesareo.
    It was renamed as Isola dei Conigli by the local population because in the past it was a common custom to use this strip of land for cattle breeding, necessary for the sustenance of the few local families especially during the period of the two world wars.

  • Scala di Furno - Archaeological site.
    Excavations in 1969 brought to light the remains of a human settlement from the Bronze Age, including an important quantity of archaeological finds and animal fossils.

  • Isola della Malva - The island of Malva is an uncontaminated islet, little more than an apparently desert sandy tongue, which emerges from the turquoise waters of Porto Cesareo, a true jewel of Salento. Its name is due to the large amount of tree mallow that abounds on this small piece of land but its main feature is its heart shape.

  • Torre Chianca - Torre Chianca is a 16th century watchtower built by the Spaniards precisely to defend the territory from the Turks and Saracens and, of all those that embellish the Salento coast, it is certainly the most impressive. This coastal tower, also known as Torre di Santo Stefano, was built by the Spaniards to defend the territory from the incursions of Saracen pirates.

  • Torre di Torre Lapillo - The locality takes its name from the watchtower that rises close to the sea, built in the 16th century to protect the coast from pirate raids and part of the coastal defense system of the Kingdom of Naples. The term “Lapillus” refers to the type of sand present on the beach, made up of small stones and sea shells similar in size to rice grains. This particular type of sand is very common in various places in Salento.

  • Punta Prosciutto - Expanses of soft golden sand, a crystalline sea set in a breathtaking naturalistic landscape.
    Punta Prosciutto is located within the MPA - Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo, an institution that protects and enhances the maritime environment.
    The remaining time on the tour will be spent commuting between attractions and having free time.

What's Included
  • Snacks
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
Additional Information

Previously known as ‘Corallina’, the motor ship Santa Maria began its life as a Red Coral fishing vessel. This 20-metre former fishing boat was constructed using traditional maritime techniques in the Torre del Greco shipyard (NA) using oak and iroko wood. With a capacity to hold up to 60 passengers, it ensures proper spatial distribution with the help of its three decks: two of which are covered, one housing a dining area, both providing panoramic views, and a front deck fitted with panoramic seating for sun exposure.

Location
Piazza Nazario Sauro & Lungomare Raffaele Sambati
We are in front of the "Lu Cannizzu" restaurant
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(22 Ratings)
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Chiaracn2061oq
Sep 4, 2024
Excellent - First time by boat , very nice , 2 stops for swimming at the sea , and aperitif at the end of the tour with sunset view 🌆 recommended
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Michelefy7725gy
Aug 29, 2024
Excellent - Great experience and friendly and helpful staff, my celiac wife have prepared a great aperitif for her (which is difficult in other boats of this kind). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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Simonetta
Aug 12, 2024
Relaxation in the family - Fantastic hike. Friendly and welcoming staff. The clean ship is spacious. True RELAX Great aperitif! Thank you.
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Antonellamq6755ic
Aug 7, 2024
A fantastic trip - Everything practically perfect, organized with heart and you see, a great attention to the participants and icing on the cake even aperitif on board. I look forward to repeating the experience!
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W4884zrmariod
Aug 6, 2024
A really enjoyable tour - The tour was very pleasant both for the places visited and for the sympathy of the cabin crew. Suggestive snorkeling in an area with an unexpected number of large fish with the submerged statue of a Madonna in the center that it was possible to reach in freediving x ask for peace x near and far.
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Alessandramy4766yh
Aug 5, 2024
Excellent to recommend - Fantastic sunset staff on board excellent... aperitif just for the occasion.with local products..not packaged...lady of Molfetta I was also on board today August 5...with 15 other friends and if the masks unfortunately break it is not the fault of the staff...I'm sorry that you did not enjoy the sunset...but especially the company and kindness of the staff
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C4423ijelenam
Aug 4, 2024
Excellent experience - Boat ride complete with bath in beautiful waters! Explanation on board the coast and excellent local taste. Experience highly recommended
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Grazie
Aug 28, 2024
A little more aperitif - All beautiful and all very kind, but for the price a little 'more aperitif would have been fantastic. For the rest beautiful Porto Cesario
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Gaia
Aug 23, 2024
very nice trip - friendly and very kind staff, beautiful place, spacious and clean boat. upstairs there is also a trampoline to dive from above. the only flaw maybe is the place because you practically see only coast and beaches and we had a swim in the middle of nowhere. you can also see the sunset but we unfortunately could not see it because of bad weather. very good commander. you also give a very good aperitif. Recommendation go there
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Inspire23663394796
Jul 28, 2024
A bit disappointing - Little bit. Starting from the things to see to the services offered on board very little. Very kind crew, unfortunately apart from seeing the Madonna underwater there is little else to see during this excursion. Yes it all boils down to two baths off beaches that are frequented normally. The aperitif offered is really miserable, half a glass of rosé with too much acidity, a piece of bread with cherry tomatoes, one of cheese and one of mackerel .. call it an aperitif .. also I would recommend greater attention from the English-speaking speaker.
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