Boat Trip in Gallipoli: Everything You Need to Know

There is an exact moment when you realise Gallipoli is far more than crowded beaches and nightlife. It is when the boat pulls away from the harbour, the old-town skyline slowly recedes, and a coastline you never imagined from land unfolds before you. Golden cliffs, hidden coves invisible from the road, waters shifting from emerald to turquoise within a few metres.

A boat trip in Gallipoli is the best way to discover the Ionian side of Salento in its most authentic form. This guide covers everything you need to plan your day at sea: available tours, what is included on board, where you depart and practical tips to enjoy every moment.

Available tours

Sea Tour Gallipoli offers several experiences to suit every kind of traveller. Here are your options:

Tour A — South Coast: the most popular. You sail south along the protected coast of the Punta Pizzo Natural Park, with swimming stops in shallow crystal-clear waters, a passage past Isola di Sant'Andrea and time for snorkeling over posidonia seabeds. Perfect for families and anyone seeking calm waters and stunning scenery.

Tour B — North Coast: for the adventurous. A fast rib heads north toward Porto Selvaggio, hugging the cliffs, admiring sea caves from the outside and reaching Salento's most famous bay with its ice-cold spring-fed waters. A more dynamic pace, less suitable for children under 7.

Tour C — Sunset Tour: the magic of an Ionian sunset seen from the water. A relaxed cruise along the coast with an aperitivo on board as the sun dips below the horizon. Calm waters, romantic atmosphere, ideal for couples and families.

Exclusive Tour: a private boat, a custom itinerary, no other passengers. For those who want maximum freedom and privacy.

Fishing Trip: a different experience for fishing enthusiasts. You head out with a local skipper who knows every shoal and seabed along the Gallipoli coast.

Yacht Experience: the luxury of a full day on a yacht along the Salento coast, with every comfort on board.

What is included

With Sea Tour Gallipoli you do not need to worry about a thing. Every trip includes:

• Expert skipper — a local captain who knows every metre of coastline, every hidden cove and the history behind every coastal watchtower
• Fuel — no extra cost for navigation
• Aperitivo with local products — taralli, friselle, fresh fruit and typical Apulian drinks to enjoy while cruising
• Snorkeling gear — masks and snorkels provided on board. For more on the best spots, read our snorkeling in Salento guide
• Music on board — a soundtrack for your cruise
• Two swimming stops — in coves chosen based on the day's weather, so you can swim in crystal-clear waters away from the crowds

Where you depart

All trips depart from Molo Scale Nove, Riviera Armando Diaz 117, Gallipoli. It is the main pier in the heart of town, a short walk from the old town. The skipper welcomes you on the dock about 15 minutes before departure.

Parking: in summer, finding a spot near the harbour can be tricky. Arrive at least 30 minutes early and try the car parks along Riviera Nazario Sauro or the paid parking areas near the Angevin Castle. Many accommodations in the old town are just a few minutes on foot from the pier.

Need exact directions? Visit our contacts page with an interactive map and directions.

When to book

The season runs from May to September, with peak demand in July and August. Spots sell out fast during these months, especially weekend tours and Friday and Saturday Sunset Tours.

Our advice: book at least a week ahead if you are travelling in high season. For July and August, two to three weeks in advance is not too much. Weather conditions can cause date changes, so flexibility helps.

May, June and September are excellent months: warm sea, fewer crowds and often more accessible prices. Those who know Salento will tell you September delivers perfect days, the sea still at 25–26 degrees and a golden light that makes every photo postcard-worthy.

Practical tips: what to bring

Preparing for a boat trip is simple, but a few things make the difference between a good day and a perfect one:

• High-SPF sunscreen — the water reflection multiplies exposure. Apply before boarding and reapply after every swim
• Hat and sunglasses — essential during midday hours
• Beach towel — for drying off after swimming stops
• Reef shoes or strapped sandals — useful at rocky stops and for moving safely on the boat
• Extra water — the aperitivo includes drinks, but a personal water bottle never hurts
• Swimsuit worn under your clothes — be ready for the first dive without wasting time
• A light jacket — for the Sunset Tour or the evening return, when the breeze picks up

No special equipment needed: masks and snorkels are on board. If you have a GoPro or waterproof phone case, bring it — the colours of the seabed deserve to be captured.

Choose your experience

Whether you want to explore the most beautiful beaches along the coast, snorkel over posidonia meadows or simply enjoy a sunset with an aperitivo in hand, there is a trip designed for you.

Browse all available tours, pick your date and the tour that suits you, and book your spot on board. The sea of Gallipoli is waiting — and from a boat, it is a completely different story.