Sailing tour on Salento coast

Introduction

Sailing along the Salento coast offers a fantastic way to explore Italy’s stunning southern seaside. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and official descriptions paint a picture of a memorable day on the water.

What we love about this experience? First, the suggestive itinerary takes you through some of Salento’s most beautiful bays and hidden spots only accessible by sea. Second, the impeccable boat comfort and friendly crew promise a relaxing journey. And third, the all-inclusive drinks and aperitif help you unwind without fuss.

One potential snag? Some reviewers mention that the boat can feel crowded and that the “aperitif” is quite modest. Still, for travelers craving a scenic, laid-back day on the water, this tour mostly delivers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy sailing, want to discover lesser-known coastlines, and appreciate quality service in a small group setting. It’s ideal for lovers of authentic sea days, provided you’re comfortable with basic safety and weather considerations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Scenic Itinerary: Visits bays and islands only reachable by sea, offering unique photo opportunities.
• Small Groups: Limited to 6 participants, fostering a more intimate and personalized experience.
• All-Inclusive: Drinks and an aperitif are included, making it easy to relax without extra planning.
• Flexible Route: The skipper chooses the direction based on weather, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trip.
• Comfortable Boat: An impeccably maintained vessel that prioritizes passenger comfort.
• Review Insight: While most praise the experience, some mention the boat can feel crowded, and the snack offerings are modest.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Marina Yachting Portolano

Your adventure kicks off at Marina Yachting Portolano, where the crew awaits your arrival. The check-in is straightforward—just call the provided number upon arrival, and the crew will come to welcome you aboard. The meeting process feels casual and friendly, with a focus on setting a relaxed tone for the day.

Safety Briefing and Introduction

Expect a brief safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes after departure from Gallipoli. This is your chance to ask questions and familiarize yourself with the boat’s layout, especially if you’re new to sailing. It’s also when the crew will share a bit about the itinerary and safety protocols—important for a smooth experience.

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The core of the tour is the sailing itself. The boat’s impeccable comfort means you can settle into a relaxed day at sea. The crew, described as courteous and smiling, makes sure everyone feels comfortable. You’ll appreciate the peaceful pace, especially if you love the idea of slowly gliding over the water rather than rushing from spot to spot.

Visiting Hidden Bays and Islands

The highlight? Visiting bays and islands that are only accessible by sea, such as Lido Pizzo and other secluded spots along the coast. These locations are often praised for their unspoiled beauty and clear waters—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. One reviewer mentioned that the boat stops for swimming, snorkeling, and SUP, giving you plenty of options to cool off or just float around.

It’s worth noting that the route and stops are at the skipper’s discretion, depending on weather and sea conditions. So, flexibility is part of the charm, and you might find yourself exploring somewhat different areas depending on the day.

Relaxation and Refreshments

A big part of this tour’s appeal is the relaxation stop, where you can swim, enjoy the views, or simply lounge on the boat. An aperitif with drinks included is served onboard—think small bites like taralli, olives, and cherry tomatoes, with drinks offered upon request. One reviewer pointed out that the snacks are quite modest and not very elaborate but still pleasant for a casual day at sea.

Final Stop and Return

The tour ends back at Marina Yachting Portolano, usually around 5 PM. The return journey provides one last chance to soak in the scenery or chat with fellow travelers about the day’s highlights.

The Value of the Tour

At roughly $135.94 per person for 7 hours, this sailing experience offers good value—especially considering the included drinks, snacks, and the exclusive access to islands unreachable by land. The boat rental, fuel, skipper, and safety equipment are all covered, so you won’t face unexpected costs.

However, some reviewers felt that the “aperitif” was quite sparse and that the boat felt crowded at times. It’s important to note that the boat is limited to just 6 participants, which keeps the experience intimate but can sometimes feel cramped if you encounter more people or if the crew is short-staffed.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: Check availability for the 7-hour window, typically starting around 10 AM.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, a towel, and water shoes are recommended.
• Not Allowed: Pets, large luggage, smoking, food, fishing, alcohol (other than the provided drinks), and substances.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or those over 243 lbs (110 kg).

The Small Group Experience

Limited to 6 people, the tour aims for a cozy, personalized vibe. But this also means that if the boat is full or crowded, comfort can suffer. Multiple reviews mention the boat feeling cramped with 8 guests or more, so booking early and confirming the number of participants is wise.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers appreciated the friendly attitude of the crew, with one describing Diego as engaging and involved in making the trip memorable. Another review lauded the full availability of the organizers when weather conditions changed unexpectedly, showing good flexibility and customer care.

Conversely, some reviews point out that the snacks and drinks offered were minimal, and that the crew did not speak English fluently. One traveler also mentioned that the boat did not leave Gallipoli for the entire duration, which might be a disappointment for those expecting to explore farther afield.

This diversity of experiences highlights the importance of managing expectations: the tour excels in providing a calm, scenic day with a friendly crew, but it’s less of a high-end culinary or adventure trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This sailing tour is ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the water with minimal fuss. It’s perfect if you love the idea of small-group intimacy and want to enjoy crystal-clear waters and quiet bays.

However, if you’re seeking a more comprehensive exploration or more luxurious amenities, you might find the modest snacks and limited space a bit lacking. Also, those who prefer a structured, fully guided experience might want to confirm the itinerary and crew language skills beforehand.

The Sum Up

The Salento coast sailing experience offers a wonderful way to see some of Italy’s most beautiful, lesser-known spots from the water. The well-maintained boat, friendly crew, and inclusive drinks make for a laid-back, enjoyable day. While the snacks are simple and the boat can feel crowded at times, the overall value remains solid for those craving a peaceful escape on the sea.

If you’re someone who enjoys sailing, discovering secluded bays, and relaxing in scenic surroundings, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate intimacy, authenticity, and casual comfort over luxury or extensive sightseeing.

For a day of unhurried sea views and gentle sailing, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to confirm your group size and bring water shoes and sun protection.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It isn’t recommended for children under 4 years old. The tour is more suited to adults or older children comfortable with being on a boat for several hours.

What should I bring with me?
Sunglasses, a towel, and water shoes are advised. Bringing a small bag or backpack with personal items is fine, but avoid large luggage or bulky bags.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, drinks and an aperitif are included in the price. However, the snacks are described as modest—small bites like olives, cherry tomatoes, and taralli.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The route may be adjusted for safety, and the tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unfavorable. Full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience when the boat stops at bays. Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so bring your own if you want to explore underwater.

Is the boat air-conditioned or shaded?
The boat’s description emphasizes comfort; however, some reviews mention a lack of shade for everyone and feeling crowded. Be prepared for limited shade.

What if I want to go ashore?
The tour is strictly a sea-based experience. No land excursions are included, and access to the boat is only from the water.

This sailing adventure along the Salento coast offers a laid-back, scenic way to enjoy Italy’s southern seas. Whether you’re after a peaceful day on the water, beautiful bays to swim in, or simply want to escape the crowds, it’s a choice worth considering. Just make sure to check the details, bring your essentials, and set your expectations for a charming, intimate voyage.

You can check if your dates are available here: