Porto Cesareo gets a whole new feel from the water. This 3-hour catamaran tour pairs snorkeling in the Marine Protected Area with a relaxing aperitif built from typical products and local wine. I especially like the mix of marine scenery plus human landmarks you can spot while you float—Roman columns under the sea and the Madonna dei Naviganti along the coast.

One thing to plan for: it is a water-focused outing, so you’ll want to be comfortable swimming in a managed, equipment-on-board setup—and the ride and experience depend on sea conditions.

Key things to know before you go

• 72 m2 catamaran sailing style: you’re on a real boat setup meant for time on the water, not a quick splash-stop.
• Three swim sessions, different targets: each snorkeling pause is aimed at a distinct view of the protected area.
• Gear in all sizes: you get fins, masks, and jackets on board (no need to bring your own).
• Architectural and natural points of interest: you’ll see things like submerged Roman columns plus island scenery.
• Aperitif in the right setting: typical foods and native wine are served in a natural inlet mood.
• Boat rules are strict about footwear: bring a towel, but plan on going without shoes on board.

Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area: why this boat trip feels different

Porto Cesareo is famous for beaches and clear water, but this tour leans into the reason divers and snorkelers get excited: the Marine Protected Area. The whole point is to move between specific underwater and coastal landmarks while you’re in the water, not just to sit on the deck and hope you’ll see something good from afar.

What makes it work for you is the balance. You get snorkeling time with the right gear, then you switch gears to a land-food moment with an aperitif in a scenic inlet. It’s a simple rhythm that makes the 3 hours feel full without turning into a rushed checklist.

On a 72 m2 catamaran: comfort, crew, and the vibe

You’re traveling on a 72 m2 catamaran, which changes the feel compared with smaller boats. Catamarans generally mean more stable deck space and easier movement for people suiting up, using gear, and getting back on board after each water stop.

You also have crew on board (commander, stewardess, and sailors). That matters because the snorkeling is equipment-managed and the sea conditions are not an afterthought. If conditions are rough enough, the tour decision is made by the commander—so you’re not left to guess what happens next.

Three snorkeling stops: gear, swim windows, and what you’ll actually do

This is snorkeling with provided equipment from A Mare Salento. On board, you’ll find the essentials: fins, masks, and jackets in all sizes. That’s a big practical win. It means you’re not stuck using borrowed gear that doesn’t fit, and you can focus on using the mask comfortably right away.

You’ll snorkel during the swimming stops in the Marine Protected Area, and you’re able to swim on the surface to admire what’s below. The tour language emphasizes floating-style exploration—so think: calm, slow observation, not frantic searching for the perfect shot.

A useful tip: bring a towel. Not optional in practice. You’ll be getting in and out of the water a few times during the 3-hour outing, and having something dry and clean to wrap up in makes the whole experience feel more comfortable at the end.

Rabbit Island (Big Island): the view that feels quiet and wild

One of the standout areas in the route is Rabbit Island, also called Big Island. The name comes from the fact that it used to be home to wild rabbits. Even if you don’t spend time walking there, the island’s presence shapes your snorkeling and sightseeing from the water.

This stop is also described as having wild, uncontaminated nature with pines and acacias. For you, that translates into scenery that doesn’t feel like a crowded resort coastline. It’s a calmer visual backdrop that pairs nicely with snorkeling—especially when the water is clear and the colors show up cleanly.

If you like places with a slightly untamed feel, this is the moment to watch the shoreline and keep your head up during transit between swim windows. The island landscape is part of the show, not just the underwater bits.

Heart Island in the Approdo area: a modern discovery in a classic setting

Another named highlight is Heart Island, described as heart-shaped and found in the Approdo area within the Marine Protected Area. It was discovered in 2017 by a cinematographic drone pilot filming a documentary.

Why this matters for you: it shows that the protected area still holds things people haven’t fully mapped or noticed from shore. From the water, your job is simple—look at the shoreline outline and enjoy the oddball shape in real time. It’s a fun contrast to older landmarks later in the route, because it’s not just ancient stones. It’s a natural feature people are still discovering in modern ways.

Even if you’re not a trivia lover, this is the kind of detail that makes photos more interesting later—because the shape is distinctive, not generic.

Submerged Roman Columns: the wow-factor of architecture underwater

The tour includes a stop for the Submerged Roman Columns, described as cipollino marble columns from a Roman ship lost during an incorrect docking maneuver. These are architectural treasures protected by the sea.

What you should expect: you’re not being asked to swim down for a museum tour. The experience is snorkeling from the surface, so your view is about spotting and appreciating what’s there while you float. Underwater ruins and columns can be breathtaking even without deep-water skills, because scale and material stand out in the water.

Also, this is one of those moments where your brain does the math. You see columns in the sea and instantly connect that this area has been used, traveled through, and defended for centuries. The tour doesn’t just say history exists—it points you toward something you can look at directly.

Saracen Towers near Torre della Chianca: coastal defense with a visible outline

The route also features the Saracen Towers that emerge on rocky promontories near Torre della Chianca. These towers were built centuries ago to defend the local population from Saracen incursions.

From your perspective, towers like this are best enjoyed like a map marker. Even if the underwater part is what you came for, the visual coastline tells you how people protected themselves and where attention focused. You can spot the promontories and towers from the boat, then enjoy the contrast when you return to snorkeling time.

If you like travel that connects modern views to older reasons for building where people built, you’ll probably get a lot out of this coastal history element.

Madonna dei Naviganti: a coastal memorial that shapes the route

Another named feature is the Madonna dei Naviganti, placed along the coastal stretch of Torre Lapillo to remember the 32 victims of the Costa Concordia shipwreck. It has become a focal point for pilgrimages, with people leaving messages or praying.

This part gives the tour emotional weight. It’s not only scenic; it’s a place of remembrance you can see along the coastline while the boat navigates between stops. For you, that means the experience isn’t purely recreational. You’ll be reminded that the sea is beautiful and powerful, and human stories are tied to it.

Practical note: you’ll likely experience this as a sight during the tour rather than a land visit. Still, it’s exactly the kind of landmark that turns a snorkeling outing into a more complete Porto Cesareo perspective.

Aperitif included: typical products, native wine, and a relaxed finish

The included aperitif is a real part of the value, not just a token snack. It’s based on typical products and native wine, served during the enchanting scenery of a natural inlet in the Marine Protected Area.

If you’re wondering whether this is actually enjoyable, the best evidence is how people describe the aperitif quality and the fact that it fits naturally after multiple swimming stops. You’re not just hungry by then—you’re also mentally ready to sit down and enjoy.

Here’s how to make the most of it: pace your water time and keep your energy steady. After the snorkel gear comes off, you’ll appreciate a proper local-food break more than you would if the tour had been only one short swim.

What to bring and what the boat rules mean in practice

The basics are simple:

• Bring a towel.

And then expect rules that protect the boat environment and your safety. Shoes are not allowed (no shoes, no high-heeled shoes, and no sandals or flip flops). The tour also lists a long set of no-go items: pets are not allowed (assistance dogs allowed), fishing is not allowed, and you can’t bring weapons or sharp objects, alcohol and drugs, or litter. Shoes indoors, boots, surfboards, climbing, jumping, skateboards, and fireworks/explosives are all listed as not allowed.

Translation into real life: plan to be barefoot on board in the allowed zones and keep your hands and gear tidy. You’ll also want to avoid trying to improvise a swim-ready outfit with sandals. The rules are strict, so dressing the night before with this in mind saves stress.

Price and value: is $56.94 worth 3 hours?

At about $56.94 per person, this tour can feel like a bargain when you compare what’s included: catamaran time, snorkeling equipment provided on board, multiple swimming stops, and an aperitif with typical products plus native wine.

For this price, you’re paying for:

• Boat transport across the protected area
• Managed snorkeling gear (masks, fins, jackets)
• Time-based access to specific scenic and historical points
• A meal-like snack moment afterward

The only caveat is that it’s not guaranteed to run like clockwork if seas are too rough. The tour is non-refundable, but you can get a refund if the tour does not take place due to adverse weather and sea conditions assessed by the commander. That’s the trade: you buy an experience tied to the sea itself.

Who should book this Porto Cesareo snorkeling + aperitif?

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A structured snorkeling experience without bringing equipment
• A route with named points of interest (not a vague, generic water tour)
• A relaxing finish with local foods and native wine
• A mix of natural scenery plus visible landmarks, from underwater columns to coastal memorials

You’ll also probably enjoy it most if you like a plan that flows: swim, look, swim again, then settle in. It suits couples and solo travelers who want something scenic and social without long travel days.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which means the operator is set up to handle this kind of participant needs. Still, the core activity is time on and in the water, so it’s wise to think honestly about your comfort level with getting into snorkeling mode.

Should you book this snorkeling tour with aperitif in Porto Cesareo?

I’d book it if you want a three-hour, low-stress way to see Porto Cesareo’s protected-water character—snorkeling with gear provided, then a real aperitif using local products and native wine. The route has enough named highlights that you won’t feel like you’re just floating and hoping for the best.

Skip it (or at least reconsider) if you get uncomfortable when rules are strict—especially about footwear—or if you’re the type who wants long, slow water time with no schedule pressure. This is built around multiple shorter swim windows, not an all-day free swim.

If you’re choosing between “just beaches” and “water + story,” this one lands on the side of story you can see—submerged Roman columns, coastal memorials, and islands shaped by nature and discovery. It’s the kind of Porto Cesareo outing that makes the photos more meaningful later, because the landmarks are specific.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour with aperitif?

It lasts 3 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get snorkeling equipment on board, an aperitif based on typical products and native wine, and a crew that includes the commander and staff.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, including fins, masks, and jackets in all sizes.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel.

Are shoes allowed on the catamaran?

No. Shoes are not allowed, including high-heeled shoes. Sandals or flip flops are also not allowed.

What language is the live guide?

The live tour guide is Italian.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

The activity is non-refundable, but a refund is allowed only if the tour does not take place due to adverse weather and sea conditions assessed by the commander.

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