Vintage Boat Trip along the Bari Coast with Swim Stop

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Duration1.5 hours
Daily
Group

Vintage Boat Trip along the Bari Coast with Swim Stop

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Overview

This small-group boat trip leaves from Bari's old town on a traditional wooden gozzo, a vessel typical of Italian coastal fishing. With no more than eight guests and a skipper at the helm, you sail along the waterfront for about an hour and a half, see the skyline of Bari Vecchia from the water, anchor opposite the Basilica di San Nicola and, weather permitting, swim from the boat. It suits couples and small groups who want an unhurried way to see the city.

Highlights

Traditional vintage boat with a small group of up to eight guests
Bari Vecchia and the Basilica di San Nicola seen from the sea
Anchor stop with time to swim, weather permitting
Skipper and fuel included
Departure from the old town, next to Teatro Margherita
About an hour and a half on the water

Full Description

Bari's waterfront and old town from the sea

Bari is the main port of Puglia and its old town, Bari Vecchia, sits on a small promontory with the sea on three sides. From the boat you see what most visitors miss: the stone fortifications, the domes and bell towers and the long promenade that follows the shoreline. A Bari boat tour gives the best photographs of the old town at a relaxed pace.

The skipper sails slowly along the coast, so there is time to look and take pictures. Mornings give clear light on the stone, while late afternoon brings a golden glow to the walls.

The Basilica di San Nicola

The boat usually anchors in front of the Basilica di San Nicola, one of the most important churches in southern Italy. Built from 1087 to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, brought to Bari by sailors, it is a Romanesque building with a plain stone front and two towers, and it draws pilgrims from Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Seeing the basilica from the sea shows why it dominated the port for centuries. After the trip you can visit it on foot; it is a short stroll from the departure point, with opening hours that change by season.

The vintage boat and the swim stop

The gozzo is a traditional wooden boat with a rounded hull and a low engine sound, designed for coastal fishing and now used for small trips. Because the group is limited to eight, there is space to move, sit and talk with the skipper, who is a sailor rather than a tour guide, so expect a relaxed atmosphere rather than commentary.

When the weather allows, the boat anchors for a swim in the harbour waters. Bring swimwear and a towel. The best time to visit for swimming is late spring to early autumn, and times can change if the sea is rough.

Meeting point next to Teatro Margherita

The trip starts in Bari's old town, beside Teatro Margherita, a landmark theatre built over the water in the early twentieth century, and close to Piazza del Ferrarese. It is easy to reach on foot from the train station or from the main shopping streets in about fifteen minutes.

Departures run at several times a day, and the booking panel shows which are open on your date. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Itinerary

Boarding beside Teatro MargheritaMeet the skipper at the departure point in Bari's old town shown on your voucher.
Sail along the Bari coastFollow the waterfront for views of Bari Vecchia, the promenade and the harbour.
Anchor opposite the Basilica di San NicolaA pause in front of the basilica for photographs and relaxing on deck.
Swim stopIf the weather allows, swim from the boat in the clear waters.
Return to the pierBack to the departure point after about 1.5 hours.

What's included

Boat trip along the Bari coast
Skipper
Fuel
Swimming stop
Small group of up to 8 people

Not included

Pick-up and drop-off
Tips

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 0–11
Anyone who wants to see it from the water
A short visit — about 1.5 hours

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Travellers with limited mobility, as boarding a small boat needs some balance
Anyone who prefers a covered or very stable vessel
Guests who need a guide with commentary, since the skipper is not a tour guide

Meeting point

Meet at the departure point in Bari's old town, next to Teatro Margherita and Piazza del Ferrarese. The exact point is shown on your voucher after booking. Arrive about 15 minutes before your departure time. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but the point is a short stroll from the old town and the seafront.