Go, Explore and Come Back!

Departures every Saturday and Sunday from Naples Beverello, Ischia Casamicciola, and Ventotene

Departure times Naples Beverello at 07:50 – Ischia Casamicciola at 09:00 – Ventotene at 10:05

Return from the island of Ponza at 18:00

Palmarola is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

It is an uninhabited land, and perhaps that makes it even more alluring to those eager to explore and admire its beauty. The clarity of its waters and the charm of the coastline carved by sea and wind capture visitors’ attention and leave them enchanted.

Before heading toward Palmarola — just over 7 nautical miles from the port of Ponza — the boat skirts along the southeast side of Ponza. Departing from Molo Musco, you will first visit the Grotte di Pilato (Pilate’s Caves), also known as the “Roman Murenaio” (also featured in the tour around Ponza). Along the route, you’ll also see the Faraglioni della Madonna, the Parata beach, the Faraglioni del Calzone Muto, Bagno Vecchio, Scarrupata, the Faraglione della Guardia, and pass offshore from Punta del Fieno and the majestic yellow tuff cliff overlooking Chiaia di Luna beach. From there, the 40-minute navigation toward Palmarola begins.

The crossing takes about 40 minutes.

The boat tour allows you to explore the island’s 8 km of coastline, solitary yet welcoming, stretching across the sea. Numerous sea caves and cavities can be found along the way. Several stops are planned for swimming.

Upon arriving at Punta Vardella, in the southernmost part of the island, you can admire: Suvace Rock; Cala Brigantina, named after the pirates who found refuge there during the Middle Ages; Cappello Rock; the “Fucili” rocks, which once formed a natural arch that collapsed during a violent storm; the Mezzogiorno Sea Stacks, including the largest one, which houses a magnificent 20-meter-high grotto that you can enter by boat and exit on the other side.

Then follow Pallante Rock, the Grottelle, Elephant Rock, San Silverio Rock, and the Galere sea stacks and caves, with Porto beach or cove, overlooked by a cliff partially composed of obsidian — black volcanic glass. A beach stop is possible here. In the tuff rock, you can see caves carved out by the first settlers from Ponza, which were used by farmers who cultivated the land on Palmarola.

After the beach break, the itinerary continues toward Punta Tramontana. Along the way, you’ll see the “Piatti,” flat rocks emerging from the sea. You’ll also admire the grand wall known as “The Cathedral,” a stunning colonnade of basalt rock shaped by centuries of wind erosion. At the top of the mountain, a small colony of dwarf palms can be seen.

Finally, you’ll pass by Spermaturo Rock, Vricci Beach, the Monk Seal Cave, Forcina, and Gradelle. After completing the island’s circumnavigation, the boat returns to Ponza following the original route.

The boat tour to the Pilate Caves and the Sea Stacks is the perfect way to discover the most fascinating and historic side of Ponza.

Sailing along the coast, you will visit the famous Pilate Caves, also known as the Roman Moray Eel Farm, an ancient structure dating back to Roman times, made up of rock-cut pools connected by charming underwater tunnels.

During the excursion, you will also admire the remains of a 1st-century AD Roman villa that once belonged to Emperor Augustus, together with some of the island’s most iconic views, such as the Topaz Arch, the Promontory and the Madonna Sea Stacks.

The route continues past Parata Beach, Old Parata, the Calzone Muto Sea Stacks and Bagno Vecchio, all the way to the spectacular Scarrupata, a dramatic cliff of collapsed rocks plunging into the sea.

The final stop is Punta Guardia, the southernmost point of Ponza, dominated by its majestic sea stack. From here, the tour reaches Frontone Beach, where you can stop to relax and swim before comfortably returning on one of the regular ferry boats.

Pets are not allowed on board the vessel used for the excursion.