National park tours around Lecce showcase the best of Puglia’s natural treasures. The standout experience is horseback riding through Salento Nature Reserve, where you’ll clip-clop past ancient olive groves and limestone formations. The Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area offers two excellent options: a private boat tour (complete with local wine and snorkel gear) or an intimate kayak expedition with an expert marine biologist. Budget travelers can opt for the public boat tour, which hits all the key spots. These well-organized outings consistently earn top marks from visitors for their authentic, no-nonsense approach to exploring Italy’s lesser-known natural wonders. Let’s explore our favorite park tours.
Key Points
- The horse ride in Salento Nature Reserve offers a highly recommended eco-friendly experience suitable for all skill levels, with transport and free cancellation.
- The private boat tour in Porto Cesareo provides an exceptional experience with amenities, snorkeling gear, and accessibility for non-wheelchair users.
- Kayak tours in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area offer guided eco-friendly exploration with snorkeling activities, though with mixed reviews on presentation.
- Boat tours in the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area provide a personalized experience for up to 58 participants, with accessibility and snorkeling gear included.
- Customer feedback highlights the reliable transfer and friendly staff for horse rides, but also concerns about ride time changes and animal conditions.
Horse Ride in a Salento Nature Reserve With Transfer From Lecce
The horse ride in the Salento Nature Reserve provides a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of this picturesque region. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this tour offers a seamless experience with transport by minivan from Lecce.
Pickups are available from accommodations in Lecce or the convenient meeting point at Porta Napoli.
The 11 reviews for this tour have an impressive overall rating of 4.9/5, highlighting the reliable transfer and friendly staff. However, some travelers have expressed concerns about ride time changes, the lack of an English-speaking guide, and the conditions of the animals.
The activity is suitable for inexperienced riders, with options for children to enjoy guided rides.
Priced from $105.22 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers can also take advantage of the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
With a maximum of 8 participants, this small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience in the Salento Nature Reserve.
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Private Boat Tour in the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo
After exploring the stunning landscapes of the Salento Nature Reserve on horseback, visitors can now embark on a captivating private boat tour in the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo, Lecce, Italy.
This 5-star rated tour offers a chance to experience the breathtaking coastal waters, with inclusions such as snacks, bottled water, rosé wine, and juice. Participants will also have access to snorkeling equipment and beach towels, allowing them to fully enjoy the marine environment.
The tour departs from the Torre Cesarea in Porto Cesareo, with private transportation and a dedicated skipper provided.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to participate.
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Kayak Tour: Porto Cesareo and the Marine Protected Area
Setting out on a kayak tour through the enchanting Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area offers visitors a chance to enjoy the region’s captivating coastal ecosystem. Guided by a marine biologist, this eco-friendly adventure allows participants to explore the reserve’s crystalline waters and unique habitats.
Snorkeling activities provide opportunities to observe colorful fish and sea turtles, while the tour also includes visits to submerged Roman columns and the coastlines of Malva and Conigli Islands.
The kayak tour, priced from $53.14 per person, receives mixed reviews from customers. While some praise the friendly and passionate guide, others note issues with language barriers, short kayak duration, and inadequate presentation.
Accessibility is good, with the tour being wheelchair-accessible and near public transportation. Travelers should be aware of potential cancellations due to weather, as some have reported experiencing this without proper notice.
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Boat Tour Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area
For an immersive journey through the captivating Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, visitors can opt for a boat tour that offers a unique perspective of this coastal haven.
The tour boasts 22 reviews with an overall rating of 4.3, indicating a high level of satisfaction among previous participants. With a maximum of 58 travelers per tour, the experience promises an intimate and personalized exploration of the protected marine environment.
Priced from $37.20 per person, the boat tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment and provides snacks during the excursion. The meeting point is conveniently located at Piazza Nazario Sauro & Lungomare Raffaele Sambati, and the tour returns to the same location.
The tour is accessible, welcoming wheelchair and stroller users, as well as service animals, and infants can sit on laps.
While the majority of reviews praise the beautiful sunset experiences and the courteous captain, some negatives have been noted regarding booking issues, including a failed excursion due to seasonal closure and a lack of communication from the boat company.
However, the host has acknowledged the technical error and assured affected customers of a refund.
Read our full review: Boat Tour Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area Review
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The Sum Up
Lecce offers a variety of exceptional national park tours, from horseback riding in Salento Nature Reserves to private boat tours of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area. Whether you prefer kayaking or cruising, these tours provide an opportunity to explore Lecce’s stunning natural landscapes and diverse marine environments. With knowledgeable guides and high-quality equipment, visitors can enjoy the region’s breathtaking beauty.