The Great Pontine Tour: a one-day tour of the Pontine Islands, taking in Palmarola, Ponza and Gavi
06 Italian Charter organises a tour of the Pontine Islands aboard the yacht Blue, a Baia 49: a full-day private charter between Palmarola, the north of Ponza and Gavi, with a crew of three on board, departing from and returning to Porto Badino, Oasi Della Nautica in Terracina.
Why explore the Pontine Islands by boat: Ponza, Palmarola and the Gavi islet in a single day
Our tour combines, in a single day, three stops that a ferry does not cover on the same journey. At Palmarola, an island with no roads and no permanent residents, we stop beneath the four islets of the Faraglioni di Mezzogiorno and in front of the pointed arches of the Cattedrali, carved out by the sea at Punta Tramontana. In the afternoon, we head to the northern coast of Ponza – the part not visible from the ferries – stopping at Cala Cecata and Cala Fonte. The final stop is the Gavi rock, which marks the eastern end of the archipelago and offers the most spectacular swim of the day. This is how you experience the Pontine Islands by boat: free from ferry timetables and without the shared stops of a group tour.
The appeal of a private charter lies in the exclusive use of the Blue, Baia 49: the skipper, crew member and hostess/steward remain on board for the whole day, and the skipper chooses the moorings based on wind and sea conditions, without having to consult other passengers. No sailing licence is required. The one-day Pontine Islands tour visits three islands without staying overnight: those wishing to stay on board overnight can opt for the two-day Pontine Islands tour.
The stages of your day
The day’s programme comprises seven stages from Porto Badino to Porto Badino, from 9.00 am to 6.30 pm, taking in Palmarola, the north of Ponza and Gavi.
Click to discover the stage
The moment the land disappears
We board the boat at around nine o’clock at the Oasi Della Nautica: the teak deck is already warm beneath our bare feet and the skipper outlines the day’s route during the briefing. At 9.15, Blue leaves the channel and heads for Palmarola, twenty-eight miles of open sea at a cruising speed of 22 knots. The engine roars into full throttle, the bow cuts through the water, and the first splash of salt spray on our lips is the best wake-up call there could be. Half an hour later, all that remains behind us is the sea.
The roadless island
Palmarola appears on the horizon like a sculpture: around 10.30 the engine cuts out as we approach the Faraglioni di Mezzogiorno, the four islets that mark the southern tip of the island, and all that remains is the water lapping against the hull and the seagulls soaring above. It is an island with no roads and no permanent residents, with just one restaurant that opens in the summer. The first dip of the day is here: cold for two seconds, then perfect, with the seabed making your hands appear as clear underwater as they do on land.
The arches carved out by the sea
At around 11.30, we sail up the western coast of Palmarola at reduced speed, to the point where the sea has carved pointed arches into the rock that look as though they were made by human hands: the Cathedrals. We pass beneath them in silence, with the morning light streaming through the arches and glinting off the water. A little further on, Punta Tramontana marks the northern tip of the island.
The table in the cockpit
Around midday, the aroma wafts up from the saloon even before the table comes into view, laid out in the cockpit in the shade of the awning: crisp table linen, ice clinking in the glasses, the cutlery and crockery arranged with the precision of a fine dining room. This is the mise en place by 06 Italian Charter, in high-end acrylic glass, because whilst sailing, nothing should look like a picnic. The light lunch from the on-board galley is arranged with the crew, and the second swim of the day comes before or after, as you prefer.
Cala Cecata and Cala Fonte
At 14.30, we leave the waters off Palmarola for a four-mile crossing towards the northern coast of Ponza – the side you can’t see from the ferries: pale cliffs, narrow coves and shallow water lapping against the volcanic rock. The third swim of the day is at 15.00 at Cala Cecata. At 16.15, the Blue glides slowly past Cala Fonte and its little harbour of fishing boats, with Le Forna perched high on the cliff.
The Strait of Gavi
At 4.45 pm comes the most scenic stop of the day: Gavi, the rock that marks the eastern boundary of Ponza, separated from the island by a stretch of sea just a few tens of metres wide. We stop in the strait, with the rocky face on one side and the island on the other, and the water flowing between us, crystal-clear right down to the seabed. It is the fourth and final swim of the day, saved especially for the end.
Disembarkation at Porto Badino
At 17.20, we set course for Porto Badino for the twenty-three-mile return journey, with the sun sinking behind the islands and lighting up the sea in shades of orange. On board, we’re still laughing; some are looking through their photos, whilst others stay at the bow to let the wind dry their salt-crusty hair. We’re due to dock at the Oasi Della Nautica at 6.30 pm.
A guide, not a rule
The timings are a guide: the skipper adapts the route to the wind, waves and weather conditions of the day and will notify guests of any technical changes.
The timetables are a guide: the captain adjusts the route according to the wind, waves and weather conditions on the day, and informs guests of any technical changes.
PDF: the full itinerary with times and stops
What’s included in the day
Hover over or click on the panels to open them
Yachts and skippers
Exclusive use of the Blue, Baia 49, with a crew for the whole day, departing from and returning to Porto Badino.
Find out more →On board
Cruising, stops for swimming, snorkelling on request; lunch and dinner can be booked 24 hours in advance.
Find out more →On request
Hostesses, luxury cars with drivers, event catering, wine selection.
Find out more →La Blue, Bay 49
Blue, Baia 49, is a 15.20-metre motor yacht built by Cantieri di Baia, fitted with twin inboard engines.
2 bathrooms · sun deck · air-conditioned lounge · no boat licence required
15.20 m
Overall length
12
People on board, including the crew
3
Cabins
6
Number of beds
On board with us
Who is this experience aimed at?
Couples
A private day out away from the crowded beaches of Ponza and Palmarola, with stops for a swim and a return journey at sunset.
Families
Private boat with shaded areas, a toilet and seating areas for children and adults.
Groups and private events
Birthdays, anniversaries and stag or hen parties for up to 10 people.
The skipper stays on board all day, and none of the guests need to know how to sail the boat.
How much does it cost?
From €1,600
The final quote depends on the provisions, moorings and any extras agreed with the crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a private charter?
Yes, the tour is a private charter: Blue, Baia 49, is for the exclusive use of the booking group, with no other guests on board.
How long does the day last?
The Pontine Islands tour runs from Porto Badino to Porto Badino: guests are expected at 8.30 am in the lounge area of the Oasi Della Nautica; boarding is at 9.00 am with a briefing by the captain, and disembarkation is scheduled for 6.30 pm. This is the most comprehensive one-day Pontine Islands tour from Terracina: three islands – Palmarola, the northern part of Ponza and Gavi – in a single day covering a total of 58 miles.
Are there stops for swimming included?
Yes, the day includes four swimming stops: at the Faraglioni di Mezzogiorno and in a cove on Palmarola, at Cala Cecata on the north coast of Ponza and in the Strait of Gavi, depending on sea conditions and the skipper’s decision.
Is snorkelling possible?
Yes, snorkelling is available on request during the stops at the coves.
Is food included?
A welcome glass of Prosecco and water are included for the whole day; the light lunch on board, with a menu curated by 06 Italian Charter, is to be arranged separately with the crew.
What should I bring on board?
You’ll need a swimsuit and a light change of clothes for the return journey, a light jumper as it’s cooler on board than on land, soft shoes with light-coloured soles (as dark ones leave marks on the teak), sun cream, a hat and sunglasses, and a form of ID for shore excursions. Beach towels, towels and slippers are provided on request. For their safety whilst at sea, pets must remain ashore.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes: the order in which we visit Palmarola, the northern part of Ponza and Gavi may change depending on the weather and sea conditions, and it is the skipper who chooses the best sequence for the day. The route passes through marine protected areas and parks, so we only anchor where permitted, in authorised waters: 06 Italian Charter sorts out the necessary permits before departure, so we can stop in places where hardly anyone else does.
How many people can come on board?
Up to 10 guests, with an authorised capacity of 12 people on board, including the crew.
How much does it cost?
The quote for the Pontine Islands tour depends on the options you choose together with the crew: the duration of the day, a light lunch or a bespoke provisioning package on board, a wine and sparkling wine list, any extra time to extend the return journey, and private transfers to and from Rome. Any extras are paid for on return to Porto Badino; for a quote, please message us on WhatsApp or give us a call.
Book your tour of the Pontine Islands
Private charter · three-person crew · departing from Porto Badino · full day, 9.00–18.30 · three islands, four swimming stops
Book your Pontine Islands tour with Blue, Baia 49 now: a crew on board, three islands and four swims in a single day.