Ponza is less crowded, more authentic, and still largely undiscovered by mass tourism. Instead of waiting in lines, you’ll spend your day swimming, exploring sea caves, and relaxing on a boat.
Yes. This is a relaxed, family-friendly experience. Children who are comfortable around water will love our Ponza Day Trips.
Our Ponza trips are only physically demanding as you want them to be. The only physical activity is getting in and out of the water using the boat ladder. Swimming is optional.
The bus ride from central Rome to the Port of Anzio is about one hour. There is no regular heavy traffic on our route and it’s a scenic ride both there and back, passing through the countryside of Latium.
The fast ferry from Ponza lasts about one hour and 30 minutes, excluding time to embark/disembark and maneuvers. The ferry has comfortable seating, bathrooms on board and a bar with drinks and snacks.
Once in Ponza, our boat excursion circumnavigating the island lasts about 5 hours with plenty of long stops to swim and snorkel.
We separate the Ponza ferry cost to keep the overall price lower and more transparent.
Ferry tickets are approximately €60 per person. If included in the booking price, they would be subject to platform commissions (sometimes up to 30%), increasing the total cost.
By paying the ferry directly at check-in: – 100% goes toward the actual ticket – You avoid unnecessary markups.
You won’t lose it. Since ferry tickets are paid on the day, you’re not charged for them if you don’t attend.
We often accomodate guests that are planning an overnight or multi-day stay in Ponza, and we think that’s great! We can make alternative arrangements for you, all you need to do is contact us before booking and we can tailor the itinerary specifically to your travel dates.
Life jackets are required by law on boats in Ponza and are available exclusively for emergency use. Life jackets are not intended for swimming.
During the Ponza boat excursion, Open Up does offer a limited number of flotation aids (noodles, rings) available on a first-come, first-served basis. If needed, inform your tour leader during the excursion.
If you plan to swim in Ponza without a flotation device, you should be a confident swimmer.
During our Ponza boat excursions, we will swim directly off the boat, where the water is too deep to stand.
Swimming is not mandatory during our Ponza island boat excursions. You’re welcome to stay on the boat or just dip your toes in the water.
During our boat trips in Ponza usually we have 4-5 swim stops of about 25 minutes each, with a longer swim stop to enjoy lunch.
Yes, we take your safety seriously and provide simple to follow guidelines during our Ponza boat tours such as: remain seated while the boat is moving; be careful of slippery surfaces; secure belongings while the boat is in motion. Your tour leader is there to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests on board and will provide guidance throughout the day.
Yes, while swimming off the boat in Ponza we always recommend that our guests stay close to the boat, avoid the back of the boat when the engine is switched on and to always inform your guide if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Like everywhere in the Mediterranean, jellyfish may occasionally appear in Ponza’s waters but are not dangerous and easy to avoid. Our boat captain will choose our swim stops in order to avoid areas where we might find jellyfish. Snorkel masks may help with visibility in the water. In case of a minor sting, remedies are available on board.
Ponza is a volcanic island, therefore sharp rocks are present all along the shoreline. Sea urchins can be often found in rocky zones.
We always recommend that guests move carefully and follow tour leaders’ instructions during the Ponza boat trip.
Yes, in certain areas it is safe to swim near cliffs and in caves in Ponza — with guidance.
Your tour leader will recommend avoiding climbing rocks or swimming too close to steep cliff faces. Some grottos may have currents and are only suitable for strong swimmers. If in doubt during your Ponza boat excursion, check with your tour leader.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snorkel gear with you on the day of your Ponza tour.
For convenience, Open Up offers the option of rental mask and snorkel sets during booking. If you did not select the option during booking, you can always add a set in a separate moment.
If you suffer from severe seasickness and medication does not help, our Ponza Island boat trips may not be the right choice for you.
Otherwise, we recommend taking medication in advance and bringing what works for you, in accordance with a physician or pharmacist’s advice.
Yes. Lunch is served on board the boat during our circumnavigation of Ponza.
The meal is served picnic-style and consists of pasta with a tomato, tuna and olive sauce, served with water, white wine and espresso coffee. Alternatively, a simple plain pasta with olive oil is available.
Yes, we are able to accomodate dietary restrictions during the Ponza boat tour – as long as you provide us with advance notice.
Gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives can be arranged for guests.
Yes, you’re welcome to bring snacks and drinks on the boat excursion in Ponza.
We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. You can refill it on board.
Bathrooms are available throughout the day for all Ponza tour options Open Up sells.
There is no bathroom during the Rome/Anzio bus transfers (about 1 hour) however bathrooms can be found on the ferry as well as on the excursion boat in Ponza.
Open Up recommends you bring the following items for an enjoyable day in Ponza: a swimsuit (pro tip: wear it under your clothes), a towel, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottle and cash.
Light clothing and a change of clothes are also recommended.
And don’t forget your sense of adventure!
Yes Open Up has a flexible cancellation policy for all Ponza day trips.
At Open Up, we closely monitor sea and weather conditions between Anzio and Ponza in the days leading up to your tour.
If unsafe conditions are expected in these areas—or if the weather would significantly impact your experience—we will cancel the tour in advance and offer you the choice of a free date change or a full refund.
If conditions change unexpectedly after arrival in Ponza, we may adjust the itinerary to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience for the group. This may include alternative arrangements for the boat tour and lunch.
In these cases, no partial refunds will be available.
Discover Italy with Us
