Boat Tour Cinque Terre and Portovenere

Thinking of sailing along Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast? This private boat tour covering Cinque Terre and Portovenere offers an intimate, flexible way to see some of Italy’s most beautiful seaside villages. We’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide if this experience is worth your time and money.

Two things we love about this tour: First, the chance to feel the wind in your hair while cruising past colorful villages — nothing beats that sense of freedom and adventure. Second, the variety of stops for swimming and sightseeing, especially in crystal-clear waters and hidden caves.

A possible consideration is the price point — at over $2,000 for a group, it’s quite an investment, but the personalized experience and inclusions often justify it. This tour suits travelers seeking a luxurious, private day on the water, especially those who love authentic scenery, good food, and a touch of exclusivity.

Key Points

• Private, customizable experience with a knowledgeable skipper and hostess
• Ideal for groups up to 9 seeking exclusivity and comfort
• Includes on-board amenities, like a light lunch, beverages, and snorkeling gear
• Multiple scenic stops, perfect for swimming, photos, and exploring
• Focus on authenticity, with visits to local villages and historic sites
• Good value for a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Boat Tour?

This seven-and-a-half-hour journey offers a fantastic way to see Liguria’s coast without the hassle of crowded trains or buses. The boat is described as a Beneteau, in top condition, accommodating up to nine guests comfortably.

What sets this experience apart is how it combines several elements: scenic cruising, time for swimming, visits to charming villages, and onboard hospitality, all wrapped into one package. The tour’s reviews highlight how well-organized and enjoyable it is, with travelers appreciating the expert guidance, good value, and authentic local flavors.

You won’t just be watching from afar — you’ll get into the water at beautiful spots like Cala delle Rosse or Monesteroli Bay, with snorkel equipment included to explore the underwater world. Plus, the chance to taste local Vermentino wine, prosecco, and soft drinks makes the day feel quite special.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting from La Spezia’s Porto Mirabello

Your day begins at Porto Mirabello, where the crew will welcome you aboard. The boat is a modern, well-maintained yacht, and the experience starts with about 30 minutes of cruising along the Ligurian coast, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the views.

Cruising through the Gulf of Poets to Portovenere

One of the highlights is passing by seaside villages like Marola, Cadimare, Fezzano, and Le Grazie. This stretch offers classic views of colorful houses perched on hillsides, and the breeze makes the experience invigorating.

Portovenere itself is a treasure of Liguria, with its famous church of San Pietro, ancient walls, and Doria castle. The tour provides a photo stop and walk, giving you an hour to explore this UNESCO-listed jewel. As one reviewer notes, the church is “the most beautiful in the world,” and exploring the narrow carruggio streets reveals the authentic charm of this village.

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Visiting Cinque Terre Villages

The boat then sails into the Cinque Terre, stopping at each of the five villages — Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso — with flexible options for visiting or just admiring from the water.

• Riomaggiore offers a quick 15-minute photo stop, perfect for capturing the colorful facades.
• Manarola is ideal for a 30-minute walk or photo, with its picturesque harbor.
• Corniglia is smaller, but a brief stop allows for quick photos and soaking in the views.
• Vernazza probably shines brightest; the 1.5-hour stop includes an opportunity to visit, walk, swim, and snorkel. Travelers love Vernazza for its lively harbor and scenic beauty. One reviewer called it a “once-in-a-lifetime day,” emphasizing how special the experience felt.
• Monterosso al Mare provides another hour for sightseeing and exploring, with options for a walk or just relaxing on the beach.

Swimming and Snorkeling in Secret Spots

The tour includes multiple swimming stops at Cala delle Rosse, Monesteroli Bay, Punta Castagna, or Canneto beach. These are often described as hidden gems with pristine waters, perfect for cooling off and enjoying the marine life. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the reviews highlight how much travelers appreciated the chance to dive into the clear waters, as one noted, “Everything amazing!! We will do it again whenever we are here.”

Visiting the Islands

The tour also offers stops at the archipelago of three islands, including Tino Island and the Palmaria. Short photo stops and opportunities to look around or snap memorable shots add to the experience.

Return and Reflection

As the day winds down, the boat heads back toward La Spezia, with a final cruise past the picturesque coastlines and a chance to relax on deck. The tour ends back at Porto Mirabello, with many guests reporting a “wonderful day” and “excellent captain,” as two reviews state.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price, you get a full-day private cruise with skipper and hostess support, a light onboard lunch, local wine, prosecco, beers, soft drinks, and water, plus snorkelling gear. The boat features amenities like a shower, minibar, and music, making your journey comfortable.

Extras include fuel costs (charged separately) and optional boats ashore in Portovenere or Lerici. For groups larger than six, an additional fee applies per person. Overall, considering the inclusions, many reviewers feel this offers solid value for a luxury, personalized experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups or families eager for a private, tailored day on the water. It’s especially suitable for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic scenery over crowded group tours. If you love the idea of swimming in secluded coves, sampling local wines, and exploring charming villages at your own pace, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also a great choice for celebrations or special occasions, given the intimate setting and high-quality service. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, the private nature of this tour offers a level of exclusivity that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The Sum Up

This boat tour offers a personalized, immersive way to experience Liguria’s jewel-like coastline. From the historic charm of Portovenere to the iconic villages of the Cinque Terre, every part of this journey is designed to maximize comfort, scenery, and authentic local flavor. The inclusion of local wine and a comfortable yacht enhances the sense of a special day out.

While the price tag might seem high, the value for money is evident in the quality of the vessel, the knowledgeable crew, and the range of activities — swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing — all in one day. It’s particularly suited for those who want a luxury escape with a flexible, private approach to exploring Italy’s coast.

If you’re after a luxury, stress-free way to see Liguria, this tour is a top contender. It’s best for travelers who prioritize comfort, exclusivity, and authentic experiences over purely budget options. With stunning scenery, excellent guides, and memorable moments, this might just be the highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the flexible and private nature suggests it can be enjoyable for families, especially those who love swimming and exploring. Just check with the provider about age restrictions.

How many people can join the tour?
This experience is designed for groups up to 9 people, making it intimate and comfortable.

What is the price per person?
For a group of nine, the total cost is $2,032.62, which breaks down to about $225 per person — a reasonable rate given the inclusions and exclusivity.

Are drinks and food included?
Yes, onboard drinks, including wine, prosecco, beers, and soft drinks, are included, along with a light lunch.

Can I customize the stops?
This is a private tour, so you can likely request certain stops or activities. Confirm specifics with the provider ahead of time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, allowing you to explore underwater spots easily.

What about cancellations?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind in case plans change.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Porto Mirabello in La Spezia, with clear directions provided.

Is there a recommended time of year to do this tour?
While not specified, sunny days during spring to early autumn typically provide the best experience for swimming and sightseeing.

To sum it up, this private boat tour of Cinque Terre and Portovenere provides a luxurious, detailed, and flexible way to experience Liguria’s coast. It’s perfect for those who want to escape the crowds, enjoy authentic scenery, and indulge in local flavors — all from the comfort of a well-equipped yacht. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable day by the sea, this experience offers a compelling combination of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and personal service.

You can check availability for your dates here: