Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience

Discovering Cinque Terre from the Water: An In-Depth Look at the Shared Boat Tour

Travelers often find themselves torn between the charm of walking through colorful villages and the desire for a unique perspective from the sea. This shared boat tour offers a chance to enjoy the Cinque Terre coastline without the crowds, giving you a relaxed, scenic, and authentic experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this trip is tailored to reveal the coast’s stunning beauty from a different angle.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are the stunning vistas and the opportunity to swim in exclusive, sea-accessible beaches. We also appreciate the fact that the tour is shared, which typically means a more intimate setting and better value than private options. One thing to consider is that, as a group activity, it may involve some compromises on specific stops, especially if you’re hoping for a highly personalized itinerary. Still, if you enjoy socializing and meeting fellow travelers, this boat trip could be just the ticket. It’s ideal for those who want to combine sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing with a touch of wine in a genuinely beautiful setting.

This tour suits travelers who:

• Value spectacular coastal views and a different perspective of Cinque Terre
• Want to avoid the busiest footpaths and explore from the sea
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with local drinks
• Are comfortable sharing a boat with a small group and prefer a well-organized experience

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views from the sea create a memorable perspective of Cinque Terre’s colorful villages.
• Swim and snorkel in hidden bays only accessible by boat, adding a fun, water-based element.
• Visit Portovenere, Riomaggiore, and Monterosso at a leisurely pace, with free time for exploration.
• All-inclusive amenities like snorkeling gear, water, soda, wine, and Prosecco enhance the comfort and enjoyment.
• A flexible, semi-private experience that balances guided navigation with free time to explore.
• Great value for the price when considering the duration, included amenities, and personalized service.

An Honest Look at the Experience

The seven-hour shared boat tour from La Spezia is designed to give you a broader view of the Ligurian coast without the hassle of crowded footpaths or long lines. Starting promptly at 10:00 am, the tour begins with a scenic departure from La Spezia, where your skipper takes over, allowing you to sit back and soak in the coastline.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Portovenere — This charming seaside village is your first stop for about an hour. With its narrow streets, ancient walls, and landmarks like the Churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo, Portovenere offers a glimpse into Liguria’s rich maritime tradition. Reviews highlight the value of this stop, with one traveler mentioning their guide was knowledgeable and eager to share local insights, making the visit more enriching.

Stop 2: Monesteroli Bay — Accessible only by sea, this bay is described as the most beautiful on the eastern coast. Its crystal-clear waters and sunny pebble beach provide a perfect spot to relax, swim, or snorkel. Reviewers rave about this location, with one noting it as the “most beautiful location” they encountered, accessible only by boat. It’s a real highlight for water lovers.

Stop 3: Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area — This stretch of coast includes two of the iconic villages, Riomaggiore and Monterosso, where you’ll have approximately two hours to explore or relax at your own pace. The tour does not include a detailed village visit like land-based tours, but the time allocated allows for a quick stroll, some photos, or a swim.

Additional Stop: The Island — Near the Portovenere promontory, this island is famed for its bays and Mediterranean flora. While not extensively described in reviews, the inclusion of this stop adds to the diversity of scenery and natural beauty.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The included amenities truly add value. You get use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, sodas, and a selection of alcoholic beverages — wine or prosecco for every four people, with options for beer. The skipper’s role is crucial, as their local knowledge makes the experience more informative and relaxing.

However, lunch is not included — a consideration if you’re planning a full day. Most travelers might prefer to bring snacks or plan to buy something during the stops. The tour’s price of around $219.38 per person reflects the all-day nature, boat rental, and drinks; many find it reasonable given the personalized experience and stunning vistas.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum group of ten, this tour strikes a balance between intimacy and social interaction. Several reviews mention how the crew, especially Damiano, was professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. One traveler noted feeling like royalty thanks to the attentive service, which is a sign of how well the crew manages the group dynamic.

Timing and Logistics

Starting at 10:00 am from La Spezia, the tour ends back at the original meeting point. This timing is ideal for travelers staying nearby or those arriving in La Spezia that morning. The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

Authentic touches are what set this tour apart. One reviewer described Damiano as “very knowledgeable about the area,” eager to answer questions and share travel stories, which adds a layer of personal connection missing from larger, less personal tours. The opportunity to halt for swimming and snorkeling multiple times allows travelers to fully enjoy the Ligurian Sea, not just gaze at it from afar.

Not all reviews are perfect, though. One disgruntled visitor felt they only got limited time at specific stops and didn’t receive the personalized attention they hoped for. Still, the tour’s design—shared, with multiple stops and some free time—means it’s best suited for those who enjoy a group vibe and flexible pacing rather than a private, highly customized itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Cinque Terre boat experience offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, relaxed water-based exploration, and authentic Ligurian hospitality. You’ll love the way it minimizes tourist crowds at the villages while maximising scenic views and access to hidden beaches. The inclusion of local drinks and snorkeling gear adds tangible value, making it feel like a well-rounded day out on the water.

If your goal is to see Cinque Terre from the sea, enjoy swimming in secluded bays, and learn about the coastline from a friendly skipper, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for travelers looking for a mix of light adventure, scenic relaxation, and local flavor—all in just one day.

However, if you’re after a detailed land-based exploration of the villages or a private, tailored experience, you might want to consider other options. For most, this shared boat tour offers a memorable and authentic slice of Ligurian coast life, perfect for making the most of your time in La Spezia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private or shared tour?
It’s a shared experience with a maximum of 10 travelers, which balances intimacy with social interaction.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, wine or prosecco for every four people, and the services of a professional skipper.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?
Yes, you’ll have multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel, especially in the beautiful bays like Monesteroli.

What villages or locations do we visit?
You’ll visit Portovenere, Monesteroli Bay, and the Cinque Terre coast, with free time to explore Riomaggiore and Monterosso.

Is food included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the stops.

In essence, this boat tour offers a well-balanced, scenic, and social way to experience the Ligurian coast. It’s especially suited for travelers who value stunning views, water activities, and a friendly crew, rather than a highly structured or private experience.