Shared Boat Tour in the Gulf of Poets in La Spezia

If you’re visiting La Spezia and craving a way to see its famous coastline without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, this shared boat tour through the Gulf of Poets might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a mix of stunning scenery, charming villages, and a relaxed, friendly vibe—all wrapped up in about four hours.

What we love about this experience is how it balances beautiful landscapes with informative storytelling and fun stops. The boat is praised for its cleanliness and comfort, and the guides — Alessandro and Andres — get high marks for their knowledge and friendliness. Plus, the opportunity to swim in crystal-clear waters and listen to great music onboard adds a lively, summery touch.

One possible consideration is that it’s a small group experience, limited to just 8 travelers, which is wonderful for intimacy but might feel crowded if you’re expecting a private ride. Also, the tour involves several stops, so if you prefer a more leisurely, unstructured day, this might feel a bit packed.

This tour is ideal for those who love scenic cruising, charming villages, and authentic local stories, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. It’s perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded, engaging day on the water without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Major highlights include Portovenere, Lerici, and swimming around Palmaria Island
• Includes interesting stories and local legends, adding depth to the experience
• Comfortable boat with amenities and a lively playlist make for a fun ride
• Flexible stops for exploration, swimming, and tasting local treats
• Cost-effective for the value of scenic cruising, charming stops, and storytelling

Why This Tour Stands Out

This 4-hour boat trip is more than just a scenic cruise; it’s a well-curated experience designed to give you a taste of the Gulf of Poets’ beauty, history, and local flavor. The price of around $120 per person reflects good value considering the inclusions: use of snorkeling gear, music, a knowledgeable skipper, fuel, and stops that truly allow you to enjoy the surroundings.

The tour departs from Porto Mirabello, a lively port area in La Spezia, which you’ll find convenient if you’re already exploring the city or taking a cruise. The boat is described as clean and comfortably sized for a small group, making it easy to move around and chat with the crew and fellow travelers.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Porto Venere

The journey begins with an approximately one-hour cruise along the coast, providing spectacular views of the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto. This leg is ideal for taking photos of the rugged coastline and listening to stories about the area. The highlight here is the opportunity to admire these islands from the sea, which is often considered the best vantage point.

Once you arrive in Portovenere, you’ll have about an hour to walk its picturesque streets, visit the church of San Pietro, and explore the charming alleys. The reviews consistently praise the free time to wander, with many mentioning how delightful the town’s colorful houses and historic atmosphere are.

A special feature of the visit is the Byron Cave, reputedly linked to Lord Byron’s visits. Visitors often enjoy soaking in the ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage site, with some even snapping photos of the striking coastline.

Lerici and Tellaro

Next, the boat drifts along the coast to Lerici, where you’ll spend about 45 minutes. The boat will pass over the beautiful village of Tellaro beforehand, giving you a chance to admire its charm from the water. Travelers love the opportunity to see these tiny fishing villages from the sea, capturing classic Ligurian scenes.

While on land in Lerici, most guests recommend trying the local artisanal ice cream—a simple pleasure that many reviewers highlight. The town itself offers a relaxed atmosphere, with ancient castle ruins and pretty waterfront cafes.

Swimming and Water Activities

One of the tour’s highlights is a chance to swim in the clear waters near Palmaria Island. The snorkeling gear provided allows for a refreshing dip in waters praised for their transparency and beauty. As one reviewer notes, “You can enjoy a nice swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkeling,” which adds a fun, active element to the trip.

Final Stops and Return

After the swim, the boat heads toward the coastlines of Fiascherino and Tellaro, where legend has it that Tellaro’s local stories add a layer of local character to your experience. The final stop is Lerici, where you have 45 minutes to stroll, soak up the atmosphere, and indulge in some gelato before heading back to La Spezia.

What to Expect on the Boat

The boat itself is described as clean and well-equipped, with amenities like a restroom, hand shower, and ladder for easy water access. Music onboard sets a relaxed tone, and the use of snorkeling equipment lets you enjoy the waters comfortably. The skipper — Andres or Alessandro — adds personal touches through engaging stories and helpful tips.

Travelers often mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are. One reviewer said Andres “brought our families on an exceptional tour,” sharing interesting stories that made the experience more meaningful. The boat’s small size (max 8 travelers) fosters an intimate, friendly environment that many find more enjoyable than larger group tours.

Practical Details & Value

At about $118.58 per person, the tour offers good value given the inclusions—snorkeling gear, music, fuel, and the guide’s local knowledge. Comparing this to the cost of organizing individual boat rentals, transportation, or multiple entry fees, it’s a convenient, budget-friendly way to explore the coast.

The trip lasts roughly 4 hours, which allows ample time for sightseeing, swimming, and exploring port towns without feeling rushed. The meeting point is close to the cruise port, making it easy for cruise passengers or those staying nearby to join.

The tour’s small group size ensures personalized attention, but it’s worth noting that it might fill up quickly. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season.

Authentic Experiences & Guest Feedback

From numerous glowing reviews, the common themes are appreciation for friendly guides, stunning views, and delicious local treats like gelato. Several mention how the guides’ wealth of local knowledge brought added depth to their understanding of the area.

For example, one guest said, “Our kids had a fantastic time swimming near caves and diving off the back of the boat,” capturing the fun, family-friendly aspect. Others appreciated the laid-back atmosphere combined with well-timed stops and great playlist, making the journey enjoyable on multiple levels.

Who Will Love This Experience

This tour appeals particularly to travelers who want a combination of scenic cruising, local culture, and water fun. It suits families, couples, or groups of friends looking for an authentic, relaxed day out. If you appreciate friendly guides, interesting stories, and beautiful views, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also well-suited for those who prefer small-group settings, valuing intimacy and personalized service. Given the focus on swimming and exploration, it’s perfect for active travelers who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Liguria without an overly structured itinerary.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting La Spezia who wants to get a taste of the Gulf of Poets’ stunning scenery, this shared boat tour offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural insights. The friendly guides and beautiful stops make it a memorable way to see the coast, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

If you’re looking for a value-packed experience that combines scenic beauty, storytelling, and water fun, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours soaking in some of Italy’s loveliest coastal views without the stress of planning every detail.

While it’s not a private experience, the small-group atmosphere and engaging guides create a welcoming, authentic vibe that many travelers rave about. This is a great choice for those seeking an easy, enjoyable day on the water amidst the stunning Ligurian scenery.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including cruising, stops, and free time for exploration and swimming.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour requires a minimum number of travelers to operate. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat with a skipper, fuel, snorkeling gear, music, a hand shower, and a ladder for swimming.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and alcoholic beverages are not included. Soft drinks are available on board.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews mention kids enjoying swimming, caves, and the friendly atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. There are free time stops where you might want to explore or relax.

Is this tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transport, making it easy to reach from La Spezia or nearby cruise ports.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Liguria, this Gulf of Poets boat tour offers an engaging, scenic, and fun way to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines.