Mediterranean · CINQUE TERRE BOAT TOURS
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 cinque terre boat tours justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
Spend eight hours aboard the Lord Byron ferry from La Spezia, cruising the Gulf of the Poets and Cinque Terre coast. Depending on the day, visit Riomaggiore or Portovenere, then Monterosso and Vernazza. A multilingual guide explains the sights, while free time lets you eat, shop, walk, or swim.
“The boat was amazing. Your guide was fabulous and very kind and interesting”
Set out from Monterosso with an English-speaking host and professional skipper for a 2-hour-45-minute cruise past all five Cinque Terre villages. You’ll stop for a swim, enjoy Ligurian stuffed focaccia and drinks, and see the coast from a small boat limited to 12 people. Bring a towel, swimsuit, and waterproof phone case.
“I was traveling solo and put on a small boat with 11 other people from the same family. Not acceptable. It was not fun. They took over the boat and I ft so out of place. Shame on Viator for allowing thus to happen. .”
Travel from Milan to Cinque Terre with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, then see the coast by boat and train. You get free time in Manarola and Monterosso, the largest village, before returning by coach. Guides such as Monica, Angelo, Rosella, and Tatiana have been praised for keeping large groups on track, though the day leaves limited time for each stop.
“Enjoyable day! The boat trip was amazing. Great day out!!”
Cruise from La Spezia past Portovenere, San Pietro church, hidden coves, and all five Cinque Terre villages. Your English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide explains the coast, with time in Monterosso for food and a swim when sea conditions allow. Small boats carry up to 12 people, and private trips are available.
“We had a lot of fun on this tour. Frederico was an excellent guide, he provided a good amount history as we made our way through Cinque Terre, the playlist was also a major vibe honestly. We took a jump into the water at the perfect time and had a lovely time exploring Monterroso. Highly recommend choosing this boat tour!”
Spend 7.5 to 8 hours aboard a typical Ligurian boat with Captain Gerry, sailing from La Spezia past Portovenere, Byron’s Cave, red sea cliffs, and all five Cinque Terre villages. Swim and snorkel in clear coves, enjoy focaccia and drinks, and choose how much time to spend in Monterosso.
“This trip is really good. Good cost quality. Gerry is really attentive with all people, everyone was having fun and enjoying the music. The lunch with the focaccia and drink(prosecco, water, cola) was abundant. The boat was full but all of us had more then space to be relaxed, the size of the boat and the max quantity of people is in the perfect measurement. Absolutely a trip to do. You see the Cinque Terre, Gerry explains all the story, and you have a relaxed day on the water.”
From Monterosso, a crew of up to 12 takes you past all five Cinque Terre villages, with photo stops, a 30-minute swim, and a Ligurian aperitif. Guides such as Roberta, Ester, and Andrea have hosted these trips, which include drinks, focaccia, local snacks, and a return to Monterosso after about three hours.
“Roberta and Gabrielle were fantastic. that were very attentive. We were met with an unexpected coastal storm on the way back. Gabrielle handle the boat beautifully under the circumstances and Roberta kept us all calm. Thank you Roberta and Gabrielle!!”
Join the Lord Byron at 7:00 p.m. from Molo Italia in La Spezia for a three-hour sunset cruise past Porto Venere and Palmaria Island. Stop near Byron Grotto for a cocktail or wine with focaccia, mini pizzas, cold cuts, and other Italian snacks, then return with music and night sailing. The host service is in Italian.
“Nagyon jó volt a hangulat, finomak voltak az italok és az ételek, nagyon szép volt a látvány. A visszérkezés pontosságán lehetne javítani, mert többen lekéstük az utolsó vonatot és taxival kellett a szállásra menni.”
Spend eight hours on a 10-meter boat from La Spezia, cruising past Portovenere, the three islands, Byron Grotto, and all five Cinque Terre villages. Captain Simone is known for clear local stories, good music, and well-timed swim stops. You can visit Monterosso or Vernazza, stop in Portovenere, snorkel, and enjoy drinks onboard.
“I have never written an online (Positive) review before until now. Simone is unbelievable. Such a sweet, generous, funny and knowledgeable host for our family day on the water. I read his previous reviews and he exceeded all of the outstanding comments. He’s a guy with a boat, who loves what he does and it shows and he will make your day unforgettable. BOOK WITH HIM! We loved absolutely everything and our 8 hours with him flew by!”
Spend eight hours aboard a 10-meter vintage wooden boat with guides such as Luca, Vivienne, Massimo, or Daniela. See Portovenere and all five Cinque Terre villages from the water, swim at secluded coves, eat pesto pasta and Caprese salad, and enjoy unlimited wine, Prosecco, beer, and soft drinks. Vernazza is the only Cinque Terre village where you can get off.
“Great day out. Plenty of wine and food. Great views of the Cinque Terre and nice swim stops too. Definitely would recommend travel sickness medication for those prone to sea sickness.”
Join a small group of up to 10 for an eight-hour boat trip from La Spezia. Your skipper takes you past Portovenere, Palmaria, Byron Grotto, and all five Cinque Terre villages, with swimming stops, drinks, snorkeling gear, and 1.5 hours in Monterosso for lunch and a walk.
“Best ever definitely book! Sorry for getting so drunk guieppi we loved you!”
Set out from Monterosso on a three-hour sunset cruise for up to 12 people. An English-speaking assistant and skipper guide you past Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, with local focaccia, pesto, drinks, swimming time, and sunset views. Crews have included Max, Roberta, Ester, Vivian, and others.
“We are on a high after returning from a wonderful sunset cruise hosted by Rosario and Guiseppe. They were perfect hosts and we will never forget this trip. They struck a perfect balance between appreciating the wonderful scenery by giving expert knowledge on the cinque terre whilst also making it great fun by making sure everybody was included. I intend going back to the Amalfi coast soon and will do so with any charter they are on. Most importantly we felt very safe with them and had the confidence to take a swim as Rosario had noodles😂. My husband and I are approaching 70 but they made us feel like…”
Spend eight hours on a small luxury boat from La Spezia, seeing all five Cinque Terre villages from the water. Swim and snorkel at quiet coves, eat focaccia, pesto, mussels, and salad, then visit Vernazza or Monterosso and Portovenere. The crew has included Alfredo, Massimo, Luca, and Vivienne.
“Best boat trip ever! I've done a few of these activities in Amalfi and Lisbon but this is the best by far. Captain Max is lovely and has a gorgeous boat! Max took us to see all the 5 Terre coastline and Portovenere explained all the main attractions and fun facts, and gave us plenty occasions to jump and swim in the sea. We also had the possibility to visit Vernazza and a cute little taxi boat came to pick us up from the Max’boat for no extra money. The captain also ensured our glasses were always full and propered us a delicious lunch! We finished the day with an…”
Join HopHop Boat in La Spezia for a three-hour sunset cruise past Portovenere and Cinque Terre. Your captain and guide, possibly including Alejandro, Andrés, Fred, or Alessandro, share local stories while you enjoy appetizers, prosecco, beer, or soft drinks. The RIB carries up to 12 people and may stop for swimming.
“Our tour got shortened due to the water and how choppy it was so we were a bit disappointed by that and not sure what to expect. Even with it being shortened, it was a great ride with our guide! We saw so many cool spots and he explained everything we saw. Would definitely recommend this!”
Set out from Riomaggiore with a private guide and see Cinque Terre from the water. You’ll pass all five villages, pause at Guvano Beach for swimming and snorkeling, and hear local stories from guides such as David, Roberto, Federico, or Pepe. Sunset departures add soft light, music, wine, and a memorable view.
“David was a great host providing history of the different cities during our trip along with playing music requests and taking some nice family photos for us. This is a great way for a family to spend time in a beautiful area.”
You’ll cruise from La Spezia across the Gulf of Poets to Portovenere, Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto, and all five Cinque Terre villages. A captain and guide such as Lorenzo, Luca, or Max explain the coast, with up to four swim stops, shade, soft drinks, and optional time ashore. The small boat holds only seven people, so the day feels personal but can be snug.
“Very fun activity! Lorenzo and the captain were good hosts. 100% recommend.”
A coast, a kind of hull, or a day you already have in mind.
