8 Hours Cinque Terre with Lunch on Boat in Spezia

Imagine spending a full day cruising along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coast, drifting past colorful villages, stopping for swims in secluded coves, and enjoying a delicious freshly prepared lunch—all without the crowds. That’s what this 8-hour Cinque Terre boat tour offers. Starting from La Spezia, it takes you on a scenic journey along the coast, visiting Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, with additional stops at Portovenere and some spectacular beaches accessible only by boat.

For €188.91 per person, this experience is a fantastic way to see the Cinque Terre from a different angle—the sea. We love how it combines stunning scenery, authentic local flavors, and relaxed swimming stops into one day. Two standout features are the delicious Ligurian lunch served on the boat, complete with pesto pasta, fresh mozzarella, and unlimited drinks, and the opportunity to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

A small caveat: weather conditions can affect the itinerary. Several reviews mention how rough seas or high waves might prevent visiting the villages onshore. So, if your main goal is exploring the towns themselves, this might not be the best choice. However, if you’re after a sea-based adventure with great views and good company, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy water-based sightseeing, relaxing in beautiful natural settings, and avoiding the crowds—ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends. If you’re looking for a balanced day of sightseeing and leisure, with friendly guides and tasty food, this tour could be just what you need.

This experience made our article of 4 Top-Rated La Spezia Lunch Experiences.

Key Points

• Scenic coastal views from the water provide a unique perspective of Cinque Terre.
• Multiple swimming stops and snorkeling opportunities enhance the experience.
• Delicious Ligurian lunch with pasta, mozzarella, and unlimited drinks offers great value.
• Small group size (max 12 travelers) ensures a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.
• Weather dependence is a consideration; plans may change if seas are rough.
• Authentic experience with knowledgeable guides and friendly crew.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

Launching from La Spezia’s Porto Mirabello, the tour begins at 10:00 am and lasts approximately 8 hours. This length strikes a nice balance—long enough to enjoy the coast thoroughly without feeling rushed. The small group size, capped at 12, means you’ll likely get personalized attention and can comfortably ask questions or relax in the sun.

The First Stop: Portovenere

Your journey kicks off with a 50-minute visit to Portovenere, often called the “Pearl of Liguria.” From the boat, you’ll admire the church of San Pietro, the centuries-old Portovenere Castle, and the Grotta Byron, which inspired Lord Byron. The reviews highlight how these sights from the water are particularly romantic and less crowded than on land.

One reviewer notes, “We loved the way the boat allowed us to see all the towns from a perspective that’s impossible on foot.” It’s a peaceful introduction before heading to the more active parts of the day.

Grotta Byron and Red Rocks Beaches

Next is a 15-minute stop at the Grotta di Byron, where you can marvel at this legendary cave and take a quick swim at Le Rosse beach, renowned for its red rocks. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed swimming among fish in these quiet, accessible spots. One wrote, “Swimming here felt like entering a secret world, with fish helping travelers and clear seabeds.”

Monesteroli and Snorkeling

A highlight for many is Monesteroli, a splendid beach with a stunning seabed. You can snorkel, swim, or just float and relax. The reviews praise the quality of the snorkeling and the friendly guides who help you spot fish. The crew provides snacks and drinks, making it easy to unwind in this unspoiled cove.

Visiting the Cinque Terre Villages

The core of this tour is the sea view of the beloved Cinque Terre villages:

• Riomaggiore: A brief 20-minute stop allows you to enjoy the landscape and snap photos. It’s the first of the five villages and sets the tone with its colorful houses and rugged coastline. Reviewers appreciate the chance to see the village from the water, avoiding the busy streets.

• Manarola: Another 20-minute stop offers more photo opportunities and a chance to sample local cuisine if you wish. The charm of this village is undeniable, with its vineyards and cliffside houses.

• Corniglia: Slightly perched on a hill, this 20-minute visit offers picturesque views and a peaceful vibe. It’s the only village without direct boat access, so you’ll enjoy seeing it from afar.

• Vernazza: Perhaps the most iconic, with its picturesque square and medieval fortress. You can disembark for about 45 minutes to explore on your own or just soak up the scenery from the boat. One reviewer shared, “Vernazza was a highlight, and being able to see it from the water without crowds was a real treat.”

• Monterosso: The last of the five, with over an hour to swim, relax, or even enjoy a drink right in the water—something many reviewers found irresistible. “Diving into the deep blue and sipping a drink floating on a tray was pure bliss,” one person commented.

Lunch and Swimming at GUVANO Beach

Midway through the day, lunch is served on the boat—a generous spread including bruschetta, pasta al Pesto or Muscoli (mussels), Caprese salad, and endless drinks such as Prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Reviews rave about the quality and quantity of food, calling it “outstanding” and “great value” considering the all-inclusive drinks.

Post-lunch, you’ll enjoy more swimming or relaxing in the Guvano Cove, often described as a perfect spot for swimming and soaking up the sun. One traveler mentioned how they appreciated the plenty of shaded areas and friendly crew helping with snacks and drinks throughout.

Final Stop: Portovenere and Return

On the way back, you’ll enjoy a last swim at Portovenere before heading to La Spezia’s harbor. The final 40-minute segment offers a chance to reflect on the day and savor the views. As one review noted, “Even if we didn’t get to see all the villages on land, the experience on the boat was unforgettable.”

Authenticity and Value

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic coastal experiences. You’re not just rushing between towns; you’re floating along the coast, snorkeling in quiet coves, and snapping photos from the water. Many reviews highlight how friendly guides like Luca, Chiara, Marco, and Daniela made the day enjoyable, sharing local insights and keeping everyone well-fed and hydrated.

The price point of nearly €190 may seem steep for some, but considering the lunch, drinks, multiple swimming stops, and small group setting, many feel it offers good value. Several travelers appreciated how the experience allows you to escape the crowds, which can be overwhelming when touring on foot.

Weather and Planning Considerations

A key point to remember is that rough seas can affect the itinerary. Several reviews mention how weather conditions sometimes prevent land visits or even alter the route. One reviewer shared their disappointment, stating, “We booked to see the five towns but were told the waves were too high to continue.” Always check the weather forecast and be flexible.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who prefer relaxing days on the water, want a different perspective of Cinque Terre, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t mind a flexible schedule and are happy to skip onshore visits if weather conditions aren’t ideal. Those looking for a peaceful, scenic, food-filled day will find this tour very rewarding.

The Sum Up

This 8-hour boat tour of Cinque Terre offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Italy’s stunning coast. You’ll love the beautiful views from the water, the variety of swimming spots, and the delicious, all-inclusive lunch served onboard. The small group size and friendly guides make it a comfortable, personalized experience, perfect for families, couples, or friends seeking a relaxed day with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photos.

While weather dependence can be a challenge, the crew’s professionalism and willingness to adapt often turn potential disappointments into memorable moments. It’s a great choice for anyone who values authenticity and comfort over rushing through crowded towns.

If you’re someone who loves being on the water, enjoys local flavors, and wants to see the coast from a fresh vantage point, this tour will likely be a highlight of your trip to Italy.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews mention families with kids enjoying the swimming and relaxed boat environment. Just check if your children are comfortable with being on a boat for several hours.

How long do we spend in each village?
Stops vary from 20 to 45 minutes, with the longest in Monterosso and Portovenere, giving enough time for a quick photo, a stroll, or a swim.

What’s included in the lunch?
The lunch includes bruschetta, pasta with pesto or mussels, a Caprese salad, and unlimited drinks like Prosecco, wine, and beer.

Can I disembark at each village?
You can disembark in Vernazza and Monterosso; other stops are viewed from the boat. Be aware that weather or sea conditions might limit some land visits.

What is the group size?
Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience compared to larger tours.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, it may be canceled or rerouted, with a full refund or rescheduling offered.

Are there shower facilities on the boat?
Yes, there’s a large bathroom and shower onboard, making it comfortable after swimming.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at $188.91 per person, which many reviews say offers good value considering food, drinks, and multiple swimming stops.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The views from the boat are stunning, and stops at coves and villages are perfect for photos.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
While available year-round, spring and early summer often offer calmer seas and pleasant weather, ideal for swimming and sightseeing.

This boat trip to Cinque Terre strikes a lovely balance of scenic beauty, leisure, and local flavors. Whether you’re in search of a peaceful day on the water or a unique vantage point of Italy’s famed coast, it offers a memorable—and often quite fun—adventure.