Day Shared Experience – Gulf of the Poets, Portovenere & islands

A seamless blend of luxury, nature, and history—this boat tour from La Spezia visits the Gulf of the Poets, Portovenere, and nearby islands, offering a relaxed way to explore Italy’s stunning coast. Priced at around $214 per person, the trip lasts roughly 5 hours, and it’s perfect for those seeking an intimate, crowd-free experience.

What we love about this tour is how it combines comfort and exclusivity — you’re on a charming yacht named Giulietta, with plenty of space to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery without the crowd chaos typical of some popular spots. The delicious onboard lunch is another highlight, served in total privacy with plenty of drinks, making it a true treat.

A possible consideration might be the need to book well in advance—about 20 days ahead on average—so if you’re a last-minute planner, you’ll want to schedule early. Also, bring your essentials like sunscreen and towels, as they’re not included.

This experience suits travelers who value authentic coastal scenery, personalized service, and culinary delights on the water. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of swimming and photo opportunities, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist spots.

Key Points

• Exclusive & Relaxed: Small group size (max 10), private vibe, and personalized service.
• Beautiful Scenery: Visit the Gulf of the Poets, islands of Tinetto, Tino, Palmaria, and the medieval village of Portovenere.
• Onboard Comfort: Enjoy luxury on the yacht Giulietta, with a tasty, private lunch and available snorkeling gear.
• Great Value: All inclusive of food, drinks, and equipment, with a focus on authentic experiences.
• Ideal for Photographers: Stunning views, historic sites, and picturesque villages provide plenty of photo opportunities.
• Weather Dependent: The tour requires good weather, and cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t suitable.

Exploring the Gulf of the Poets and Portovenere: A Practical Deep Dive

If you’re seeking a relaxed, scenic escape along Italy’s Ligurian coast, this shared boat experience offers an exceptional way to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and charming villages. Starting at La Spezia, the tour takes you on approximately 5 hours of cruising, swimming, and sightseeing, all while aboard a comfortable yacht called Giulietta. The price of about $214 per person includes a delicious onboard lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and floating tubes, giving you a well-rounded day out without hidden costs.

The Journey and Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and First Sights
The adventure begins at the Porto Mirabello, just a walk from La Spezia’s train station, making access straightforward. As the boat departs at 11:00 am, you’ll begin by skimming the east side of La Spezia’s port, passing by Italy’s renowned shipyards—San Lorenzo, Riva, Ferretti, and ItalianSeaGroup. These are Italy’s pride in yacht building, and their modern, sleek designs are fascinating to see from the water, especially if you’re a fan of boat design or just appreciate Italian craftsmanship.

Medieval Villages and Swimming Spots
Next, the captain will choose the best cove for your first swim, likely near San Terenzo or Lerici, both medieval villages with colorful histories and impressive coastal views. These areas tend to be less crowded, as the tour aims to avoid the hustle of tourist hotspots. While guests relax in the water, the crew prepares a freshly made lunch served directly on board—an aspect many reviews praise highly. Janette_R mentions the food as “absolutely delicious,” and we found that having a private, seated meal in the middle of the sea adds a special touch.

Islands and Natural Caves
After lunch, the boat moves westward, circumnavigating the islands of Tinetto, Tino, and Palmaria. These islands are not only scenic but also rich in history, featuring natural inlets and caves. The vertical cliffs and hidden grottoes offer excellent opportunities for photos and exploration. We loved the way the boat silently glides past, giving us a sense of discovery. These areas are noted for their natural beauty, with stunning caves worthy of exploration, if conditions permit.

Portovenere and its Highlights
The final leg heads toward Portovenere, a UNESCO-listed village with a medieval Doria Castle, the church of San Pietro perched high above the sea, and the famous Byron Cave. The crew often points out these sights as you approach, making it a visual highlight. As one reviewer puts it, the views are “stunning,” perfect for capturing memorable photos. Once anchored, you can enjoy swimming again or relaxing on the boat while the crew prepares a refreshing aperitif with seasonal fruit.

The Onboard Experience and Additional Perks

Comfort and Privacy
The yacht Giulietta provides a smooth, comfortable ride, with plenty of space to relax or socialize. The boat is kept clean and well-maintained, ensuring a pleasant environment. Guests have access to hot showers, changing rooms, and WC at the yacht club after the tour, which is a nice touch for freshening up after a busy day.

Food and Drinks
The onboard lunch is a major highlight, with many guests, like Jennifer_C, praising the “delicious food and beverages.” The inclusive drinks—sodas, bottled water, and some alcohol—cover most needs for a leisurely day at sea.

Snorkeling and Floating Devices
Guests can use snorkel equipment and floating tubes to enhance their experience in the water, providing options for both casual swimmers and more adventurous explorers.

Booking and Practical Considerations

How far in advance to book? Most travelers book about 20 days ahead, as spots fill quickly. The tour has a maximum of 10 people, promoting intimacy and attentive service.

What to bring? Remember to pack beach towels, sunscreen, and seasickness remedies if needed. Since these aren’t included, planning ahead will ensure your comfort.

Weather dependence? Good weather is crucial for this tour. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered.

Accessibility and location? The meeting point is easily reachable on foot from La Spezia’s train station, making it a convenient choice for travelers arriving by train or public transport.

Why Travelers Rave About It

Authentic and personalized experiences are what many reviewers value most. Michelle_R highlights how attentive and informative the crew was, making her family’s day memorable. Joan_J appreciated the “excellent communication” and the chance to enjoy spectacular views without the crowds.

Many mention that the views are breathtaking, and that the swimming stops are well-timed and relaxing, offering a chance to cool off in natural settings without the chaos of crowded beaches.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or families who want a tranquil day on the water, combined with cultural and scenic highlights. If you enjoy good food, comfortable settings, and scenic photos, this tour offers it all. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer avoiding crowded tourist spots and who appreciate a personalized, intimate atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

In all, this boat tour of the Gulf of the Poets and Portovenere delivers a high-quality, authentic experience that balances scenic beauty, history, and comfort. The combination of stunning landscapes, private dining, and knowledgeable guides makes it stand out among coastal excursions.

While it may require some planning to secure a spot, the value for money is clear when considering the included amenities, personalized service, and the chance to see Italy’s coastline from a truly unique perspective.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich day at sea, this tour is a superb choice. It suits those who want a peaceful escape with just enough adventure and cultural insight to make the experience memorable.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, departing at 11:00 am and returning to La Spezia around 4 pm.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda and water, snorkeling equipment, and floating tubes.

Are there any extra costs?
You might want to bring your own beach towels and sunscreen, as these are not provided. Seasickness remedies are also not included, so bring what you need if you’re prone to feeling unwell at sea.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and since it’s a small group, it’s suitable for families with children who enjoy swimming and boat outings.

How do I book the tour?
Most people book about 20 days in advance. You can reserve your spot through the provided provider links or contact the company directly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Where exactly do I meet?
The meeting point is at the coordinates 3RXJ+JM La Spezia, very close to the train station, within walking distance.

Can I extend the tour or customize it?
The tour is fixed in duration and itinerary, but the small group size and attentive guides often make it easy to ask for minor adjustments or special requests.

To sum it up, this boat tour offers a perfect slice of Liguria’s coast—beautiful, relaxing, and full of authentic moments. Whether you’re into photography, history, or simply soaking up the sun, it’s a worthwhile way to experience Italy’s seaside without the crowds.