Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience

Experience the Ligurian Coast from the Water

Imagine skipping the crowded footpaths that wind through the colorful villages of Cinque Terre and instead exploring by boat. For around $219 per person, this 7-hour shared boat tour from La Spezia offers a unique way to see some of Italy’s most stunning coastlines. Led by a friendly skipper, you’ll cruise past Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Portovenere, and even a small island, all while enjoying the fresh sea air, local wine, and plenty of opportunities to swim.

What we really like about this experience is the flexible pace. You get to stop for swimming at beaches only accessible from the sea, and you can explore seaside villages at your own speed. Plus, the small group size—a maximum of 10 travelers—keeps things intimate and friendly, allowing for more personalized attention and easy conversation with the crew.

One possible consideration is the fixed itinerary and time constraints, which might not satisfy travelers expecting more in-depth visits or private customization. Also, since it’s a shared tour, you’ll be sharing your boat with others, which could mean shorter stops or less flexibility than a private charter.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed day on the water, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and want to see Cinque Terre from a different angle. If you’re looking for a blend of scenic views, local flavor, and a bit of adventure, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: See Cinque Terre and Portovenere from the sea, avoiding crowded footpaths.
• Swimming opportunities: Access beaches only reachable by boat for swimming and snorkeling.
• Small group: Max 10 travelers, which fosters a friendly, personalized environment.
• All-inclusive: Snorkeling gear, water, soda, wine, and even Prosecco are included.
• Flexible stops: Visit villages and beaches at your own pace, within the constraints of the itinerary.
• Value for money: Compared to private tours, this offers a shared but intimate experience with many amenities.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Duration

Your adventure begins at a meeting point in La Spezia at 10:00 AM, where you’ll meet your skipper and hop on a beautiful boat. The 7-hour trip is well-paced, giving you enough time to explore multiple stops without feeling rushed. The tour ends back at the starting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Portovenere (Approx. 1 hour)

Your journey kicks off with a sea arrival into Portovenere, a charming village with narrow streets, hillside churches, and an ancient fortress. The admission tickets are included for visiting the Church of San Pietro, San Lorenzo, and the Doria Castle, providing a quick cultural taste in addition to the scenery. Many reviews mention the intimate charm of this spot, with one guest noting, “we visited two villages, and this one felt like a fairy tale.”

Monesteroli Bay (Approx. 1 hour)

Next, you’ll visit Monesteroli, touted as one of the most beautiful eastern coast bays, accessible only by sea. The crystal-clear waters and sunny pebble beach make it a perfect swimming spot. The admission fee is included, and many guests rave about the serenity and natural beauty, with one reviewer calling it a “marvelous, unique inlet.” This stop allows for relaxation and snorkeling, giving you a true taste of Ligurian waters.

Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area (Approx. 2 hours)

The heart of the tour is the Cinque Terre National Park’s marine protected waters. You’ll cruise along the coast, admiring dramatic cliffs and colorful villages from the sea. The free access to this area means you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and taking photographs without the crowds. Many travelers appreciate this perspective, saying it’s “the best way to see Cinque Terre,” as it offers a peaceful escape from busy tourist spots.

Natural Island

Lastly, a visit to a small Mediterranean island in front of Portovenere provides enchanting bays and lush vegetation. Though brief, this stop enriches your understanding of the region’s maritime landscape.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides snorkeling gear, bottled water, soda, wine or prosecco (every four people), and the services of a friendly skipper. The fuel costs are covered, so no worries about hidden fees. However, lunch is not included, so you might want to bring your own picnic or plan to buy something in the villages afterward.

Authentic Experience & Reviews

Several guests highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. One reviewer shared, “Damiano and his crew were very professional and accommodating,” and others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who shared their travel stories. The small group size fosters camaraderie, making it feel more like a day spent with friends than a tour.

A recurring theme is the stunning views and the pleasure of swimming in secluded beaches. Jennifer_N called it “an amazing day,” emphasizing the advantage of seeing so much more from the ocean. Conversely, some critics, like Pamela_C, felt the timing was too brief at each stop and that the tour was expensive for the experience—a reminder that expectations should match the itinerary’s scope.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Booking & Timing

Most travelers book about 89 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour departs at 10:00 AM from La Spezia, making it a convenient morning activity. You should arrive a little earlier to settle in and meet your crew.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Limited to 10 travelers, this tour strikes a good balance—small enough for intimacy but large enough to maintain a lively atmosphere. Expect a relaxed, friendly vibe, with plenty of time to ask questions and take photos.

Cost & Value

At over $200 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing. However, considering food and drink are included, as well as admission tickets for key sites, the experience offers good value for the money. It’s a chance to see some of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines without the expense of a private charter.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip works best for adventurous travelers who enjoy being on the water, swimming, and exploring at a leisurely pace. If you’re someone who loves photography, the sea views and villages are perfect. It’s also suited for those who prefer a small, intimate group over large tour buses or crowded land-based visits.

Summary: Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic day on the Ligurian Sea, with plenty of opportunities to swim and enjoy the natural beauty of Cinque Terre and Portovenere, this tour delivers. The small group setting and inclusive amenities make it a comfortable, enjoyable experience, especially for travelers who enjoy being active and seeing the landscape. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the crowds on land and see a different side of Italy’s coast—by boat.

However, if you’re expecting a private tour with unlimited stops or very specific itineraries, this shared experience might feel a bit limited. Also, be prepared for the fact that time at each stop is somewhat fixed by the schedule, and you might want to supplement this tour with more in-depth visits afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private or shared boat tour?
This is a shared tour with a maximum of 10 travelers. It’s not private, but the small group size makes for a more personal experience.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 10:00 AM and returning to La Spezia around 5:00 PM.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, wine or prosecco, and the services of a skipper. Admission tickets for Portovenere and Monesteroli are included.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring your own or buy in the villages afterward.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?
Yes, you can stop for swimming at beaches accessible only from the sea, and snorkeling gear is provided.

What villages or sites will I see?
You’ll visit Portovenere, Monesteroli Bay, the Cinque Terre coast, and a small Mediterranean island. Stops are designed for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of travelers?
Yes, the maximum is 10 travelers. The minimum isn’t explicitly stated but is typically enough to run the tour.

How do I book this tour?
Most book around 89 days in advance through the provider’s website or booking platform.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, so it’s suitable for families with children comfortable on the water.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a boat tour like this offers a refreshing way to experience Cinque Terre beyond the usual land-based visits. The chance to swim in secluded beaches, enjoy local wines, and see the coast from the water makes it a memorable highlight for many travelers. While it’s not private, the intimate group size and inclusive amenities provide good value, especially if you’re eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure.

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers ready to spend a day on the water, soaking in the views and savoring the relaxed pace of life along Italy’s Ligurian coast. If you’re after a beautiful, authentic experience that balances scenic beauty with comfort, this boat trip deserves a spot on your Cinque Terre itinerary.