Cinque Terre and Portovenere Private Boat Tour from La Spezia

Exploring Italy’s Cinque Terre and Porto Venere by boat offers a different perspective—one that bypasses the crowds and offers a peaceful, personalized experience. For about $1,901 per group, up to 8 people, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours aboard a sleek, modern vessel with a capable captain, visiting colorful fishing villages, enjoying swims, and savoring local wines and lunch—all from the comfort of your private boat.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how flexible it is. Instead of fighting for a table in busy restaurants or battling crowds on foot, you get the chance to relax in style, soaking up spectacular sea views. The onboard lunch with local products and wine is a thoughtful touch, making this trip feel like a true indulgence. Plus, the use of snorkeling gear and towels means you’re ready for a dip at any stop—perfect for those hot Italian afternoons.

One consideration is that the tour’s success hinges on good weather—as with most boat trips, rough seas could alter plans or cause cancellations. Also, if you want to visit Vernazza, there’s a small additional cost for the taxi boat, around €5 per person. This is a minor expense but worth noting if you’re keen on exploring every village fully.

This experience suits travelers who love personalized adventures, want to avoid crowds, and enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and tasting local wines. Families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a relaxed, authentic glimpse of Italy’s Ligurian coast will find this tour especially appealing.

This experience made our article of La Spezia’s 15 Top Boat Tours & Cruises (With Prices).

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: This tour offers an exclusive experience with your own group, guided by a professional captain.
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Expect stunning sights of colorful villages from the water, perfect for photography.
• Flexible and Relaxed: Swim, snorkel, explore villages, or relax—your choice at each stop.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Onboard lunch, drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, restroom, and Wi-Fi make for a comfortable day.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit Porto Venere, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso, with some optional sightseeing and swimming.
• Great Reviews: Travelers praise the attentive hosts, delicious local wine, and the beautiful, less-crowded perspective on the villages.

An In-Depth Look at the Cinque Terre and Portovenere Boat Tour

This private boat tour from La Spezia is designed for those who want to see the Liguria coast without the hassle of crowded streets or limited restaurant seating. Instead, it provides a relaxed, intimate day on the water, complemented by the chance to explore smaller villages and hidden spots along the coast.

Meeting Point and Duration

Starting from Porto Mirabello in La Spezia, the tour lasts about 7 hours—a good chunk of the day to savor the coast at your own pace. You’ll be with a small group, up to 8 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting a more exclusive experience.

The Itinerary: A Carefully Curated Balance

The trip begins with a visit to Portovenere, a charming seaside village famous for its colorful houses and historic sites. You’ll get roughly 30 minutes here, giving you time to stroll through the narrow streets and perhaps visit the famous Grotta Byron, a sea cave that inspired Lord Byron and offers a bit of local lore. A small admission ticket is included, so you can easily explore.

Next, the boat navigates towards Monterosso al Mare, the northernmost village of the Cinque Terre. Here, you’ll have 30 minutes to explore or just relax on the boat. This village is known for its long sandy beach and lively waterfront, making it a perfect spot to either take a swim or enjoy a leisurely walk.

From there, the boat moves along the coast to Riomaggiore, the first of the five villages in the Cinque Terre. You’ll get excellent photo opportunities from the boat, as the colorful houses cascade down the cliffs. The boat often stops for a swim here, giving you a chance to cool off or snorkel with the provided gear.

The journey continues to Vernazza, often considered the most picturesque of the five, with its tiny harbor and charming streets. You can choose to stop here for a swim or just relax on the boat, soaking in the views. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might opt for a taxi boat to visit Vernazza more closely, at a small extra cost.

Finally, the boat passes nearby Monterosso, where you can decide to explore or simply enjoy the scenery. The tour offers free time here for swimming or walking in the village, which is famous for its historic old town and beach.

What’s Included and What You’ll Love

The onboard lunch is a real highlight—light, cold dishes featuring local products, paired with regional wine. It’s a simple but thoughtful touch that makes the day feel special without overloading you with food. Besides the wine, you’ll have snorkeling equipment, towels, and Wi-Fi onboard, which means you can stay connected and ready for spontaneous dips.

The boat itself is modern, with shade and a restroom, so you can relax comfortably. It’s clear that this is a well-equipped vessel designed for day-long excursions, with attention paid to passenger comfort.

Authenticity and Tips from Past Travelers

Many reviews emphasize how well-organized and attentive the hosts are. One reviewer mentioned that Marco and Paola went beyond expectations, especially accommodating a traveler with autism, which speaks volumes about their thoughtfulness. Others appreciated the excellent wine selection and the chance to take stunning photos without the usual crowds.

A common theme is the flexibility of the itinerary—because it’s private, the captain can adjust stops and timing based on your preferences, whether that’s more swimming, sightseeing, or relaxing.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is broadly praised, keep in mind that weather conditions can impact the trip—rough seas may lead to rescheduling or cancellations. The small additional fee for reaching Vernazza by taxi boat is a minor inconvenience but allows you to explore more villages easily. Budget around €5 per person for this service.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private boat experience is perfect for travelers craving a personalized, relaxed day on the Ligurian coast. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid crowds, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and indulge in local wines and regional flavors. Families with children, couples celebrating special occasions, or small groups of friends will find that this tour offers a memorable, authentic taste of Italy’s famed coastline.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to see the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere that’s intimate, flexible, and offers the chance to relax on the water, this private boat tour hits the mark. The combination of scenic views, authentic stops, and thoughtful amenities makes it a worthwhile splurge, especially if you value comfort and a personalized experience.

The ability to skip the crowds and explore at your own pace is what we love about this tour. Plus, the glowing reviews praising the hosts’ attentiveness and the delicious local wine make it clear that this is more than just a boat ride—it’s a carefully curated experience designed to enhance your Italian coast memories.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore, swim, and relax.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers private boat use, lunch with local products and wine, snorkeling gear, towels, Wi-Fi, restroom access, and fuel surcharge.

Can I visit all five villages?
You will see Portovenere, Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso. There’s an option to visit Vernazza more closely via taxi boat for an extra fee.

Is swimming and snorkeling available?
Yes, several stops are designated for swimming, and snorkeling gear is provided to enhance your experience.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, your camera, a swimsuit, and maybe a light jacket for any cool breezes. The boat provides towels, but bring your own if you prefer.

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

In all, this private boat tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, authentic village visits, and leisure. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a peaceful, personal adventure along Italy’s most iconic coastlines.