Boat Tours in Cinque Terre: 9 We Would Put the Money On

1.Cinque Terre Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,611 reviews · 8 hours · from $79Our pick

Spend eight hours aboard the Lord Byron, cruising from La Spezia through the Gulf of the Poets to Riomaggiore or Portovenere, Monterosso, and Vernazza. A multilingual guide explains the coast while you explore each stop independently. Bring swimwear, expect stairs, and arrive early for a good seat.

“It was a beautiful day in the morning … unfortunately after Monterosso, we were informed the sea was rough that our next stop @Vernazza have to cancelled 😞. Anyway we were happy to stop longer in Portovenere until 17.10pm with a glass of Cinque Terre white wine & apéritif spritz to end our boat journey here.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.From La Spezia: Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 978 reviews · 5 hours · from $51

Meet a green-shirted escort outside La Spezia cruise terminal, ride a comfortable coach to Pisa, and spend about three hours exploring. Choose free time, a city walk, or priority access to the Leaning Tower and Cathedral. Guides such as Martina, Giada, and Alessandro are praised for clear directions and friendly help.

“I liked the fact that I could call the tour guides so I never felt stressed. Also, the bus ride was comfortable, (Martina and excellent driver), and our guide, Alessandro, was helpful, (knew the best ice cream joint in Pisa), and considerate, (gave us his number so we could contact him if there was a problem). It was an excellent experience all round; one I highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour from Monterosso

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 951 reviews · 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $143Top rated

From Monterosso, a skipper and English-speaking host take you along all five Cinque Terre villages in about 2 hours 45 minutes. Expect close coastal views, a swim stop reachable only by sea, Ligurian stuffed focaccia, drinks, and a small group of up to 12 people. Hosts may include Amanda, Bruno, Vivian, or Virginia.

“Wear your bathers ready for a swim. Take a waterproof cover for your camera/ phone. Wear easy removable shoes- shoes must be taken off once embarked.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Cinque Terre Full-Day Guided Trip With Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 644 reviews · from $157

Travel from Milan to Cinque Terre with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, combining coach travel, a coastal boat ride, and local trains. Explore Manarola and Monterosso independently, with guides such as Monica, Angelo, Rosella, and Tatiana helping groups stay on schedule. Expect a very long day with limited time in each village.

“Monika was so nice ! It was an amazing amd beautiful Trip !!🥰🙌🏽”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 599 reviews · from $135

Cruise from La Spezia along the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre with guides such as Federico, Francesco, or Amos. You’ll see all five villages from the water, stop in Monterosso for 45 minutes, and may swim in clear coves. The small boat has a sundeck, shade, ladder, and freshwater shower, but no toilet.

“Great option to see all five villages from the sea which is the best way to see them… Also got to chance to swim in three different locations. Our skipper Francesco was also great.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Cinque Terre and Portovenere Full-Day Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 319 reviews

Captain Gerry takes you from La Spezia or Portovenere along the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. Expect Portovenere, Byron’s Cave, red rocks, sea caves, several swim and snorkel stops, Ligurian focaccia, wine, and up to 1.5 hours in Monterosso. The group can help shape the day.

“Everything went well, the trip was as described. Only thing that can be improved is the pick-up location details.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Portovenere: Isola Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 308 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $47Best value

Join a small boat tour from Portovenere with up to seven people and guides such as Lorenzo and Tommaso. Cruise past Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, hear about Torre Scola and Saint Peter’s Church, then stop near Palmaria for a 20-minute swim and snorkel in clear Ligurian water.

“Very nice tour of the three islands, the guides were very professional and gave good explanations of the various parts of the tour. The water was clean and the swimming spot very pleasant.”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Hybrid Boat Tour with Swimming Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 244 reviews · from $134

Join a small-group boat ride from Monterosso for three hours along Cinque Terre’s rocky coast. Guides such as Roberta, Ester, and Gabrielle share local stories while you view all five villages, stop to swim, and enjoy prosecco, focaccia, and other Ligurian snacks. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a meeting-point mindset.

“It was the best tour we did in Italy! It's super worth the money and Esther, our guide, was top notch!”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.From La Spezia: Portovenere and 3 Islands Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 224 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $81

From La Spezia’s Morin promenade, you’ll cruise in a 12-seat speedboat past fishing villages, Scola Tower, the three islands of Portovenere, and the Blue Grotto. Your captain shares local stories in English or Italian, then gives you time in Portovenere or at Palmaria’s Gabbiano Beach.

“Our first driver was a little bumpy but the second one was so great! Smooth ride and he played music for us. Loved to explore the towns and swim off the coast. Thank you!!”

Check availability →Read our full review