8 Hours Cinque Terre with Lunch on Boat in Spezia

Exploring Cinque Terre by Boat: An Honest Look at the 8 Hours with Lunch Tour

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the charm of Cinque Terre without the hassle of crowded streets and winding paths, a boat tour like this one from La Spezia might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve read through plenty of reviews and tour details to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This tour promises a blend of stunning scenery, relaxing swimming stops, and a leisurely way to see the five colorful villages from the water.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines beautiful coastal vistas with the chance to visit several key spots without the chaos of land-based sightseeing. The inclusion of lunch on board, with a menu featuring local favorites like pesto pasta and Caprese, makes it feel like a well-rounded day. Also, the large, modern boat equipped with bathrooms, showers, and plenty of space for everyone adds a layer of comfort that isn’t always common on small group excursions.

However, a potential downside is the dependence on weather conditions — if the seas are too rough, the route to Cinque Terre might be cut short, like some travelers have experienced. Also, for those primarily interested in exploring the villages themselves, this boat-focused trip might leave you wishing for more onshore time. It suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water rather than a full land-based adventure.

This tour seems best suited for those who appreciate luxury, good food, and memorable views but are flexible with the itinerary if the weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a laid-back way to connect with the Ligurian coast.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views of Cinque Terre and Portovenere from the water
• Multiple swimming and snorkel stops in accessible beaches and coves
• All-inclusive lunch and unlimited drinks on the boat
• Flexible itinerary with opportunities to stop in villages or stay on the boat
• Weather-dependent route, with possible changes or cancellations
• Intimate experience with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring personalized service

What to Expect from the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off from La Spezia’s Porto Mirabello at 10:00 am, with the first stop being Portovenere. Here, you’ll get a spectacular view of the San Pietro church and the medieval castle from the sea — a romantic and photogenic intro to your day. For those who love history and architecture, this spot sets a beautiful tone.

Next, the boat takes you to Grotta Byron, the famous cave that inspired Byron himself. Here, you’ll have about 15 minutes to admire the cave, and then a quick swim at the nearby Le Rosse beach, known for its striking red rocks. It’s a brief stop but perfect for stretching your legs and taking photos.

The third stop is Monesteroli, a gorgeous beach where you can swim and snorkel among the stunning seabed. Several reviews highlight how fun and vibrant the underwater life is, with some guests mentioning that the fish are used to travelers and quite friendly. You’ll also be able to enjoy drinks and snacks here, making it a true little oasis.

After these water-based stops, the tour moves into Cinque Terre’s villages — but keep in mind, because of crowds and weather, not all stops are guaranteed or long. You’ll get about 20 minutes each in Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia, with most travelers saying this gives just enough time for photos and quick strolls.

Vernazza is a highlight for many — a charming, historic village with a lively square and narrow streets. You are allowed to disembark here for about 45 minutes, giving you a taste of local life and the chance to wander its quaint streets.

The final village stop is Monterosso, where you might have the most time — over an hour — to jump into the sea, relax, or sip drinks floating on the water. Many reviews love this part, describing it as a perfect way to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Beach Time

This tour emphasizes water activities — you’ll find several stops for swimming and snorkeling, often in accessible beaches. The seabed near Monesteroli is praised for being beautiful and full of fish, which makes snorkeling particularly enjoyable. Several guests mention how these stops make the trip feel more active and refreshing rather than just a sightseeing cruise.

Lunch and Drinks on Board

One of the tour’s big selling points is the lunch served on the boat. It’s described as a delicious, generous meal, including bruschetta, pasta al Pesto or Muscoli, Caprese salad, with unlimited Prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Reviewers consistently mention how satisfying and well-presented the meal is, making it more than just a quick snack.

In addition, during the day, you’ll be served fresh fruit and Limoncino as a sweet treat to round out the experience. It’s clear that the crew puts effort into creating a relaxed, festive atmosphere with plenty of drinks and food to go around.

Comfort and Facilities

The boat itself is described as spacious and well-equipped, featuring large bathrooms, showers, and sunbathing areas. This is a big plus, especially given the length of the trip. Travelers have reported that the crew is friendly and attentive, which adds to the overall comfort.

The Experience and Reviews

Many reviews highlight how the guides and crew are knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. The captains, like Luca, are praised for their professionalism and commentary. Guests appreciate the personalized attention, small group size, and the chance to see Cinque Terre from a different perspective — the sea.

Some reviews mention weather as a factor — if the seas are rough, the route may be shortened or altered. A few travelers noted they couldn’t visit all the villages, mainly due to wind or waves, but still enjoyed their day on the water. The crew generally handled these situations well, offering refunds or alternative routes when necessary.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, water activities, and good food. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed day with plenty of swimming and socializing, rather than a full-on land exploration. Those who appreciate personalized service and small group sizes will particularly enjoy the experience.

However, if your main goal is to explore each village thoroughly or see Cinque Terre’s landside charm, this might feel a little limited because of the time constraints and weather-dependent stops.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this 8-hour boat tour from La Spezia offers a delightful way to see Cinque Terre and Portovenere from the water. The combination of stunning scenery, active stops, and delicious food makes it a memorable day for many travelers. The fact that it’s limited to just 12 guests means you’ll likely enjoy a more intimate, friendly atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the views.

While weather can be a variable factor, many guests leave feeling satisfied with the experience — especially those who love water-based adventures and good local cuisine. It’s a good pick for couples, small groups, or anyone who values a laid-back, scenic escape on the Ligurian Sea.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the water stops and relaxing pace could appeal to families with kids who enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Just consider the length of the day and the sea conditions.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the boat ride, a multi-course lunch, unlimited drinks (wine, beer, Prosecco, soft drinks), and access to bathroom and shower facilities.

Can I disembark in the villages?
Yes, you can get off in Vernazza (about 45 minutes) and Monterosso (over an hour). Stops in Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Corniglia are quick and mainly from the water, but disembarkation is not planned there.

What if the weather is rough?
The tour is weather-dependent. If seas are too rough, the route may be altered or canceled. In such cases, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How long do the swimming stops last?
Most water stops range from 15 to 40 minutes, giving plenty of time to swim or snorkel, especially at Monesteroli.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention that the boat is large, with bathrooms, showers, and sunbathing space, making it comfortable for the whole day.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum is 12 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and personalized.

All in all, if you’re looking for a scenic, laid-back way to explore Cinque Terre and Portovenere, this boat tour offers a combination of stunning visuals, good food, and water fun that many find well worth the price. Just keep in mind the weather and limited onshore time.