Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience

If you’re considering a trip to Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast, a boat tour around the Cinque Terre is often touted as one of the best ways to see this colorful stretch of villages and rugged coastline. The shared boat tour from La Spezia promises a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water, all while avoiding the sometimes crowded footpaths of the villages. While I haven’t personally tried this specific tour, I’ve gathered enough firsthand accounts and details to give you a solid idea of what to expect.

What really stands out about this experience are two things: the opportunity to see the Cinque Terre from the sea, which offers a completely different perspective, and the chance to swim in secluded Ligurian beaches accessible only by boat. Both make this sound like a refreshing break from busy hiking trails or crowded streets. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s schedule and stops are somewhat fixed to accommodate the group size and logistics, which might not suit travelers looking for highly personalized experiences. Still, if you’re comfortable with a group setting and want to enjoy the coast from a different angle, this trip could be a solid pick.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who love being on the water, enjoy scenic views, and are happy to go with a set itinerary rather than a completely customized experience. It’s also a particularly good choice for those who want to relax, snorkel, and taste local wines without the hassle of navigating the area alone.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: Seeing Cinque Terre from the sea gives you a fresh view of the colorful villages and rugged coastline.
• Secluded swimming spots: The stops include beaches only accessible by boat, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• All-in-one day trip: The itinerary covers Portovenere, Monesteroli, the Cinque Terre villages, and a natural island, giving a varied experience.
• Group setting: Small groups (max 10 travelers) foster a more intimate atmosphere but mean less flexibility for individual preferences.
• Includes drinks and snorkeling gear: Bottled water, soda, wine or prosecco, and snorkeling equipment are part of the package.
• Cost analysis: Around $219 per person, which seems fair considering the stops, included amenities, and the guided nature of the experience.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting and Departure

Your day begins at a convenient meeting point in La Spezia at 10:00 am. From there, you’ll hop aboard a boat, with the option to choose from three different types to match your group’s size and style. The tour is capped at a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience cozy and engaging—ideal if you prefer smaller groups over large crowds.

Portovenere: The First Stop

The journey kicks off with a sea arrival at Portovenere, a picturesque seaside town brimming with history. You’ll disembark to explore narrow streets, the waterfront, and notable sights like the Churches of San Pietro and San Lorenzo, plus the Doria Castle. This part of the trip lasts about an hour, with admission tickets included, so you can wander freely and soak in the atmosphere.

Reviews highlight how well-organized and informative the stop is. Jennifer_N, for example, mentioned that Damiano and his crew were very professional and accommodating. Many travelers appreciate having time to explore a village with a slower, more relaxed pace.

Monesteroli: A Hidden Gem for Swimming

Next, the boat heads to Monesteroli, a bay only reachable by sea. It’s praised as one of the most beautiful spots on Italy’s eastern coast, boasting crystal-clear waters and a sunny pebble beach. You can swim, relax, or snorkel in this peaceful inlet, enjoying a more secluded experience away from crowds. This stop lasts around an hour, with entrance included, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the water.

This particular stop gets rave reviews, with visitors describing it as a marvelous, unique inlet perfect for unwinding. It’s the kind of place where you might feel like you’ve discovered a secret spot.

The Cinque Terre National Park

Of course, the main event is the marine protected area of Cinque Terre. You’ll spend about two hours cruising along this section of the coast, with the boats providing perfect vantage points for photos. The villages of Riomaggiore and Monterosso are among the highlights, and you can visit at your own pace, depending on the boat’s schedule.

While the tour makes stops, it’s worth noting that the guide or skipper’s focus is on providing an enjoyable cruise and commentary rather than extended village exploration. Some reviews, like Pamela_C’s, noted that the stop in Portovenere was a bit brief and that the boat captain prioritized the boat’s schedule. If you’re hoping for a full village exploration, this might not be the best choice, but if you want scenic views and a relaxing day at sea, it’s perfect.

Natural Island and Final Stop

Another highlight is the visit to a natural island in front of Portovenere. Known for its bays and Mediterranean vegetation, it offers another peaceful spot to enjoy the scenery. The stops here are all about relaxing and taking in the views, with plenty of opportunities for photos and dipping into the water.

Included Amenities and Beverages

The tour package includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages—wine or prosecco every four people, or it can be replaced with beer if you prefer. This makes for a nice touch, allowing you to toast the day or enjoy a relaxing drink as you cruise.

Note that lunch isn’t included, so if you’re hungry, you might want to bring snacks or plan to grab something during your village stops. Many travelers found the price reasonable given the amenities and multiple stops, especially considering the small group size and guided nature.

What We Loved and What to Consider

The Highlights that Shine

• The Views: Seeing the villages from the water offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land. Many reviews mention how stunning the scenery is, especially around Portovenere and the colorful coastlines of Cinque Terre.
• Swimming and Snorkeling: The stops at secluded beaches like Monesteroli let you enjoy the water in peace, a real treat if you love swimming or snorkeling away from crowded beaches.
• Ease and Comfort: Leaving navigation to a skipper means you can relax and focus on the scenery, not boat handling. Plus, the small group size enhances the experience, making it more personal and less rushed.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited Time at Villages: Some travelers, like Pamela_C, felt that the time allocated for exploring the villages was brief—just about an hour at Portovenere and one in Cinque Terre. If you’re hoping for extensive sightseeing or wandering, this tour might feel a bit rushed.
• Schedule and Flexibility: The fixed itinerary is great for logistics but might not suit those wanting a more tailored experience. The guide’s focus on group needs means individual preferences aren’t always prioritized.
• Cost: While many say it’s good value, the tour isn’t cheap. It might be more suitable for those who really want the sea perspective and amenities rather than budget travelers.

Authentic Experience and Authenticity

Multiple reviews mention the professionalism of the crew—Damiano and his team are highlighted as accommodating and knowledgeable. This adds a layer of trust that you’re in good hands, which is important for a day on the water.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This shared boat tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the Cinque Terre from a different angle and enjoy the serenity of cruising along the coast. It’s perfect if you love swimming, snorkeling, and drinks with a view. The small group size makes it a cozy experience—great for couples, friends, or small families.

However, if you’re looking for a full-day, in-depth exploration of each village on foot or a highly personalized itinerary, this might not be your best fit. It’s more about the journey on the water than extensive land-based sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a relaxed, scenic day on Italy’s stunning coast, this boat tour offers a memorable way to experience the Cinque Terre. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, peaceful beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere, with drinks and snorkeling gear included. The small group size and professional crew make it a comfortable and intimate experience, perfect for unwinding and soaking in the scenery.

That said, keep in mind the schedule may limit your time on land, and the price reflects the quality and amenities offered. If you’re okay with a set itinerary and value the unique perspective from the sea, this tour is worth considering.

Overall, it’s a great way to enjoy the coast if you prefer relaxing on the water over busy hiking trails or crowded streets. Just plan your expectations around the fixed stops and schedule, and you’ll likely have a memorable day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for those who want to visit multiple villages?
Yes, you’ll visit Monterosso and Riomaggiore, with stops at Portovenere and a natural island. However, the time at each village is limited—roughly an hour—so it’s more about seeing them from the sea than extensive exploration.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, petrol, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages (wine or prosecco). Entrance tickets for Portovenere and Monesteroli are included, but lunch isn’t.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the stops at the beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

How many people are on each boat?
The maximum is 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and comfortable.

Is there a specific start time?
Yes, the tour departs at 10:00 am from La Spezia. It lasts about 7 hours, returning to the starting point around 5 pm.

Are drinks included?
Yes, bottled water, soda, and alcohol are included in the package. You can enjoy wine or prosecco every four people.

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

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the experience is generally suitable for travelers comfortable on boats and with an interest in scenic views and swimming.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a light snack if you’re hungry, since lunch isn’t included.

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful day on Italy’s coast with stunning views, swimming, and a glass of wine in hand, this shared boat tour might just be your perfect escape.