Ligurian Sea Day Sailing Trip by Set Sail Tours/ Lavagna, Italy

If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy’s stunning Ligurian coast from the water, a Ligurian Sea Day Sailing Trip by Set Sail Tours might just be what you’re after. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of an immersive, flexible, and truly memorable day on the sea.

What really appeals are the personalized experience—you’re not stuck on a crowded tourist boat but in a private group where the skipper tailors the day to your preferences. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and swim stops makes it a hassle-free way to enjoy the coast without constantly worrying about logistics. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to bring your own towels and sunscreen, as these aren’t provided.

If you love the idea of sailing with a small group, enjoying local food, and watching for dolphins or even pilot whales, then this trip is probably a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, customizable day on the water with plenty of time to swim, bask in the sun, and soak up the scenery.

Key Points

• Private, customizable sailing experience—leave the itinerary and activities in the skipper’s capable hands.
• Hassle-free day with included lunch, drinks, and swim stops—no need to worry about packing a picnic or arranging activities.
• Ideal for those seeking a relaxed, intimate trip—group sizes are small, and the focus is on your comfort.
• Potential for wildlife sightings—dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales are possible during the cruise.
• Good value for a full day on the water—especially considering the personalized service and inclusions.
• Bring your essentials—towels and sunscreen aren’t provided, so pack accordingly.

The Ligurian Sea Day Sailing Trip offered by Set Sail Tours strikes me as a wonderful way to experience the coast in a more relaxed and personal manner. For around $320 per person, this six-hour adventure feels like a good investment if you’re after a day that balances sailing, swimming, and local sightseeing with excellent food and wine.

The Start and End Point

The tour begins at Via Porto Turistico, 48, Lavagna, which is conveniently close to public transportation, making it easy to reach. The activity kicks off at 10:00 am, giving you plenty of daylight hours to soak up the sun and enjoy the sea. Since it’s a private experience, only your group will participate, which means more flexibility and fewer crowds—something many travelers cherish.

The Itinerary: Flexibility and Highlights

While the tour doesn’t have rigid stops, it does include two main anchorage spots—Punta Pedale Beach and Moneglia—where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax on the boat. The lunch and swim stops are the main highlights, with each location offering roughly two hours of free time to enjoy the water and scenery.

• Punta Pedale Beach: This is a designated anchorage where your group can enjoy a meal, swim, or snorkel. The included lunch is described as a cold spread with drinks, fruit snacks, and local beverages like beer, wine, and Coke—enough to keep everyone refreshed. Reviewers mention that the lunch was delicious, and the fruit snack a nice touch.

• Moneglia: Another picturesque anchorage spot, famed for its clear waters and relaxed vibe, perfect for swimming and soaking up the scenery. The free admission makes it an attractive stop, and many reviewers say the swimming was fantastic.

The Experience Onboard

What sets this trip apart is the personalized approach. The skipper, Michael, and his crew, Andrew, go above and beyond to tailor the trip to your preferences. Several reviews mention how responsive and helpful Michael was from the start, even meeting guests at the train station to walk them to the boat, which adds a nice personal touch.

You can help with the sails if you want to get involved, or simply lounge in the sun and enjoy the scenery. Many people comment on how relaxing and laid-back the day is, with some reviewers mentioning they felt like sailing with a good friend rather than just a tour guide.

Wildlife and Scenery

One of the most exciting aspects is the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales during your cruise. While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, several reviews note that dolphins were seen during the trip, making it a special experience for animal lovers. The views along the Ligurian coast are stunning, with cliffs, villages, and clear waters creating a picture-perfect backdrop.

Food, Drinks, and Atmosphere

The lunch and drinks are highly praised. Guests have described the food as delicious, simple, and satisfying, with some calling the April spritz the best they’ve had. The drinks selection, including beer and wine, complements the relaxed vibe perfectly. If you’re a foodie or enjoy local wine and good company, this aspect makes the trip stand out.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a perfect 5-star rating from 109 reviewers. Highlights include:

• “The sailing day was the highlight of our trip! Everything was thought of and Michael is an excellent host!!” (Laura_F)
• “From the very beginning, he was incredibly responsive and helpful, providing clear directions to the port and even meeting us at the station.” (Christine_S)
• “The whole trip is 100% personalized…we felt like we were sailing with a good friend.” (LIN_K)
• “Great day on the water! Mike is a wonderful host and this would make for a great activity for any group.” (Meghan_S)

People also appreciate the good communication and ability to customize the trip, whether that’s helping with sails or adjusting the route.

Practical Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a couple of points are worth noting. Towels and sunscreen aren’t provided, so bring your own—especially on a sunny day. Also, the price of around $319 per person is reasonable for a private, full-day experience that includes lunch, drinks, and personalized service, but it might be a bit steep if you’re traveling as a solo or on a tighter budget.

Weather can impact the trip, but the company offers free cancellation if conditions aren’t suitable, which adds peace of mind. Most travelers find the timing and duration perfect—they get plenty of time on the water without feeling rushed.

This sailing trip is ideal for adventurers who love the water and want a tailored experience—not just a scripted tour. It’s perfect if you value personalized service, local flavors, and wildlife sightings, and are comfortable with bringing your essentials like towels and sunscreen. If you’re traveling with a small group or a couple looking for a romantic, laid-back day, this is a fantastic choice.

It may not be the best fit if you prefer structured sightseeing with fixed stops, or if you’re on a very tight schedule. But for those who want a genuine, relaxed day on the Ligurian Sea with good company and great scenery, this tour offers plenty of value.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around six hours, starting at 10:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the boat trip, two swim and lunch stops, lunch, drinks (beer, wine, coke, water), and a fruit snack.

Are there any additional costs?
Towels and sunscreen aren’t provided, so you’ll need to bring your own. You might also want to bring extra snacks or personal items.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify, the relaxed and personal nature of the trip makes it generally suitable for those comfortable on boats. Check with the company if traveling with young kids.

Can I help with the sails?
Yes, you’re welcome to help out with the sails if you wish, or you can just relax and enjoy.

Is there wildlife to see?
Dolphins, turtles, and pilot whales are possible sightings, but they’re not guaranteed. Many reviews mention dolphins swimming nearby.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour will be canceled in poor weather, with options for rescheduling or a full refund.

This Ligurian Sea sailing trip offers a rare blend of personalized service, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate day on the water in Italy’s stunning coast, it’s hard to beat the experience described by many happy travelers.

The trip’s flexibility, the chance to swim in clear waters, and the delicious local food make it a standout for those who want more than just sightseeing—these are moments that stick with you long after the day ends.

Great for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to indulge in the magic of sailing without feeling like just another tourist, this experience could very well be the highlight of your trip to Genoa and beyond.