Boat tour Gulf of Poets: Portovenere, 3 islands, caves

Chart your own course through hidden caves and coastal villages by boat.

A private boat tour from La Spezia explores the Gulf of Poets, visiting Portovenere, Palmaria Island and two others, with stops at natural caves and coves shaped by centuries of wind and waves. You choose the itinerary and departure time after booking (morning, afternoon or full day), and the skipper adjusts the route to match your interests. Snorkeling gear, drinks and a live guide in English or Italian are included. Payment for the skipper on private tours is made on site.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour in the Gulf of Poets

• Board the boat in La Spezia
• Sail through the Gulf of Poets
• Observe mussel farms in the gulf
• Explore Palmaria Island coastline
• Admire natural caves and coves
• Visit Portovenere from the sea
• See Church of San Pietro and Doria Castle
• View Byron Cave and cliffs

The experience

The Gulf of Poets opens with calm waters, cliffs and villages built into the coastline: the stretch Lord Byron celebrated and the reason it carries his name. From the boat you'll see the mussel farms that define the region: rows of buoys mark where La Spezia's prized mussels grow, a tradition visible only from the water. Palmaria Island, the largest in the gulf, rises with high cliffs and wild rock faces difficult to reach from land. Small natural caves and hidden coves carved into the stone dot its perimeter, each one a different view of light and sea.

Portovenere appears as you round the coast: an ancient fishing village with tall, colorful houses stacked like a wall along the marina. The Church of San Pietro sits on a rocky outcrop at the village tip, one of Liguria's most photographed landmarks, and above it the Doria Castle dominates the skyline. The Byron Cave, linked to the poet who found inspiration in these waters, cuts into the cliffs nearby. A 3-hour tour covers the gulf, islands and Portovenere. A 6-hour option adds Lerici, Tellaro and Le Rosse for a fuller arc of the coast.

You decide the departure time and which stops matter most after you book (morning, afternoon or full day), and the skipper builds the route around your preferences. Snorkeling equipment, water, fruit juices, beer and prosecco are on board. The guide speaks English or Italian and narrates the coastline as you move through it. Fuel is included in the price.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• water, fruit juices, beer and prosecco.
• fuel.
• a live guide in English or Italian.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or ItalianAvailable from 21 Mar 2027

Guide in English or ItalianAvailable from 21 Mar 2027

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Mar 2027

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The departure location will be agreed with the group after Reservation.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by BW BOATS

Is this one for you?The private boat means you set the stops and timing after booking, so a family with young children can choose an afternoon departure and skip the longest stretches, while a group of friends can take the full 6-hour route and linger at the caves. Infants ride on an adult's lap and small children can stay in a stroller during boarding.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I snorkel during the boat tour?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on every tour. The natural coves and clear waters around Palmaria Island and the other stops offer places to swim and explore underwater, though the exact stops depend on the itinerary you choose after booking.

What is the Church of San Pietro and why is it visible from the boat?

The Church of San Pietro stands on a rocky outcrop at the tip of Portovenere's promontory, built directly above the water. It's one of the most iconic views of the Ligurian coast and appears as you sail toward the village. The boat passes close enough to see its architecture and the cliffs beneath it.

How do I customize the itinerary after I book?

After you reserve, the skipper contacts you to agree on the boarding location, departure time and which stops you want to visit. The 3-hour tour covers the Gulf of Poets, three islands and Portovenere. The 6-hour option adds Lerici, Tellaro and Le Rosse. You choose based on your interests and how much time you have.

What drinks are included on the tour?

Water, fruit juices, beer and prosecco are on board throughout the tour. You can drink as you sail and explore the coastline.

Do I need to pay the skipper separately?

On private tours, the skipper's fee is paid on site in cash or by credit card (Visa or Mastercard), not included in the booking price.