Cinque Terre boat tour from Monterosso: Swim & pesto tasting

Glide past five villages painted onto cliffs, then taste pesto where it's made

A 2.5 to 3-hour shared boat tour departing from Monterosso that circles all five Cinque Terre villages (Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) with stops to swim in secluded coves. The tour includes an onboard tasting of local pesto and fresh focaccia, plus local white wine, beer and water. Groups stay under 8 guests and a local captain narrates in English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cinque Terre boat tour and tasting

• Depart from Monterosso al Mare
• View Monterosso's waterfront and beaches
• Pass by Vernazza's marina and church
• Admire Corniglia's cliffside terraces
• See Manarola's vineyards and colorful houses
• View Riomaggiore's tall painted houses
• Swim in secluded coves
• Taste Cinque Terre pesto and focaccia onboard
• Enjoy local wine, beer, and water

The experience

The boat leaves Monterosso and hugs the coastline, passing each village from the water where the architecture hits differently: Vernazzo's church rising straight from the marina, Corniglia perched so high it has no port, Manarola's terraced vineyards stacked above the sea, Riomaggiore's tall painted houses crowded onto steep slopes. You see them as they were built to be seen, from the approach that made them defensible and then made them famous. The captain points out the landmarks and the history. The boat slows at each stop so you can take in the detail.

Swimming happens in the coves between villages, in water clear enough to see the bottom. Snorkelling gear is on board if you want it. The pesto tasting comes onboard (the real thing, made locally, spread on fresh focaccia), and it arrives with local white wine, beer, water and soft drinks. Wine and beer are for guests 18 and older. The whole tour runs 2.5 to 3 hours, which means you're back in Monterosso by early afternoon with the rest of the day still open.

Groups max out at 8 people, so there's no jostling for space or views. The boat is built for this coast and the captain knows it. He speaks English or Italian depending on the group. Families travel with kids, couples come solo or together, and the pace stays comfortable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Local white wine, beer, water and soft drinks.
• pesto tasting with fresh focaccia.
• snorkelling equipment.
• narration from a local captain in English or Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 13:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 8 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cinque Terre Sea Tours

Is this one for you?At 2.5 to 3 hours, the tour fits easily into a morning or early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Monterosso or the hiking trails between villages. The small group size and swimming stops make it work for families with kids and for solo travelers who want to move at a relaxed pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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 24 h before the start.

Can I actually swim during the Cinque Terre boat tour, or is it just viewing from the boat?

The tour stops in secluded coves where you can swim in the water between villages. Snorkelling equipment is provided on board if you want to use it.

What exactly is included in the pesto tasting onboard?

The tasting includes local Cinque Terre pesto spread on fresh focaccia, served with local white wine, beer, water and soft drinks. Wine and beer are available only to guests 18 and older.

How many people travel on this boat tour?

Groups are kept to a maximum of 8 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere rather than a crowded experience.

What are the five villages I'll see on the tour?

The tour passes Monterosso, Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Each one looks distinct from the water: Vernazzo has a church rising from the marina, Corniglia sits high on a cliff with no port, Manarola shows its terraced vineyards, and Riomaggiore displays tall painted houses stacked on steep slopes.

How long is the boat tour and what time does it depart?

The tour runs 2.5 to 3 hours and departs from Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, known for its sandy beaches and waterfront.