Cinque Terre Boat Tour: Sunset, Swimming & Local Wine

Summary

Sunset boat ride from Manarola with swimming and wine

You’ll board in Manarola for a sunset boat ride along Cinque Terre’s coast, with stops for swimming in clear Ligurian waters and sharing local wine or prosecco on deck. Your guide brings stories from the villages as you watch the colors change over Riomaggiore to Punta Mesco — an evening that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed onto the boat in Manarola just as the light was starting to turn gold — not quite evening, but you could feel that shift in the air. Our guide, Marco (he’s from Riomaggiore), handed out chilled glasses of prosecco right away. I remember the fizz tickling my nose as we drifted past those wild cliffs. The villages looked like someone had spilled a box of colored chalk down the hillsides. There was this salty breeze and you could hear people laughing on shore, even over the engine.

Somewhere near Punta Montenero, Marco slowed down and said we could swim if we wanted. I hesitated — honestly, I’m not much of a swimmer — but everyone else jumped in so I just went for it. The water was colder than I expected, but so clear you could see every pebble below. When I climbed back up (awkwardly, let’s be real), someone passed me a towel and a bottle of Cinque Terre white wine. We shared it between four of us — tasted almost grassy, really crisp — and just sat there dripping on the deck.

After that we headed toward Punta Mesco. The sun started dropping fast then, lighting up Vernazza and Monterosso like they were on fire. Marco pointed out old terraces where his uncle still grows grapes — he said it’s hard work but “worth it for this view.” I tried to say grazie mille for everything but probably butchered it; he just laughed and poured another splash of wine. Honestly, I still think about that light sometimes when I’m home doing dishes or whatever. It sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Cinque Terre coast

• Depart from Manarola with welcome drink
• Sail along Cinque Terre coast to Riomaggiore
• Visit Punta Montenero on southeast side
• Swim in clear Ligurian Sea waters
• Return to boat and sail to Punta Mesco
• Admire sunset landscape at Punta Mesco

Top questions

Where does the Cinque Terre sunset boat tour start?

The tour starts in Manarola.

Is swimming included during the Cinque Terre boat tour?

Yes, there is a chance to swim near the coast during the tour.

Are drinks provided on this Cinque Terre sunset cruise?

Yes, each group of four gets a bottle of local Cinque Terre wine plus one bottle of prosecco.

Does this tour include a guide?

Yes, there is a local guide on board who shares stories about the area.

Are infants allowed on this sunset boat trip?

Yes, infants can join; infant seats are available and small children can use strollers or prams.

Which villages do you see during this Cinque Terre boat tour?

You sail past all five villages along the Cinque Terre coast from Manarola to Punta Mesco.

What’s included

Your evening includes departure from Manarola with a local guide at the helm, welcome drinks as you set off along the coast, time for swimming in clear Ligurian waters near Punta Montenero, plus bottles of local white wine and prosecco shared among guests before returning at sunset—no need to bring anything but your swimsuit and curiosity.