Cinque Terre Boat Tour: Swim & Five Villages from the Water

Glide past crowds to swim and explore secret coves only boats can reach

A small-group boat tour of Cinque Terre departing from Riomaggiore with a local skipper, snorkeling equipment and time to swim in clear water at hidden spots accessible only by sea. The tour cruises past all five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo and Monterosso) stopping for photos, local history and two swimming breaks away from the crowds. Limited group size keeps the pace relaxed and personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cinque Terre boat tour and swim

• Depart from Riomaggiore
• Cruise along Via dell’Amore
• Stop for photos at Manarola
• Swim at hidden spot near Manarola
• Pass and photograph Corniglia
• Explore caves near Vernazza
• Stop for photos at Vernazza harbor
• Cruise to Monterosso and return

The experience

Two and a half hours on the water gives you a perspective of Cinque Terre that land-based visitors never get. You depart from Riomaggiore and head out along the coastline, seeing the village rise from the sea: one of its best angles. As you cruise along the dramatic cliffs of the Via dell'Amore connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola, the skipper shares local stories. You stop in front of Manarola for photos, then head to a hidden swimming spot nearby where the water is clear and calm, far from the crowds on the trails above.

The route continues past Corniglia, the only village perched high above the sea, where you get a short explanation of why it sits apart from the others. As you approach Vernazzo, the skipper points out small caves and hidden corners of the coastline only reachable by boat, and the water here is so clear you often see fish below. You stop in front of Vernazzo's harbor for photos of the colorful houses and restaurants clinging to the cliffs. The final stretch takes you along the rugged coast toward Monterosso before the slow return to Riomaggiore. Snorkeling gear is included, and you have a second chance to swim during the journey.

The itinerary shifts slightly depending on sea conditions to find the best swimming spots and safest experience on any given day. A live guide in English leads the tour, and pickup is included, though the operator notes that public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• live guide in English.
• pickup to the departure point.
• time to swim at two hidden coves between the villages.
• photos and local history at each of the five villages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except ThursdayDeparts at 12:30

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (under 18)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problems

Operated by CinqueTerre Getawayboattour

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Riomaggiore or the other villages. The boat departs from there, so you can walk or take local transport straight to the dock.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 18).

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.

What's the difference between this boat tour and the crowded ferries that run between the villages?

This small-group tour prioritizes swimming and hidden coves over ferry schedules. You stop for time in the water at spots accessible only by boat, and the limited group size keeps the pace relaxed instead of rushing between villages on a timetable.

Do I get to swim during the tour, or just look at the water?

You have two dedicated swimming breaks in clear, calm water away from the crowds (one near Manarola and another along the route toward Monterosso) with snorkeling gear provided.

Will I see all five Cinque Terre villages on this tour?

Yes, you cruise past all five: Riomaggiore (where you depart), Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo and Monterosso, with photo stops and local history at each one.

What happens if the sea conditions are rough on the day of my tour?

The skipper adjusts the itinerary based on conditions to ensure the safest experience and access to the best swimming spots available that day.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and you're welcome to stay on the boat during swimming stops or simply enjoy the snorkeling gear in shallow, calm water near the coves.