Monterosso al Mare: Cinque Terre Boat Tour & Swim Stops

Sail Cinque Terre on a 40-Year-Old Wooden Boat Built for These Waters

You board a traditional wooden boat in Monterosso and sail the Cinque Terre coast with a crew that actually lives here, stopping to swim and snorkel in two hidden spots. The tour includes snorkeling gear, towels, and a light Italian aperitivo with local products, all served on ceramic plates to keep plastic off the boat. Groups stay under 12 people, and departures happen daily at 11:30am, weather permitting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cinque Terre boat tour and swimming

• Depart from Monterosso pier
• Sail along Cinque Terre coast
• Pass Vernazza and enjoy views
• Stop near Corniglia for photos
• Swim and snorkel near Manarola
• Stop in front of Manarola village
• Stop at Riomaggiore for photos
• Swim at secret spot near Riomaggiore
• Stop at Punta Mesco to watch sunset
• Return sailing to Monterosso

The experience

Giulin is not new. The wooden gozzo has been sailing these waters for over 40 years, and you can feel it the moment you step aboard. The boat moves like it knows every current and cove along the Cinque Terre coast. The crew, locals who grew up here, don't narrate from a script. They point out Vernazza as you pass, tell you which families still fish from Manarola, and know exactly where the water stays clearest for swimming. You leave Monterosso's pier around 11:30am with a small group (max 12 people), and the day unfolds at a pace that lets you actually look at things instead of checking them off.

The boat tour moves along the coast in a way that shows you why these villages cling to the cliffs the way they do. You pass Vernazzo first: the whole thing visible at once from the water, the harbor tucked into the rock like it was carved there on purpose. Then Corniglia, the one village you can't reach by train, perched so high it looks almost painted on. The crew shares the history without making it feel like a lecture, and you get time to photograph without being rushed. Two swim stops break up the sailing: the first is about 20 minutes near Manarola in a bay with water so clear you can see the bottom, and the second is at a spot the crew calls theirs. A cove that doesn't show up on the main tourist maps. Snorkeling gear and towels are there waiting.

Between the water and the villages, there's an Italian aperitivo served on handmade ceramic plates (they skip the plastic), with local cheeses, cured meats, and prosecco or beer if you want it. It's not elaborate, but it tastes like the place. On the way back to Monterosso, you stop in front of Riomaggiore and then Punta Mesco, where the light changes as the afternoon moves toward evening. The whole thing takes the day without feeling rushed, and you're not standing in a line or waiting for anyone else's schedule to sync up.

What’s included

Two swimming stops in crystal-clear waters with snorkeling opportunities, snorkeling equipment and floating noodles, beach towels, Italian aperitivo with local products served on handmade ceramic plates, prosecco, beer, soft drinks and water, and a local guide and skipper sharing stories and hidden spots along the coast.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 18 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ale 5 Terre Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Cinque Terre from the water without renting your own boat or joining a large group: the small size and local crew are what make the hidden coves and the unhurried pace possible in a single day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): 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.

How long is the Cinque Terre boat tour?

The tour runs the full day, departing Monterosso at 11:30am and returning in the late afternoon. Two swimming stops of about 20–25 minutes each are included.

What's included in the price?

Entry to the boat, two swim stops with snorkeling equipment and towels, Italian aperitivo with local products, prosecco, beer, soft drinks, and a local guide and skipper sharing stories and hidden spots.

Can I snorkel on this tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you have two dedicated swim stops in clear water near Manarola and at a local favorite spot. You can also just swim or float if you prefer.

What's the group size?

Maximum 12 guests per departure, keeping the experience small and personal.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are confirmed only with good weather and sea conditions. Safety and comfort on board are the priority, so departures may be postponed or rescheduled if conditions aren't suitable.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring sunscreen and a swimsuit. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided. The crew sends a confirmation 24 hours to 2 hours before departure.

Can I arrange pickup from other towns?

On request, departure and arrival can be arranged from or to Levanto. Ask when you book.