Cinque Terre: Boat Tour with Aperitif, Swimming & Coast Views

Summary

Boat along Cinque Terre villages with wine stops and swims

You’ll board in Manarola for a slow cruise along Cinque Terre’s coast, sipping local wine as you pass colorful villages and pause for swims in clear Ligurian waters. A local skipper shares stories (and maybe jokes) while you snack on focaccia under open sky. Expect laughter, sea air, and views you’ll remember long after you’re dry.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the boat—literally. I was fumbling with my phone trying to snap a picture of Manarola’s pastel houses when our skipper, Matteo, waved me over with a grin. “Don’t worry, we wait,” he said, and honestly that set the tone for the whole Cinque Terre boat tour: unhurried, easygoing, like nobody here is in a rush except maybe the seagulls. The welcome drink tasted crisp—local white wine, salty air mixing in—and I realized how different the coast looks from out on the water. You see all five villages stacked up like toy blocks, but softer somehow.

We drifted past Vernazza (I’d seen it in photos but it’s something else when you spot it from sea level), and Matteo pointed out little details—like why the houses are painted those colors or how his grandmother used to swim right off these rocks. There was this moment near Punta Montenero where the wind picked up and you could smell rosemary from somewhere inland. I didn’t expect that part. Someone asked about dolphins; Matteo just shrugged and said, “Maybe today.” We swam off the side of the boat near Monterosso—the water was colder than I thought but so clear you could see your toes wiggling in the blue.

Afterwards there was more wine (and prosecco for anyone who wanted), plus focaccia that had gone a bit soft from sitting out but still tasted good because we were hungry from swimming. People laughed about their attempts at Italian—Li laughed when I tried to say ‘aperitivo’ properly—and honestly it felt like we’d known each other longer than an hour or two. At Punta Mesco we stopped again; golden light on the cliffs made everything glow weirdly warm for late afternoon. Someone spotted what might’ve been dolphins way out—I squinted but couldn’t be sure. Didn’t really matter though.

On the way back, I sat quietly at the bow while everyone else chatted behind me. The sun was dropping low and there was this hush except for water slapping against the hull and someone opening another bottle somewhere behind me. I still think about that view sometimes—how small everything looked from out there, how big it all felt anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Cinque Terre coast

• Depart from Manarola with welcome drink
• Sail along Cinque Terre coast
• Stop to swim near the coast
• Enjoy onboard aperitif with local wine
• Stop to snorkel and take pictures of villages
• Visit Punta Montenero at southeast side
• Head to Punta Mesco for panoramic views
• Watch for dolphins playing in the sea

Top questions

Where does this Cinque Terre boat tour start?

The tour departs from Manarola.

Is swimming included during the boat trip?

Yes, there are stops to swim near the coast and snorkel if you want.

Do they serve drinks on board?

Yes, local Cinque Terre wine and prosecco are included as an aperitif for guests.

How long does it take to reach Punta Mesco?

The boat sails along the entire Cinque Terre coast to Punta Mesco as part of the tour route.

Are guides or skippers local?

Yes, local skippers guide you and share information about each village during the trip.

Can infants join this Cinque Terre boat tour?

Yes, infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller or pram onboard.

Will we see dolphins during this tour?

Dolphins are sometimes seen near Punta Mesco but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Manarola where you board.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Manarola with a local skipper guiding you along Cinque Terre’s coastline; stops for swimming and snorkeling; an aperitif with one bottle of Cinque Terre wine per four people plus prosecco; soft drinks; snacks like focaccia; and time to take photos of each village before returning by boat in late afternoon.