Cinque Terre boat tour with swim and snorkel: Pink Hyena

Swim and snorkel the Cinque Terre coast from a pink wooden gozzo captained by a local seafarer

A three-hour private boat tour departing from Riomaggiore that circles all five villages of Cinque Terre from the water, with stops to swim in Guvano Bay and snorkel. Captain Jenny narrates the medieval history and origins of each village (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso), while you float past terraced vineyards, castle ruins, and clifftop churches. The boat is a distinctive pink wooden gozzo, and the tour includes snorkeling gear, towels, local wine, soft drinks, water, fresh oysters, and an aperitif. You choose between a sunset departure or a morning one at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Cinque Terre villages

• Depart from Riomaggiore
• View Riomaggiore village from sea
• View Manarola village from sea
• View Corniglia village from sea
• View Vernazza village from sea
• Make bathroom stops
• View Monterosso village from sea

The experience

You board the pink Hyena in Riomaggiore and head toward Manarola, where Captain Jenny points out the Marina di Riomaggiore, the castle of San Giovanni, and the sanctuary of the Madonna di Montenero rising above the water. The boat then moves along the coast, passing Manarola's church of San Lorenzo and its winter nativity scene lit against the cliffs, then Corniglia perched on its high rocks with a single church surrounded by houses, then Vernazzo with its two fortress towers and the church of Santa Margherita built at sea level. Finally you reach Monterosso, the largest village, where you can see the Second World War bunkers and Torre Aurora, the oldest building in the settlement. Each stop comes with the story of the village's medieval origins, told by someone who knows these waters.

During the three hours, you'll make bathroom stops and swim in Guvano Bay, where snorkeling equipment is provided along with towels. The boat carries local wine, soft drinks, water, fresh oysters, and an aperitif, so you can eat and drink while anchored or underway. The pink Hyena itself is a Ligurian super gozzo, a traditional wooden fishing boat, and its color and design are part of what makes this tour distinct from the standard white ferries that run between the villages.

The experience is private, meaning you book the boat for your group alone, not shared with strangers. Captain Jenny speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language, so the narration works across most travelers. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. You choose your departure time at checkout: either an exclusive sunset tour or a good morning departure, each one lasting the full three hours.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and towels.
• local wine, soft drinks, and water.
• fresh local oysters and an aperitif.
• fuel surcharge.
• three hours aboard a private pink wooden gozzo with Captain Jenny narrating the history of all five villages.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in 5 languages5 departure times: the first at 14:00, the last at 18:00

Guide in 5 languages10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 86 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (under 5)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “If in doubt, all they have to do is ask for Jenny and they will be directed to me right away.”

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 levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hyena 5 Terre Boat Tour

Is this one for you?Book the sunset departure if you want to end the day on the water with wine and oysters as the light changes. Choose the morning tour if you prefer to start early and have the rest of the afternoon free in the villages afterward. Either way, the private boat and Captain Jenny's local knowledge mean you see Cinque Terre from a perspective the land-based trails don't offer.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (under 5).

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 are the five villages I'll see on this Cinque Terre boat tour?

The tour circles Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and Monterosso, each one visible from the water with its own medieval church, fortifications, and terraced vineyards. Captain Jenny tells the history and origins of each village as the boat passes.

Can I swim and snorkel during the three hours on the Hyena?

Yes. You'll swim in Guvano Bay with snorkeling equipment provided, and towels are included. The boat makes bathroom stops as well, so you can change and dry off during the tour.

What food and drink come with this boat tour?

Local wine, soft drinks, water, fresh local oysters, and an aperitif are all included. You eat and drink aboard the pink Hyena while anchored or cruising along the coast.

Do I choose between a sunset tour and a morning tour, or is the time fixed?

You pick your departure time at checkout: either the Exclusive 5 Terre Sunset or the Good Morning 5 Terre option. Both last the full three hours and include the same villages, swimming, snorkeling, and food.

Is this tour private, or will I be with other travelers?

The Hyena is booked as a private tour for your group alone. You won't share the boat with strangers, and Captain Jenny guides only your party.