Cinque Terre & Gulf of Poets Boat Tour: Swim & Snorkel from La Spezia

See all five villages from the water, then jump in to swim

A 7-hour boat tour from La Spezia that sails past Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso, then continues to Portovenere, the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, and the Byron cave. You can go ashore in Vernazzo or Monterosso to walk the town center, or stay aboard to swim and snorkel at multiple stops, including a natural waterfall. A live guide in English or Italian narrates the route. Snorkeling equipment and soft drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Cinque Terre and Gulf

• Sail close to Cinque Terre villages
• Optional stop in Monterosso or Vernazza
• Swim near the villages
• Visit Portovenere and San Pietro church
• Swim in front of Byron cave
• Circle old military fortress at sea
• Swim around Palmaria or Tino island
• Approach Byron Cave by boat
• Leisure time and travel between spots

The experience

The boat leaves La Spezia and sails close enough to the five Cinque Terre villages that you can photograph them and hear stories from your captain about each one. The route skirts the cliffsides where the villages cling to the rocks, giving you the view most hikers never get. If you want to step ashore, you can land in Monterosso or Vernazzo to walk the narrow streets and piazzas on foot. Otherwise you stay on deck and have time for a swim in front of the villages before the boat moves on.

The second half of the tour heads toward Portovenere, passing the three islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto), where you'll stop to swim. At Portovenere itself, you can either go ashore to visit the church of San Pietro and explore the town, or stay on the boat and dive into the turquoise water near the Byron cave, a sea cave where the English poet once sought refuge. The boat approaches the cave by water so you can see it from the surface and swim nearby. Later stops include hidden coves and a natural waterfall where the water flows directly into the sea. Snorkeling equipment is on board for any of these swims, and soft drinks are available throughout the day.

The tour runs 7 hours total, with the captain using the gaps between attractions for travel time and giving you leisure moments to swim or simply sit with the view. Restrooms are on board. The pace is set by the boat's schedule, so you move through all the major sights in a single day without the crowds that come with hiking the villages on land.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• soft drinks and soda.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• restroom access on board.
• close passage past all five Cinque Terre villages with time to photograph them.
• stops to swim at the three islands, hidden coves and near the Byron cave.
• the option to go ashore in Monterosso or Vernazzo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Costantino Morin promenade, in the corner near the ferry dock there is a white bridge: you have to cross the bridge and turn left”

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 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Kaleidos Boat Tour

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in La Spezia or arriving without a car. The boat departs from the harbor in town, so you don't need transportation to reach it. The entire Cinque Terre coast and Portovenere fit into one morning and afternoon without the steep hikes or train changes that land-based visits require.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): 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 24h before the start.

Can I get off the boat and walk around one of the Cinque Terre villages?

Yes. Monterosso and Vernazzo both have landing points where you can go ashore to visit the town center on foot. The other three villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola and Corniglia) you see from the water, but you have time to photograph them and listen to your captain's stories about each one.

What is the Byron cave and can I swim there?

The Byron cave is a sea cave near Portovenere where the English poet Lord Byron used to take refuge for inspiration. The boat approaches it by water so you can see it from the surface, and you can swim in the water in front of it. You won't enter the cave itself, but you'll get close enough to photograph it and understand why it drew the poet.

Is snorkeling equipment included, and where do you stop to use it?

Snorkeling gear is included on the boat. You stop to swim and snorkel at multiple points: around the three islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto), near the Byron cave, at hidden coves, and under a natural waterfall where water flows into the sea. Your captain will tell you when each swimming stop is coming and how long you have.

What happens if I don't want to swim? Can I just stay on the boat the whole time?

Yes. You can remain on board for the entire tour, taking photographs and listening to your captain's commentary as you pass each village and landmark. Swimming is optional at every stop.

How long is the tour and what's included to eat and drink?

The tour is 7 hours from start to finish. Soft drinks and soda are included. You'll want to bring your own lunch or snacks, as food is not provided. Restrooms are on board.