Cinque Terre: Kayak & Snorkeling Tour with Local Stories

Summary

Kayak the Ligurian coast, swim under cliffs, hear Monterosso stories

You’ll paddle along Cinque Terre’s rugged coast from Monterosso with a local guide who shares stories as you go. There’s time to snorkel in quiet coves, laugh over wobbly moments getting back into your kayak, and soak up real Ligurian life away from crowds. It’s salty air, cool water, and memories that linger longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

We’d just dragged our kayaks across the pebbles at Stella Marina Beach in Monterosso when Chiara waved us over. She’s local — you can tell by how she talks about the sea, like it’s an old friend. The salt air stuck to my skin before we even pushed off. I was nervous about tipping (I’m not exactly graceful), but Chiara handed me a bright lycra shirt and grinned, “Don’t worry, these are stable — unless you try very hard.” So yeah, I relaxed a little.

Paddling out past the umbrellas and chatter of the beach bar, everything got quieter except for the splash of paddles and this weird creaking sound from my arms. The cliffs here look different from the postcards — rougher up close, with green tufts poking out between stones. Chiara pointed at a crumbling wall above us and told some half-wild story about fishermen hiding wine barrels there during storms. I tried to repeat the word for those stone walls in Italian; she laughed and corrected me (twice). We stopped near a cove where the water turned that impossible blue. Jumped in with snorkels — cold shock at first, then just fish flickering past your mask.

Getting back onto the kayak after swimming was… less than elegant for me. Someone else lost a paddle for a second and we all just floated there laughing while Chiara fished it out with one hand. I liked that nothing felt rushed; we drifted awhile while she told us about growing up here, how Monterosso’s changed but the sea never really does. The sun was already sliding behind the headland when we finally turned back toward shore. My arms were tired but in that good way, you know? Still thinking about that last bit of sunlight on the rocks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and snorkeling in Monterosso

• Arrive at Stella Marina Beach
• Use showers and walk-in closet
• Receive safety equipment
• Start kayaking along the coast
• Explore Monterosso village and National Park
• Listen to guide's stories and curiosities
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Return to beach and end tour

Top questions

Where does the Cinque Terre kayak tour start?

The tour starts at Stella Marina Beach Bar in Monterosso (Via Fegina 9bis).

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Cinque Terre kayak tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for all participants.

How long does the kayak & snorkeling experience last?

The activity lasts around two hours total.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No previous experience is needed; stable kayaks are used and guidance is provided.

Is this tour suitable for people who can't swim?

No, participation is forbidden for those who cannot swim.

Are showers or changing facilities available?

Yes, showers and changing cabins are available at Stella Marina Beach before and after your tour.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

The guide may modify or postpone the tour if weather or sea conditions are unsafe.

Is there somewhere safe to store valuables during the tour?

Yes, there is a driver's cabin available to store personal belongings securely.

What’s included

Your day includes use of stable sit-on-top kayaks and paddles, snorkeling gear if you want it, lycra shirts on request, life buoys for safety, access to showers and changing cabins at Stella Marina Beach in Monterosso, plus a watertight bag for your things — all led by a qualified local guide who brings Cinque Terre’s stories to life as you paddle along its coast.