Cinque Terre: Private Boat Tour with Swim & Pesto Tasting

Summary

Boat along Cinque Terre’s villages with swims pesto & sea air

You’ll board a traditional Ligurian gozzo in Monterosso for a private Cinque Terre boat tour past all five villages. Swim in hidden coves, taste fresh pesto with focaccia onboard, sip local wine or beer, and hear stories from your guide as you drift along this wild coast. The memory lingers long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out on the Ligurian sea, but there we were — just a few of us and our captain, leaving Monterosso behind. The boat was this sturdy old gozzo, kind of creaky in a way that made me trust it more. I remember the salt spray on my arms and how the sun kept shifting behind clouds, making the colors of Vernazza look almost unreal. Our guide (I think his name was Paolo?) pointed out the church right by the water — he said locals still get married there, which made me smile for some reason.

We drifted past Corniglia perched way up high — you can’t reach it by boat, so you just sort of gaze up at those tiny houses clinging to the cliff. Manarola came next, and Paolo poured us some white wine from a cold bottle while telling us about Sciacchetrà (I’m still not sure how to pronounce it). We stopped in a little cove I never would’ve found on my own; I jumped in even though I hesitated at first — the water was colder than I thought but so clear you could see every pebble. There was this moment where everyone just floated quietly, not really talking, just listening to the slap of waves against the hull.

Riomaggiore’s houses looked like they’d been painted with leftover gelato — pinks and yellows and that odd blue you only see in Italy. Someone asked about the Via dell’Amore path starting there, and Paolo laughed about all the proposals he’s seen from his boat (he winked at me when he said it). Before heading back, we sat on deck eating focaccia slick with olive oil and this pesto that honestly ruined supermarket pesto for me forever. The smell of basil mixed with sea air is something I still think about sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cinque Terre private boat tour

• Depart from Monterosso al Mare
• Pass by Monterosso historic center and Fegina
• View Vernazza marina and Church of Santa Margherita
• See Torre del Belforte lighthouse in Vernazza
• Pass Corniglia cliff and panoramic terrace
• View Manarola and learn about local dessert wine
• Pass Riomaggiore colorful houses and diving spots
• See start of Via del Amore path in Riomaggiore
• Stop for swimming in turquoise sea
• Taste Pesto Cinque Terre and Focaccia on board
• Enjoy water, local wine, and beer during tour

Top questions

Is swimming included on the Cinque Terre private boat tour?

Yes, there are stops for swimming in coves during the tour.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

You’ll have a tasting of local pesto with focaccia plus water, local wine and beer onboard.

Where does the Cinque Terre boat tour depart from?

The tour departs directly from Monterosso.

Are snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your trip.

Can infants join this private boat tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Which villages will we see on this day trip?

You’ll pass all five: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, a local guide accompanies your group throughout the experience.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed on this private boat tour.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Monterosso aboard a traditional Ligurian gozzo with your local guide; stops for swimming and snorkeling in secluded coves; tastings of fresh “Pesto Cinque Terre” served with focaccia; plus water, local wine and beer available throughout your journey before returning to shore together.