Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour from Monterosso: All 5 Villages

Sail the entire Cinque Terre coast in one morning, stopping to swim where the villages can't be reached by foot.

A private boat tour departing from Monterosso passes all five Cinque Terre villages (Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) with time to photograph each one, swim in turquoise water, and snorkel in inaccessible coves. The tour runs two hours and includes snorkeling gear, a tasting of local pesto and focaccia, plus water, beer and local wine. Departure times are set after booking to fit your schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cinque Terre boat tour and sightseeing

• 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 wine
• Pass Riomaggiore colorful houses and diving spots
• Enjoy swimming in turquoise sea
• Taste Pesto Cinque Terre and Focaccia on board

The experience

The boat leaves Monterosso (the only Cinque Terre village with a beach and the largest of the five), and heads south along the coast. You'll pass Vernazzo, the smallest village, with its Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia sitting directly on the water and the Torre del Belforte lighthouse marking the harbor. The route continues to Corniglia, perched 100 meters up on a cliff and the only village without a port, where the panoramic terrace overlooks the entire southern stretch of coast.

The boat then moves along Manarola, known for Sciacchetrà, the rare dessert wine produced only in this area, and finishes at Riomaggiore, where brightly colored houses climb the hillside and the famous Via dell'Amore walking path begins. Throughout the sail, you'll stop to swim in turquoise water and snorkel in small coves inaccessible from land. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can spend time in the water at each stop while the guide points out the marine protected area and the geography of each village from the sea.

Back on board, a tasting of Pesto Cinque Terre and focaccia is served, with local wine, beer and water available throughout. The two-hour tour is private, so the timing is flexible: departure times are agreed after you book. A live guide speaks English and Italian and narrates the villages and coastline as you move between them.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• tasting of Pesto Cinque Terre with focaccia.
• water, local wine and beer throughout the tour.
• live guide in English or Italian.
• private boat with large sundeck.

Options for this experience

2 options

The Aqua BoatGuide in English or Italian · 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00This somewhat larger boat in the traditional Ligurian gozzo style accommodates up to 8 people.

The Black BoatGuide in English or Italian · 10:30, 13:00 and 15:30The Black Boat

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:30Last departure this season: 8 Nov

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cinque Terre Sea Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see all five villages from the water without hiking between them or taking the train: the boat stops at coves and villages inaccessible from land, and the two-hour length fits a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

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 24 h before the start.

Can I swim and snorkel during the Cinque Terre boat tour from Monterosso?

Yes. The tour stops at inaccessible coves where you can swim in the turquoise sea, and snorkeling equipment is provided and included. You'll have time in the water at multiple stops along the coast.

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

The tour passes Monterosso (the departure point), Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. You'll have time to photograph each one from the water, and the guide explains what you're seeing at each stop.

What food and drink are included on the Monterosso boat tour?

A tasting of local Pesto Cinque Terre and focaccia is served on board, along with water, beer and local wine available throughout the two-hour tour.

How long is the Cinque Terre private boat tour?

The tour runs two hours total, including time sailing past all five villages, stops to swim and snorkel, and the pesto and focaccia tasting on board.

What's the difference between the Aqua Boat and the Black Boat options?

Both boats are traditional Ligurian gozzos departing from Monterosso and following the same route past all five villages with swimming, snorkeling and the pesto tasting included. You'll choose your preferred boat at checkout.