Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour: Swim, Aperitivo & Wine Cruise

Summary

Cinque terre by sea at sunset with swimming and local wine

You’ll watch Cinque Terre’s villages glow from the sea as you cruise at sunset with local guides, swim in secret bays only boats can reach, snack on Ligurian focaccia with chilled white wine, and hear stories you won’t find in any guidebook. It’s relaxed, personal, and leaves you wishing golden hour lasted longer.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—sea salt mixed with something herbal, maybe basil from someone’s sandwich? We left Monterosso on this old wooden gozzo, the kind that creaks a little when it hits a wave. Our skipper, Paolo, waved at some fishermen heading in. He handed out cold water bottles and told us to keep an eye out for Vernazza’s bell tower peeking over the cliffs (I almost missed it). The light was already turning gold but not quite orange yet—just that soft in-between.

We drifted past all five Cinque Terre villages—Riomaggiore looked like a stack of painted blocks from the water. At one point Paolo slowed down so his cousin could show us a tiny bay where he said he learned to swim as a kid (he laughed when I asked if it was always this clear—“not after a storm!”). I jumped in anyway; the water was shockingly cold at first but then perfect, salty on my lips. Someone tried snorkeling but mostly we just floated and let our arms dangle. The sun kept sinking behind Manarola while we dried off on deck.

Back onboard, they passed around glasses of white wine—local stuff, crisp and a little grassy—and trays of focaccia that tasted way better than anything I’d had on land. There were olives too; I dropped one and Paolo pretended not to notice. He told us stories about smugglers hiding out in these coves during the war (I’m still not sure how much was true). When the sky finally turned pink-orange, everyone got quiet for a minute. It felt like we were floating inside a painting or something cheesy like that—but honestly? That’s exactly how it felt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cinque Terre boat tour and sunset

• Depart from Monterosso dock
• Marvel at all five towns from water
• Explore Marine Protected Area
• Visit exclusive viewpoints for photos
• Swim or snorkel in secluded bay
• Enjoy onboard aperitivo with focaccia and drinks
• Admire sunset from the sea
• Return to Monterosso

Top questions

Where does the Cinque Terre sunset boat tour start?

The tour departs from the dock in Monterosso.

Is swimming included during the Cinque Terre cruise?

Yes, there is time to swim or snorkel in a secluded bay along the route.

What food and drinks are served on board?

You’ll get local white wines, bottled water, focaccia bread, olives, and other Ligurian products.

Are guides or crew members locals?

Yes, the crew is local and shares stories about Cinque Terre traditions and history.

Does the tour include all five Cinque Terre villages?

You’ll see all five villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore—from the sea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available for guests who want to use it.

Is transportation to Monterosso included?

No hotel pickup is included but public transport options are nearby.

Are children allowed on this sunset cruise?

Yes; safety lifejackets for kids are available onboard.

What’s included

Your evening includes departure from Monterosso’s dock with local crew guiding you along all five Cinque Terre villages by sea. You’ll have bottled water throughout the journey plus time for swimming or snorkeling with provided gear in a secluded cove. Onboard aperitivo features Ligurian focaccia and regional white wines before returning as dusk settles over the coast.