Cinque Terre Snorkeling at Sunset: Traditional Wooden Boat

Swim and snorkel in secret bays while the sun sets over five villages you're sailing past.

A small-group sunset boat tour of Cinque Terre aboard the Giulin, a traditional wooden gozzo, where you swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, pass all five villages from the water, and enjoy Italian aperitivo and drinks on deck. The boat holds a maximum of 12 guests and departs from Monterosso's pier. A local guide and skipper narrate the coast's history and point out hidden spots. Tours run 2.5 hours and are confirmed only with good weather and calm seas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat tour along Cinque Terre

• Depart from Monterosso's pier
• Sail along the Cinque Terre Coast
• Pass Vernazza and enjoy sea views
• Stop in front of Corniglia for photos
• Swim and snorkel near Manarola
• Stop in front of Manarola to admire colors
• Stop in front of Riomaggiore for photos
• Swim at a secret spot in Cinque Terre
• Stop at Punta Mesco to watch sunset
• Return sailing to Monterosso

The experience

You're free for an afternoon or evening in Cinque Terre and want to see all five villages without hiking the crowded trails. The Giulin leaves Monterosso's pier and sails the coast at golden hour, passing Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore from the water: each one framed differently from the sea than from land. The boat is entirely wooden, built over 40 years ago, and still glides through these waters with the crew who know every current and cove.

About halfway through, you stop for a swim in a bay near Manarola. Snorkeling equipment and towels are on board. You can dive in for 15 minutes or float and watch the water. The crew hands out floating noodles if you want them. Between swims and sailing, you're served an Italian aperitivo (local cheeses, cured meats, and bread on hand-crafted ceramic plates) with prosecco, beer, soft drinks, and water flowing freely. The skipper and guide tell you the stories of the villages, the fishing families, and the secret spots locals know.

As the sun drops toward the horizon, the boat turns toward Punta Mesco, a headland at the edge of the coast, and you watch the light change from the deck. The whole tour takes 2.5 hours. Tours only run if the weather and sea are calm enough. You'll get a confirmation text or email 24 hours to 2 hours before departure, so check your phone in that window. If you're staying in Levanto or another town nearby, the crew can arrange pickup and return on request.

What’s included

• Use of snorkeling equipment and beach towels.
• one 15-minute swim stop in a sheltered bay.
• Italian aperitivo with local cheeses, cured meats, and bread served on hand-crafted ceramic plates.
• prosecco, beer, soft drinks, and water available throughout.
• local guide and skipper sharing stories and hidden spots.
• sailing past all five Cinque Terre villages from the water at sunset.
• floating noodles for the swim stop.

Before you book

Lasts 2h 30m, from € 118 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Italian, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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 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

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ale 5 Terre Boat Tours

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Monterosso's pier, so if you're staying in one of the five villages or nearby towns without a car, you can reach it by local train or bus, no rental needed. On request, the crew arranges pickup and return from Levanto, which settles the logistics if you're based further along the coast.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): 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 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and the swim stop lasts around 15 minutes in a sheltered bay with clear water. The crew is there to help you get comfortable in the water, and you can also float on a noodle or stay on deck if you prefer not to go in.

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

You'll sail past Vernazzo, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore from the water, and you depart from Monterosso. Each village looks different from the sea than it does from the hiking trails, and the crew shares the history and stories of each one as you pass.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

A toilet is available on board. It's included in some tour options, so confirm when you book whether it's part of your departure.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

Tours are confirmed only with good weather and calm sea conditions. You'll receive confirmation 24 hours to 2 hours before the tour. If conditions aren't safe, the crew will reschedule you or offer a refund.

How many people will be on the boat?

The Giulin holds a maximum of 12 guests, so it stays small and intimate even when full.

Can I arrange pickup from somewhere other than Monterosso?

Departure and arrival from Levanto can be arranged on request. Ask when you book if you're staying elsewhere on the coast.