Cinque Terre: Sunset Boat Tour with Swim & Aperitivo

Summary

Sunset sailing along Cinque Terre with swims laughter & local flavors

You’ll sail past Cinque Terre’s colorful villages at sunset, sip Prosecco with fellow travelers, swim in quiet coves, and share a generous Italian aperitivo as golden light fills the sky. With a local guide steering and stories flowing freely, expect laughter, good food, and moments that linger long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re not sure if you’re dreaming or just really lucky? That’s how it started for me, standing barefoot on the deck in Monterosso while our guide Luca handed out cold Prosecco. The air smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen, and there was this gentle hum from the engine as we drifted away from shore. I remember someone laughing behind me — maybe it was the couple from Milan — and then suddenly the villages of Cinque Terre were sliding past in these wild pastel colors. It’s hard to explain, but the light actually changed as we went further south toward Riomaggiore, like someone turned down the volume on the world except for the sea.

Luca pointed out little coves along the way — he grew up here, so he had stories about every rock. We stopped near Punta Montenero for a swim (I’m not usually brave about cold water but honestly, after one sip of limoncello I just jumped). The water was colder than I expected but so clear you could see your own feet waving around. There was this moment floating on my back where all I could hear was my own breathing and some distant voices from the boat. Not sure why that sticks with me.

Afterward, everyone piled back on board with wet hair and sandy toes. The sun was dropping fast by then — gold light everywhere — and Luca brought out this spread of focaccia, olives, grilled seafood, stuff I can’t pronounce (he tried to teach us but I definitely butchered it). We drifted toward Punta Mesco and someone thought they saw dolphins; maybe they did, or maybe it was just wishful thinking. Either way nobody minded much. By then it felt like everyone on board had known each other longer than an hour or two. Sometimes travel does that to people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset boat tour along Cinque Terre

• Depart from Monterosso
• Enjoy welcome drink on board
• Sail along Cinque Terre coast
• Stop for swim in a cove
• Navigate to Punta Mesco
• Admire sunset and landscape
• Watch for dolphins
• Swim in the sea
• Enjoy Italian aperitivo on board

Top questions

Is swimming included during the Cinque Terre sunset boat tour?

Yes, there’s a stop for swimming in one of the area’s coves during the tour.

Are drinks provided on this Cinque Terre boat tour?

Yes, wine, Prosecco, beer, limoncello (for over 18s), soft drinks and water are included.

Does this sunset boat tour include an Italian aperitivo?

Yes, guests are served a savory Italian aperitivo with typical products and grilled seafood.

Where does the Cinque Terre sunset boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Monterosso and sails along the coast to Riomaggiore and Punta Montenero.

Is snorkeling equipment available on board?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for guests who want to swim during the tour.

Are service animals allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted onboard.

Is public transportation nearby for reaching Monterosso?

Yes, public transport options are available close to Monterosso.

Can children join this sunset boat trip?

The experience is suitable for all fitness levels; alcohol is served only to those 18+.

What’s included

Your evening includes departure from Monterosso with your local guide at the helm, all drinks (wine, Prosecco, beer or limoncello for adults), soft drinks and water for everyone else. There’s snorkeling equipment ready for your swim stop in a quiet cove. Afterward you’ll enjoy a rich Italian aperitivo featuring regional specialties and grilled seafood before returning under fading sunlight.