Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise: Swim in the Ligurian Sea

Sip local wine aboard a gozzo before a sunset swim in the Ligurian Sea

A 2-hour shared sunset cruise from Riomaggiore aboard a traditional Ligurian gozzo boat, passing all five Cinque Terre villages and stopping for a swim in front of Vernazzo at Guvano Beach. The boat includes local white wine and focaccia. Life jackets and snorkelling gear are provided. A live guide speaks English and Italian. Sunset departure times vary by month, so confirm when you book.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cinque Terre sunset cruise and swim

• Board traditional Ligurian gozzo boat
• Cruise from Riomaggiore port
• View via dell'Amore and arrive Manarola
• Explore coastline, cliffs, and sea caves
• Visit Corniglia village on cliff
• See Vernazza harbor
• Swim at Guvano Beach near Vernazza
• Enjoy sunset views and local wine
• Return to Riomaggiore port

The experience

Riomaggiore's port is where you board a traditional wooden gozzo. The kind of boat locals have used along this coast for generations. The 2-hour route takes you past Manarola and its clifftop neighbor Corniglia (the smallest village, perched 100 meters above the water), then into Vernazzo's postcard-perfect harbor before the light starts to change. You're anchored far enough out to see the whole sweep of coastline and the hidden sea caves carved into the cliffs, but close enough to catch the detail: the pastel shutters, the stacked stone terraces, the way the villages cling to the rock.

The swim stop happens at Guvano Beach, in front of Vernazzo, as the sun drops toward the horizon. Snorkelling gear is on board if you want it. A life jacket is required. The water here is calm and clear, and you're floating in the middle of the Ligurian Sea with the entire village lit gold above you. Between the water and the boat, the crew pours local Cinque Terre white wine and passes around fresh focaccia made locally: the kind of small detail that turns a boat ride into something you'll describe for years.

The group stays small and the itinerary is flexible, so if the light holds or the dolphins show up (it happens), the boat adjusts. Check in 30 minutes before departure, and confirm your exact sunset time when you book, since it shifts through the year. Beach towels and swim suits are available to add at checkout if you need them.

What’s included

• Local white wine and fresh focaccia.
• life jackets and snorkelling equipment.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• the swim stop at sunset off Guvano Beach in front of Vernazzo.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 16:30 and 17:00Last departure this season: 3 Nov

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Please check in 30 MINUTES PRIOR to boat departure time. Our office is located in the marina in Riomaggiore :Look for us in the yellow Cinque Terre dal Mare tshirts!”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Cinqueterre dal Mare Tours

Is this one for you?The boat departs at sunset and returns after dark, so plan the rest of your evening around it. The swim is the centerpiece, not an optional add-on, so come ready to enter the water.

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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 24h before the start.

What are the five villages and which ones does the boat pass?

Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and Monterosso make up Cinque Terre. This cruise departs from Riomaggiore and passes all four others (Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo, and the cliffs beyond) before returning to the starting port.

Can I swim if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The swim stop is at Guvano Beach in front of Vernazzo, where the water is calm. Life jackets are required for everyone on the boat, and snorkelling gear is available if you want it. The crew is there, and the boat stays anchored nearby.

What time does the boat leave, and how do I know the exact sunset time?

Sunset times vary by month, so the listing shows a range of 7–9pm. Contact the operator right away after booking to confirm your exact departure time, which will be timed to the sunset that day. Check in at the office 30 minutes before you leave.

What's included to eat and drink on the boat?

Local Cinque Terre white wine and fresh focaccia made locally are provided on board. Life jackets and snorkelling equipment are also included. Beach towels and swim suits can be added at checkout if you don't have your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Service animals are allowed on board.