Conero Riviera Boat Tour from Numana: Swim & Wine

Two swims, local wine, and the cliffs only a boat can reach

You board a shared boat at Numana port and cruise the Conero Riviera for a half-day, stopping at five beaches including the sea-only Mezzavalle and Portonovo. You swim twice in clear water, see Due Sorelle and the old stone church up close, and finish with aperitif and local wine while anchored off the final beach. The driver navigates and handles all logistics; you bring a towel and sunscreen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour along Conero Riviera

• Depart from Numana port
• Pass La Spiaggiola beach
• Pass Two Beaches near Numana center
• Pass first beach in Sirolo and Grotta Urbani
• Pass beautiful European-awarded beach
• Pass natural area at San Michele Beach
• Stop at Two Sisters beach for photos
• Swim in Green Waters of Conero
• Pass another natural sea area
• Pass Scoglio della Vela
• Pass Conero stone church at Portonovo
• Pass defensive garrison of De Bosis family
• Pass Napoleonic period fort
• Pass Conero sunset viewpoint
• Stop at Mezzavalle Beach for swim and aperitif
• Pass natural cliff with Wild Moscioli of Portonovo

The Experience

"The water here changes color three times before noon," the driver told us as we cast off from Numana port, and he wasn't exaggerating. The boat leaves the pier and within minutes you're skirting past La Spiaggiola, the first beach tucked below Numana's old town, then past Sirolo where the Grotta Urbani cuts into the limestone. The Conero Riviera boat tour moves at the pace of someone who knows every inlet — not rushing, just moving between the spots that matter. You'll see Due Sorelle, those two rock formations that show up in every postcard, but from the water they're different; you're not looking at them from a crowded beach, you're floating past them.

The real stops are the swims. First one's off Portonovo, where the water is so clear you can see the bottom, and the driver cuts the engine so you can slip in without the noise. The second swim happens later, off Mezzavalle Beach — a long sandy stretch that's only reachable by sea, so it stays quiet. Between the two, you're anchored long enough to actually float and breathe, not just dip and climb back in. The driver brings out an aperitif with local wine, sparkling and cold, plus taralli and chips. It's not fancy, but it tastes right when you're wet and the sun's on your shoulders and the only sound is water lapping the hull.

The boat passes Portonovo's church — built entirely from Conero stone, sitting right on the water — and the old forts from 1716 and the Napoleonic era, both still standing. You're getting the history without a lecture; the driver mentions them as you pass, and you can look or not. The whole excursion runs from the port at Numana, and the driver handles everything — fuel, the boat, the safety gear. Infants ride on laps, strollers stay ashore, and if you have mobility questions, they say to call ahead and they'll work something out. The boat holds a small group, which is why it doesn't feel crowded even when you're all in the water at the same time.

Book this if you want to see the Conero coast the way locals do — from the water, with time to actually swim, not just photograph. The fixed route means you hit the main beaches and the hidden ones in one morning, and the driver knows which ones are worth stopping at and which ones you pass. Bring a towel you don't mind getting wet, sunscreen that won't wash off in ten minutes, and a willingness to sit still on a boat for a few hours. The wine and snacks are included, but bring cash if you want to tip the driver — most people do.

What’s included

• The shared boat rental with driver and fuel is included, along with buoyancy aids for adults and children.
• You get sparkling wine, bottled water, fruit juices, and snacks — taralli, chips, and peanuts.
• Two swim stops are built into the route, one at Portonovo and one at Mezzavalle Beach, where the aperitif is served.
• The driver navigates all five main beaches and the smaller coves, and stops are adjusted based on weather and sea conditions.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Conero dAmare

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to swim in the Conero without arranging a private boat or driving between beaches — the fixed route and driver handle the logistics, and the two swims mean you're not just looking at the water from a beach bar.

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Top questions

Can children and infants go on the boat?

Yes. Infants can ride on an adult's lap, and children have access to buoyancy aids. Strollers stay on shore. For special mobility needs, contact the operator to discuss options.

What beaches do you visit?

The tour passes La Spiaggiola, Sirolo, Grotta Urbani, Due Sorelle, San Michele, Portonovo, Mezzavalle Beach, and others. You swim at Portonovo and Mezzavalle.

Is the aperitif and wine included?

Yes. The tour includes sparkling wine, bottled water, fruit juices, and snacks like taralli and chips. The second swim is timed to coincide with the aperitif service.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Buoyancy aids are provided for safe swimming. Cash is useful if you want to tip the driver.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from Numana port on the Conero Riviera, near Ancona in the Marche region.

Can I bring a service animal?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board.

What if the weather is bad?

The itinerary notes bathroom stops are subject to weather conditions. Contact the operator if you're concerned about sea conditions on your travel date.