Gulf of Poets boat tour from Portofino: Swim and caves

Swim in sea caves and explore three islands only reachable by water

A half-day boat tour from Portofino through the Gulf of Poets, visiting Portovenere village, Palmaria Island and two protected islands by sea with a local guide in English or Italian. You swim in the canal at Portovenere, explore three sea caves on Palmaria, see the Byron Cave and the submerged Madonna Stella Maris statue, and snorkel with provided equipment. Typical local food and drinks are served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Gulf of Poets

• Visit Portovenere village with guide
• Swim in Portovenere canal
• Visit two ancient churches
• Discover Byron Cave
• Explore Palmaria Island and three caves
• Admire Tino Island lighthouse and cliffs
• View Tinetto nature reserve and Madonna statue

The experience

How much of your day do you want to spend on the water? The boat leaves Portofino for a three to four hour loop through the Gulf of Poets, hitting four stops that are only accessible by sea. You'll start at Portovenere, the main village, where the guide leads you through two ancient churches and into the Byron Cave before you swim in the canal. From there the boat heads to Palmaria Island to explore three sea caves carved into the cliffs, then passes Tino Island to see its lighthouse and the sheer rock faces, and finally reaches Tinetto, a nature reserve where the only way to see the submerged statue of Madonna Stella Maris is from the water.

Snorkeling gear is on board and ready to use whenever the water calls you. The boat carries typical local food and high-quality drinks, so you're eating and drinking while the coastline moves past. A guide who speaks English or Italian walks you through the history of each stop and points out what makes each place worth the trip: the caves, the churches, the lighthouse, the cliffs. Swimming happens at Portovenere and anywhere else the water looks right to you.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• typical local food and high-quality drinks served on board.
• local guide in English or Italian.
• visits to Portovenere village, the Byron Cave, two ancient churches, Palmaria Island with three sea caves, Tino Island, and Tinetto nature reserve.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kalos Italian Experience Boat Tour

Is this one for you?Three to four hours on the water leaves the rest of your day free for Portofino itself or the villages along the coast. If you want a full-day immersion in the Gulf of Poets, this is the morning or afternoon piece of it, not a complete day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 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 24h before the start.

What exactly is the Byron Cave at Portovenere?

The Byron Cave is an ancient sea cave at Portovenere where the Romantic poet Lord Byron swam. Your guide shows you the cave during the village stop and you have time to swim in the surrounding waters.

Can I swim at all the stops, or just Portovenere?

Swimming happens at Portovenere in the canal, and you can snorkel with the provided equipment at other stops if conditions allow. The guide will let you know where the water is right for it.

What are the three islands you visit?

Palmaria Island has three sea caves you explore by boat; Tino Island is known for its lighthouse and dramatic cliffs; Tinetto is a nature reserve where you see the Madonna Stella Maris statue from the water.

How long is this tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs three to four hours. Specific departure times depend on the day you book, so check the calendar for available slots.

Is the boat ride rough, or is it smooth sailing?

The Gulf of Poets is sheltered water, and the boat is designed for comfort. The tour suits all fitness levels, and children in strollers can come along.