Kayaking Cinque Terre: Sea caves and snorkeling from Riomaggiore

Paddle past clifftop villages and swim in a sea-only pool

A two-hour guided kayaking trip along the Cinque Terre coast departing from Riomaggiore, paddling toward Manarola to explore sea caves, then south to Macrexia (a natural pool accessible only by water) before returning to port. Snorkeling equipment is included. No prior kayaking experience is needed, and all ages are welcome. The pace is steady but manageable.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak along Cinque Terre coastline

• Depart from Riomaggiore port
• Kayak towards Manarola
• See via dell'Amore and sea cave
• Kayak back past Riomaggiore cliffs
• Stop for swim at Macrexia natural pool
• Snorkel and observe marine life
• Return kayak to Riomaggiore port

The experience

Two hours on the water starts in Riomaggiore's port, where the views of the cliffs and stacked villages begin the moment you leave. You paddle north toward Manarola, the second of the five towns, passing the historic via dell'Amore and stopping at a sea cave carved into the rock. The water here is deep enough to explore by kayak, and the cave itself is only reachable from the sea.

After Manarola, you turn back past Riomaggiore and paddle southeast toward Macrexia, a natural pool fed by freshwater springs and surrounded by cliffs. The kind of place that has no road to it. You get out of the kayak here for a swim, and the snorkeling masks are already in your hands. The water is clear enough to spot small fish and sea life if you look. Once you've had your time in the pool, you paddle back to the port where you started.

The company running this has been based in Riomaggiore for over 13 years, and the guides are local captains who grew up on this water. They speak English and know the conditions well enough to adjust the route if the sea changes. Single kayaks are standard, though you can request a double if you're paddling with a partner. Kayaks have a 100kg weight limit per person.

What’s included

• Use of kayak and paddle.
• snorkeling equipment.
• live guide in English or Italian.
• access to sea caves near Manarola and the natural pool at Macrexia.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Apr 2027

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 departure time. Our office is located in the heart of the marina in Riomaggiore. Looking at the sea, our office is on the right hand side, under the archway.”

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cinqueterre dal Mare Tours

Is this one for you?The steady two-hour pace means you'll be paddling the whole time, so pick this if you're comfortable holding a moving rhythm on the water for that length. Single kayaks are the default, which gives you full control of your own boat.

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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.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle Cinque Terre?

No experience is required. The pace is steady but not fast, and the route is fairly easy. You do need to be able to hold a moving pace for two hours, and infants must sit on an adult's lap in the kayak.

What happens at Macrexia, the natural pool?

Macrexia is a freshwater pool accessible only by sea, surrounded by cliffs. You stop here to swim and snorkel. Snorkeling masks are included with your booking.

Can I kayak with a partner in a double kayak?

Single kayaks are the standard setup, but you can request a double kayak if you're paddling with someone. Let the operator know when you book.

What's included in the two hours on the water?

The kayak, paddle, snorkeling equipment and a guide who speaks English are all included. The route covers the coastline from Riomaggiore to Manarola and Macrexia, with stops at a sea cave and the natural pool.

What if the sea conditions change on the day?

The itinerary can change depending on sea conditions. The guides make adjustments to keep the paddle safe and still show you the best of the coast.