Portofino boat tour from Sestri Levante: Three coastal villages

Glide through turquoise waters to San Fruttuoso’s secret abbey bay and underwater statue

A private boat tour departing from Sestri Levante that sails to three villages along the Ligurian Riviera: Portofino, San Fruttuoso and Camogli. The tour runs six hours with an English-speaking guide, snorkelling equipment, towels and refreshments on board. San Fruttuoso is accessible only by sea or on foot, and the tour includes time to swim above the Christ of the Deep, a submerged statue in the bay. A half-day option of four hours is also available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Portofino and San Fruttuoso

• Depart from Sestri Levante by boat
• Pass by elegant city with promenade
• Visit Portofino: Piazzetta and Brown Castle
• Explore San Fruttuoso Abbey and bay
• See Christ of the Deep statue
• Pass by fishing village Camogli

The experience

The boat leaves Sestri Levante and heads south along the coast, stopping first at Portofino. The village sits on a natural harbour with pastel-coloured houses rising from the waterfront and the Brown Castle visible on the hillside above. You have time to walk the Piazzetta, the main square facing the marina, or simply sit at one of the seafood restaurants that line the water.

San Fruttuoso is the reason many choose this tour. Tucked into a bay between the Portofino Natural Park and the sea, the village has no road access. The boat is how you get there. An ancient Benedictine abbey stands at the water's edge, and the bay itself is famous among divers for the Christ of the Deep, a bronze statue resting on the seabed. You can snorkel in the clear water and see it yourself. The tour provides snorkelling equipment and towels, and the crew carries bottled water and snacks on board.

The final stop is Camogli, a fishing village with its own character: narrow streets, pastel houses and a working marina. The boat returns to Sestri Levante after the full six hours, or you can book the four-hour half-day option if you want to skip one of the stops or return earlier in the afternoon.

What’s included

• Snorkelling equipment and towels.
• bottled water and snacks on board.
• alcoholic beverages for guests 18 and older.
• an English-speaking guide for the full tour.
• use of the restroom on board.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 8 per booking · Guide in English09:30 and 14:00

Up to 10 per booking · Guide in English10:00

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00 and 14:00

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Departure from the Center of Sestri Levante (Piazza Matteotti) Distance: About 500 m. Indications: Starting from Piazza Matteotti, go towards Corso Colombo.”

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Shore Service

Is this one for you?Choose the six-hour version to visit all three villages and swim at San Fruttuoso. Pick the shorter option if you're pressed for time or prefer exploring just one or two stops.

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Top questions

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 is the Christ of the Deep and can I see it while snorkelling?

The Christ of the Deep is a bronze statue submerged in San Fruttuoso bay, placed there as a memorial and now a landmark for divers and snorkellers. The tour includes snorkelling equipment and time in the water, so you can swim down to see it yourself in the clear bay.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes snorkelling equipment, towels, bottled water and snacks on board. Alcoholic beverages are also served to guests 18 and older. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Can I book this tour if I don't snorkel?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided and available to use, but you're not required to snorkel. You can swim, float or simply enjoy the boat and the villages without going underwater.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat leaves from Sestri Levante, a town on the Ligurian coast east of Portofino. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need to reach the departure point.