Portofino boat tour: Private skippered charter from Santa Margherita

Seven hours on the water: villages, snorkeling and a marine reserve only boats reach

A private skippered motorboat tour departing from Santa Margherita explores the Portofino Natural Reserve, a protected marine park accessible only by sea. The seven-hour charter includes swimming and snorkeling at multiple stops, a walking tour of San Fruttuoso, snorkeling equipment and an inflatable tow board. You choose between a daily departure or a sunset and nightly tour, and the start time is customizable after booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Charter boat tour with snorkeling and walks

• Start tour from Santa Margherita
• Swim and snorkel
• Walking tour and snorkeling at San Fruttuoso
• Lunch and walking tour
• Walking tour
• Swim and snorkel

The experience

The boat leaves Santa Margherita and heads into the Portofino Natural Reserve, a stretch of the Ligurian coast that has no road access: only water reaches it. You stop to swim and snorkel in open water, then pull in at San Fruttuoso, where you walk ashore and explore the village before returning to the boat for more snorkeling. The route takes in smaller coastal settlements along the way, each one a stop the motorboat makes on your behalf. All snorkeling equipment is provided, along with an inflatable tow board if you want it.

The tour runs seven hours total. You can book a daily departure or choose the sunset and nightly option, which shifts the timing to catch the light change over the water. Either way, you tell the operator what time works for your schedule after you book, and they'll confirm the start. The boat is skippered. A guide handles navigation and knows the reserve, the stops and the water conditions. The guide speaks English.

Lunch is not included in the tour price, so you'll want to plan for that either before departure or at one of the stops. Infants travel free if they sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels, though swimming and snorkeling are core to the day, so comfort in the water matters. Public transport runs near the departure point if you need it to reach Santa Margherita.

What’s included

• Private skippered motorboat transportation from Santa Margherita.
• snorkeling equipment and inflatable tow board.
• swimming and snorkeling stops in the marine reserve.
• walking tour of San Fruttuoso village.
• English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Charter boat tour departing from Santa Margherita, offered dailyGuide in English · 00:00

Sunset and nighttime tourGuide in English · 17:00Timing

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 17:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Swimming Cetacea

Is this one for you?Book the daily tour if you want flexibility with your start time and a full day on the water. Choose the sunset and nightly option if you prefer to see the coast as the light changes and want a different rhythm to your day. Either way, the private charter means your group sets the pace and the stops. You're not waiting for other travelers or following a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

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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 24 h before the start.

What is San Fruttuoso and why does the tour stop there?

San Fruttuoso is a coastal village reachable only by boat or a long hiking trail over the hills. The tour includes a walking tour of the village, so you step ashore and explore it on foot before returning to the motorboat.

Can I choose between a morning and an evening departure?

Yes. You can book either the daily tour or the sunset and nightly tour option. After booking, contact the operator to set the exact start time that fits your schedule.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the charter, along with an inflatable tow board if you want to use it during the swimming stops.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat is a private charter, so it accommodates groups and families. The operator will confirm capacity when you book and can personalize the tour for your group size.

What makes the Portofino Natural Reserve special?

The Portofino Natural Reserve is a protected marine park along the Ligurian coast that has no road access: only boats can reach it. The tour takes you into this reserve to swim, snorkel and visit villages that sit inside it.