Portofino boat tour: Snorkel Christ of the Abyss

Swim above a submerged statue instead of just sailing past it

A 90-minute boat tour departing Santa Margherita Ligure that takes you by sea to Portofino, Paraggi, and San Fruttuoso, with snorkeling equipment provided to explore the seabed and the famous Christ of the Abyss. A qualified skipper navigates the route. You choose between the Portofino promontory loop or the extended version that includes San Fruttuoso Abbey and its underwater statue.

The experience

The boat leaves Santa Margherita Ligure and heads toward Portofino, passing the lighthouse and the rocky headland of Punta del Vessinaro before reaching San Fruttuoso. The Abbey sits between sea and mountains, and its waters hold the Christ of the Deep. A bronze statue you can snorkel down to see. Snorkeling masks come on board. You jump in when the skipper positions the boat over the site. The crossing back takes in the Abbey of San Giorgio rising above the water, then curves toward Paraggi's bay and the hidden coves of Baia Cannone and Olivetta.

The boat carries a ladder for easy water entry, a hand shower with fresh water to rinse off, a roll-bar awning and T-top for shade, and a sunbathing solarium at the bow. Music plays throughout. A qualified skipper handles navigation and safety. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for anyone prone to seasickness. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• qualified skipper.
• fuel.
• ladder for water entry.
• hand shower with fresh water.
• roll-bar awning and T-top shade.
• sunbathing solarium at the bow.
• emergency equipment.
• music on board.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

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 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Orange Wave

Is this one for you?Choose the extended San Fruttuoso option if you want to snorkel: the Portofino-only route skips the underwater statue and the abbey's bay. Both tours work for any fitness level, though seasickness-prone travelers should consider the calm-water alternatives nearby.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): 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 24 h before the start.

Can I actually swim and snorkel on this tour, or is it just viewing from the boat?

You swim and snorkel with provided masks. The skipper stops the boat over the Christ of the Abyss so you can enter the water and dive down to see the statue in the seabed.

What is the Christ of the Abyss, and where exactly is it?

The Christ of the Deep is a bronze statue submerged in the crystal-clear waters off San Fruttuoso Abbey. It sits on the seabed where snorkelers can reach it during the tour's water stop.

How long is the boat tour, and what are the main stops?

The tour runs 90 minutes total. You depart Santa Margherita Ligure, pass Portofino lighthouse and Punta del Vessinaro, stop at San Fruttuoso for snorkeling, then return past the Abbey of San Giorgio, Paraggi bay, and smaller coves like Baia Cannone and Olivetta.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment, the skipper, fuel, music, shade structures, a hand shower, and emergency gear are all included. Bring a towel and any snacks or drinks you want. Those are not provided.

Is there a choice between two different tour routes?

Yes. One option covers the Portofino promontory alone. The other extends to include San Fruttuoso Abbey and the Christ of the Abyss snorkeling stop. Both depart Santa Margherita Ligure.