Portofino boat tour: Swim San Fruttuoso, hidden coves

Swim hidden coves and caves the land routes can't reach

A guided boat tour of Portofino that takes you to San Fruttuoso beach and sea caves accessible only by water, with snorkeling gear, local food and drinks included. The five-hour itinerary covers Portofino itself, Santa Margherita by sea with the option to visit on land, and swimming stops in the coves. A live guide in English or Italian accompanies the entire experience.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and village visits

• Tour Portofino with guide
• Stop and swim at San Fruttuoso beach
• View Santa Margherita by sea
• Visit Santa Margherita on land

The experience

The boat leaves from Portofino and heads straight for the water: to San Fruttuoso beach first, where you stop and swim in clear water with snorkeling equipment provided. From there you navigate into hidden coves and sea caves that have no road access, the kind of places you see only if you're on the water. The guide stays with you throughout, pointing out the stories and history woven into the coastline and the villages perched above it.

Between swims, you pass Santa Margherita by sea. If you want to step ashore there, the boat makes that stop possible. The five-hour span gives you real time in the water and in each place, not a blur of photo stops. Snorkeling equipment is ready on board, and the boat carries local food and drinks, not a packed lunch, but tastings of what the region actually eats and drinks. The whole thing is built around the idea that you're not just looking at Portofino from a distance. You're in it, under the water, and moving through it at a pace that lets things sink in.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• local food and drinks.
• five-hour guided boat tour with a live guide in English or Italian.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kalos Cinque Terre Portofino Boat Tour

Is this one for you?Five hours is long enough to swim at two separate stops and explore both sea caves and a coastal village without rushing, but short enough to leave your afternoon or evening free once you're back on land.

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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.

Can I swim and snorkel during this Portofino boat tour?

Yes. The tour includes stops at San Fruttuoso beach and hidden sea coves where you swim and snorkel. Snorkeling equipment is provided on the boat.

What is San Fruttuoso and why is it on this tour?

San Fruttuoso is a beach on the Italian Riviera coast reachable only by sea or a long mountain hike. The boat tour stops there specifically so you can swim in the water and spend real time at a place most visitors never reach.

Does the tour visit Santa Margherita, and can I go ashore there?

The boat passes Santa Margherita by sea as part of the route. You have the option to visit it on land if you want to step off the boat and explore the village.

How long is this tour and what's included to eat and drink?

The tour runs five hours and includes snorkeling equipment, local food, and a selection of refreshing drinks: tastings of typical regional products rather than a single meal.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the boat, or is pickup included?

Pickup is included with the tour. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the departure point.