Portofino: Small-Group Boat Tour San Fruttuoso & Camogli

Portofino boat trip with swimming stops, snacks and limoncello

You’ll sail from Portofino along dramatic Ligurian coastline with a small group, stopping by San Fruttuoso’s hidden abbey beach and lively Camogli harbor. Swim or relax onboard with local snacks and drinks—including limoncello served by your crew—and soak up stories from your skipper before returning to Portofino as afternoon light fades.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina di Portofino with professional skipper and assistant guiding your route to San Fruttuoso and Camogli; all snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages (including limoncello), plus swim or snorkel stops if conditions allow—all shared with a small group before returning to port.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Portofino to Camogli

• Meet crew at Marina di Portofino
• Admire Portofino Lighthouse from boat
• Pass submerged Christ of the Abyss statue
• Visit San Fruttuoso bay and Abbey
• Swim and snorkel; enjoy snacks and drinks
• Pass Punta Chiappa; explore Camogli village
• Relax returning to Portofino with limoncello

The Experience

“You see that lighthouse?” our skipper Matteo nodded toward the cliffs as we drifted out of Portofino’s marina, sunlight bouncing off the water. “It’s been here longer than any of us.” He had this way of talking like he was letting you in on a secret, even though there were twelve of us squeezed around the railings, some already snapping photos. I could smell sunscreen and something salty—maybe anchovies from the harbor? The boat hummed underfoot as we left the pastel houses behind.

The coast between Portofino and San Fruttuoso is all jagged rocks and green tumbling down to blue water. Matteo slowed near a spot he called “Cristo degli Abissi”—the Christ of the Abyss. He pointed at a buoy bobbing quietly above it. “Seventeen meters down,” he said, “but you can almost feel him watching.” I tried to picture it: a bronze statue just out of sight, arms open in that cold silence. We didn’t dive but I swear the air felt different for a minute—cooler maybe, or just quieter.

San Fruttuoso sort of appears out of nowhere—a pebbly beach, white abbey walls tucked into cliffs so steep you wonder how anyone built anything here. We hopped off for a bit (my shoes filled with tiny stones instantly), and I watched two older women laughing as they pulled their lunch from a basket—focaccia wrapped in paper. Back on board someone passed around little cups of limoncello; it was sticky-sweet and sharp at once. There was time for swimming if you wanted (I did), though honestly just sitting there with my feet dangling over the side felt good enough.

Camogli was next—more color, more chatter from locals along the harbor. The air smelled like fried fish and basil. Matteo told us about his grandmother’s pesto recipe while we wandered past boats painted every shade you can imagine. On the way back to Portofino, everyone got quiet for a while—maybe it was the sun or maybe just that feeling when you know something’s ending soon but you’re not ready yet. I still think about that light on the water sometimes.

Top questions

How many people are on this Portofino boat tour?

The tour is reserved for small groups of up to 12 guests.

Is swimming or snorkeling included during the boat trip?

A swimming and snorkeling stop may be provided depending on sea conditions and crew discretion.

Where does the boat depart from in Portofino?

The tour starts at Marina di Portofino by Ristorante Cracco.

Are snacks and drinks included on board?

Yes, snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, alcoholic beverages (including limoncello) are served during the tour.

How long does this Portofino boat tour last?

The experience lasts about 2 hours from departure to return at Marina di Portofino.

Is there an extra fee not included in the price?

Yes, there is a mandatory fuel surcharge of €10 per person payable in cash at boarding.

Can infants join this small-group boat tour?

Infants can join; they must sit on an adult's lap or ride in a pram or stroller.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll see Portofino Lighthouse, Christ of the Abyss bay, San Fruttuoso Abbey beach, Punta Chiappa, and Camogli village.