Private boat to Cinque Terre villages: Swim and aperitif

The skipper picks the stops based on weather and where you want to swim.

A private boat rental from Riomaggiore marina takes your group past all five Cinque Terre villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo and Monterosso) with stops to swim in coves, use snorkeling gear if you choose, and enjoy drinks and an aperitif on board. The skipper navigates the route and decides entry points based on conditions and your preferences. Duration is approximately two hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Exclusive boat tour of Cinque Terre

• Meet skipper at Riomaggiore marina
• Board private boat
• Navigate along Cinque Terre villages
• Stop to swim and snorkel
• Enjoy aperitif and drinks on board
• Admire coves and coastal views

The experience

You meet the skipper at Riomaggiore marina and board a boat reserved only for your group. This is not a shared tour cutting across a schedule. The boat stays yours for the afternoon, which means you stop where you want to stop. If a cove calls you, you swim there. If the light hits a village a certain way, you linger. The skipper knows the coast and the weather (they decide which points are safe and reachable on the day you go), but the rhythm belongs to you.

The boat moves along the five villages of Cinque Terre, each one visible from the water in a way the land trails do not show them. You pass Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo and Monterosso as you navigate, and the skipper can point out the paths, the terraces, the spots locals favor. When you reach a swimming cove, you can jump in. Snorkeling equipment is available if you want it. The water here is clear enough that you see down, and the boat stays close.

Drinks (water, soft drinks and prosecco), and an aperitif are served on board. Fuel is included. The skipper speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French depending on your group. Two hours is the standard duration, though the experience itself moves at the pace of where you choose to be.

What’s included

• Private boat with skipper for your group.
• aperitif and drinks on board (water, soft drinks, prosecco).
• snorkeling equipment.
• fuel.
• skipper guidance in English, Spanish, Italian or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Desirée Boat Tour’s

Is this one for you?The boat moves at your pace (you choose where to stop and how long to stay), so families with young children or anyone who prefers to set the rhythm rather than follow a schedule will find this more relaxed than a group tour. The two-hour window is short enough for a half-day plan, and the skipper handles navigation while you focus on swimming and the views.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French 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 24 h before the start.

Can we pick which villages to visit, or does the boat go to all five?

The skipper navigates past all five villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazzo and Monterosso), but you decide where to stop to swim or linger. Weather and safety determine which coves are accessible on your day.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do we need to bring our own?

Snorkeling gear is available on board if you want to use it. You can choose to swim without it or bring your own if you prefer.

What drinks and food are included in the aperitif?

Water, soft drinks and prosecco are served on board along with an aperitif. The skipper provides these as part of the experience.

How many people can fit on the private boat?

The boat is reserved exclusively for your group. The operator describes it as ideal for couples, families or small groups, though a specific passenger limit is not stated.

Do we need any experience to book this, or is it suitable for first-time swimmers?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and small children must sit on an adult's lap. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.