Snorkeling in Manarola: Cinque Terre villages from the water

Four villages, the seabed, and an aperitif at sunset

A 2.5-hour snorkeling tour departing from Manarola's marina on a traditional gozzo boat, where you dive into the water to see local fish and the rocky bottom, then float past Riomaggiore and the other Cinque Terre villages from the sea. The boat carries snorkeling equipment, drinks and a live guide in English or Italian. Sunset tours include an aperitif and music on board. The route adjusts for weather and what guests want to do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Cinque Terre villages

• Depart from Manarola marina
• Admire Riomaggiore from the sea
• Stop at Manarola village
• Visit Guvano beach
• Take photos of villages
• Enjoy drinks and aperitif on board

The experience

You board at Manarola's marina and head out on a wooden gozzo. The kind of boat locals have used here for generations. The tour runs 2.5 hours, long enough to reach Riomaggiore and loop past Guvano and the other villages without rushing, but short enough to fit into an afternoon or evening. The guide speaks English or Italian and shares knowledge about the territory as you move along the coast. If the sea is calm, you'll stop to snorkel. If conditions shift, the captain adjusts the route and the stops to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

When you drop into the water, you're wearing snorkeling equipment the boat provides. The seabed here is rocky and shallow enough to see clearly: local fish move through the rocks, and the water is clear enough that the villages above stay visible from below. You get time to photograph each village from the water, where the light and the angle are different from the shore. Riomaggiore, with its stacked houses and the Lovers' Path climbing above it, looks different from a boat than it does from land.

Drinks and snacks come on board throughout. Children under 18 get soft drinks. On sunset tours, an aperitif is served along with music. The boat carries everything (fuel, equipment, refreshment), so you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit and leave with photos and the memory of seeing five villages from one vantage point most visitors never reach.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• drinks and snacks.
• music on board (sunset tours include aperitif).
• live guide in English or Italian.
• fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 10

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Crazy Boat Cinque Terre

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Manarola or arriving by train. The boat departs directly from the village marina, so you walk straight on. Choose the afternoon slot for free time or sunset for drinks and music while anchored.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

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 snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The boat provides all snorkeling equipment and the guide is there to help. The water is shallow and clear, and you can stay in as long as you're comfortable or sit out a stop if you prefer to stay on board.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The captain adjusts the route and stops based on marine conditions. The tour may change which villages you visit or how long you spend in the water, but it still runs unless conditions make it unsafe to leave the marina.

Is there time to photograph the villages?

Yes. The tour includes photo stops in front of each village so you can capture them from the sea. You'll also have time in the water to photograph the seabed and the fish if you bring an underwater camera.

What's included in the sunset tour that's different from the day tour?

The sunset tour adds an aperitif and music on board. Both tours include snorkeling equipment, drinks, snacks and the same route along the coast. The sunset version extends into the evening.

Do I need to know how to swim?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. It's not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or physical mobility issues that affect walking or balance.