Snorkeling in Portovenere and Palmaria from La Spezia

Seabeds full of octopus and fish, Byron's Cave, the Blue Grotto, and four islands in one day

Snorkel in the clear waters around Portovenere and its islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto) departing from La Spezia with a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French. The boat carries you past Byron's Cave, into the Blue Grotto, and to hidden coves on Palmaria. You swim and snorkel at multiple stops, explore the village of Portovenere on foot, and see the white lighthouse on Tino and the monastery remains on Tinetto from the water. Duration runs three to eight hours depending on the route chosen. Snorkeling equipment, light lunch with local products, snacks and drinks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour of Portovenere and islands

• Explore Portovenere village and Church of San Pietro
• Admire Byron’s Cave from the boat
• Swim near Palmaria Island’s cliffs and coves
• View the Blue Grotto’s turquoise waters
• See Tino Island and its lighthouse from the sea
• Visit the rocky islet with ancient monastery remains
• Stop at Lerici for swimming and village stroll
• Pass by Tellaro village from the sea

The experience

You leave La Spezia by boat and head straight into the water. The snorkeling happens at multiple stops: the seabeds around Portovenere teem with octopus and local fish, and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto offer unspoiled coves where you can swim away from crowds. The boat carries you past Byron's Cave, where waves crash against the cliffs, and into the Blue Grotto, where sunlight turns the water brilliant turquoise. You can swim there or watch from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is on board and included.

Between the water, the boat stops at Portovenere village, where you can walk ashore and see the medieval Church of San Pietro built on a rocky promontory above the sea, and explore the narrow carrugi full of shops. From the sea you'll see Tino Island with its white lighthouse and the remains of the monastery of Saint Venerius, and Tinetto, a small rocky islet with Paleochristian monastery remains. The route also passes Lerici, with its castle overlooking the bay, and Tellaro, a painted village clinging to the rocks.

Light lunch with local products, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are included. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French. Parking for two cars is available at Mirabello. The day runs anywhere from three to eight hours depending on which stops and how much time you spend in the water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• light lunch with local products.
• snacks.
• soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• WiFi on board.
• parking for two cars at Mirabello.
• live guide in English, Spanish, Italian or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Dec

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea Runner 5 Terre Boat Tours

Is this one for you?The three to eight hour range means you can fit this into a half-day or a full day depending on which islands and villages you want to visit and how long you want to spend in the water. If you have only a morning or afternoon free, ask about the shorter route. If you want all four islands plus the villages, book the full day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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 24h before the start.

Can I go ashore and explore the villages, or do I stay on the boat the whole time?

You go ashore at Portovenere to explore the village and see the Church of San Pietro. Tino and Tinetto are usually inaccessible by land, so you admire them from the boat. Lerici and Tellaro are also viewed from the water, though you can swim near them.

What is Byron's Cave and why is it called that?

Byron's Cave is an impressive natural amphitheater on the coast where waves crash against the cliffs, creating light and foam effects. It is named after the English poet Byron, who found inspiration in these wild waters and famously swam across them.

How long does the snorkeling activity take, and how much time is spent on the boat versus in the water?

The total duration is three to eight hours depending on the route and how many stops you visit. The reference material does not break down the exact time split between boat and water, but multiple snorkeling stops are included throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price. You do not need to bring your own.

What is the Blue Grotto and can I swim in it?

The Blue Grotto is a natural cave where sunlight filters into the water and turns it brilliant turquoise. You can swim in its crystal-clear waters or admire it from the boat.