Sunset Private Boat Tour: Gulf of Poets from La Spezia

You swim in hidden coves only reachable by boat, then watch the sun drop over the water with a glass in hand.

A private sunset boat tour of the Gulf of La Spezia takes you past the UNESCO-listed villages of Portovenere and Lerici, with stops to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear coves. The tour runs three to four hours on the water, includes snorkeling gear, towels and an aperitivo with local wines and prosecco, and is led by a guide who speaks English or Italian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset boat tour in Gulf of Poets

• Depart on private boat
• Sail to Portovenere village
• Explore Portovenere sights
• Sail past Lerici town
• Pass by Palmaria Island
• Pass by Isola del Tino
• Stop for swim and snorkel
• Enjoy aperitivo on board
• Return sailing at sunset

The experience

The boat leaves La Spezia and sails into the Gulf of Poets, the stretch of Ligurian coast named for the poets who found refuge here. You pass Portovenere, the medieval village perched on a rocky promontory with its iconic St. Peter's Church, and Lerici, with its 12th-century castle overlooking the harbor. The route threads between the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, stopping at coves accessible only by sea: the kind of water so clear you see the bottom before you jump in.

Swimming breaks happen at two or three stops along the way. Snorkeling equipment is on board and ready. You can explore the underwater life or simply float and look down. Towels and fresh water are provided between swims. As the light shifts toward evening, the boat anchors and the crew sets out an aperitivo: local wines, prosecco, spritz and snacks, with music playing softly in the background. The whole experience unfolds on the water, with no walking or climbing required once you board.

The tour is private, so the pace and the stops are yours to shape within the afternoon. A guide travels with you throughout, narrating in English or Italian and pointing out the history and geography as you move. Because the boat is yours alone, you can linger at a cove if the swimming is good or move on if the light is changing faster than expected.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and towels.
• bottled water and soda.
• an onboard aperitivo with local wines, prosecco, spritz and snacks.
• a live guide in English or Italian.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 Aug 2027

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is conveniently located along the Morin Promenade at the Port of La Spezia, easily accessible whether you are arriving by car, train, or cruise ship.”

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Blue Boat Cinque Terre Tour

Is this one for you?The guide narrates in English or Italian, so you need to follow one of those languages comfortably. The tour is private, which means the pace and stops are yours to shape, and you avoid the crowds that gather on shared boats during sunset hour.

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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.

What is Portovenere and why does the tour stop there?

Portovenere is a UNESCO World Heritage village on the Ligurian coast, famous for its colorful terraced houses, narrow medieval streets and St. Peter's Church on a rocky cliff. The tour sails past it so you see the village and its setting from the water, and the guide explains its history, including Byron's Cave where the English poet Lord Byron found inspiration.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?

Yes, the tour includes two or three swimming stops at hidden coves along the route. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and you can use it to explore underwater or simply swim in the clear water. Towels are available between stops.

What time does the sunset tour depart and when does it end?

The tour runs three to four hours on the boat. It is timed to end as the sun sets, so the exact departure depends on the season and the time of sunset that day. Contact the operator for the specific time for your date.

What is included in the onboard aperitivo?

The aperitivo includes local wines, prosecco, spritz and snacks, served on board as the tour winds down. Bottled water and soda are also available throughout the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children or people who cannot swim?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller and travel on the boat. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, and a moderate level of physical fitness is advised. Swimming stops are optional, so non-swimmers can remain on board.