From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Boat Tour and Village Visit

Exploring the Cinque Terre from La Spezia by boat offers a fresh, scenic perspective that many travelers cherish. This tour, provided by Blu Levante, promises a full day of panoramic views, charming villages, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. While the experience is undeniably beautiful, it comes at a significant price and involves a fair amount of time on the water—something to keep in mind for budget-conscious travelers or those with limited patience for boat rides.

What I appreciate about this experience is how it combines the thrill of cruising along the coast with meaningful stops—like disembarking in Portovenere, a UNESCO site, and Vernazza, often called the “pearl” of Cinque Terre. The inclusion of snorkeling makes it especially appealing for those wanting more than just sightseeing. On the flip side, the cost per group (up to 10 people) is quite steep, which might put it out of reach for some. Still, if you’re looking for an exclusive, well-curated way to see Cinque Terre from the water, this might just be worth considering.

Key points / Takeaways

Stunning coastal views: The tour offers breathtaking vistas of the Ligurian coast, a highlight for photography lovers.
Unique perspective: Seeing Cinque Terre villages from the sea gives you a different appreciation of their colorful charm.
Cultural stops: Disembarking at Portovenere provides a chance to walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding historical context to the day.
Swimming and snorkeling: The stops at Baia Monesteroli and Cala Rossa are perfect for cooling off and exploring marine life with provided gear.
Local food tasting: Onboard, you’ll enjoy sampling typical local products paired with Cinque Terre wine or prosecco—simple but tasty.
Group size and exclusivity: The private group setting means a more intimate experience, but at a cost.

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

This tour begins in La Spezia, a convenient gateway for many travelers heading to Cinque Terre. The highlight is a seven-hour boat ride that combines scenic cruising with strategic stops at key spots. The first major stop is Portovenere, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to disembark and explore. The charming village, with its pastel-colored houses and medieval church of San Pietro, offers a taste of Ligurian coastal life away from the crowds.

After Portovenere, the boat heads towards the Cinque Terre villages. The tour emphasizes swimming stops in Baia Monesteroli and Cala Rossa, where the water’s clarity and beauty often earn praise. You’ll have time to snorkel—gear is provided—and enjoy a refreshing break in waters that reviewers describe as “breathtaking.” These are truly special moments that bring the coast to life beyond just seeing it from afar.

The final part of the cruise includes disembarkation at Vernazza, widely regarded as the most picturesque of the Cinque Terre villages. Here, you’ll have time to walk the tiny streets, admire the colorful houses, and soak in the lively atmosphere. It’s a chance to see the village at your own pace after the boat tour, which many find to be a rewarding close to the experience.

The Highlights: What You’ll Love

The coastal vistas from the boat are stunning—perfect for photography or just admiring Mother Nature’s artistry.
Disembarking in Portovenere is a rare opportunity to explore a UNESCO-listed village without the typical tourist crush.
Snorkeling in crystal waters makes this tour more than just sightseeing; it’s an active, engaging way to enjoy the coast.
Onboard tasting of local products and regional wines adds a flavorful local touch, giving you a taste of Liguria’s culinary offerings.
Vernazza offers an authentic, postcard-worthy scene that’s best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, away from the busier train routes.
Private group setting means you won’t be herded like cattle—more personalized attention from the skipper and host.

The Practicalities and Considerations

While the tour promises a lot, it comes with some considerations. The price of $1,117.94 for up to 10 people might seem steep, especially when you factor in that lunch isn’t included—you’ll need to budget for that separately. The cost does include snorkeling gear, tastings, and the services of a skipper and host, which adds value but still raises questions about affordability for some.

Timing-wise, the seven-hour duration means you’ll spend much of the day on the water, which could be tiring if you’re not comfortable with boat trips. The starting times vary, so check availability ahead of booking to align with your schedule. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility needs, though the disembarkation and walking parts might still require some planning.

What travelers praise is the knowledgeable guiding and the chance to see Cinque Terre from an uncommon angle. Some reviews mention specific guides like ‘Giovanni’ and ‘Marco,’ who made the experience more engaging. Conversely, some felt the price was high relative to the experience—a common critique for boat tours in popular regions.

Embarking from La Spezia

Starting in La Spezia is convenient, especially if you’re already in Liguria. The tour includes skip-the-line security, which means less waiting and more time enjoying the coast. The boat itself is well-equipped for comfort, with snorkeling gear included, and the crew seems enthusiastic about sharing their local knowledge.

Visiting Portovenere

The journey to Portovenere is often seen as the highlight for many. Walking through this UNESCO-listed village, you’ll find a blend of medieval charm and scenic views. The church of San Pietro, perched above the harbor, offers sweeping views that make a perfect photo backdrop. One reviewer appreciated the disembarkation, noting that “it felt like a little escape” from the busier Cinque Terre villages.

Stops for Swimming and Snorkeling

The waters at Baia Monesteroli and Cala Rossa are consistently praised for their clarity and calmness. The snorkeling equipment provided makes it easy for even beginners to dip below the surface and see marine life or just enjoy the colorful underwater scenery. Expect to spend about 30–45 minutes at each stop—long enough to cool off but not so long that you lose track of the overall itinerary.

Exploring Vernazza

Disembarking at Vernazza is often regarded as the best part of the tour. With its narrow alleys, tiny harbor, and lively square, it’s the quintessential Ligurian village. The opportunity to walk the streets after the boat ride is highly appreciated—it allows you to experience the village in a more relaxed, authentic way. One traveler mentioned that “seeing Vernazza from the sea made the village even more charming,” emphasizing how this perspective enhances the visit.

Tasting Local Flavors on Board

The onboard tastings of typical local products, paired with Cinque Terre wine or prosecco, provide a simple but delightful culinary touch. It’s a good way to sample regional flavors without the hassle of finding a restaurant. Keep in mind that this is a light tasting rather than a full meal, so plan accordingly.

Final Impressions

The 7-hour duration and private group setting make this an intimate, leisurely experience, ideal for those who enjoy comfort and personalized service. However, the cost may be a limiting factor, especially for travelers on a tight budget. The price includes snorkeling gear, tastings, and a dedicated skipper—adding tangible value to the trip, but not necessarily making it budget-friendly.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who appreciate stunning scenery, unique perspectives, and small, private groups. It’s a good choice if you’re seeking a relaxing day on the water with opportunities to swim and snorkel in beautiful spots. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive or budget-friendly exploration, other options like train rides or shorter boat tours might serve you better.

It’s also ideal for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy the coast with a knowledgeable guide. The disembarkation at Vernazza and Portovenere ensures you won’t just see the villages from afar but will have a chance to walk through their streets and absorb the local atmosphere.

For those who love the visual drama of rugged coastlines and colorful villages, this boat tour offers an authentic, relaxing way to experience Cinque Terre. The visual impact of the sea views, combined with the chance to dip into clear waters and taste regional specialties, makes it a memorable outing. While the cost is on the higher side, the inclusion of snorkeling gear, tastings, and a small group setting adds value.

If you’re after a more exclusive, scenic adventure that combines natural beauty with cultural highlights, this tour fits the bill. Just prepare for a full day on the water, and consider your budget carefully—this is a splurge, but one that could be well worth it for a special trip.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
The tour’s focus on boat travel, snorkeling, and walking disembarkation points means it could suit families with older children comfortable on boats. However, very young children or those with mobility issues should check with the provider about accessibility and suitability.

What should I bring for the snorkeling stops?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, but it’s wise to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. A waterproof camera might also be handy for capturing underwater moments.

Does the price include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. The tour features onboard tastings of local products and regional wine, but for a full meal, you’ll need to plan separately.

How long do the stops in each village last?
The tour is structured to include swimming and snorkeling in designated spots, plus time in Vernazza. Exact timing varies, but generally, you’ll spend around 30–45 minutes at each swimming stop and additional time in Vernazza.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is described as wheelchair accessible, but disembarkation and walking in the villages may require some assistance. It’s best to check directly with Blu Levante for specific needs.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility in your planning.

This boat tour offers a memorable way to experience Cinque Terre, especially if you value stunning coastal views, engaging water stops, and fewer crowds. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize scenic beauty and intimate experiences over budget.