From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Lunch and Wine

Exploring Cinque Terre by boat is a way to see the colorful villages and dramatic coastlines from a different perspective—one that’s often more relaxing and picturesque than walking or driving. This particular boat tour from La Spezia offers an 8-hour journey aboard a vintage wooden vessel, complete with lunch, unlimited drinks, and multiple swimming stops. While it doesn’t visit every village directly—due to unavoidable logistics and weather considerations—it packs in plenty of memorable moments, which many travelers find well worth the cost.

Two things I love about this experience are the opportunity to float past Cinque Terre’s iconic cliffs and villages on a charming vintage boat, and the chance to enjoy a locally inspired lunch with wine and Prosecco. It’s a laid-back, social way to soak up the scenery, especially if you’re traveling with a group or just want a break from the busy trails. A third highlight is the variety of swimming spots, some only reachable by boat, offering a refreshing escape into crystal-clear waters.

The main drawback? If the weather turns rough or if the season is peak summer, some stops, like Vernazza, may require disembarkation via small boat transfer or could be delayed, which might impact your plans. Also, for those seeking a very intimate or private experience, the group size (up to 12 guests) and shared tables could feel a little crowded. So, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy social settings and don’t mind a flexible itinerary.

Key points / takeaways

Stunning coastal views: The tour offers some of the best vantage points of Cinque Terre’s cliffs and colorful villages from the sea.
Expert guides and crew: Guides like Luca, Evelyn, and Massimo are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and care, making the trip smooth and enjoyable.
Multiple swimming stops: Plentiful opportunities to jump into clear waters at spots like Le Rosse and Monesteroli—some destinations only accessible by boat or on foot.
Excellent food and drinks: A generous Ligurian-style lunch including pasta with pesto, buffalo mozzarella Caprese, seasonal fruit, and unlimited wine, Prosecco, and beer.
Flexible disembarkation: You can only get off at Vernazza, with an alternative option to disembark in Portovenere if the wait is long or if the weather is uncooperative.
Weather-dependent itinerary: In March, the tour focuses on the Gulf of La Spezia and Riomaggiore, as the Cinque Terre parks are closed to boat visits, so plan accordingly.

Navigating the journey: what to expect

Starting at Porto Mirabello in La Spezia, the tour kicks off with a brief meet-and-greet before boarding a 10-meter vintage wooden boat. The vessel’s charm is part of the appeal, offering a cozy but well-maintained environment to enjoy the day. The crew, including guides like Luca and Evelyn, are praised for their attentiveness—checking in frequently, providing commentary, and ensuring everyone feels comfortable.

The cruise begins with a scenic passage through the natural pools between the island of Palmaria and Portovenere. Here, you’ll see the church of San Pietro and the Byron cave, both notable sights visible from the boat. This segment sets a tranquil tone for the day, with calm waters and stunning vistas.

As the boat makes its way through the five villages, you’ll get panoramic views of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. While the boat cannot dock directly at all these locations, it offers plenty of photo opportunities, and at Vernazza, you’re given around 40 minutes to explore and swim. Many reviews rave about the delicious lunch served onboard—featuring Ligurian Crostino, pasta with pesto, a Caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, and seasonal fruits—paired generously with unlimited wine, Prosecco, beer, and soft drinks.

Swimming is a central part of this trip, with stops at spots like Le Rosse and Monesteroli, where you can snorkel and relax in the sea. Some destinations are only reachable by boat, adding an exclusive feel to the experience. For those who want to stretch their legs, disembarkation is possible in Vernazza, but all boats require a small transfer via tender boat, which, based on reviews, is smoothly handled even in busy periods.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with more stops, including a swim at Guvano Beach, and a return to Porto Venere for a final dip before heading back to La Spezia. The full itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxing, and mouthwatering local cuisine, all while enjoying unlimited drinks—ideal for unwinding and socializing.

Who this tour is best for

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and social way to explore the Cinque Terre. If you enjoy being on the water, love good food and drinks, and don’t mind a group setting, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also a good choice if you want a unique perspective of the coast that’s different from crowded trails or bus tours—plus, the chance to swim in crystal waters is a definite bonus.

While it suits most ages, those who prefer a more private or boutique experience might find the group size a little large. Also, weather conditions can impact the itinerary, so checking the forecast and understanding the season (March versus summer) will help set expectations. The value is high, considering the included lunch, drinks, and multiple swim stops, making it a worthwhile splurge for a memorable day on Ligurian waters.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Porto Mirabello

You’ll meet at the gas station in front of the pool at Porto Mirabello. The attendant will escort you to the boat, which is described as a traditional wooden vessel, about 10 meters long. Expect a cozy but well-kept vessel that’s designed for comfort and style, with enough space for a dozen guests.

Porto Venere and Byron Cave

The tour begins with a quick photo stop at Porto Venere, a UNESCO heritage site famous for its colorful houses and historic church of San Pietro. You might find this is an excellent chance to snap photos of the spectacular coastline before the real cruising begins. The crew will also point out the Byron cave, adding a touch of literary lore to your scenic cruise.

Natural Pools and Coastal Views

The boat then glides past the natural pools between Palmaria Island and Portovenere, a highlight for many. These spots are ideal for taking pictures and relaxing as you float in calm waters. The crew’s commentary enriches this experience, sharing local stories and pointing out key landmarks.

Stops at the Cinque Terre Villages

While the boat can’t dock directly in all five villages, you’ll enjoy splendid views of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso. The photo stops are brief but well-timed, offering glimpses of colorful houses perched along soaring cliffs.

• Vernazza gets around 40 minutes to explore and swim, with plenty of reviews highlighting how friendly guides like Luca or Evelyn ensure everyone feels safe and well-fed.
• Swimming at Le Rosse and Monesteroli is often the most appreciated part of the trip—crystal-clear waters and sun-drenched decks make for a perfect escape from land-based crowds. Some stops are only reachable by boat, which adds a feeling of exclusivity.

Lunch and Refreshments

The lunch onboard is a highlight—focusing on Ligurian specialties like pesto pasta, buffalo Caprese, and seasonal fruit. Many reviewers mention the generous flow of Prosecco and beer, helping to loosen everyone up and foster a convivial atmosphere. The food quality consistently gets praise, with guides like Vivenne and Luca noted for their hospitality and cooking skills.

Final Swim and Return

In the afternoon, after more swim stops at spots like Guvano Beach, the boat heads back towards Porto Venere, where you can enjoy a last dip before heading back to La Spezia. The entire day balances relaxation, sightseeing, and socializing—a formula that many find worth the price.

Price, Value, and Practical Tips

At around $158.60 per person, this tour offers a good deal considering the included lunch, unlimited drinks, multiple swimming stops, and scenic views. Compared to land-based tours or private experiences, it provides a relaxed, social environment with amenities that cater to comfort and enjoyment.

To maximize your experience, I recommend bringing swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Arriving on time at Porto Mirabello is key, especially in peak season when boats fill quickly. Also, consider sea-sickness medications if you’re prone to seasickness; the waters can get choppy, especially later in the day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This adventure suits those who love being on the water and want a laid-back, fun-filled day with great food and drinks. It’s ideal for families, friends, or couples who enjoy social settings and scenic views. If you’re looking for an authentic, less crowded experience of Cinque Terre—and don’t mind some flexibility with the itinerary—this tour will deliver.

However, if you prefer more time on land or a private, quiet experience, you might want to consider other options. The tour’s group size, weather dependency, and the focus on swimming and socializing make it best suited for travelers seeking a lively, picturesque day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, with starting times available depending on the day.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, skipper, buffet lunch, unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Can I disembark in Vernazza?
Yes, you can disembark in Vernazza, but all boats require a small tender transfer. If there’s a long wait, an alternative is disembarking in Portovenere.

Is the tour suitable in March?
In March, the tour doesn’t access Cinque Terre villages directly due to park closures but offers a scenic cruise around the Gulf of La Spezia up to Riomaggiore.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, change of clothes, and perhaps a hat for sun protection.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, Prosecco, wine, beer, and soft drinks are served freely during the trip.

Is this tour good for families?
Yes, many reviews highlight its appeal for families, especially with swimming and casual socializing.

What is the group size?
Up to 12 guests, which allows for a cozy, friendly atmosphere but can feel crowded if you prefer more privacy.

What about weather conditions?
The trip is weather-dependent; rough seas may cause delays or changes in the itinerary.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Luca, Evelyn, and Vivenne are praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and local knowledge, making the experience more enjoyable.

This boat tour from La Spezia offers a memorable way to see Cinque Terre, especially for those who want a relaxed day of scenic views, swimming, and good company on a charming vintage vessel. It’s a wonderful choice if you value authentic experiences, tasty food, and a lively atmosphere—all set against the stunning Ligurian coast.