Porto Venere’s best boat tours pack big value into your Italian Riviera experience. The most practical option is the 4-hour coastal cruise from Porto Venere itself – perfect for seeing essential highlights without consuming your whole day. For those wanting more, the 8-hour cruise from La Spezia hits all the sweet spots: swimming breaks, lunch stops, and visits to each colorful village. The real gem is the evening sunset cruise, which smartly combines sightseeing with appetizers and that golden-hour Mediterranean light photographers dream about.
I’m especially fond of the small-group tours exploring Porto Venere’s three islands – they’re less crowded than Cinque Terre routes and offer better access to hidden coves and local secrets. These well-organized excursions consistently earn top marks from my travelers.
Let’s explore the standout boat tours that make Porto Venere special.
Key Points
- For comprehensive day tours covering Cinque Terre and Porto Venere, the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere Day Tour from Levanto offers a 13-hour guided trip with a small group for personalization.
- Those seeking a unique sunset experience can opt for the Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitivo & Swim, a 3-hour tour on a private boat with stunning views and swimming opportunities.
- The Portovenere and Islands Highlight Tour with Sunset & Prosecco is an excellent value-for-money 2.5-hour tour exploring Portovenere and the surrounding islands, including a breathtaking sunset.
- For a full-day boat tour, the Cinque Terre Full-Day Boat Tour from La Spezia provides an 8-hour itinerary with key destinations, swimming, snorkeling, and a lunch break in Monterosso al Mare.
- The Cinque Terre Villages Boat Tour from Porto Venere offers a 4-hour tour with photo stops in the Cinque Terre villages, a swimming/snorkeling break, and a Prosecco tasting.
From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Full-Day Boat Tour
This full-day boat tour from La Spezia is a fantastic way to explore the stunning Cinque Terre region. Priced at $17749 per person, it offers an 8-hour itinerary with a group limited to just 10 participants.
The tour departs from Mirabello Termopetroli in Porto Venere and visits the iconic villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare, as well as Golfo Della Spezia, Portovenere, and Palmaria Island.
Onboard, guests can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities, with a 1.5-hour break in Monterosso al Mare for lunch and exploration. The tour includes a professional skipper, fuel, soft drinks, beers, snorkeling equipment, music, and a shower and towel.
Reviewers praise the captain’s skills and the overall service quality, though the value for money rating could be higher.
Booking is available online, with no upfront payment required to secure a spot. With its flexibility and comprehensive inclusions, this Cinque Terre boat tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable day on the water.
Read our full review: From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Full-Day Boat Tour Review
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From Porto Venere: Cinque Terre Villages Boat Tour
Departing from Calata Doria in Porto Venere, this 4-hour Cinque Terre Villages Boat Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning Ligurian coastline.
Priced at $157.54 per person, this small-group tour with a maximum of 7 participants is available in Italian, Spanish, and English.
The tour’s highlights include photo stops in the picturesque villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. Guests will also enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Punta Pineda.
Along the way, they’ll savor Italian Prosecco and take in the scenic views of the coastline, including landmarks like St. Peter’s Church and the Red Cliffs.
With a 4.6/5 rating based on 21 reviews, this tour promises a personalized and enjoyable experience.
Complimentary inclusions, such as fuel, a skipper, a snorkeling kit, and hotel pickup and drop-off, make this an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free adventure.
Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID, swimwear, and a towel.
Read our full review: From Porto Venere: Cinque Terre Villages Boat Tour Review
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From Levanto: Cinque Terre and Porto Venere Day Tour
Travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the Cinque Terre and Porto Venere can embark on a day tour departing from Levanto. This 13-hour guided trip offers the chance to discover the iconic villages of the Cinque Terre, as well as the picturesque town of Porto Venere.
The tour includes a boat cruise, allowing participants to admire the stunning coastline from the water. With a small group size, travelers can enjoy a more personalized experience.
The tour is priced at Kč3,490 per person and has received a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 613 reviews. Pickup is available, making it a convenient option for those staying in the area.
Whether seeking to enjoy the region’s natural beauty, history, or culture, this Cinque Terre and Porto Venere day tour from Levanto is an excellent choice for travelers looking to make the most of their time in this picturesque corner of Italy.
Read our full review: From Levanto: Cinque Terre and Porto Venere Day Tour Review
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Sunset Boat Tour With Aperitivo & Swim in Natural Park
For those seeking a truly immersive sunset experience in Porto Venere, the Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitivo & Swim in Natural Park offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Priced at $525.13 for up to 2 participants, this 3-hour tour takes guests on a new Jeanneau Cap Camarat 9.30 mt boat, guided by an experienced skipper.
Highlights include stunning sunset views of La Spezia and Portovenere islands, as well as opportunities to swim and snorkel in prime locations. Guests will also savor local food and wine while listening to their favorite music during the tour.
The itinerary covers key sites like the colorful houses of Portovenere, Palmaria Island, Tino lighthouse, Tinetto Island, and Torre Scola.
With flexible booking options and a cancellation policy that allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a personalized and unforgettable experience for private groups.
English and French-speaking guides are available, ensuring a seamless and immersive adventure.
Read our full review: Sunset Boat Tour With Aperitivo & Swim in Natural Park Review
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Portovenere and Islands: Highlight Tour With Sunset&Prosecco
Although the Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitivo & Swim in Natural Park offers a breathtaking experience, the Portovenere and Islands: Highlight Tour With Sunset&Prosecco provides an equally captivating alternative.
This 2.5-hour tour allows visitors to explore the stunning Portovenere and its surrounding islands, including Tino, Tinetto, and Palmaria. Guests can admire the picturesque landscapes, medieval architecture, and crystal-clear waters, all while enjoying a refreshing glass of prosecco.
The tour includes a stop at the quaint village of Portovenere, where visitors can stroll through the charming streets and visit the iconic Church of St. Peter. As the sun begins to set, the tour culminates with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Poets, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
With a starting price of $78.77, this tour offers an excellent value for the money and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the Porto Venere region.
Read our full review: Portovenere and Islands: Highlight Tour With Sunset&Prosecco Review
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Boat Tour in the Best Spots of La Spezia Gulf & Portovenere
Embarking on a captivating boat tour, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the La Spezia Gulf and Portovenere. With a vast array of options, travelers can choose from a variety of tours, including the Cinque Terre Tour by Boat, the Cinque Terre and Portovenere Full-Day Boat Tour, and the Tour of the Gulf of Poets, among others.
These boat tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty, with durations ranging from 4 to 8 hours and prices starting from $70 per person. Highlights include scenic cruises, swim and dive stops, and the chance to admire the picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre and Portovenere from the water.
Travelers can also opt for sunset and special tours, such as the Sunset Boat Tour with Aperitivo and Snacks or the Porto Venere and 3 Islands Sunset Boat Tour, providing a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether seeking a day of adventure or a leisurely sightseeing excursion, the boat tours in the La Spezia Gulf and Portovenere offer something for all, with high-rated options and a range of convenient features.
Read our full review: Boat Tour in the Best Spots of La Spezia Gulf & Portovenere Review
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Recap
Porto Venere offers a variety of captivating boat tours. Visitors can explore the renowned Cinque Terre villages, enjoy a sunset cruise with aperitivo, or discover the highlights of the La Spezia Gulf. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty and charming coastal towns of this picturesque region.