Portofino Riviera and Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of floating along Italy’s famed Ligurian coast, this private boat tour might be exactly what you need. While I haven’t personally cruised these waters, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a picture of a day filled with beauty, comfort, and authentic experiences.

What immediately catches your eye are the flexibility and customization options—from choosing your route to selecting your boat—making this a tailored escape. Plus, the expert guides, luxury fleet, and hidden bays promise a memorable day.

One thing to consider is the price tag of around $750 for a group of up to seven, which might seem steep but is justified by the personalized service, premium boats, and all-inclusive amenities. This experience suits anyone looking for a private, relaxed, and luxurious way to enjoy Liguria’s coast—whether with family, friends, or a small group of travelers seeking something more exclusive.

Good To Know

• Highly customizable experience, with tailored routes and boat options.
• All-inclusive amenities like drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and water toys.
• Expert bilingual skippers who know the hidden gems of Liguria.
• Luxury fleet with boats designed for comfort and style.
• Flexible scheduling and the possibility to choose the most suitable departure time.
• Authentic, off-the-beaten-path spots perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring Liguria from the Water: A Deep Dive

This private boat tour offers an excellent way to see Liguria’s coast, not just from land but from the water—the way the locals do. The beauty of this experience is rooted in its customizability and the level of comfort provided, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers, from families to couples to small groups of friends.

The Boats: Comfort Meets Style

The fleet includes several well-chosen vessels, each with distinct advantages. For example, the LIPARI 31 combines classic elegance with modern performance, offering space for up to 12 guests—perfect for larger groups wanting a smooth, stable ride with a touch of luxury. It features a small cabin and bathroom, ensuring comfort during longer outings.

The LEVANZO 25 is a fantastic choice for those who want a mix of power and comfort, with sunshades and a versatile layout that includes sunbathing areas. Its twin outboards mean a swift, stable cruise, even in choppier seas, which is important if you’re prone to seasickness or just want a lively ride.

For smaller groups or families, the SALPA 24.5 or 18 Ribs offer a more intimate, sporty experience, equipped with sunshades and all the comforts needed for a fun day. The Patrone 23 is a traditional boat, beautifully restored, with plenty of space for sunbathing, and comes with towels, snacks, and snorkeling gear.

Itinerary: A Day Filled with Highlights

The tour kicks off from Rapallo, a vibrant seaside town, with a quick 40-minute boat ride to your first stop. From there, the itinerary is designed to include several stunning locations, each offering something special.

Stop 1: Baia di Paraggi gives you a chance to enjoy gentle swimming and sightseeing in a calm, scenic bay. Reviewers have noted the lovely swimming spots and appreciated the guided aspect of this stop, which helps you appreciate the area’s beauty.

Next, the boat cruises towards Camogli, a charming fishing village famous for its colorful houses and lively harbor. With a three-hour stop, you’ll get time for photos, local snacks, and even dolphin watching, which, according to reviews, adds a magical touch to the experience. Many guests found the scenic cruise, combined with the chance to swim and snorkel, to be a highlight — “So much fun!!” was a common refrain.

San Fruttuoso Abbey is another major highlight, reached after a scenic cruise. Here, you can enjoy a scenic view, a glass of aperitif, or even a food tasting. The underwater statue of Christ, accessible by snorkel, adds an extra layer of intrigue—reviewers like Louise appreciated the swimming spots and the guided tours that help you understand the area’s significance.

The tour concludes with stops in Santa Margherita Ligure, where you can relax on the boat, take a swim, and watch a sunset—an ideal way to end a day. The 15-minute cruise back to Rapallo wraps up your journey, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.

The Experience: What Makes It Special?

One of the biggest draws is how personalized the experience feels. You can choose to follow the suggested itinerary or customize your route, which is a genuine advantage for those who want to focus on specific spots or indulge in particular activities like snorkeling or sunbathing. The private group setup ensures you’re not stuck with strangers, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

The expert guides are also a notable feature. Based on reviews, skippers like Fabrizio and Daniel aren’t just experienced sailors—they’re passionate about their local waters and eager to share stories, secrets, and tips. Louise pointed out Fabrizio’s friendliness and the lovely swimming spots, while Charles praised Captain Daniel’s knowledge and the way he made the day memorable.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package covers fuel, taxes, and all the amenities onboard—no hidden costs. You’ll enjoy fresh drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, water toys, and a water shower, making the day comfortable and fun. A noteworthy advantage is the flexibility in timing, allowing you to select a departure that best fits your plans, which is ideal for travelers with tight schedules or varied interests.

The only potential extra is for the Levante Tour, which involves longer navigation and may incur additional fuel costs, so it’s worth confirming ahead of time if you plan to extend your route.

Cost and Value

At about $750 for a group of up to seven, the pricing might seem high at first glance. However, considering the luxury fleet, personalized service, and all-inclusive amenities, the value becomes clearer. This isn’t a quick, generic cruise—it’s a tailor-made sea adventure with knowledgeable guides and exclusive access to stunning, lesser-known spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private boat experience is ideal for travelers who value comfort, customization, and authenticity. Families with kids will appreciate the safe, stable boats and the chance to snorkel and swim. Couples or small groups seeking a romantic or fun adventure will enjoy the intimate setting and flexibility. If you’re after a luxurious, personalized day out with the chance to discover hidden gems, this trip is a fantastic choice.

The Sum Up

A private boat tour along Liguria’s coast offers a rare combination of luxury, flexibility, and authentic discovery. The ability to customize your route, coupled with expert guides and a comfortable fleet, makes this experience stand out. Whether you’re into swimming, sightseeing, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine, this tour adapts to your desires.

It’s best suited for those who want a personalized, stress-free adventure on the sea with high-quality amenities. If you’re after a luxurious escape that reveals the coast’s secret corners, this trip deserves a spot on your Italy itinerary.

FAQ

How many people can fit on the boats?
Most boats accommodate up to 7-12 guests, depending on the model, making this a cozy, private experience.

What is included in the price?
All amenities including a private skipper, snorkeling gear, fresh drinks, towels, water toys, and fuel are included, with no extra costs unless you opt for the longer Levante route.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you can choose from the proposed tours or tailor your own itinerary to suit your interests and timing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a camera. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Absolutely—families love the safe boats and the opportunity for kids to swim and snorkel in protected spots.

Are there options for food onboard?
While the tour includes snacks and drinks, you can also request a seaside lunch or food tastings at specific stops like San Fruttuoso.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so you can reschedule or get a refund if weather conditions aren’t suitable.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 to 8 hours, depending on your chosen route and stops. Check availability for specific start times.

This private boat tour promises a personalized, comfortable, and scenic way to experience Liguria’s mesmerizing coast—perfect for making memories that last a lifetime.

You can check if your dates are available here: