Portofino is famous for its picture-perfect harbor, colorful houses, and glamorous reputation. But beyond the Instagrammable piazzetta, the best way to experience this coastal jewel is by boat. Whether you’re dreaming of a private day on the water, a sunset cruise with local wine, or a tour through the Marine Protected Area, there’s a boat experience suited for every traveler. We especially like the Andrea Boat Charter for its flexibility and personalized service, and the Portofino Riviera and Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour for those wanting a full-day adventure with tailored stops. Each offers a different perspective on Liguria’s coast, making it easier than ever to find the perfect trip.
For those who want a taste of everything—stunning scenery, swimming, and local bites—the list below has options ranging from half-day jaunts to all-day private charters. If watching the sunset over Portofino sounds appealing, the evening Sunset Boat Tour is a must. And for travelers looking to combine natural beauty with marine life, the Boat Tours in the Marine Protected Area delivers snorkeling and dolphin sightings. Whatever your style, these tours promise a memorable way to see Italy’s famed Riviera from the water.
1. Andrea Boat Charter Portofino
At number 1 we have the Andrea Boat Charter Portofino, a highly-rated experience with a perfect 5.0/5 from 60 reviews. This private charter offers a versatile trip lasting from 3 to 7 hours, giving you the flexibility to choose between a half-day, full-day, or sunset cruise. The boat can accommodate up to 5 people per group, making it ideal for small families or friends looking for a personalized adventure.
The tour includes stops at Santa Margherita, with its colorful houses and churches, the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso for swimming and snorkeling, and the fishermen’s village of Camogli, known for its focaccia bread. Snacks and drinks are included, and snorkeling gear is provided, so you can explore beneath the waves. Guides like Guglielmo and Andrea make this trip especially memorable, sharing stories and tips along the way. The boat’s flexibility means you can tailor the experience on the spot, whether you want to linger at a particular spot or keep moving to hit all the highlights.
Bottom Line: This is a great choice for travelers wanting a personalized, flexible day on the water with excellent reviews and all-inclusive beverages. It’s ideal for small groups who want a private, intimate experience.
2. Rapallo: Sunset Boat Tour
Next on the list, the Rapallo Sunset Boat Tour, offers a 1.5-hour cruise that’s perfect for ending your day. This tour takes you from Rotonda Marconi out into the Ligurian Sea, where you’ll enjoy splendid views of Paraggi and Portofino as the sun dips behind the horizon.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on scenic beauty and sunset vistas. You’ll sip a glass of local wine and nibble on regional snacks while watching the coast change color. The tour also includes stops at Santa Margherita Ligure and Paraggi, with opportunities for swimming and photos. It’s an easy, romantic way to soak in the coast’s magic without committing to a full day, and the small group size keeps the experience intimate.
Reviews note how well-organized and relaxing this tour is, with many mentioning the incredible sunset views. It’s ideal for couples or anyone wanting a quick, scenic escape.
Bottom Line: The Sunset Boat Tour is perfect for a romantic evening or a brief taste of Liguria’s coastal charm. It offers great value for a memorable, scenic experience.
3. Portofino Riviera and Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour
For around 8 hours, the Portofino Riviera and Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour delivers a full immersion into Italy’s most iconic coastal sights. This full-day private experience can be customized to your wishes, with the option to explore the Cinque Terre villages, the San Fruttuoso Abbey, or the Gulf of Tigullio at your own pace.
The tour features a luxurious fleet, and guides like Ivan or Daniel excel at tailoring the day—whether that means dolphin watching, snorkeling, or just relaxing on deck. The itinerary includes stops at Paraggi, Camogli, and Santa Margherita, with opportunities for swimming and local snacks. Guests rave about the flexibility and personalized service—fitting the day to your interests.
The tour is especially suited for travelers seeking a private, all-day adventure that combines sightseeing, swimming, and regional cuisine, with the chance to go beyond the usual tourist spots.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a bespoke, luxurious experience with no rush and complete customization, this private tour is hard to beat.
4. Portofino Boat Tours in the Marine Protected Area
At number 4, the Boat Tours in Portofino’s Marine Protected Area focus on nature and underwater exploration. These 3.5-hour tours are led by professional skippers aboard brand-new, comfortable boats. You’ll snorkel at the Christ of the Deep, see colorful fish and the seabed, and enjoy a peaceful ride through protected waters.
What makes this tour special is the emphasis on marine life and conservation. It’s perfect for travelers interested in snorkeling and observing the underwater world without the crowds. Reviews highlight Toni, who combines local knowledge with a friendly, engaging attitude, making the experience both educational and fun.
The tour includes snorkeling at key sites, with stops at Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso, giving you the chance to explore the seabed and see some of the region’s most vibrant marine life.
Bottom Line: If you love snorkeling and want a more nature-focused experience, this tour offers a relaxing, eco-friendly way to see Portofino’s underwater treasures.
5. Cinque Terre: Boat Tours with Paraggina Tender Line
For those eager to explore the Cinque Terre villages, this 8-hour boat tour is a fantastic choice. The tour includes rides on a speedboat and a long-tail boat, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at each village—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.
The focus here is on comfort and service, with expert skippers making sure you see the best spots and enjoy some downtime. The tour balances guided sightseeing with free time to explore each village or relax on deck. It’s excellent for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of coastal exploration with plenty of photo stops and water activities.
Guests note the high quality of service and the engaging skippers who make the experience enjoyable. It’s suited for those who want to see the Cinque Terre from the sea with a bit of adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers craving an active day filled with snorkeling, sightseeing, and charming villages, all aboard a well-rated boat.
6. Portofino: Boat Tour with Corvetta 24
The Portofino: Boat Tour with Corvetta 24 offers an 8-hour journey aboard Portofino’s iconic boats, exploring the Gulf of Tigullio and nearby spots. This tour features stops at Santa Margherita Ligure, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
The experience is distinguished by its premium service and experienced skipper, making it perfect for those who want a comfortable, high-quality boat trip. The itinerary is flexible, with stops designed to maximize time at each location, including opportunities for underwater exploration and leisurely walks.
Guests mention the friendly and knowledgeable crew, who make the day special. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize comfort and personalized service.
Bottom Line: For a day on a well-equipped boat with a focus on comfort and personalized stops, this tour provides a luxurious way to explore the coast.
7. Portofino: Boat Tours with Paraggina Tender Line (Longer Version)
This extended version of the Paraggina Tender Line tour spans from 4 to 8 hours. It covers the same beautiful spots, including Santa Margherita, Rapallo, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, with added flexibility. This tour balances guided visits, swimming, snorkeling, and scenic rides, with the chance for longer exploration of favorite spots.
Skippers like Fabrizio or Daniel make each trip engaging, sharing local stories and customizing the route. The tour is suitable for travelers who want to see multiple villages and enjoy water activities, all in one day.
Guests appreciate the high service quality and the variety of stops, especially the time dedicated to snorkeling and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive, flexible day on the water with tailored stops, this tour offers a great mix of sightseeing and adventure.
8. Portofino: Boat Tours with Utility Portofino
Finally, the Portofino: Boat Tours with Utility Portofino provide a 4 to 8-hour experience that covers many of the same highlights as other tours. This particular tour includes stops at Santa Margherita, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli, with options for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling.
The tour emphasizes flexibility and personalized service, with experienced skippers and a variety of water-based activities. Many travelers value the ability to combine sightseeing with active pursuits like hiking or snorkeling at favored spots.
Guests mention the excellent service and the opportunity to see multiple locations without feeling rushed, making it suitable for active travelers who want to get the most out of their day.
Bottom Line: This tour is a good pick for those seeking a flexible and active day combining boat rides, snorkeling, and some hiking.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Portofino
When selecting a boat tour, consider your priorities: Do you want a private experience or a group outing? Are you interested in snorkeling or dolphin-watching? Budget and time also matter—are you looking for a quick sunset cruise or a full-day private charter? For example, if you prefer a personalized adventure, Andrea Boat Charter offers tailored experiences, while for scenic sunsets, the Rapallo Sunset Tour is ideal. If snorkel-loving travelers want marine life encounters, the Marine Protected Area is a top pick.
Booking early is recommended, especially in summer months when tours fill quickly. Check availability, and consider what activities excite you most—be it swimming, sightseeing, or relaxing with regional snacks.
Final Thoughts
Portofino’s stunning coastline offers a variety of boat experiences for every type of traveler. For a private, flexible adventure, Andrea Boat Charter is unbeatable. If a scenic sunset or a full-day exploring Cinque Terre sounds ideal, those tours won’t disappoint. For lovers of marine life and snorkeling, the Marine Protected Area tour is perfect.
No matter which option you pick, booking early will ensure you secure the best time and boat. With so many great choices, your best decision is to match the tour to your interests and pace—then enjoy that breathtaking Ligurian coast from the deck of a boat.