Porto Venere stands out as a prime spot for boat lovers. Its rugged coastline, colorful villages, and famous Gulf of Poets create the perfect backdrop for a memorable boat trip. Whether you’re after a romantic sunset sail or an all-day adventure exploring the Cinque Terre, the options are impressive. We especially love the Cinque Terre: Sunset cruise with aperitif for its magical atmosphere and stunning views, and the Portovenere: Gulf Poets and Islands boat trip with lunch for those wanting a relaxed day with fantastic food and scenery. Both tours highlight the area’s natural beauty and offer authentic experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Want to see more? Check out this article for a detailed overview of the sunset cruise.
Quick Overview
The best boat experiences in Porto Venere range from short sunset cruises to multi-hour private tours. Some include swimming and snorkeling, others focus on exploring the villages of Cinque Terre or the Gulf of Poets, and a few combine luxury and fine dining. Many tours are highly rated, with reviews emphasizing the scenic beauty and quality of the food or service. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top-rated experience to help you pick the perfect trip.
1. Cinque Terre: Sunset cruise tour with aperitif
At number 1, this 3-hour sunset cruise offers a romantic view of the Italian coast from the water. Starting from Cinque Terre Ferries, the tour takes you along the coast, past Porto Venere, and around Palmaria Island, finishing with a spectacular sunset at Byron Grotto. The highlight is the full aperitif and the atmosphere—perfect for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic moment. Guests praise the romantic setting and the spectacular views of the sun sinking into the sea.
What makes this cruise special is its timing—watching the sunset from the water adds a magical touch. The boat remains close to the coast, giving you incredible photo opportunities. The full aperitif with drinks and snacks enhances the experience without rushing it. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing. This tour is ideal for romantics or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic evening. The main drawback? Its short duration means you won’t see everything, but for a quick, memorable experience, it’s hard to beat.
Bottom Line: This sunset cruise offers a romantic, calming experience with breathtaking views, perfect for an early evening escape.
2. SIGHTSEEING AND SWIMMING BOAT TOUR
Next on our list, this 2.5-hour tour takes you around the archipelago of Portovenere with stops for swimming and exploring caves with crystal-clear water. The suggestive landscape of the three islands is the main draw, and the stops for swimming are what makes this trip stand out. Guests rave about the “mare incantevole” (enchanting sea) and the excellent service.
This tour is perfect if you want a short but immersive adventure that combines sightseeing with the chance to cool off in the water. The itinerary includes stops at caves with beautiful scenery and the opportunity to swim in pristine waters. Reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the “molto apprezzate” (much appreciated) stops for bathing. The tour’s 2.5-hour length strikes a good balance, especially if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the area’s beauty. It’s best suited for families or active travelers who want some downtime for swimming.
Bottom Line: A short, lively tour that highlights the natural beauty and offers refreshing swims in crystal waters—great for a quick escape.
3. Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Boat Tour
At number 3, this 5-hour tour takes you from Levanto or Monterosso, passing by the colorful villages of Cinque Terre and ending with a visit to Porto Venere. It’s the most comprehensive on our list, combining spectacular views, swimming, and sightseeing. The itinerary includes stops at Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, with photo stops, guided tours, and scenic viewpoints.
The real highlight is the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the pristine waters of Cinque Terre while enjoying an onboard aperitif. Guests love the variety—from local food and drinks to cultural exploration. One reviewer mentions that the scenic views and stops for swimming made it an unforgettable day. The tour is suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore multiple spots in one day. The main consideration is the length, so it’s best for those with a full day available.
Bottom Line: For anyone wanting a full immersive experience, this tour combines sightseeing, swimming, and local flavors—worth the time.
4. Portovenere: Gulf Poets and Islands boat trip with lunch
Number 4 offers a relaxed five-hour journey around the Gulf of Poets, with stops at the Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Islands. The highlight here is the lunch—cooked fresh on the boat with fished catch—and the chance to swim in stunning coves. Starting from Portovenere, this trip is perfect for food lovers who want scenic views and excellent water activities.
What makes this tour stand out is the quality of the meal, with local, freshly prepared dishes. The water games and snorkeling are fun for all ages, and the music creates a lively atmosphere. Reviewers praise the spectacular scenery and the wonderful food, with one saying it was a “magical day”. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive experience with good food and water fun. The longer duration allows for more relaxed exploration and swimming.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day with scenic cruising, swimming, and excellent food—ideal for foodies and water lovers.
5. 5 TERRE PRIVATE BOAT TOUR WITH SKIPPER
Number 5 offers an 8-hour private adventure exploring the villages of Cinque Terre and the archipelago with a skipper. Starting from Cooperativa Barcaioli Portovenere, the trip includes stops at Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, and Monterosso, plus visits to Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto Islands. It’s the most flexible tour, allowing you to customize your day.
What makes this experience unique is the private nature—you can choose where to spend more time, swim in crystal-clear coves, and explore the coastline at your pace. The hydrojet boat moves swiftly between locations, offering a sense of adventure. Reviews emphasize the spectacular scenery and excellent organization. This tour suits travelers who value privacy, flexibility, and a luxurious experience. The main consideration is the cost and longer duration, so it’s better for those with more time and budget.
Bottom Line: For a customized, private experience exploring the best of Cinque Terre and nearby islands, this tour is hard to beat.
6. GHP BOAT – PRIVATE SUNSET TOUR WITH APERITIVO
At number 6, this 2-hour private sunset cruise from Portovenere is perfect for a romantic, intimate experience. It includes viewing the three islands, a stop for swimming, and an aperitif with wine and focaccia. The panoramic views during sunset make it a memorable choice, especially for couples.
What sets this apart is its personalized nature—it’s a private tour, so you can tailor the experience. Guests love the gourmet aperitif and the peaceful atmosphere. The short duration makes it an ideal evening activity without requiring a full day. Suitable for romantic couples or those looking for a relaxing, scenic evening. The main limitation could be the short time frame if you want more sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A private, scenic sunset experience perfect for couples seeking romantic views and a relaxed pace.
7. GHP LUXURY BOAT 4 HOURS PRIVATE TOUR – GULF OF THE POETS
Number 7 features a 4-hour luxury private cruise around the Gulf of the Poets. Starting from Portovenere, this trip offers views of Lerici, Tellaro, and the islands. There’s a stop in Lerici, opportunities for swimming, and a focus on scenic, comfortable cruising.
The luxury Tullio Abbate boat adds a touch of elegance, while the water stops provide a chance to cool off. Reviewers appreciate the scenic views and the luxurious experience. This tour is ideal for those seeking comfort and exclusivity while exploring the coastline. Its shorter four-hour length makes it suitable for travelers with limited time but a desire for a high-end experience.
Bottom Line: For luxury seekers and those who prefer a more private, refined experience, this tour delivers scenic beauty with comfort.
8. GOZZO – SUNSET TOUR WITH APERITIVO PRIVATE BOAT
This 2-hour private sunset tour from Portovenere is similar to the GHP boat but offers a more intimate setting. It includes viewing the three islands, swimming, and enjoying an aperitif with focaccia and white wine. The panoramic sunset views create a perfect romantic environment.
Guests love the personalized service and the gourmet snacks. The short duration makes it an ideal evening activity for couples or small groups. The small size of the boat means a more personalized experience. Like the other sunset tours, it’s best suited for romantic outings rather than full-day adventures.
Bottom Line: A private, intimate sunset experience that combines scenic views, swimming, and good food.
9. Portovenere: Gulf Poet & Islands private boat trip with meal
Number 9 offers a 5-hour private tour exploring Palmaria and Tino Islands with a lunch on board featuring freshly caught fish. It includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, making it perfect for water enthusiasts.
What makes this tour special is the combination of privacy, gourmet food, and water activities. The music onboard enhances the relaxed vibe, and reviewers describe it as a “magical day”. It’s suited for travelers who want a personalized experience with good food and water fun. The longer duration allows for more leisurely exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food-loving water explorers seeking a private, customizable day.
10. Portovenere: Gulf Poet & Islands sunset boat trip with dinner
Number 10 offers a 4-hour sunset cruise around Palmaria and Tino Islands, ending with a dinner on board. The freshly caught fish and water stops make it a delightful evening, especially with the music, water games, and spectacular sunset views.
Guests praise the dinner for being restaurant-quality and the navigation skills of the captain. The combination of sunset, scenery, and good food makes it a popular choice for romantic dinners and special occasions. It’s perfect for those who want to combine scenic cruising with a memorable meal.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, sunset dinner cruise suited for couples celebrating something special or looking for a high-end evening.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Porto Venere
When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a romantic sunset, the private tours (GHP BOAT or Gozzo) are ideal. For full-day exploration, the Cinque Terre & Porto Venere Boat Tour (link) covers all the highlights.
If water activities top your list, the sightseeing and swimming tour (link) or the private Tino Island trip (link) are excellent choices. Budget travelers will appreciate shorter options like the sunset cruises (link) for their affordability.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your preferred time and ensure a spot on these popular boats.
Final Thoughts
Porto Venere offers a diverse selection of boat trips that cater to different tastes—from romantic sunsets to full-day explorations of Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. For luxury seekers, the private and luxury tours provide a more customized experience, while adventurers will love the opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
For couples, the sunset cruises (GHP Boat or Gozzo) are perfect for creating special memories. Families and active travelers will find the sightseeing and swimming tours more suited to their needs. No matter your style, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these spectacular experiences.