About this tour
A 4–8 hour boat journey departing Sestri Levante that strings together three coastal showstoppers: the stacked villages of Cinque Terre with their cliff-hanging houses and terraced vineyards, then Portovenere and its trio of offshore islands. You'll swim and snorkel in quiet bays along the way, fuelled by local Ligurian focaccia and wine served onboard. The whole trip reads as a proper introduction to the Riviera's seafaring culture rather than a rushed tick-box.
Highlights
- Five pastel villages clinging to vertical cliffs
- UNESCO-listed Portovenere and Palmaria, Tino, Tinetto islands
- Multiple stops for swimming and snorkelling in coves
- Ligurian focaccia and regional wine aboard
- Snorkelling gear and towels provided
- Suitable for all fitness levels and families with young children
What to expect
You'll board in Sestri Levante and motor along the Cinque Terre coast, where terraced vineyards tumble down to meet the water and coloured houses seem almost impossible perched on the rock face. The boat keeps moving toward Portovenere, a fortified port town with genuine history, and passes its protective trio of islands. Expect two or three swims or snorkelling sessions in protected bays—the water is clean and visibility decent. Mid-voyage, the crew will break out focaccia, cured meats, cheese and local white wine. There's no rushing; you'll have proper time in the water, not a five-minute dash.
Good to know
Bring sun protection and a rash vest if you burn easily. The boat can be rocky in rough seas. Landing fees at some villages aren't included, so carry cash. Public transport links Sestri Levante to larger towns if needed. Children under two sit on an adult's lap; prams are welcome at embarkation.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.