8 Hours Cinque Terre with Lunch on Boat in Spezia

Introduction

A trip exploring the famous villages of Cinque Terre by boat offers a fresh perspective that land-based visits simply can’t match. This 8-hour tour from La Spezia, operated by Blue Breeze, promises a full-day experience with visits to iconic villages, swimming in secluded coves, and a hearty Ligurian lunch served onboard. With reviews highlighting knowledgeable guides, breathtaking views, and excellent food, it seems like a superb way to see the coast without the crowds.

What really attracts us is the combination of sightseeing, swimming, and dining on the water—giving you a relaxed yet active day. The boat’s amenities, like a large bathroom and showers, add a layer of comfort for such a lengthy trip. However, one consideration is the weather dependency; rough seas or high wave conditions can alter plans, as some reviewers noted. This tour is best suited for travelers who love being on the water, enjoy scenic views, and don’t mind some flexibility if the weather isn’t perfect.

If you’re after a beautiful, laid-back day that combines sightseeing with the chance to cool off in the sea, this tour offers real value. It’s especially ideal for those who want to escape crowded town streets and experience Cinque Terre’s coast from a different angle, while also enjoying great food and drinks.

Key Points

• Scenic Coastal Views: Experience Cinque Terre’s villages and coast from the water, offering a unique photo-worthy perspective.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Multiple stops at beaches, caves, and villages—plus swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Expert Guides and Crew: Knowledgeable hosts like Luca, Lucca, Marco, and Daniela make the journey engaging and comfortable.
• Delicious Lunch & Drinks: Enjoy a Ligurian meal onboard featuring pesto, pasta, Caprese, and unlimited wine, beer, and Prosecco.
• Flexible Stops: Option to disembark and explore villages like Vernazza and Monterosso, or stay onboard for more swimming.
• Weather-Dependent: The trip’s success relies on calm seas; rough weather might limit certain activities or prevent visiting all villages.

What to Expect from the Tour

Departure and Initial Sightseeing

The adventure starts in La Spezia’s Porto Mirabello at 10 a.m., where you’ll board a comfortable boat operated by Blue Breeze. The crew, including seasoned guides like Luca and Daniela, set a friendly tone right away. The first stop is Portovenere, a picture-perfect town with the San Pietro church, a historic castle, and Byron’s Grotto. Expect around 50 minutes exploring the scenery from the sea and snapping photos of the dramatic coastline.

Visiting Byron’s Grotto and Beaches

The ride continues with a 15-minute stop at Grotta di Byron, a legendary cave that Byron himself admired. Here, you’ll get the chance to swim in the waters beneath the cave, with about 40 minutes allocated for a dip at Le Rosse beach with its distinctive red rocks. Reviewers mention that the cave and beach are truly stunning and worth the visit, with some noting the vibrant seabed perfect for snorkeling.

Snorkeling and Beach Time at Monesteroli

Next, the boat moves to Monesteroli, a beach known for its spectacular seabed. Guests often praise this spot for its clarity and the vibrant marine life, making it a top choice for snorkelers. Here, you can swim among fish, relax with drinks, or just soak up the sun. The 40-minute stop is enough to recharge before heading to the charming villages.

Village Hopping: Cinque Terre

The core of the tour is the visit to the five villages, experienced from the sea. Riomaggiore kicks off the village visits; from the water, you’ll admire its colourful houses and rocky coastline. About 20 minutes are allotted here to take photos and soak in the scenery. Then comes Manarola and Corniglia, each offering a glimpse of classic Italian charm and picturesque streets.

Vernazza gets a longer stop—about 45 minutes—allowing you to step ashore, explore the square, and perhaps grab a quick coffee or gelato. The last village, Monterosso, is a highlight, with over an hour to dive into the open water, relax on the beach, or enjoy a drink directly in the sea via floating trays—something that many guests find memorable. Reviewers consistently mention their appreciation for the opportunity to see these villages from water level, avoiding the crowds common on land.

Snorkeling at Guvano Beach and Final Swims

The tour includes stops at secluded coves like Guvano Beach, where you can snorkel or simply relax. The lunch is served on the boat during this time, featuring Ligurian specialties like pasta al Pesto, Muscles, Caprese, and fresh fruit. Unlimited drinks—Prosecco, wine, beer—keep the mood lively, with many reviews praising the quality and quantity of the food and beverages.

Return Journey and Last Swim

On the way back, the boat makes another stop in Portovenere for a final swim, with the crew ensuring everyone stays comfortable and has enough time to relax. The return to La Spezia is usually smooth, with many guests saying the whole day exceeded their expectations.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Cinque Terre from the sea with knowledgeable guides like Luca, Marco, and Chiara. Guests frequently praise their commentary, which brings each site to life and shares insights only a local could provide. For example, one review highlights how Luca gave a running commentary on sights and what to expect, making the experience more engaging.

Guests also appreciate the quality of the food and drinks, with some reviewers calling the lunch “outstanding” and noting the abundance of wine and Prosecco. The boat itself is described as in excellent condition, with amenities like a large bathroom, shower, and plenty of deck space for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

The snorkeling opportunities at beaches like Monesteroli and Guvano are often praised, especially the seabed views and the ease of swimming among fish. For many, these stops are the highlight of the day, offering a refreshing break from sightseeing.

The Downsides to Consider

While the experience is generally well-loved, some reviews point to potential drawbacks. Weather conditions play a significant role—if the seas are rough, the captain might decide to alter the plan or skip certain stops. Several guests noted that their trip was cut short or that they couldn’t make it out to the villages, which was disappointing given the main reason for their visit.

A few reviewers mention issues like slow boat speed or minor technical hiccups, but these seem relatively rare. One guest pointed out that trying to find the exact meeting point in La Spezia was a struggle, so arriving early and locating the boat patiently is advisable.

Value for Money and Who It’s For

At $188.91 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day out, including multiple swimming stops, a guided experience, and a substantial Ligurian lunch. Many reviewers agree that the value is good, especially considering the small group size (limited to 12 travelers), the quality of food, and the personalized service from the crew.

This tour is perfect for sea lovers, foodies, and those who prefer a relaxed, scenic approach to exploring Cinque Terre. It’s ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for an authentic, comfortable way to see the coast without the hustle of land-based tours. However, it’s less suited for travelers wanting to walk through the villages or who prefer a land-only excursion.

The Sum Up

This 8-hour boat tour from La Spezia offers an excellent way to experience Cinque Terre from a different vantage point. The combination of stunning coastlines, charming villages, snorkeling spots, and a delicious lunch makes it a well-rounded experience that appeals to many travelers. The knowledgeable guides, friendly crew, and small group size create an intimate setting, perfect for those seeking a personalized adventure.

While weather can influence the itinerary, most guests find the experience to be a worthwhile and memorable day out. It’s especially recommended for those who want to avoid the crowds on land, enjoy water-based activities, and indulge in authentic Ligurian cuisine with unlimited drinks.

If you’re a fan of scenic boat trips, love swimming, and want to see Cinque Terre at a relaxed pace, this tour could be one of the highlights of your trip to Italy’s Ligurian coast.

FAQ

Is food included in the tour?
Yes, a Ligurian lunch featuring bruschetta, pasta al Pesto or Muscles, Caprese, and unlimited drinks is included. Many guests find the meal delicious and generously portioned.

Can I disembark at the villages?
Yes, you can get off in Vernazza and Monterosso for about 40-45 minutes each. Other stops are only for sightseeing and swimming from the boat.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. In case of rough seas, the captain may decide to cancel or modify the itinerary for safety, which some guests noted happened.

How many people are on each boat?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

What amenities are available onboard?
The boat has a large bathroom, shower, and plenty of deck space. Snacks, water, and drinks are served throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention traveling with teens and young children, with stops tailored to swimming and relaxing in the sea.

This detailed review should help you decide whether a boat tour of Cinque Terre from La Spezia fits your travel style. It offers a great mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cuisine, making it a memorable way to experience Italy’s stunning Ligurian coastline.