Top Cinque Terre Cruises & Sailing

Travelers love touring the seaside villages of Cinque Terre via boat. Based on past reviews, these cruises are the best:

• Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour Experience
• Sunset Cinque Terre Boat Tour with a Traditional Ligurian Gozzo from Monterosso
• Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour
• Cinque Terre Sunset Boat Tour
• Day Boat Tour Cinque Terre and Porto Venere

Yes, Cinque Terre boat tours are worth it, especially if your trip isn’t long enough for you to explore all five towns on foot. While you can enjoy fabulous views of the colorful villages from the Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail, the best—and most relaxing—way to take in the complete coastline is from the water.

The cost of a Cinque Terre boat tour depends on the group's size and the duration of the experience. Many 3-hour tours run for US$100–US$150 and accommodate a maximum of 12 people. If you’d like to hire a private boat, expect to spend upwards of US$500 per group.

Dinner cruises last about three hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy flowing wine and a typical Ligurian meal while snapping pictures of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Tours start in the early evening, so you’ll catch the sunset and the sparkling coastline after dark.

Yes, but most people use other modes of transportation. There’s no direct ferry from Cinque Terre to Portofino, but you could take the train to Rapallo and then a 30-minute ferry to Portofino. Hiring a private boat is more expensive, but it would certainly get you there more comfortably and with better views.

Cinque Terre boat tours typically cruise past all five seaside villages and stop at scenic coves and swimming spots. Many have water and snorkeling equipment on board, including local wines, focaccia, and olives tastings. Most tours aren’t long enough to stop in the villages of Cinque Terre, so be sure to plan another time to walk around the towns if you’re interested in exploring more.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Cinque Terre aside from boat tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises

• Snorkeling

• Cooking Classes

• Stand-Up Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

Cinque Terre boat tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• 3-Hour One-Way Sunset Boat Tour from Monterosso to La Spezia

• 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia

• Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour from Monterosso

• Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif from Monterosso

• Cinque Terre Daytime Boat Tour unique shared experience

Before booking a Cinque Terre boat tour, check the departure point—many trips leave from Monterosso al Mare, but you might be staying in Manarola, for example. Read the description carefully, too; some tours provide lunch and snorkeling equipment for a full day on the water, while shorter excursions cruise along the coastline for quick photo-ops at each Cinque Terre town.

Pack a hat, sunscreen, a towel, and water for heading out on a Cinque Terre boat tour. If your tour stops for swimming or snorkeling, check ahead to see if the package you’ve booked provides snorkeling gear. While some tours have set itineraries, others may be customizable for your group’s interests. Ask your local guide about the best places in Cinque Terre to swim, dine, watch the sunset, and explore—insights will be handy throughout your trip.

May to September is the best time of year for Cinque Terre boat tours, and prime sailing conditions mean you’ll be able to choose from a variety of cruise options. While the seaside towns may be packed with visitors, you can admire the coastline away from the crowds, and the Ligurian Sea is pleasantly warm and perfect for swimming.