Boat Tours from Portovenere: Gulf of Poets, Cinque Terre & Portofino

Few places are better explored by sea than the Gulf of Poets, Cinque Terre and Portofino. While the colorful waterfront of Portovenere is beautiful from land, the real magic lies just beyond the harbor: hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, sea caves, crystal-clear water, and islands that can only truly be appreciated from a boat.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the water, a romantic sunset cruise, or a full-day adventure to the Cinque Terre or Portofino, a private boat tour is one of the most memorable experiences you can enjoy during your stay in Portovenere.

This article was first published in 2016 and last updated in July 2026.

Why take a boat tour in the Gulf of Poets?

The Gulf of Poets has inspired writers, artists and travelers for centuries. From the waters that captivated Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley to the picturesque villages of Portovenere, Lerici and Tellaro, every stretch of coastline reveals a different perspective.

Many of the gulf’s most beautiful swimming spots, secluded beaches and sea caves are inaccessible by road, making a boat excursion the perfect way to discover a quieter and more authentic side of Liguria.

Whether you prefer to spend your day swimming, snorkeling, enjoying an aperitivo on board or simply admiring the scenery, there’s a boat and itinerary to suit every style of travel.

Private Gozzo Tours

One of the most authentic ways to explore the Ligurian coast is aboard a traditional Ligurian gozzo. Once used by local fishermen, these elegant wooden boats have become a symbol of the region, combining timeless design with the comfort needed for a relaxing day at sea.

Several gozzi are available for private boat tours departing directly from Portovenere’s harbor. Guests staying at Grand Hotel Portovenere, for example, can choose from the hotel’s own fleet of Gozzo Mimì boats, available in different sizes for groups of up to eight guests. Larger models also feature an onboard bathroom for added comfort.

The hotel’s boats are equipped with drinks, snacks and snorkeling equipment, so you can simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Poets at your own pace.

As expert travel blogger Georgette Jupe from Italy Magazine put it:

“[Portovenere’s] clean waters beckon to locals looking for a cool respite during the summer’s hottest months, and if I were you, I’d hire the Grand Hotel Portovenere’s boat to take me around this pretty island and around Portovenere itself. I can’t imagine a classier way to zip around this majestic place, it’s a place that should be visited by boat.”

Gozzo Mimì Private Tours

• Gulf of Poets Half-Day Tour (4 hours). Explore the coastline around Portovenere with a local skipper, who will take you to hidden coves, crystal-clear swimming spots and scenic corners known mostly to locals. A bottle of Prosecco and snacks are included on board.
• Gulf of Poets Full-Day Tour (8 hours). Spend an entire day exploring the Gulf of Poets, stopping to swim in secluded bays and enjoying the relaxed rhythm of the Ligurian coast. An aperitif served on board makes this an unforgettable way to experience one of Italy’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.
• Cinque Terre Half-Day Tour (4 hours). Perfect if you’d like to admire the famous villages from the sea without committing to a full day. Cruise along the spectacular coastline, stop for a swim, and relax with Prosecco and snacks included.
• Cinque Terre Full-Day Tour (8 hours). Discover the Cinque Terre from its most spectacular perspective. You’ll cruise along the coastline, stop in Vernazza and Monterosso, swim in beautiful coves, and have time to enjoy lunch ashore before returning to Portovenere.
• Sunset Tour with Aperitivo (3 hours) As the afternoon light turns golden, sail around Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, visit Byron’s Grotto and other spectacular sea caves, stop for a swim, and finish the evening with an aperitivo featuring local focaccia and pizza.

Other Private Boat Tours from Portovenere

Several other private boats are available from the town’s harbour for visitors wishing to explore different itineraries.

Gulf of Poets Tours

Choose from several boats and itineraries designed to explore the islands, hidden beaches and picturesque villages of the gulf.

Available options include:

• Gozzo Muscun for panoramic tours and island cruises around Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
• Holiday Blitz, ideal for full-day private exploration of hidden coves and secluded beaches.
• Sea Runner, a comfortable Cap Camarat offering a full-day Gulf of Poets experience with swimming stops and a Ligurian aperitif on board.

Cinque Terre Private Boat Tours

Exploring the Cinque Terre by boat allows you to admire the iconic villages from the sea while avoiding much of the summer crowds.

Available boats include:

• Sea Runner for both half-day and full-day tours, with authorization to dock in Monterosso and Vernazza.
• Holiday Blitz is able to dock in all five Cinque Terre villages, allowing complete flexibility throughout the day.
• Moby Dick, a charming former fishing boat offering a more traditional experience with coastal navigation, swimming stops and an onboard aperitif.

Private Boat Tour to Portofino

If you’d like to venture further along the Ligurian Riviera, Sea Runner also offers an unforgettable full-day private excursion to Portofino.

Cruise along one of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines before arriving in the elegant harbor of Portofino, enjoying a traditional Ligurian aperitif and light lunch served on board.

You can choose between:

• Portofino & San Fruttuoso, including the beautiful abbey nestled in its secluded bay.
• Portofino & Cinque Terre, combining two of Liguria’s most iconic destinations in a single day.

The experience includes a private skipper, beach towels, snorkeling equipment, Wi-Fi, drinks and a customizable light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you ever sail in the Gulf of Poets, Cinque Terre and Portofino?

Did you discover hidden coves and secluded beaches that can only be reached by boat? Share in the comments!