Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf worth booking?
Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf is a 4-hour experience in Genoa, Italy, from $405 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (20)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $405 per person
Renting a premium rib boat does NOT require a boat-driving licence and is the best way to discover the beauties of the Italian Riviera in full comfort and privacy! Make the most of your holiday and take a dive in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean! Snorkel at the discovery of the wildlife species in the Portofino Natural Reserve and take a picture with the Christ of the Abysses statue. Discover the surrounding areas, such as the stunning San Fruttuoso Abbey, or the picturesque village of Santa Margherita Ligure at your own pace. Explore the Portofino Marine Park with a blend of adventure, and relaxation. Please Note: Although a boat licence is not required, some prior boating experience is required! Our staff will take you through all the guidelines and rules as well as guide you in & out of port.
What you get
About this experience
Renting a premium rib boat does NOT require a boat-driving licence and is the best way to discover the beauties of the Italian Riviera in full comfort and privacy! Make the most of your holiday and take a dive in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean! Snorkel at the discovery of the wildlife species in the Portofino Natural Reserve and take a picture with the Christ of the Abysses statue. Discover the surrounding areas, such as the stunning San Fruttuoso Abbey, or the picturesque village of Santa Margherita Ligure at your own pace. Explore the Portofino Marine Park with a blend of adventure, and relaxation. Please Note: Although a boat licence is not required, some prior boating experience is required! Our staff will take you through all the guidelines and rules as well as guide you in & out of port.
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
19 verified traveler reviews for Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Rental in Santa Margherita
Best value for money rental in Santa Margherita Ligure! Hassle-free, boat comes with towels, water and snorkelling kit. Boat is perfect shape (we had the Soleil 18), bluetooth speakers are built-in, shower. Perfect day out along the coast of Portofino.
via Tripadvisor
Chilly Boat Tour
Professional service through the website. Confirmed via email and WhatsApp. Met on-site by a staff member. Very friendly staff. Good briefing on the boat. The boat was in very good condition and well-equipped. Towels, snorkel sets, a swim noodle, water, and Coke were included in the price. I’d gladly go again. Ciao
via Tripadvisor
Great boat tour
Amazing from Germany - would recommend
via Tripadvisor
Pre negotiate fuel charges!!!
the pre hire process with very smooth. Quick confirmation of booking and sharing of information critical to operation of the boat and boating in the approved area. Then, the day before the boat hire, i received a communication regarding the payment of fuel for the rental that could only be made in cash. We took the boat fueled at 4/8th of a tank on the fuel gauge. The boat was return with the fuel gauge show 3/8th, as we used 1/8 of a tank of fuel for the day. We were charged 100 Euros for 1/8 of a tank of gas, which was exorbitant, as it is not possible for a 6m inflatable watercraft to require 800 euros of fuel for a full tank of gas. Do not rent from this company without pre negotiation of fuels charges, or find a local company that provides boat hire at a reasonable, pre determined rate.
Response from the operator: Hi (again!) Scott, when I first read your review on Google I had the chance to appreciate much of your peculiar character. Now that you are trying to sabotage our reputation by posting the same review on every page we have I am appreciating how upset you are for being unable to scam us. Starting with the fuel. The fact that fuel is not included and that it must be paid in cash to the dock team is clearly stated on our website, partner websites and OTAs. The fact that each line of fuel is €50 was explained to you at check-in as well as where to read the litre consumption for your rental (displayed on the engine's dashboard). You gladly accepted. It is surprising how you seem so expert about boats, such that you mention it is impossible for a boat this size to have such a fuel capacity. You can check on the Salpa website that the fuel capacity of the Soleil 18 is 150 liters. Considering that the price at the boat fuel station is 2.35 € per Liter, it is well clear that what we have charged you is in line with the market price. It is even more surprising you know so much about boating you have also managed to loose your anchor. Not only you lost it but you also lost it in Zone B of the marine reserve (Punta Chiappa) where you were NOT EVEN SUPPOSED TO ANCHOR!!! Considering you went up to there - Punta Chiappa - on the other side of the mountain and spent the full day cruising around...it is incredible how you could still complain about the fuel cost. BTW your entire trip has been recorded on GPS so we know EXACTLY where you have been and HOW FAST you were going. Speeding throughout the entire marine reserve for the full day...this is the reason why ALL companies count fuel as a surcharge as (logically) one can go wherever and however during the rental. Finally, 1) you forgot your phone onboard and not even realised until we messaged you back...meaning one of the guys had to stay overtime to wait for you to come back recover it. 2) you have tried to sam us by providing a temporary card as the booking deposit so we could not charge the rest of your rental. Luckily we had the mandatory deposit and could deduct it from the there. Loosing an anchor can happen, forgetting a phone can also happen. Attempting to twist the rules or the facts should not! all the very best, ps. Don't worry about trying a different local company, your Name has been forwarded to all of them. I doubt you will have a chance.
via Tripadvisor
Do it.
15/10. If you have even the slightest experience driving a boat - you’ll be fine with no captain. This was so much fun to explore on your own time - and not have to tip anyone at the end. Gas was 50 euros extra per notch. We did 4 hours and tied up to a mooring for an hour and only used 1 notch.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Genoa.
How much does Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf cost?
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Prices start at $405 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Genoa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Genoa is not rushed.
Is Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Genoa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Genoa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Genoa and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Genoa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Genoa?
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On Outty we rank every Genoa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine, Genoa Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert, Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Genoa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Genoa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What happens to Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Genoa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Self-Drive (No Licence) Boat Rental in Portofino Gulf?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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