Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper worth booking?
Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper is a 2.5-hour experience in Cinque Terre, Italy, from $109 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $109 per person
The best way to experience the Cinque Terre — away from the crowds. Cruise along the coastline on a small group boat, swim in crystal-clear water, and discover hidden spots only accessible by sea while taking in all five villages from the water. Led by a local skipper, this relaxed and scenic experience offers a unique perspective of the coastline, far from the busy ferries and crowded viewpoints. You’ll have time to swim, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Cinque Terre at your own pace. With limited space on board, this small group tour feels personal and unhurried — the perfect mix of sightseeing and time on the water. For many of our guests, it becomes the highlight of their trip.
What you get
About this experience
The best way to experience the Cinque Terre — away from the crowds. Cruise along the coastline on a small group boat, swim in crystal-clear water, and discover hidden spots only accessible by sea while taking in all five villages from the water. Led by a local skipper, this relaxed and scenic experience offers a unique perspective of the coastline, far from the busy ferries and crowded viewpoints. You’ll have time to swim, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of the Cinque Terre at your own pace. With limited space on board, this small group tour feels personal and unhurried — the perfect mix of sightseeing and time on the water. For many of our guests, it becomes the highlight of their trip.
What's included
Included
- Use of snorkeling equipment
What you'll see and do
Riomaggiore
We depart from Riomaggiore and head out along the coastline, giving you a stunning view of the village from the sea — one of the best perspectives you can get.
10 minutes here
Via dell'Amore
Cruising along the famous Via dell’Amore, you’ll see the dramatic cliffs connecting Riomaggiore and Manarola while your skipper shares local stories and history.
Pass by without stopping
Manarola
We then arrive in front of Manarola, one of the most iconic villages of the Cinque Terre, where we’ll stop for photos before heading to one of our favorite hidden swimming spots nearby. Here, you’ll have time to swim in clear, calm water away from the crowds.
30 minutes here
Corniglia
Continuing along the coast, we pass Corniglia, the only village perched high above the sea, and stop again for photos and a short explanation of its unique history.
20 minutes here
Cinque Terre
As we cruise toward Vernazza, we’ll show you small caves and hidden corners of the coastline that are only accessible by boat. The water here is incredibly clear, and you’ll often see fish swimming below.
30 minutes here
Vernazza
In Vernazza, we stop in front of the harbor for a perfect photo opportunity, with colorful houses and restaurants perched along the cliffs.
30 minutes here
Monterosso al Mare
We then continue to Monterosso, following the rugged coastline and taking in views you can only experience from the water, before slowly making our way back toward Riomaggiore. The itinerary may vary slightly depending on sea conditions to ensure the best swimming spots and experience
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- CinqueTerre Getawayboattour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
7 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Definitely recommended.
Very nice boat trip that gives you an overall idea of Cinque Terra and great views of the towns. Our captain was very friendly, informative and spoke very good English. Ideal duration for us, not too long or too short. We also loved the small group size, but remember if you are very prone to sea sickness, the boat is quite small. Definitely recommended. Note that Tripadvisor sends you to where their office used to be, so you need to figure out where it is now.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible boat tour of the five villages of the Cinque Terre, thanks to Beppe
A perfect afternoon, with incredible scenery and an opportunity to swim off the boat in the most idyllic cove within the Cinque Terre, but the experience made so much more special by our skipper, Beppe. He is a local man with fantastic knowledge of the area and he was chatty and warm from start to finish. My kids loved his sense of humour and he kept us entertained throughout. If you want a boat tour of the area, look no further and ask for Beppe!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! This is exactly what makes Beppe such a special part of Get Away Boat Tour. He grew up here, knows these waters inside and out, and loves sharing the Cinque Terre through his stories, humor and local knowledge. We especially love hearing that your kids enjoyed him as much as you did! A beautiful swim, incredible views of all five villages and plenty of laughs with Beppe sounds like a pretty perfect afternoon to us. Thank you for such a wonderful recommendation!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience with 2 small children
We had a wonderful experience with Beppe. We went with 2 children of 4 and 5 years old. Beppe made them feel very welcome and offered some lifejackets for swimming. They enjoyed it both very much. We also had a fantastic time. Beppe gave us a lot of information and was happy to answer all of our questions. Its very nice to experience cinque terra away from the very busy land and to have the stunning views on the water in a small boat. Would 100% recommand.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We love hearing when families enjoy the experience together, and Beppe is especially wonderful at making our youngest guests feel comfortable and included. Knowing your 4- and 5-year-olds felt safe enough to get in the water and enjoy the swim makes us very happy! Experiencing the Cinque Terre from a small boat is such a different way to see the villages—away from the busy streets, with space to relax, ask questions and take in those incredible views from the sea. Thank you for trusting us with your family and for the wonderful recommendation! Warmly, Kelly from Get Away Boat Tour
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful Tour!
Incredible experience. Our guide Pepe took the time to give the history of each town as well as personal stories that added life to the trip and made it feel truly authentic. He also took many photos for us to remember! We were able to coast near the cliffs and see into some of the caves. The water at the end is pristine and the perfect end to the tour. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! Beppe’s personal stories are one of our favorite parts of the experience—they give you a glimpse of what it’s really like to grow up here, beyond simply learning the history of the five villages. We’re so glad you enjoyed getting close to the cliffs and caves, the photos Beppe took for you, and of course that final swim in the beautiful Ligurian water. Thank you for choosing to experience the Cinque Terre with us! Warmly, Kelly from Get Away Boat Tour
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trip snd guide
The tour was amazing. The guide couldn’t have been better. So friendly and made sure everyone on board was having a good time. He was very knowledgeable about each town and made sure that everyone could get great photos from every angle. He made my son feel so special when he found him a jellyfish in the water and let him drive the boat home. My son is still talking about the trip!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We especially love hearing that your son is still talking about the tour. Those little moments—spotting a jellyfish together and getting a turn at the wheel—often become the memories kids take home with them. Our captains really do try to make everyone on board feel part of the experience, while sharing the stories of each village and making sure you go home with some fantastic photos too. Thank you for choosing to explore the Cinque Terre with us! Warmly, Kelly from Get Away Boat Tour
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cinque Terre.
How much does Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper cost?
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Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cinque Terre usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Cinque Terre is not rushed.
Is Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cinque Terre, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper?
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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 Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper?
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Around 11 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper 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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?
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On Outty we rank every Cinque Terre experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cinque Terre and Pisa Tower Small-Group Day Trip from Florence, Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour from Monterosso, From Florence: Cinque Terre & Pisa Day Trip. 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 Cinque Terre?
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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 Cinque Terre?
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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 is included in Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper?
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Included: Use of snorkeling equipment. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Cinque Terre. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper?
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Across 30 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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