Cinque Terre and Liguria

Portovenere Boat Tour from La Spezia

  • Private Tour
  • 7 Hours
  • Cinque Terre and Liguria
  • 2 reviews

Get away from the crowds and enjoy a private boat cruise from La Spezia. Discover the Gulf of Poets and the lovely town of Porto Venere

  • Icona puntinoStop for swimming in the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean
  • Icona puntinoEnjoy a day at sea on a private boat tour departing from La Spezia and discover the beautiful Gulf of the Poets 
  • Icona puntinoDisembark and visit the lovely town of Porto Venere
  • Icona puntinoExtend to a full-day tour, discover the charming town of Lerici, enjoy lunch on the sea
  • Icona puntinoA super-romantic experience perfect for couples
  • Includes fuel, tax, towels, beverages onboard
  • Private boat with friendly English-speaking captain
  • Exclusive experience dedicated to you
  • Flexible tour that we can customize for you
  • Available as HALF-DAY or FULL-DAY Tour

Description:

Sail into one of Italy’s most poetic and romantic seascapes on a private boat tour to Portovenere and the Gulf of the Poets, the stunning marine area surrounding La Spezia.

Protected, scenic, and deeply evocative, this stretch of Ligurian coastline has inspired writers, artists, and travelers for centuries—and the best way to experience it is from the water.

This private yacht experience is designed for travelers who want to slow down, breathe in the sea air, and explore hidden coves, pastel villages, and historic seaside towns without crowds.

Whether you’re arriving by cruise ship, train, or staying in a local hotel, this tour offers a seamless, elegant way to discover Portovenere, Lerici, and the most beautiful corners of the Gulf of Poets at your own pace.

 

Itinerary

Meeting Your Skipper & Departure from La Spezia

Your private boat tour begins at Porto Mirabello, La Spezia’s modern marina, where you’ll meet your experienced local skipper. If you are coming on a cruise, the skipper can meet you at the cruise terminal of La Spezia’s port. After boarding the motor yacht of your choice, you’ll set off along the coastline of the Gulf of Poets, with its dramatic cliffs, crystalline waters, and quiet bays accessible only by boat.

Cruising the Gulf of the Poets

As you cruise along the shoreline, you’ll admire charming seaside villages such as Marola, Cadimare, Fezzano, and Le Grazie. Their old houses seem to rise directly from the sea, creating a postcard-perfect landscape that feels authentic and unspoiled. Your skipper will navigate close to hidden coves, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and swim in the bright blue waters of the Ligurian Sea or simply relax on deck.

Portovenere & the UNESCO Islands

The highlight of the tour is the arrival in Portovenere, one of Liguria’s most enchanting towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll disembark to explore the narrow medieval streets known as caruggi, visit the iconic Church of St. Peter perched above the sea, and discover the imposing Doria Castle.

From Portovenere, enjoy breathtaking views over the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto—wild, rugged, and protected, they represent some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire region.

Half-Day Option: 4 Hours

If you choose the half-day tour, after visiting Portovenere you’ll sail toward the evocative Byron Grotto, a secluded rocky inlet named after the poet Lord Byron. After enjoying the scenery and sea, you’ll return to Porto Mirabello, ending a perfectly balanced coastal escape.

Full-Day Option: 6-8 Hours

With the full-day tour, your journey continues toward Lerici, a lively yet elegant seaside town overlooking the eastern edge of the Gulf. You’ll disembark to stroll through its picturesque streets, dominated by the Castle of San Giorgio, and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a traditional Ligurian restaurant with sea views. Lunch is not included, but your skipper will be happy to recommend excellent local options. In the afternoon, you’ll cruise back to La Spezia, soaking in the final views of the coast.

 

Why Choose This Tour

  • Fully private experience with your own yacht and dedicated skipper
  • Flexible half-day or full-day itinerary, customizable to your interests
  • Ideal shore excursion from the port of La Spezia, with easy logistics
  • Access to hidden coves, swimming spots, and coastal villages unreachable by land
  • Local expertise and relaxed pace, far from crowded group tours

 

Who Is This Tour For

  • Couples looking for a romantic and scenic experience
  • Families with children who enjoy swimming and open spaces
  • Groups of friends celebrating a special occasion
  • Cruise passengers seeking a stress-free private shore excursion
  • Travelers staying in La Spezia or nearby villages

 

Book Your Private Boat Tour from La Spezia

Reserve your private boat tour of the Gulf of Poets online, or contact us to customize the itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed half day on the water or a full-day adventure with lunch ashore, we’ll tailor the experience to make it unforgettable.

 

FAQs – Portovenere Boat Private Tour from La Spezia

How long is the tour?
You can choose between a half-day or full-day private boat tour. Duration depends on the option selected and any customizations.

Where does the tour start?
The standard meeting point is Porto Mirabello in La Spezia. Details will be emailed after booking. Other pickup points may be available on request.

Is this tour suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes, this is an ideal shore excursion from the port of La Spezia, with timing designed to fit cruise schedules.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included. On the full-day tour, you’ll stop in Lerici and receive restaurant recommendations from your skipper.

Is the tour family friendly?
Yes, families with children are welcome. Swimming stops and flexible pacing make it enjoyable for all ages.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is subject to sea and weather conditions. If navigation is considered unsafe, the tour will be canceled and you’ll receive a full refund.

Can the itinerary be customized?
Absolutely. This is a private tour, and we’re happy to adapt the route, stops, or timing to your preferences.

 

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Included:

  • Private boat
  • Private English-speaking skipper
  • Fuel
  • Port fees and tax
  • Towels and beverages onboard

Not included:

  • Lunch

Languages:

Italian, English

Meeting point:

At the port of La Spezia (details will be emailed). Contact us for other pick-up points

Duration:

7 Hours

Dress code:

Swimsuit, sunscreen, sun glasses, hat

Options:

HALF DAY TOUR - 21 FT - INCLUDED

FULL DAY TOUR - 21 FT

HALF DAY TOUR - 30 FT

FULL DAY TOUR - 30 FT

Reviews

(2 reviews)
28/07/2025

Laura H.

Vancouver - Canada

We booked the full-day tour and chose the upgrade to the nicer boat and couldn’t be happier. The boat was comfortable, well-equipped, and felt very exclusive. The skipper was friendly yet respected our privacy. Cruising past the small villages before reaching Portovenere was magical. We loved having time to walk the town, take photos, and just wander without a guide pushing us along. Lunch in Lerici was relaxed and delicious, with amazing sea views. Everything felt thoughtfully planned but never rigid. It was romantic and luxurious without feeling over-the-top. Highly recommended

25/06/2025

Jaylen P.

Boulder - CO

Laid-back, beautiful, and perfectly paced. Music on, drinks cold, perfect swim, scenery unreal. Exactly what we wanted.