MONTEROSSO AL MARE BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Afternoon at Sea: Snorkel the Cinque Terre from Monterosso and Toast the Coast
A three-hour afternoon boat outing from Monterosso that skirts all five villages, includes a swim and snorkeling stop in the marine protected area, and finishes with an onboard aperitif—this guide tells you what to expect and what to pack.
Afternoon at Sea: Snorkel the Cinque Terre from Monterosso and Toast the Coast.
Set off from Monterosso Porto aboard Princess, a traditional Ligurian boat, for a relaxed three-hour coastal voyage that views the five UNESCO-listed villages from the water, pauses for swimming and snorkeling in protected Mediterranean coves, and closes with a seaside aperitif of prosecco and local wine.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
All five Cinque Terre villages from the sea
The navigation follows the coastline from Monterosso to Riomaggiore and back, offering uninterrupted panoramas of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore—an unobstructed coastal perspective often missed by land routes.
Swim and snorkel in a protected marine area
The tour includes a stop in one of the quieter bays inside the Cinque Terre marine protected area for bathing and snorkeling, with onboard snorkel gear and floating mats supplied for guests.
Aperitif at sea as you return
On the return leg unwind with an aperitif—Prosecco, local wine and drinks—while the crew sets a relaxed mood with music as the coastline slips by at sunset.
What the day feels like
What the afternoon feels like
This is a deliberately unhurried, sea-first experience: a short cruise along the protected Cinque Terre coast aboard a comfortable, shaded traditional boat with cushioned seating, a platform and ladders for easy water access, an anchorage for snorkeling and swimming, and a convivial aperitif to close the outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should rethink it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Afternoon outing lasting approximately 3 hours; check the meeting time at Monterosso Porto so you can board promptly.
Bring a quality beach towel (preferably white or not newly dyed), swimwear, sunscreen, a hat and any seasickness medication; wind jacket recommended in spring/autumn. Towels can also be rented on board for €5 per person.
The boat offers shaded seating, cushions, a swim platform with ladder, floating mats and snorkeling equipment; note there is no onboard WC.
All minors must be accompanied. For shared departures a minimum of three passengers is required to guarantee the tour will run.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Does the boat have a WC on board?
No — the PRINCESS vessel does not have a toilet on board.
Will we see all five Cinque Terre villages from the sea?
Yes — the navigation runs along the entire Cinque Terre coast from Monterosso to Riomaggiore and back, providing views of all five villages.
Is swimming and snorkeling included?
Yes — the tour includes a stop for bathing and snorkeling in a protected marine area, with snorkeling equipment and floating mats available.
Is an aperitif provided?
Yes — an onboard aperitif is included during the return: Prosecco, local wine and other drink options are served.
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is approximately 3 hours.
Are children allowed and are there group minimums?
Children are allowed but all minors must be accompanied; for shared tours a minimum of three passengers is required to guarantee departure.