Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia
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Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia
By Kaleidos Boat Tour
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About
The sea of the Cinque Terre without crowds or stress, with the breeze in your hair and the sun shining on the water. It is the funniest, most comfortable and fastest way to admire the splendid Gulf of La Spezia, visit the hamlets of the villages, swim in crystal clear waters. We will pass through the three islands, Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto which are still uncontaminated places, until we reach the romantic Portovenere. Here you can go ashore to visit the city and the famous church of San Pietro or stay on the boat and immerse yourself in the turquoise waters. Continuing the tour, we will have time to approach the Byron cave and swim in splendid hidden coves or under the natural Canneto waterfall.
We will skirt the 5 villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso), you will have time to take pictures, listen to interesting stories provided by your Captain and take another dive. There is also the possibility to go ashore and visit the villages of Vernazza or Monterosso.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 11 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English, Italian, Spanish
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Written guide: German, English, French, Spanish
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
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- Restroom on board
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Soda/Pop
- Entry/Admission - Portovenere
- Start:
- Angel's beach boat trip, 4R2H+8G, La Spezia, SP, ItalyCostantino Morin promenade, in the corner near the ferry dock there is a white bridge: you have to cross the bridge and turn left
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 387721P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 387721P1
From
$158.39
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 4R2H+8G, La Spezia, SP, ItalyCostantino Morin promenade, in the corner near the ferry dock there is a white bridge: you have to cross the bridge and turn left
- 1
- 2Pass byTorre ScolaIsola PalmariaIsola del TinoGrotta di Byron
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- francescagaunt0 contributionsNo showThe boat did not show up. We were very disappointed. This spoilt our trip and wasted our evening. We are out of pocket and upsetWritten October 13, 2024
- Gail S0 contributionsExcellent sunset boat trip!We had the most amazing night with the crew and guests on board! Luca was a fantastic skipper and host. We regret not asking his partners name, she was amazing! This excursion made our final of 5 nights in La Spezia, very special. We highly recommend this company and this excursion! 6 stars!!!Written May 25, 2024
- Q9469QFmattiab0 contributionsAwesome!Beautiful tour in the awesome gulf of La Spezia! Very kind and prepared staff, good drink and tasty food. Really suggested if you want a very nice experience.Written March 4, 2024
- anncG5092KG0 contributionsVery disappointed- cancelled with no reasonI made a booking in the morning for a sunset boat trip , got my confirmation . We were out all days visiting the town rushed back to head to the port for our 6.30 sunset cruise and I checked the directions to the port and noticed my booked was cancelled… No reason given. Extremely disappointed as I could have booked another boat tour and now too late as nothing available and we leaving La Spezia tomorrow. Do not use this operatorWritten September 24, 2023
- O5961FJdeanh0 contributionsA mustThis was our favorite excursion yet. The guide was very personable, passionate and generous. The views were gorgeous and the information given on historical sites was captivating. I would 10/10 recommend this if you are in the area. There was also great music and drinks throughout the ride.Written September 6, 2023
- Megan A0 contributionsGreat hosts , great trip with great information!Enjoy couple of hours on the boat with information on the local area, good tunes and excellent hosts. A couple of drinks, a bite to eat and a laugh with everyone on board.Written July 30, 2023
- L8690KVyvonnep0 contributionsGreat eveningWe had a great time on the evening boat tour. The views were beautiful..our tour operator called us when we reached the harbor to help us get to the boat location. Sarah was friendly and genuinely interested in helping us learn about the historic stops on the tour. Highly recommend this tour .Written July 5, 2023
- O6317ZFlindaw0 contributionsBoat tripEnjoyed last half of trip nice back in calmer water. First half of trip became rough and uncomfortable on sea Too many people on boat An introduction would be nice at start introducing crew and captain and explaining where the trip would go. Also to be told where lifejackets were. Unsure if enough on boat for all and for children. Some of our group Didn’t feel safe at times.Written June 23, 2023
- 14meriaha0 contributionsGreat views! Eat first?The views were amazing! The trip Was nice. They didn’t tell too much history, and I *guess I expected more than bread as appetizer. The focaccia (4 different) were good, great actually, but… thought we would get cheese, or one meat?Written June 22, 2023
- johninjakarta0 contributionsUnreliable Don't get stranded like Us!Unreliable! This operator canceled one hour before we were to leave. The weather was sunny. We were only in La Spezia for one day and they have ruined this part of our trip.Written June 13, 2023
- Linda M0 contributionsHighly recommend!Reasonable and fun…with food and drinks as well! Everyone had a great time and saw some beautiful sites! Highly recommend!Written June 11, 2023
- Z8156ZBvalerief0 contributionsEnjoy the boat trip!!We booked this last minute and it was a great boat trip!! They explain much of the things we saw along the way. The food wa food, the music was great!! If you are in the portovenere/la spienza area and want to do something different this is your booking!!Written May 17, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
22 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
5
Jonas S
Stockholm, Sweden9 contributions
Great boat tour with a nice boat and captain Simone. We were a family of four with children 11 and 13. We saw everything we wanted to see with during the day with nice views of the villages and nice stops to swim in the cinque terre area. Simone was a perfect guide who shared a lot of interesting information about the area (even shared his playlist after the trip). Could definitely recommend.
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glamourgil
Edinburgh, UK73 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Memorable trip to the beautiful Cinque Terre with the fantastic guide/boat owner Max. This was a major highlight of our Mediterranean cruise and somewhere we had wanted to visit for a long time.
Our guide was local to the area and very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. We stopped in Monterosso and saw all 5 towns from the sea. It was a beautiful day and we loved the experience.
We understood that we were on a 4 hour tour however our generous host said he was flexible and would happily continue the tour as he loved showing guests the beautiful area. This was very generous of course but our party were seniors aged between 63 and 73 and 6 hours on a small boat with only one one hour stop has consequences.
We booked this tour having checked that there were toilet facilities on board - the Inclusions and Exclusions clearly state “Restroom on board” and this was not the case.
We were all very aware of the importance of hydration in the hot weather and I reached the point where I simply could not wait any longer. I appreciate that had I opted to swim in the sea that would have resolved the issue however I am not a strong swimmer and decided against that option prior to boarding the boat.
I was offered the use of a bucket which I politely declined. Seeing my distress the boat owner called to another larger boat nearby and asked if I could use their toilet. I had no choice but to put my embarrassment and pride aside and negotiate the transfer from one boat to another. The owners were very kind and I was very grateful but it was a humiliating experience which should not have been necessary given that the description of this tour stated (and still states) “Restroom on board”.
It was still a wonderful boat trip BUT if the length of the tour is so flexible then the tour operator really needs to consider the differing needs of their passengers and definitely needs to change the description of the boat on Trip Advisor.
Our guide was local to the area and very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly. We stopped in Monterosso and saw all 5 towns from the sea. It was a beautiful day and we loved the experience.
We understood that we were on a 4 hour tour however our generous host said he was flexible and would happily continue the tour as he loved showing guests the beautiful area. This was very generous of course but our party were seniors aged between 63 and 73 and 6 hours on a small boat with only one one hour stop has consequences.
We booked this tour having checked that there were toilet facilities on board - the Inclusions and Exclusions clearly state “Restroom on board” and this was not the case.
We were all very aware of the importance of hydration in the hot weather and I reached the point where I simply could not wait any longer. I appreciate that had I opted to swim in the sea that would have resolved the issue however I am not a strong swimmer and decided against that option prior to boarding the boat.
I was offered the use of a bucket which I politely declined. Seeing my distress the boat owner called to another larger boat nearby and asked if I could use their toilet. I had no choice but to put my embarrassment and pride aside and negotiate the transfer from one boat to another. The owners were very kind and I was very grateful but it was a humiliating experience which should not have been necessary given that the description of this tour stated (and still states) “Restroom on board”.
It was still a wonderful boat trip BUT if the length of the tour is so flexible then the tour operator really needs to consider the differing needs of their passengers and definitely needs to change the description of the boat on Trip Advisor.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VGPM
Boston, MA26 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The captain was fabulous. Wine , beer, music and swimming! Great way to beat the crowds. Highlight of a very great to Tuscany and the Cinque Terra.
Written September 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Rhodes
4 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
I've been asked to resubmit my original review as it mentioned a cheaper alternative, and so was asked to just give my experience of just this tour (I suspect that this was requested by the tour operator since it was published by Trip Advisor with no problem)
The things is, there was no experience of this tour as it was cancelled. I received a cancellation notification email at around 10:30 the evening before. I was already asleep by this time as I had to be up early to get to the dock from where I was staying (I had a 90 min train ride to get to La Spezia), so didn't realise it had been cancelled until the following morning. No reason was given for the cancellation. It does say in the details when booking the tour that it could be cancelled if there are insufficient bookings for a tour. I don't know if this was the case, but if the number of bookings was such that the trip wasn't viable, then they should have made this call earlier.
I do understand that cancellations can happen and can be unavoidable, and so can't really blame the operator for this, but comms could be better/more timely.
The tour itinerary looks good, and visits more places than just the villages. So should be a good experience. Unfortantely I never got the experience, so can't give any more of an endorsement.
If you just want to visit the villages, then search around as there are cheaper, more reliable alternatives (but it seems that I'm not allowed to mention what!). By this, I don't mean to say that the tour operator is unreliable, but that there is an alternative that doesn't come with the possibility of being cancelled (except in case of bad weather of course). Reliability is important as people may only have a limited time in a certain location, and so plan their itinerary around trips like this.
Visiting Cinque Terre was something I've been wanting to do for a while, so was extremely disappointed that it was cancelled. I was due to fly back to the UK a couple of days after the tour, so wouldn't have had the chance to rebook. Luckily I found an alternative whilst at the dock so it worked out OK.
The things is, there was no experience of this tour as it was cancelled. I received a cancellation notification email at around 10:30 the evening before. I was already asleep by this time as I had to be up early to get to the dock from where I was staying (I had a 90 min train ride to get to La Spezia), so didn't realise it had been cancelled until the following morning. No reason was given for the cancellation. It does say in the details when booking the tour that it could be cancelled if there are insufficient bookings for a tour. I don't know if this was the case, but if the number of bookings was such that the trip wasn't viable, then they should have made this call earlier.
I do understand that cancellations can happen and can be unavoidable, and so can't really blame the operator for this, but comms could be better/more timely.
The tour itinerary looks good, and visits more places than just the villages. So should be a good experience. Unfortantely I never got the experience, so can't give any more of an endorsement.
If you just want to visit the villages, then search around as there are cheaper, more reliable alternatives (but it seems that I'm not allowed to mention what!). By this, I don't mean to say that the tour operator is unreliable, but that there is an alternative that doesn't come with the possibility of being cancelled (except in case of bad weather of course). Reliability is important as people may only have a limited time in a certain location, and so plan their itinerary around trips like this.
Visiting Cinque Terre was something I've been wanting to do for a while, so was extremely disappointed that it was cancelled. I was due to fly back to the UK a couple of days after the tour, so wouldn't have had the chance to rebook. Luckily I found an alternative whilst at the dock so it worked out OK.
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe bruce
2 contributions
Just like the other person reviewing we got our tour cancelled due to a sick skipper. However they DID NOT notify us in any way and we were waiting at the dock for an hour ringing them frantically running around thinking somehow we had missed the pickup spot and lost 300 euros.
We only found out later through CheckYeti that the tour guide was sick. So we didn’t get told at all wasted a whole day for this unreliable company.
Just so you know CheckYeti told us Kaleidos did not notify us so put the blame on Kaleidos.
If you want reliability do not go with this company. To not notify guests about such an expensive tour being cancelled is beyond me. We booked this 2 months in advance. DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR.
We only found out later through CheckYeti that the tour guide was sick. So we didn’t get told at all wasted a whole day for this unreliable company.
Just so you know CheckYeti told us Kaleidos did not notify us so put the blame on Kaleidos.
If you want reliability do not go with this company. To not notify guests about such an expensive tour being cancelled is beyond me. We booked this 2 months in advance. DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR.
Written May 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chasity
San Antonio, TX1 contribution
May 2023 • Family
EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED. UNPROFESSIONAL.
Absolutely horrible experience. Booked in April for end of May. Recieved confirmation at 1600 the day before and apparently during the night the tour was canceled. We never received any info due to being on a cruise ship and lack of internet. Tried calling the company MULTIPLE times with NO answer. Called Viator customer service and while they were appologetic and polite we still didn't receive an answer as to what happened. Half our morning wasted trying to figure out what happened. I will NEVER book again or recommend this company to anyone looking for a boat tour in La Spezia.
Absolutely horrible experience. Booked in April for end of May. Recieved confirmation at 1600 the day before and apparently during the night the tour was canceled. We never received any info due to being on a cruise ship and lack of internet. Tried calling the company MULTIPLE times with NO answer. Called Viator customer service and while they were appologetic and polite we still didn't receive an answer as to what happened. Half our morning wasted trying to figure out what happened. I will NEVER book again or recommend this company to anyone looking for a boat tour in La Spezia.
Written May 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry about what happened.
Inconveniences unfortunately happen to everyone: due to illness we did not have the skipper available who was supposed to accompany you.
I would like to point out that at the time of the cancellation, which occurred the previous afternoon anyway (and not the night!) we sent an e-mail to Viator to communicate the reasons and Viator automatically informs you by e-mail as well! Not only was your reservation cancelled, but others were cancelled as well! all other people, however, received the cancellation email.
Written May 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VGPM
Boston, MA26 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wow what a great time! Simone our captain was terrific. The fact that we had great weather and calm seas helped but he was great providing us with wine beer and water as well as a great play list.(we are late sixty early seventies and I'm sure he has other play lists but he nailed this one).
Stopping at Monterossa el mare for lunch, he called ahead for reservations and lunch was a great time. 2 stops for swimming 6 of us went into the warm blue water the others enjoyed the wine or beer. The stop in Porto Ventere was great( think of a cinque terra town without the crowds).
The boat holds a 10 maximum( comfortably)and we had 8 the other couple also had a great time.
I can think of no better way to see the Cinque Terra than by sea. It was the highlight of our 13 day tour that had plenty of highlights but this was the best.
At the end of the tour Simone called for cabs to get us to our hotel.
When you get to the parking lot follow the signs to the marina and look for the Fueling station, He will pick you up there. Not hard at all but when everything is unfamiliar is is nice to know that it is not hard to find . If you like boat rides do not miss this.
Stopping at Monterossa el mare for lunch, he called ahead for reservations and lunch was a great time. 2 stops for swimming 6 of us went into the warm blue water the others enjoyed the wine or beer. The stop in Porto Ventere was great( think of a cinque terra town without the crowds).
The boat holds a 10 maximum( comfortably)and we had 8 the other couple also had a great time.
I can think of no better way to see the Cinque Terra than by sea. It was the highlight of our 13 day tour that had plenty of highlights but this was the best.
At the end of the tour Simone called for cabs to get us to our hotel.
When you get to the parking lot follow the signs to the marina and look for the Fueling station, He will pick you up there. Not hard at all but when everything is unfamiliar is is nice to know that it is not hard to find . If you like boat rides do not miss this.
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristina B
8 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
My friend and I booked the 8 hour long boat trip and had a wonderful day with a great skipper that was very helpful and attentive to our needs, an excellent guide as well who provided interesting information about the places we saw. I highly recommend the 8 hour trip to everyone visiting the Ligurian coast as this was a great experience with both fantastic places to see, a very professional skipper, swimming and snorkelling and a lot of fun.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hossco
Wollongong, Australia39 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Simone is a lovely tour host. Very welcoming and jovial. Boat was very comfortable. Seas were rough so we did the local islands which were just as stunning and the swimming awesome.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith W
2 contributions
Jul 2023
We planned a 10 day Italy vacation in July 2023 and La Spezia was the last leg of the trip. We reserved this boat tour two months prior to the date of the excursion. We arrived to the marina on our date and there was no boat. We finally were able to get ahold of Kaleidos Boat Tour and they stated that our tour was canceled and that we had been sent an email. We did not receive an email, but when we looked on our TripAdvisor trip details, it was noted that the tour was canceled three days prior to departure. We were refunded the money for the trip two days prior. They did not offer to re-schedule the boat tour or apologize. This was very disappointing. Would not recommend this excursion.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour, Sur le tour de 8h est-ce que le repas est inclus et boissons alcoolisée un petit verre de vin? par ailleurs est-ce que nous pourrions prendre notre chien (13kg) ?
Merci
Written May 10, 2023
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.