From La Spezia: Portovenere and 3 Islands Boat Trip

The best views are offshore. This 2.5-hour boat trip from La Spezia gives you a close look at the Gulf of Poets, from fishing villages and old forts to the cliffs and caves around Portovenere. I especially like the small 12-seat boat, which keeps the ride personal, and the chance to see places such as Scola Tower, Byron’s Grotto, and the three Portovenere islands from the water.

I also like the useful stop in Portovenere, where you get about 75 minutes to walk the harbor, see St. Peter’s Church, eat focaccia, or simply sit by the sea. The main drawback is time: that stop can feel short, especially if you want to explore the village, swim, and take photographs. At $81 per person, the price is fair for the scenery and skipper, but this is a scenic sampler rather than a full-day coastal outing.

Key points to know

• A 12-seat speedboat keeps the outing intimate: You get padded leather seats, a trained captain, and a better view than from a large sightseeing vessel.
• The three islands are the main event: Tinetto, Tino, and Palmaria each offer a different mix of ruins, cliffs, caves, and protected coastline.
• Portovenere receives roughly 75 minutes: That is enough for a brisk walk and food, but not a thorough visit.
• The boat passes through Le Bocche: This narrow channel between Palmaria and Portovenere provides one of the finest views of St. Peter’s Church.
• Swimming is possible during the stop: If you prefer the shore, you can ask about Punta Secco and Gabbiano Beach on Palmaria.
• There are no toilets on board: Use the facilities before leaving the floating platform at Passeggiata Morin.

Starting at La Spezia’s Floating Lounge

The meeting point is the HopHop Boat floating platform, about halfway along La Spezia’s Passeggiata Morin. This is not a vague waterfront meeting spot. Look for the floating lounge, where you can wait before boarding and get settled without standing around on the quay.

The boat has 12 padded leather seats and an easy-access ladder. That matters because the ride is on a small speedboat rather than a roomy ferry. You get closer to the water and better sightlines, but you also feel the motion more. One recent account described a few large waves handled carefully, with only a couple of splashes. Another noted that the first driver was bumpy, while a second driver provided a smoother ride.

That gives you a fair picture of the experience. The captain’s handling and the sea conditions will shape the ride. The boat is built for comfort, but it is still a fast, open vessel. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Leave high heels behind, and plan ahead for the lack of a restroom.

The tour runs rain or shine, though the route can change with sea and weather conditions. The key sights are intended to remain part of the outing, but the exact pace and swimming opportunities depend on the water.

Cadimare, Fezzano, and Le Grazie from the Water

Once you leave La Spezia, the boat follows the western side of the Gulf of Poets. The first stretch passes Cadimare, Fezzano, and Le Grazie, three maritime villages known together as the Borgate Marinare.

These are working coastal settlements rather than grand resort towns. From the water, you can see how the villages fit into the folds of the gulf, with boats, waterfront buildings, and steep hills behind them. This part of the route helps you understand the area before the dramatic cliffs and islands begin.

You will not stop in these villages. That is worth knowing if you hoped to walk their streets or visit local cafés. Their value here is visual: the boat lets you see the coast as a connected chain of small fishing communities, rather than as isolated points on a map.

The route also passes the mussel farms on the return to La Spezia. They are a reminder that this is not only a pretty coast. The gulf remains tied to fishing and marine food production, and the floating farms add a local detail that large sightseeing circuits often miss.

Scola Tower and the First Historic Ruins

Scola Tower is one of the most memorable sights before the islands. The fortification rises alone from the sea, a compact stone remnant built in the 17th century by the Republic of Genoa.

It was designed as a defensive watchtower, and its position makes the purpose clear. Sitting offshore, it could help guard the entrance to the gulf and watch for approaching ships. From a small boat, you see the tower from low on the water, which gives the ruins a more dramatic profile than a distant shore view.

You only pass by, so do not expect to go ashore or inspect the masonry closely. Still, this is a good example of why the boat trip works well for visitors who want history without spending a full day in museums. The captain’s commentary in Italian and English adds context as the sights appear.

Tinetto, Tino, and Palmaria

The three islands of Portovenere form the heart of the tour. They sit close together, but each has its own character.

Tinetto is the smallest of the three. The island is associated with the remains of a 6th-century chapel, an unusually old religious trace in such a tiny setting. You pass by rather than land, so the sight is brief. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long look at the ruins.

Tino is protected and more restricted. Its ruins include an ancient monastery, and the island has what is described as Italy’s oldest active lighthouse. The protected status means the boat is the practical way to view it. This is a particularly good stop for anyone interested in coastal defenses, religious sites, and the long connection between sailors and lighthouse islands.

Palmaria is the largest island and the one with the broadest range of scenery. You see wild coastal stretches, marble quarries, and steep pale rock. The quarries are no longer operating, but their marks remain visible along the shore. One account singled out the marble cliffs as a highlight, and that makes sense: the pale stone catches the light and gives this section of the trip a different look from the darker rock around the gulf.

The tour does not turn these islands into a rushed checklist. You pass them at close range, with the captain pointing out features as the boat moves around them. The tradeoff is simple: you cover more coast, but you do not get time to land on Tinetto or Tino.

Sea Caves, Stella Maris, and Byron’s Grotto

The route includes several sights that make most sense from the water.

Stella Maris is a statue of the Virgin Mary placed near a submerged reef. It serves as a maritime guardian and gives the boat ride a small human detail amid the cliffs and open water. The statue is viewed from the boat, so the moment is quick but photogenic.

The Blue Grotto of Palmaria is another pass-by attraction. Its turquoise water is best seen from outside the cave. Do not expect the boat to enter, and do not plan on an underground cave visit. The attraction is the color and shape of the opening against the rock.

Near Portovenere, the boat passes Byron’s Grotto. Lord Byron is said to have swum across the bay to Lerici, and the cave carries that literary legend. You can appreciate the story without treating it as a guaranteed historical fact. Its real appeal is the setting: a rugged inlet tied to one of the region’s most famous poets.

The boat’s position gives you a view that is hard to get on foot. You see the cliffs from below, watch the water change color near the caves, and get a sense of how exposed the coast is to the sea. For photography, the open boat is helpful, but strong sun and spray mean you should protect your phone.

Passing Through Le Bocche to Portovenere

Le Bocche is the narrow strait between Palmaria and Portovenere. This is one of the most important moments on the route because the passage frames the village and St. Peter’s Church from an unusual angle.

St. Peter’s Church sits at the tip of Portovenere, with its stone construction and commanding position over the water. Approaching through the strait, you see the church as part of the headland rather than as a separate monument. The view explains why Portovenere has long been tied to sailors, poets, fortifications, and religious life.

The strait can also make the water feel more enclosed after the open views around the islands. It is a fine place to take pictures, but do not wait until the last second. The boat is moving, and the best angle can pass quickly.

Seventy-Five Minutes in Portovenere

Portovenere is the one place where you get free time on land. The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the stop gives you around 75 minutes to explore at your own pace.

That is enough for a focused visit. You can walk the colorful harbor, follow the historic lanes, see the old church area, and grab something to eat. One account managed a walk along the main street, a look at the old church, and snacks including focaccia and cannoli. That is a sensible use of the stop, especially if your priority is to sample the village rather than visit every corner.

The time is less generous if you want a long lunch, extensive shopping, and a full climb through the village. You need to keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will continue according to the planned schedule, and the stop is not designed for a slow afternoon.

Portovenere works best here as a taste. You see why it is famous, get a few good views, and decide if it deserves a longer return visit. If you already know the village and prefer swimming, ask the captain about stopping at Punta Secco on Palmaria, near Gabbiano Beach. That option gives the outing a more relaxed seaside feel, though swimming time may be limited.

Swimming, Comfort, and the Return Ride

The itinerary allows for swimming and sailing during the Portovenere portion, but the exact amount of time in the water can be short. One person specifically wished for more swimming time, so do not book this as a dedicated swim excursion.

Bring a towel and wear practical clothing. The easy-access ladder helps with getting in and out of the water, but the boat itself is not a beach platform with extensive facilities. You should be comfortable with a short, active stop.

After Portovenere, the boat returns toward La Spezia, passing the mussel farms. This closing section is calmer and gives you another chance to photograph the coast from offshore. The tour ends back at the floating hub or the associated La Spezia boat location.

The small boat creates much of the experience’s appeal. You get a close view of the rock, a friendly atmosphere, and room for the captain to explain local sights. It also means less shelter from sun, wind, and spray than you would have on a larger boat.

What $81 Buys You

At $81 per person, the price is reasonable if you value access to several sights in a short time. You are paying for a trained English-speaking captain, a new boat, padded leather seating, the floating lounge, and transport around the gulf. You also get a land stop in Portovenere without having to arrange separate ferry connections.

Food and drinks are not included. That is not a serious flaw, but you should plan around it. The 75-minute Portovenere stop is your best chance to buy focaccia, cannoli, or a proper drink. Bring water if you prefer not to spend your limited village time looking for it.

The value is strongest for a cruise passenger or La Spezia visitor with only a few hours available. It is less compelling if you want long swims, extended time in Portovenere, or a slow visit to each island. A private group is available, which may improve the experience for families or friends who want more control, but the regular small-group format already keeps the boat personal.

The activity has a 4.7 rating from 224 reviews, with especially strong praise for the friendly captains, safe handling, clear local explanations, and the boat’s atmosphere. Sirena and her team received warm comments, while other captains were praised for careful driving and good humor. Since the captain can vary, treat those names as examples rather than a guarantee of who will operate your departure.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see the Gulf of Poets from the water and prefer a compact outing to a long organized day. It suits people who enjoy coastal scenery, old ruins, sea caves, photography, and a little speed.

It is also a good choice if you are unsure about small boats. The ride can be lively, but the strong feedback on careful handling is reassuring. Families should ask for life jackets for children, since one account noted that they were not automatically provided. The boat is wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the boarding arrangements for your needs.

I would think twice if your main goal is Portovenere itself. Seventy-five minutes is useful, but it goes quickly. I would also look elsewhere if you need a restroom on board, dislike spray, or want a long, guaranteed swim.

Booking is flexible, with cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Check the available starting time because departures can vary with bookings, availability, and sea conditions.

Should You Book the Portovenere Boat Trip?

Book it if your priority is seeing more of the coast in less than three hours. The combination of a small boat, three islands, sea caves, Scola Tower, Le Bocche, and a short Portovenere stop gives you a lot of scenery for the time and money.

Skip it if you want a leisurely village visit or a full beach day. For most people with limited time in La Spezia, though, this is a lively and well-priced way to reach the Gulf of Poets, with enough history and local detail to make the ride more than a simple sightseeing cruise.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour leave from?

The meeting point is the HopHop Boat floating platform halfway along Passeggiata Morin in La Spezia. The floating lounge is used before boarding.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts 2.5 hours, including the coastal cruise and the stop in Portovenere.

How much free time is available in Portovenere?

The stop in Portovenere lasts about 75 minutes. You can use the time for a self-guided walk, food, or relaxation.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route passes Tinetto, Tino, and Palmaria, the three islands associated with Portovenere. The boat views the islands from the water rather than offering regular landings on each one.

Is swimming included?

Swimming and sailing are listed during the Portovenere portion, but the available time can be limited and depends on sea conditions. You may also ask about stopping at Punta Secco on Palmaria near Gabbiano Beach.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can use the Portovenere stop to purchase refreshments.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

No. There are no restrooms on board, so use facilities before departure.