A fast speedboat ride makes this coast feel different. You’ll glide past the Gulf of Poets island scenery, then switch to free time in Portovenere for church views, alleys, and a quick swim option.

I really liked the small-group setup (max 12 onboard) and the way guides kept things lively, with English explanations that actually stick—especially when guides like Amis, Lee, Nick, Flavio, Mateo, Frederico, or Francesco are on the mic. One thing to consider: conditions can get choppy, so if you’re sensitive to waves, pack motion-sickness help and go prepared.

Key Highlights (What to Expect)

• Small group, big views: Seating for up to 12 keeps the ride from feeling crowded.
• Comfort included: Leather seats, life jackets, stereo sound, and a t-top awning for sun and spray.
• Guided sea route: You’ll pass major landmarks from the water, plus several dramatic coast stops.
• Tino + WWII remnants: Expect lighthouse stories and talk of anti-aircraft tunnels carved into rock.
• Portovenere time matters: The schedule includes time in town for shopping, sights, and lunch, but plan your priorities.

La Spezia Start: Small-Group RIB Comfort With English-Guided Sights

This tour begins in La Spezia near Passeggiata Costantino Morin, right where you can easily orient yourself along the promenade. You meet at the HopHop Boat location, then settle in on a speedboat that’s built for coastal hopping—comfortable enough to enjoy, fast enough to make the route feel efficient.

The onboard comfort is practical: leather seats, life jackets, and a t-top awning help a lot on bright days or when sea spray shows up. There’s also a stereo system, so the vibe doesn’t feel like a silent bus ride; it feels like you’re out on the water, with music while you watch the coast go by.

The biggest reason I like this format is the size. With up to 12 people, you can hear the guide, and the guide can actually manage questions instead of racing through information.

Sailing the Gulf of Poets: Borgate Marinare, Roman Villa, and Naval Secrets

Once you’re underway, the tour focuses on what the coast looks like from sea level—where you get the real sense of how steep, rocky, and cut up this area is. A big early theme is the Gulf of Poets, including the Borgate Marinare (the colorful seaside village vibe) that you can spot and connect to stories while you travel.

From the water, you’ll see one of the larger Borgate Marinare and learn about an ancient Roman villa in the area. The guide also points out how this coast ties into modern military presence, including a naval base and a special forces link. If you like travel that mixes postcard beauty with real-world function, this angle is a strong part of the experience.

You’ll also get a sense of why this stretch has always mattered strategically. A sea-splitting view beats a flat walking viewpoint, especially when you’re told what you’re looking at while you’re looking at it.

Palmaria Island and Sea Towers: Cliffs, Caves, and Military Footprints

A highlight is the way the route shifts from “pretty villages” to “wild coastline.” You’ll admire Palmaria Island’s rugged features—rocky beaches, tall cliffs, and hidden caves. Even if you’ve seen coastal photos before, it’s different when you’re moving fast enough to see the shapes change every few minutes.

Then the tour leans into the maritime-defense side of the story. You’ll pass the remains of a tower in the middle of the sea that traces back to the Maritime Republics, and you’ll hear how it later served strategic military purposes over time. That kind of detail is exactly why a guided boat ride can feel better than doing islands on your own: you get the “why,” not just the “what.”

Reality check: some days bring bigger waves. People note that the skipper handles the boat well, but the sea can still feel lively. If you know you get motion sickness, bring what works for you and sit where you feel most stable.

Tino and Stella Maris: WWII Tunnels, an Etruscan Temple, and a Sea-Signal Statue

The Tino area is where the stories get extra specific. You’ll see the Tino lighthouse and hear about WWII-era anti-aircraft tunnels that were dug into the rock. There’s also mention of ruins from an ancient medieval abbey. It’s a strange mix—in one breath, you’re looking at a working beacon-shaped landmark, and in the next you’re hearing how humans carved into the island during a war.

From there, the tour moves to a tiny island where remains of an Etruscan temple are preserved. You also get to see the statue of Stella Maris up close. The key detail here is what it was used for: it served as a signal connected to hazards like the Secca del Diavolo to help sailors navigate safer routes.

This is the kind of stop that makes you slow down mentally. You’re not just checking boxes for photos; you’re learning why people kept marking this coastline for centuries.

Natural Architecture Near Lerici: The Byron-and-Shelley Legend From the Water

Next comes one of the more romantic aspects of the route: a natural sea formation described through legend. The tour references how Byron used to have a connection to Shelley in nearby Lerici, and the story is tied to this area where the coast and water form dramatic “architecture.”

Even if you’re not chasing literary history, the payoff is visual. Seeing natural formations from the water is like watching a cliff turn into sculpture. It also gives you a mental break from the military-and-infrastructure stories, so the tour feels balanced rather than purely informational.

If you like taking photos, have your phone or camera ready here. This is the moment where the coastline usually looks most cinematic.

Portovenere on Your Own: Caruggio Alleys, San Pietro, and a Swim Break

When you reach Portovenere, the tour turns from guided navigation into free time. This is the “do what you want” part: you can shop, walk the streets, visit the church on the sea tip, or just hang out by the water.

Portovenere’s streets are known for the caruggio feel—narrow lanes lined with shops—so you can browse without it turning into a long, tiring walk. Plan to spend time in the area around the seafront, especially if you want a relaxed lunch.

A must stop is the romantic church of San Pietro, perched overlooking the sea on the promontory tip. One extra detail you might hear during the day is that San Pietro is connected to an older temple site dedicated to Venus. It’s not the kind of thing you’d guess just by looking, so having context helps.

You can also find time to cool off in the water. Many people recommend bringing swimming gear, and the cove-style spots can be tempting. Just keep an eye on rocks if you’re stepping in and out. If you want beach time, Portovenere is a better match than rushing through a train of Cinque Terre-style villages.

Timing note: the schedule includes about an hour in Portovenere, but some departures can feel longer by the time you’ve found your bearings, ordered food, and decided where to swim. Either way, it helps to have a simple plan: one viewpoint, one church stop, and then decide if you’ll stretch it into lunch.

Price, Pace, and Value: When This Tour Makes Sense

At $83.27 per person, this isn’t a budget-only option. You’re paying for three things at once: the guided speedboat circuit, the comfort of a small craft, and the shortcut effect of seeing several islands and coast points without transferring on your own.

If your goal is simply to get to Portovenere cheaply, ferries can be cheaper. But if you want the “three islands” part—the sea-level views of Palmaria, Tino, and the surrounding natural formations—then this format earns its cost. You’re essentially buying time: you’re out on the water, watching the coastline reveal itself quickly, with a guide telling you what matters while you’re there.

Pace is a mixed bag. Some travelers love the way the route stays moving and refreshing, especially on hot days. Others find the Portovenere portion short if they want a longer sit-down lunch or multiple viewpoints. Your best move is to treat Portovenere time like a sprint with a choice: do the church and one standout viewpoint, then enjoy the water if you have energy.

Who This Trip Suits (and Who Might Prefer Ferries)

This tour fits best if you want a guided coast experience without committing to multiple boat changes or long land hikes. It’s great for couples, families with kids (the ride itself tends to be a big hit), and anyone who likes learning the “why” behind what they’re seeing.

It’s also a good option if you’re time-limited. In one outing, you get the Gulf of Poets view, the Tino area stories, plus time in Portovenere.

You might prefer a different approach if you’re trying to spend the whole day in Portovenere. The time for town depends on pacing, and you’ll want to be efficient with your priorities—especially if you’re chasing castle views above town or specific lunch spots.

And if you’re very sensitive to motion, go in expecting waves. People specifically warn that some days bring bigger swells, even while the skipper is careful and skilled.

Should You Book This HopHop Boat Tour?

I think you should book this tour if your heart says speedboat + stories + Portovenere time. The small group, the onboard comfort, and the specific island details—Tino lighthouse, WWII tunnels, Stella Maris, and the Etruscan temple remains—make it feel like more than just transportation.

Before you commit, be honest about two things. First, check what you want most: the island loop or hours in Portovenere. Second, pack for sea conditions and bring swimming gear if you want a quick cove break.

If you want a guided day that feels like the Ligurian coast is unfolding in front of you, this one is a strong pick from La Spezia.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

It’s about 2 hours 30 minutes on average.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The start point is Boat Tour La Spezia – HopHop Boat at Passeggiata Costantino Morin, 19123 La Spezia SP, Italy.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a stereo system, life jacket, comfortable leather seats, and a t-top awning, plus an admission ticket for the boat portion.

Is Portovenere included?

Yes. You’ll have free time in Portovenere (the tour schedule lists about 1 hour).

Do I need to bring food or drinks?

Soda/pop, food, and drinks are not included, and snacks aren’t included either.

Is swimming possible?

You can take a dip during the experience, and it’s a good idea to have swimming gear if you want to swim.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.