Experience the sea on a Ligurian gozzo, from Monterosso and Levanto
Traditional Boat Tours in Cinque Terre
- 4.9 • 500+ happy guests
Discover Cinque Terre and Levanto
Welcome to Ale 5 Terre Boat Tours
We were born and raised among the sea and the villages of the Cinque Terre. For us, the ocean was never a tourist attraction — it has always been part of everyday life: a place to respect, listen to, and experience at its own pace. The boat we welcome you aboard is a traditional Ligurian gozzo — simple, sturdy, and built to navigate these waters the way it has always been done. We don’t offer rushed tours or manufactured experiences. We prefer to slow down, take in the coastline from the water, share our stories, and show you the Cinque Terre away from the summer crowds. When you step aboard with us, we want you to feel like guests, not customers. Whether it’s a group tour or a private experience, our goal is to share with you an authentic way of living this sea.
Alessandro & Magda
Choose how to experience the Cinque Terre from the sea
Everyone experiences the sea in their own way. Some want to explore the coastline during the day, others prefer the stillness of sunset, and some are looking for a special moment to share with the people they love most.
That’s why we’ve designed different experiences, all united by the same approach: sailing with care, without rushing, leaving room for the sea and for the people on board.
Shared Day Tour
- 3 hours
- Levanto or Monterosso harbour
- Max 12 guests
Included on board:
- Tapas
- free-flowing prosecco and drinks
- multilingual local guide
- beach towels
- snorkeling equipment
- traditional wooden boat (gozzo)
Shared Sunset Tour
- 2.5 hours
- Levanto or Monterosso harbour
- Max 12 guests
Included on board:
- Aperitif
- free-flowing prosecco and drinks
- multilingual local guide
- beach towels
- snorkeling equipment
- traditional wooden boat (gozzo)
Private & Custom Tour
- To be defined
- Levanto or Monterosso harbour
- Private
A journey crafted around you, following your own pace and wishes. For those looking for something tailor-made.
Why Sail With Us
Traditional Gozzo
Experience the sea on an authentic Ligurian wooden boat
Small Groups
Intimate experience with personal attention (max 12 guests)
Local Knowledge
Hidden spots only true locals know about
Safety & Care
Your comfort and security are our priorities
Who will be with you on this experience?
With over 16 years of experience, we are more than just the people who sail the boat. We are people who grew up between Monterosso and Levanto — with salt on our skin, boats hauled ashore in winter, and stories shared down at the harbour. When we guide you along the Cinque Terre coast, we tell you what it truly meant to grow up here. We talk about the villages as seen from the water, the days spent on the boat as children, the simple flavours and the everyday rhythms that have always been part of our lives.
Our boat:
Giulin, part of our family
It has been part of this coast for over 40 years.
Giulin is not just the boat that carries you along the Cinque Terre coastline. It is a hand-built Ligurian gozzo, crafted in Levanto by master boat builder Dino Schiaffino — entirely in wood, entirely by hand, entirely unique. With a maximum of 12 guests on board, every tour is personal, unhurried, and as close to the sea as you can get.
- Did you know?
The word “gozzo” comes from the Latin “gussum,” meaning shell. These boats were originally used by fishermen and have been part of Ligurian culture since the 16th century.
Yesterday's Cinque Terre… the timeless sea
Before becoming a destination, the Cinque Terre was home. A place of sea, work, simple boats and shared life. These images tell the story of the world we grew up in and the kind of relationship we have always had with the sea. This is where our approach comes from: guiding you today with respect, care and memory.
What our guests say
Real stories from real people
Where We Depart
Meeting Point Monterosso
Molo dei Pescatori, 19016 Monterosso al Mare
Meeting Point Levanto
Molo della Pietra, 19015 Levanto
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FAQ's
Where do the Cinque Terre boat tours depart from?
Our Cinque Terre boat tours depart from Levanto or Monterosso. Monterosso al Mare, the first village of the National Park, is the easiest to reach by train and an ideal starting point for exploring the coastline by sea. Levanto, on the other hand, is more convenient for those arriving by car, with easier parking options. Departing from Levanto also allows you to enjoy an extended route, including the stunning stretch of coastline around Punta Mesco, offering a unique and less crowded perspective of the Cinque Terre. For private tours and tailor-made experiences, departure from either location can be arranged upon request.
What type of boat do you use for the Cinque Terre excursions?
We use a traditional Ligurian gozzo called Giulin — a classic boat of the Ligurian coast, historically used for fishing and coastal navigation. The gozzo is stable, safe and particularly well-suited for sailing close to the rocky cliffs of the Cinque Terre. Our choice of a traditional boat reflects our desire to offer an authentic experience that stays true to the local culture.
Do the tours take place within the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area?
Yes, all our tours take place within the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area, in full compliance with environmental regulations. We operate as an authorised business, following the Marine Park’s conservation rules to ensure sustainable and responsible tourism. Protecting this territory is, for us, a priority.
Is it possible to swim or snorkel during the tour?
During our Cinque Terre boat tours, when sea conditions allow, we schedule stops for swimming and snorkeling in permitted areas of the Marine Park. The crystal-clear waters and rocky seabed make this a truly memorable experience, always with full respect for the marine ecosystem.
Are your tours suitable for those looking for a relaxed experience?
Yes. Our tours are designed for small groups and for those who want to experience the Cinque Terre from the sea in a relaxed and authentic way. We don’t run party boats or loud events — we favour slow sailing, stories about local traditions and an atmosphere that respects the surrounding territory.
Why choose a Cinque Terre boat tour instead of the hiking trails?
Exploring the Cinque Terre on foot is a rewarding experience, but during peak season the trails can get extremely crowded. A boat tour allows you to admire the villages from a unique perspective, avoid the crowds and reach secluded coves only accessible by sea — offering a more complete and sustainable way to discover the coast.