The Best Boat Rentals in Portofino

For a private half‑day cruise on a classic Ligurian gozzo or mid‑size RIB, plan around €600–€1,200. Full‑day coastal charters that explore the Portofino promontory and nearby bays typically range from €1,000–€2,200. Larger luxury day yachts generally start around €3,000 and can exceed €8,000 per day depending on size and season, while ultra‑premium superyachts cost more. Prices often include the skipper on captained trips, basic drinks like water or soft drinks, towels, and standard safety gear; fuel may be included for local routes but is sometimes charged separately, especially on bigger yachts or longer itineraries. Port fees for standard pick‑ups are commonly covered; catering, premium beverages, and gratuity are extra.

You’ll find a wide mix: traditional wooden gozzi for slow, scenic cruising; versatile RIBs for quick hops to Paraggi and San Fruttuoso; comfortable motorboats for small groups; sailing yachts for a relaxed day under sail; and sleek motor yachts for upscale celebrations. Most dayboats host 6–12 guests, while larger yachts welcome up to 12 passengers by day with ample deck space, shade, and swim ladders.

Most trip planners choose a captained charter. Local skippers handle tight harbor traffic at Marina di Portofino, read the Ligurian Sea conditions, and know the Marine Protected Area’s mooring rules, so your group can relax. If you prefer to self‑operate, Italian rules allow no‑license boats up to about 40 hp; anything more powerful or offshore sailing requires a recognized boating license. Even experienced boaters often opt for a skipper here to maximize swim time and minimize docking and navigation stress.

The most common embarkation points are Marina di Portofino on Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta right in the harbor, the marina in Santa Margherita Ligure (Calata del Porto) a few minutes west along the coast, and Rapallo’s Porto Carlo Riva near Rotonda Marconi. Some trips also start from Camogli’s harbor on the promontory’s western side. Your captain will confirm the easiest pier and send simple meet‑up instructions.

From the harbor you’ll cruise past the pastel waterfront and up to Castello Brown and the Portofino lighthouse, then round the headland to swim in emerald‑green Paraggi Bay or the cove beneath the Abbey of San Fruttuoso. This coastline sits inside the Portofino Marine Protected Area, with clear water, cliffside pines, and marine life; on calm days you may spot dolphins in the wider Ligurian Sea, part of the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean marine mammals. Captains choose scenic, sheltered swim stops and can time a golden‑hour glide back into the piazzetta.

For self‑drive rentals in Italy, a boating license is generally required for motorboats above 40 hp or if you plan to go farther offshore under sail; an ICC or equivalent national license is widely accepted. No license is needed when you hire a captained boat, which is the simplest option for most visitors. If you’re unsure, just book with a skipper and enjoy the day—no paperwork stress.

Yes. Families charter here all the time, and operators provide life jackets and required safety equipment. Let the captain know the ages of children in advance so they can bring the right jacket sizes and extra shade. Many boats have easy swim ladders; for small children, calm morning departures and protected coves like Paraggi or San Fruttuoso make for the smoothest ride and easiest swims.

Most captained charters are happy for you to BYO snacks, focaccia, and beverages, and many include chilled water or soft drinks. Some boats can arrange prosecco, picnic platters, or full catering with advance notice, and skippers can also plan a lunch stop at a beach club or trattoria near the water. For everyone’s safety, avoid glass on deck unless the crew approves, and pack light, easy‑to‑serve items.

Policies vary by boat. Small, well‑behaved dogs are often welcome on a private charter with prior notice; larger breeds or multiple pets may be restricted. Bring a leash, a soft mat to protect the deck, fresh water, and be mindful that some beaches inside the protected area have limitations for dogs. If pets are a must, mention it in your inquiry so the right boat is offered.

Your captain monitors sea conditions and local winds; if the Ligurian Sea is unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the operator’s policy. Summer days are usually calmest in the morning, while autumn can bring wind and swell. If a front moves in, captains adjust the route to stay in the most sheltered coves so you still enjoy safe swimming and sightseeing.

Absolutely. Boats here are set up for special occasions, from prosecco to music and swim stops. For groups up to 12, a mid‑size motor yacht with shade, a comfortable lounge, and a freshwater shower keeps the day effortless. Share your plan—guest count, preferred vibe, and any surprises—so your captain can fine‑tune timing for photos in the harbor and a celebratory toast at anchor.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with the warmest sea in July and August. August is busiest due to Italian holidays around Ferragosto (mid‑August), so book early. September often brings summer‑warm water with fewer crowds. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and mornings are typically smoother than late afternoons. If you’re planning around U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day, those weeks also coincide with high summer demand—reserve in advance.

Yes—this is one of the area’s signature outings. On a calm day your captain can moor at the designated buoys in San Fruttuoso, where you’ll swim beneath the abbey’s cliffs and, with mask and snorkel, often glimpse the famous submerged Christ of the Abyss in the protected cove. It’s an easy half‑day highlight, and many itineraries combine it with Paraggi Bay and a scenic cruise past the Portofino lighthouse.

With a full‑day charter and good sea conditions, yes. Captains commonly depart from Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, or Rapallo, trace the Tigullio coast east, and continue toward the Cinque Terre villages for cliffside views and swim stops. It’s a longer, open‑water run, so your skipper will confirm weather and fuel considerations; starting early maximizes time in the park and keeps your schedule relaxed.