Portofino Boat Trip with Free Time, Genoa
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Overview
This five-hour boat trip takes you from Genoa's Porto Antico to Portofino and back along the Ligurian coast. You spend about an hour and a half sailing each way, watching cliffs and coastal villages from the water, and you have two hours of free time in Portofino to stroll the harbour, the Piazzetta and the lanes behind. You check in at the ticket office beside the Genoa aquarium before the 10:45 departure. It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a relaxed half-day on the Italian Riviera without driving.
Highlights
- Return boat trip between Genoa and Portofino on the Ligurian coast
- Two hours of free time to explore Portofino at your own pace
- Sightseeing cruise of about an hour and a half each way
- Views of coastal villages and cliffs from the sea
- Check-in next to the aquarium in the Porto Antico
- A short, relaxed half-day that fits around other plans in Genoa
Full Description
The cruise from Genoa's Porto Antico
Your day begins at the ticket office at Ponte Spinola in the Porto Antico, next to the Genoa aquarium, where you check in for the late-morning departure. The boat leaves the old harbour and follows the coast east, giving you views of the city's waterfront, then of the villages and cliffs of the Riviera di Levante. A boat trip from Genoa to Portofino is a favourite because the sea gives the best angle on this coastline.
The sailing is relaxed and takes around an hour and a half each way, with space on deck for photographs. The excursion depends on sea and weather conditions, so wear layers and bring sun protection.
Portofino harbour and the Piazzetta
You reach Portofino around midday, and the harbour is the first thing you see: a tiny bay lined by pastel houses, with small boats and yachts moored close to the quay. The Piazzetta, a cobbled square beside the water, is the village's gathering place and has viewpoints over the harbour, with cafes and restaurants around it.
With two hours of free time you can easily circle the harbour, walk the lanes behind it and still sit down for lunch. Lunch is not included, so you can choose a quick bite or a longer meal. Many people searching for a Portofino day trip from Genoa want exactly this mix of scenery and unhurried time.
Castello Brown, boutiques and viewpoints
Above the harbour, a short uphill path leads to Castello Brown, a hilltop fortress with 16th-century origins that was later turned into a residence. From its terraces you see the whole harbour, the headland and the open sea. Entry to the castle is not part of this trip, so decide on the spot whether to go inside or simply enjoy the walk.
Back at sea level, Portofino's lanes have exclusive boutiques and small galleries, and the waterfront path gives good photographs of the pastel houses. Keep an eye on the time: the boat back to Genoa leaves after your two hours,, so be back at the harbour in good time.
Itinerary
- Check in at Ponte SpinolaArrive at the ticket office next to the Genoa aquarium before the 10:45 departure and show your voucher.
- Sightseeing cruise to PortofinoSail for about an hour and a half along the Ligurian coast, with views of cliffs and villages.
- Portofino free timeTwo hours to explore the harbour, the Piazzetta, Castello Brown and the lanes, and to have lunch.
- Return cruise to GenoaBoard the boat again and sail back for about an hour and a half along the same coast.
- Arrival in the Porto AnticoDisembark at the end of the five-hour trip in Genoa.
What's included
- Return boat trip from Genoa Porto Antico to Portofino
- Two hours of free time in Portofino
- Views of the Ligurian villages and cliffs from the sea
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch and other food and drinks
- Tips
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 5–14
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- A half-day plan — about 5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- People with mobility impairments
- Visitors prone to seasickness on rough days
Meeting point
Check in at the ticket office at Ponte Spinola in the Porto Antico, next to the Genoa aquarium, in time for the 10:45 departure. Arrive about 20 minutes early with your voucher on your phone; the exact details appear on the voucher after booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Important information
- Check in at the ticket office at Ponte Spinola, next to the aquarium, before the boat leaves at 10:45.
- The trip lasts about five hours, including two hours of free time in Portofino.
- Lunch and other food and drinks are not included, nor are hotel pickup and tips.
- The excursion depends on sea and weather conditions; if the sea is too rough, you are contacted a day before.
- Smoking and pets are not allowed.
- Bring sun protection, a light jacket and comfortable flat shoes for the cobbled lanes.
- Be back at the boat in good time at the end of your free time.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Portofino boat trip from Genoa cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price, for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You check in at the ticket office at Ponte Spinola in the Porto Antico, next to the aquarium.
How long is the trip?
It lasts about five hours: around an hour and a half of cruising each way and two hours of free time in Portofino.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome and usually enjoy the boat ride. Child fares depend on age, and the booking panel shows the fare.
What time does the boat leave?
The departure is at 10:45. Arrive earlier to check in at the ticket office; the voucher shows the details.
Is lunch included?
No. You have two hours in Portofino to buy lunch or a snack at one of the cafes and restaurants around the harbour.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Usually yes, depending on availability. The booking panel shows the next free dates and you receive the voucher straight after booking.
How do I get from Genoa to Portofino?
This boat trip is the most scenic way: a sightseeing cruise out, free time in the village, and a cruise back along the same coast.
Is Portofino worth visiting?
Yes. Its pastel harbour, the Piazzetta and Castello Brown make a rewarding half-day, even in two hours.
What happens in bad weather?
The trip depends on sea conditions. If it cannot run safely, you are contacted the day before to arrange a change.
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