What to do in.. · Portofino · Experiences
Portofino by boat: tours, rentals and secret coves
11 June 2026 · 3 min read
How to visit Portofino by boat: license-free rentals, guided tours, coves of San Fruttuoso and Paraggi from the sea.
Seeing Portofino from the sea is the most fascinating perspective: pastel houses nestled among the pines, hidden coves and the lighthouse standing at the tip of the headland.
Rental without licence
Several outfits in Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo rent gozzi and dinghies up to 40 hp (no licence required), for families or groups. Average cost: €180-280 for half a day.
Guided tours of the gulf
Tours leave from Camogli, Rapallo or Santa Margherita and in 3-4 hours touch Punta Chiappa, San Fruttuoso, the Christ of the Abyss (visible from the surface on calm days), Paraggi and the Portofino lighthouse.
Coves to swim in
The most beautiful inlets are Cala dell'Oro (full reserve, no anchoring), Niasca and Paraggi. Always respect the buoy fields of the Portofino Marine Protected Area.