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9 BEST Portofino Tours Selected by an Italian [2023]

Ready to embark on some memorable Portofino tours? I bring you the very best excursions to visit this enchanting fishing village. Check them out!

Welcome to the picturesque coastal village of Portofino, nestled along the Italian Riviera in Liguria. Known for its vibrant colors, sparkling azure waters, and charming harbor, Portofino has a special vibe that attracts the rich and famous. You can easily spot celebrities here, but that’s only part of the charm of this seaside destination. There’s a lot more to come here for!

To ensure you make the most of your time, the best Portofino tours below have been handpicked by an Italian – me 🙂 I was born and raised in Bologna, and I was lucky to explore Italy extensively. Now, I’m excited to help you pick the best possible activities in my country!

Image of boats docked in front of the marina in Portofino, inserted in a post about the best Portofino tours.

These carefully selected tours to Portofino showcase the finest attractions and hidden gems in Portofino, featuring everything from historic landmarks to secluded beaches, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. You’ll get to experience the best of this destination.

👉 In this article, you’ll find both boat tours from Portofino and day tours to Portofino from other nearby destinations. check them out and take your pick!

I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy, which allows you to cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. 

The BEST Portofino Boat Tours

▶️ Get ready for an unforgettable and private adventure with this Andrea Boat Charter in Portofino, sailing along the striking coastline of Liguria. Head to the village of Portofino, where celebs flock and selfies in the piazzetta are a must. 

You’ll also get to either dive into the colors and aromas of Camogli, a charming fishing village known for its delicious focaccia bread, go for a swim in the blue waters of Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, or wander around Santa Margherita. 

You can choose between a sunset, half or full-day tour, and get to enjoy soft and alcoholic drinks onboard. 

Andrea Boat Charter Portofino

📝 This tour includes: Boat trip, free time in Portofino and selected villages, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Paraggina Tender Line offers a delightful trip by boat to Portofino that takes you around the beautiful Gulf of Tigullio and Golfo Paradiso, or to the charming villages of Cinque Terre. 

This private experience guarantees personalized attention for you and your group of up to 8 people, and allows you to marvel at the charms of the Portofino Marine Protected Area and swim in its blue waters. 

The luxurious boat boasts a spacious aft cockpit with plush sofas, a teak sundeck, and a large windshield for comfort, along with a cabin with beds, and complimentary snacks.

Paraggina Tender Line

📝 This tour includes: Boat trip, snacks, and snorkeling gear. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

The Most Comprehensive Portofino Tour

Gather your friends or family members for an unforgettable Private Day Trip in Portofino & Santa Margherita from Portofino’s Port. You can’t miss the sight of the glamorous yachts and colorful fishing boats, and the pastel-colored houses from the starting point, a fantastic send-off!

Led by a local guide, wander through the bustling Piazzetta, check out the town’s main attractions, and learn about life in Portofino. Then, hop on a ferry to Santa Margherita, where you’ll indulge in local delicacies like focaccia, visit many historical gems, and admire panoramic coastal views. 

Spot the stunning Villa Durazzo and its 17th-century garden before returning to Portofino. This tour offers a flexible itinerary tailored to your group, making this day trip a perfect one.

Exclusive Private Day Trip: Portofino & Santa Margherita from Portofino's Port

📝 This private Portofino tour includes: A local guide, boat transfers, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Genoa to Portofino Day Trip

On this Boat Tour to Camogli, San Fruttuoso & Portofino, brace yourself for a full-day exploration of Liguria’s hidden gems. Explore Camogli, a lively village with vibrant colors and a bustling harbor, and marvel at the picturesque fishing town of San Fruttuoso with its historic abbey. 

Lastly, prepare to be awestruck by Portofino’s exquisite scenery, where emerald-green cliffs, sparkling blue sea, and lavish villas await. You might even spot some bottle-nose dolphins on your return journey to Genova!

📝 This Genoa to Portofino by boat tour includes: Roundtrip boat tour from Genova with all the stops mentioned above. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Portofino Tour from Milan

Escape the city frenzy on a captivating Genova & Portofino Full-Day Tour From Milan along the stunning Ligurian Coast. Begin in the maritime haven of Genova, where historic streets reveal tales of seafaring adventures and the legendary Christopher Columbus. 

Marvel at the architectural wonders of San Lorenzo Cathedral and the Palace of the Doges, and explore the grandeur of the Royal Palace before setting sail to Portofino. There you’ll check out the dazzling harbor and enchanting waterfront houses that have made it so popular. 

Finally, find tranquility in Santa Margherita Ligure, an equally idyllic and colorful village. 

📝 This tour includes: Transportation, a boat ride, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Portofino Tour from Santa Margherita Ligure

An incredibly fun and comprehensive adventure awaits with this Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch. Get ready to soak up the stunning views of the Italian Riviera coast as you sail to Portofino from Santa Margherita Ligure, and embark on a walking tour around town. Climb to the Church of Saint Giorgio for panoramic views, and indulge in delectable focaccia before joining a pesto-making class. 

Learn the secrets behind this Italian sauce, enjoy a Ligurian lunch overlooking the sea, and make the most of your free time before it’s time to head back. 

Portofino Boat and Walking Tour with Pesto Cooking & Lunch

📝 This tour includes: Roundtrip boat transfers, a tour leader, a cooking class, and tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Kayaking & Snorkeling Tours in Portofino

▶️ Dive into the emerald waters of Paraggi Bay on a fun-filled Snorkel Tour in Paraggi Bay which takes you to discover a stunning natural aquarium. Join your guide in Niasca, near Portofino, to take a peek at the vibrant marine world that lies under the surface and the mesmerizing Posidonia meadow. 

And don’t worry, safety procedures will be explained beforehand so you enjoy a hassle-free and safe adventure, with all the equipment provided. 

Snorkel Tour in Paraggi Bay

📝 This tour includes: A guide, and snorkeling gear. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ Discover the hidden treasures of the Marine Protected Area on this Portofino Kayak Tour. Navigate through secret creeks and picturesque caves, uncovering nature’s well-kept secrets as you’re led by a local. 

You’ll kayak along the captivating coastline and past the lighthouse, where you’ll stop to take a dip and go snorkeling. Cap off the experience with a mouthwatering lunch featuring locally-grown organic delights and wine while enjoying panoramic views. This tour offers three options to suit different seasons. 

Portofino Kayak Tour

📝 This tour includes: Kayak rental, a guide, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

E-Bike Tour in Portofino

Fancy a land-based adventure? Hop on this E-Bike Excursion in Portofino Promontory Around the Traditional Fishing Villages. You’ll get to glide past the Ligurian Riviera’s major sights without getting tired and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Camogli, exploring its narrow alleys and landmarks, and taking in the sweeping vistas of the Paradise Gulf. 

Traverse through Santa Margherita Ligure, enjoy stops at clifftop churches and castles, and visit a countryside restaurant for lunch (own expense). Your tour concludes in the glamorous Portofino, where you’ll zip past its main attractions and striking coast. A coastal escapade brimming with history, nature, and mesmerizing landscapes that you can’t miss!

E-bike in Portofino tour, promontory around the traditional fishing villages

📝 This tour includes: E-bike and helmet rental, bottled water, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Portofino Tours FAQs

What are the best tours in Portofino?

In my opinion, the best tours from Portofino include:
Private Boat Charter
Private Day Trip in Portofino & Santa Margherita from Portofino’s Port
E-Bike Excursion in Portofino Promontory

Can I join a boat tour from Genoa to Portofino?

Yes!! If you’re looking for tours from Genoa to Portofino, check out this full-day Genoa to Portofino, Camogli & San Fruttuoso Boat Tour. This tour allows you to wander around the charming village and it also includes visits to nearby (and equally beautiful) towns. 

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.