Boat hire & yacht charter in Portofino, Italy

Hire a boat with or without a skipper in Portofino

Portofino is a beautiful small town not far from Genoa in Italy. It hosts one of the richest ocean ecosystems in the Mediterranean sea. With wonderful ocean floors filled with caves, it makes for a perfect natural habitat for coral reefs and different fish species. Hire a boat and go explore the beauty of Portofino’s ocean life, or just relax and enjoy the warm Italian weather. Portofino is also a great place to hire a boat as it sits right next to other amazing destinations in Italy, including the authentic small seaside villages of Cinque Terre.

When to hire a sailboat in Portofino

The high season in Portofino is in summer during the months of July and August. This is the time of year when the weather is the best and when most festivals and events happen. It’s also the busiest period, with crowded streets, it may feel overwhelming sometimes. 

This is why we recommend visiting Portofino during the months of April, May or June in Spring, as the weather is good and there are a lot fewer tourists.

If you still wish to hire a boat during the summer, make sure to hire well in advance as the availability of yacht hires decreases with the higher demand.

Information and prices to hire a yacht in Portofino

Prices depend on the size and type of boat you want to rent. For a starting price of around 140€, you can hire a motorboat or sailboat. On SamBoat you can use filters to choose the right boat for your needs and purposes, as some boats are more convenient for certain activities.

If you plan on renting a boat in Portofino, make sure you check availability for the dates that you want, as well as a reserve in advance as the prices can increase during summer.

Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Portofino?

Italy has specific laws and regulations for hiring a boat. The requirements vary depending on the type of boat. For sailboats, you won’t need a licence unless you plan on cruising further than 6 miles from the point of departure. It is also mandatory to present a nautical CV, explaining previous boating experiences and certificates. 

For motorboats, you won’t need a boating licence as long as the engine can’t go above 40 HP. If it is more powerful, you’ll need to present a boating licence. 

With SamBoat, we offer the possibility to hire a boat in Liguria with a skipper if you don’t have the required licence. A skipper will be your captain and will guide you to the best-hidden spots in Portofino.

What to do in Portofino

Apart from the amazing ocean life that you can explore the sea by scuba diving or going snorkelling, Portofino provides stunning views with an amazing coastline filled with beautiful beaches and cliffs.

Portofino is also a great destination to hire a yacht, as it is a great starting point for a sailing adventure. Start by exploring the surrounding coastline and head to Cinque Terre. There you will have the opportunity to visit 5 different villages, where you can hike from one to another or even sail to your favourite ones. You will find authentic culture and picturesque architecture and also have the chance to taste local food and wine.