Hello!
Our ship (Oasis) docks at 8:30am on July 17th in La Spezia. We would like to take a boat tour to Cinque Terre. We are a family of 5 (3 kids 10,10,8) and would like to possibly jump in the water and have the flexibility of hiking once we are there, and then meeting the boat tour at another town. Does anyone have recommendation for a reliable boat tour service that can provide this kind of flexibility?
Thanks for the help!
It would be more efficient if you just caught the local (slow) train into the C/T. Time is of the essence when you come off cruise ships, and there are numerous cities that can be visited.
Why not just take the ferry service one-way from La Spezia to one of the CT villages, then use the train.
Monterosso has the best swimming, and Vernazza has a small beach.
Here's the schedule of the public boat: https://www.navigazionegolfodeipoeti.it/en/timetable-valid-from-04202019-to-10132019/. It might be that you connect at Porto Venere, rather than a through service for this "extension."
AR,
Given the fact that you'll only have very limited time in the area, and will have to be back on the ship on time, you might consider primarily using the frequent local trains as it will be a more efficient use of your time. That's also an important consideration to allow time for hiking. The train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore (the closest town) is only about 9 minutes.
On the topic of hiking, note that you will require a Park Pass to hike the popular Sentiero Azzurro trails, and only two segments of those are open at the present time. The segment from Monterosso to Vernazza may be a bit "strenuous" for an eight-year-old as there's a steep uphill climb at the Monterosso end.
You could use the Ferry from Monterosso to Vernazza, hike from there to Corniglia and then use the trains from there back to La Spezia on your return to the ship.
Monterosso has the best beaches but you can certainly "jump in the water" in the small enclosed harbour in Vernazza.
