Ciao Mondo Bello

Cruising alongside 200 million dollar yachts and spotting Dolce & Gabbana’s mansion perched at the top of a hill. These are just a few of the experiences my family and I encountered the other day when we rented a boat in Chiavari, Italy. Chiavari is sandwiched between beautiful Portofino and popular Cinque Terre. Not a bad place to go boating. After all, it is where Kylie Jenner spent her birthday the week before, or so I was told by one of our crew members (my cousin).

Why consider renting a boat?

Basically I wanted to share my recent experience renting a boat along the Italian Riviera because it was so much fun and something that I think a lot of people may be hesitant to do. I initially did not plan to rent a boat in Italy, but I knew I wanted to do something special since my family was visiting. I thought a sunset cruise would be nice. However, due to my lack of planning on my part and it being August (=crazy busy in Italy) I soon realized that I was not going to find any available and affordable day or sunset cruises in the area. The only solution seemed then to be to rent a boat oursleves. It turned out to be an incredible experience. Below you’ll find some of the reasons why you should consider chartering your own boat.

1. Inexpensive

I was very much surprised when I learned that it would only cost us 200 euro (=$220) to rent a boat that could accommodate up to 6 people. The boat was comfortable with enough room for all of us to stretch out our legs. It was available to us from 9:00am-5:00pm. The total price for gas was around 55 euro ($60). This equated to a total price of approximately 45 euro/person for the entire day.

A 3 hour sunset cruise with an aperitivo included would have set us back 70 euro, while I was quoted 600 euro total for a 3-hour boat ride with drinks and snacks. Either way, I feel like we snagged a great deal. We stocked up on some focaccia and torte di riso from the bakery, along with some fruit, beer, and wine from the grocery store, and enjoyed an al fresco lunch in front of San Fruttuoso monastery.

2. Easy to do/documents

Italians love to ask for your documents! For example, in order for my son to attend storytime at the library I need to register him providing my ID, as well as his “codice fiscale”, a sort of social security of sorts. This just to go to story time! So I was surprised at how easy it was to rent the boat.

When I initially emailed the charter company and reserved the date, I provided my credit card information then, but was not charged. I was asked to send a copy of my license the day before the rental so they could draw up a contract. However, I read the message too late. However, on the morning we arrived at their office along the port, it took about 10-15 minutes for the owner to process the paperwork and explain the various maps of where to find gas and which places were safe to drop anchor.

3. No experience necessary

We were not required to have a special boat permit and we were given a short introduction on the various features of the boat. A few of us had some boating experience and it all seemed very straighforward and easy. The boat was small and easy to maneuver. That day we managed to easily tie onto 3 buoys. The only time in which it may be difficult for someone without boating experience would be when docking. We only had to do this was when we got gas and when we returned the boat. But, the company realizes that many people don’t have experience and there were large bumpers placed on the side of the boat to cushion a collision with a dock, for example.

4. Fun

There are not many places more beautiful than the Italian Riviera. With our 40 horsepower motor we weren’t able to go far and we had restrictions not to go past Camogli or Sestri Levante. However, there are many beautiful sights packed between those two boundaries, including the cities of Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and the entire Portofino Peninsula, including Portofino itself and San Fruttuoso.

In San Fruttuoso harbor we tried to tie up to a couple of different buoys, but were told they were for those dining at the restaurant. Finally we were lead via rope by a dinghy boat to a different area, where they tied us alongside another boat. We paid 10 euro for this service. For another 10 euro more they would ferry all 6 of us to the shore. We chose to float in the water near the boat. FYI-life jackets make great seats in the water.

5. Safe

Luckily the sea was calm the day we rented our boat and when we encountered a large wake from passing boats, we knew to take the waves head on. Additionally, we stayed relatively close to the coast. I never once felt unsafe and it never crossed my mind that renting a boat was terrible idea. If the sea would have been exceptionally rough that day, I would have definitely questioned taking a small boat out on the sea. The charter company we rented from stated in the contract that had the right to cancel the reservation due to inclement weather.

Tips for Renting a Boat

1. Educate yourself a little first. Of course, a short demonstration and explanation from the charter company will be provided, but I think watching a short You Tube video such as Boating 101 or How to Dock a Boat as this would likely be a confidence booster.
2. Life vests make great rafts.
3. Ask the charter company if they speak English (if you don’t speak the native language). It may be difficult to get the help you need if you encounter any problems.
4. I’m sure this won’t be a problem, but don’t forget a cell phone and the charter company’s phone number in case of a problem. Our charter company’s number was printed across the windshield in larger print. You won’t be traveling so far off shore that you won’t have service.
5. Make sure to take a map. Ask for one if they don’t provide one. There are oftentimes protected areas and access is restricted.
6. Ask about any dangerous areas, such as hidden rocks or shallow areas to avoid, etc. They should point this out to you beforehand though.
7. Place keys, cell phone, and money in waterproof ziploc bag-place under the center console.
8. Check the weather.

Final Thoughts

Did we look glamourous putzing along with our “noleggio” (rent me) sign printed boldy across our front windsheld? No, probably not. But, hey, we were ON A BOAT IN THE ITALIAN RIVIERA. In my opinion, this was way more fun than sitting on the beach packed in like a bunch of sardines. Not that I don’t like doing that sometimes too…, but I definitely plan on renting a boat sometime. In the meantime I will just have to be content with my inflatable kayak.

Also, I can only comment on our experience. I realize renting a boat may not be for everyone, but I was surprised at the cost and ease in our particulation situation.