Start with your real port time
Portofino is a tender port — your usable time ashore is less than your published port window. As a planning guide:
- Allow 30 minutes after arrival before activities start
- Be at the tender pier 60 minutes before departure on a cautious plan
- Confirm all-aboard on your cruise app — it is your hard deadline
Enter your exact ship times in our interactive cruise planner for a personalised recommendation. Read the cruise port guide and tender port guide for background.
Short port call — under 5 usable hours ashore
Recommendation: stay close to the tender pier in Portofino village.
Suggested plan
- Tender ashore as early as practical
- Explore the harbour and piazzetta on foot
- Optional short coastal walk if timing allows
- Waterfront lunch or espresso with harbour views
- Return to the tender pier well before all aboard
Do not attempt Camogli, Santa Margherita, or the full small-group Riviera tour on this schedule.
Standard port call — 5 to under 6 usable hours ashore
Recommendation: the Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino tour may work — check availability and tender timing before booking.
Suggested plan
- Take one of the earliest available tenders
- Walk to FARMACIA meeting point (5–7 minute walk from the tender pier (approximately 300 metres)) — see meeting point directions
- Join the approx. 4 hours small-group tour to Santa Margherita, Camogli and Portofino
- Enjoy free time in Portofino village if schedule allows
- Allow margin for return tender queues
Check availability and send your cruise details for confirmation.
Long port call — 6 or more usable hours ashore
Recommendation: excellent fit for the Small Group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino Shore Excursion.
Suggested plan
- Book the small-group tour in advance — popular sailings can fill early
- Tender ashore early on busy Gulf days
- Full Riviera itinerary: Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, scenic coastal drive, Portofino free time
- Return to tender pier with 45 to 60 minutes margin
Compare with cruise line coach tours on small group vs cruise line excursions.
Recommended tour: small-group Santa Margherita, Camogli & Portofino
The only shared small-group shore excursion from Portofino visiting Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli in a single cruise day. Approx. 4 hours, shared format, meeting at Farmacia.
Free time and return-to-ship timing
The small-group tour includes free time in Portofino village before you return to the tender pier. Independent visitors should keep the final hour near the harbour — return queues build when multiple ships anchor in the Gulf of Tigullio.
If your tender runs late, see what to do if your tender is late.
Alternative excursions by port length
- Short calls: Portofino coastal walk
- Longer calls: Camogli & Portofino coast tour
- Compare all options: Portofino shore excursions
Use the interactive planner next
This page gives suggested day plans by call length. For a calculation based on your ship's published arrival and departure times, use the interactive Portofino cruise planner.