The sheer cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula make way for small, sandy beaches and beautiful fishing villages with a unique look all their own. The Amalfi Coast is just 50 km of this beautiful shoreline.

As a popular vacationing spot for holiday travelers and tourists alike, this area can’t truly be experienced except by boat. Enjoy any of these 5 top boat tours of the Amalfi Coast and see Italy like never before.

Best Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Boat Trips

	Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Sorrento with Positano Visit	Positano & Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Day Tour from Sorrento	Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour by Boat
Departure:	Hotel Pickup and drop off available	Hotel Pickup and drop off available	Parcheggio Achille Lauro, Sorrento
Start:	8:00 AM, 9:00 AM	8:30 AM AM	8:15 AM
Duration:	8 hours	8 hours	8 hours
Includes:	Boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast, 3 to 3.5-hours in Amalfi, 1.5 to 2-hours in Positano	Boat cruise along the Amalfi Coast, 3 to 3.5-hours in Amalfi, 1.5 to 2-hours in Positano	Professional skipper and local guide, snacks and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, snorkel gear
	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking	Tour Information & Booking

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Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Boat Tours of Amalfi Coast For 2026

1. Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Sorrento with Positano Visit
2. Positano & Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Day Tour from Sorrento
3. Sorrento and Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour by Boat
4. Capri Island Full-Day Semi-Private Trip from Sorrento
5. Positano & Amalfi Coast Full-Day Private Cruise
6. From Sorrento: Full-Day Boat Cruise to Capri
7. Day Cruise to Capri from the Amalfi Coast

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Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tour Reviews

1. Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Sorrento with Positano Visit

The first time I saw the Amalfi Coast was by land, which was definitely still worth it (you know if you’ve experienced the breathtaking beauty, yourself), but much less convenient than doing so by water!

With the Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Sorrento with Positano Visit, you’re avoiding all the crowds and gnarly traffic that can quickly pop up here, opting instead for an exclusive boat ride.

Stop at an array of different gems across Amalfi and even Positano, making for an adventure-filled, jaw-dropping day with a professional local guide to lead the way.

Your day starts off in the morning with a convenient pickup right from your hotel lobby, boarding a little air-conditioned coach with WiFi, a stereo system, and plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the landscapes outside.

As the small-group setting limits you to just 12 passengers (max), it feels very private and you get plenty of opportunity to chat and ask your guide any questions you may have. It’s not like a noisy mob of tourists being herded around, which can detract a bit from the experience.

Once you arrive at your boat, you’ll set off around the Gulf of Salerno, shortly after, making a stop to get in the water, go for a swim, snorkel – whatever you feel like doing.

All snorkeling equipment was included for us, and even if you’ve never snorkeled before, our guide did a great job at helping newbies and making everyone comfortable. After that, hop back on your boat and fuel up on some snacks and drinks on the way to the gorgeous Positano!

You’ll definitely need your energy on the steep yet incredibly charming streets that overlook the water. I was personally motivated by finding the best photo ops and strongest espresso, and I think I nailed them both in one go, thanks to a bit of help from our guide.

I’d truly recommend this experience to anyone and everyone looking for a bit of classic Italian charm and something outside of the normal tourist day.

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Other Sorrento Activities You May Enjoy

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2. Positano & Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Day Tour from Sorrento

The Positano & Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Day Tour from Sorrento, which seems to have just about anything and everything covered for a proper sightseeing experience.

It’s no secret that both spots tend to fill up fast with tourists, and navigating the route by road also means dealing with the dreaded traffic that can detract a bit from the experience. Instead, why not arrive by a charming boat equipped with all the gear and refreshments one could need to make for an entertaining ride out there?

Your day kicks off with your guide picking you right up from your hotel, bringing you to your boat for a seamless check-in and boarding experience. We started up the Sorrento coastline, passing by a beautiful fishing village, some ancient Roman ruins (super cool!), and a protected marine reserve – even a bay mentioned in The Odyssey!

Our guide did a great job of regaling us with educational commentary spanning geography, culture, and history, and it was crazy to think of just how much has taken place in this one tiny area on Earth.

Finally, we docked in the gorgeous Amalfi, where we had a brief intro and then enjoyed nearly 2 hours of free time to explore as we saw fit. I took a ton of photos and enjoyed venturing through the array of quaint shops, espresso spots, and even got to see the Grand Cathedral!

After that, we had some space in Positano for some more leisure time, where we could take a relaxing stroll on the beach, up into the little alleys, and enjoy a hearty Italian lunch.

While I was definitely having a blast, my battery was a bit drained from a full day of excitement. The stop for a cool swim along the Amalfi Coast on the way back to Sorrento was very much welcome, and quite possibly the best way to wrap up a beautiful day.

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3. From Sorrento: Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour with Lunch

This 8-hour tour of the Sorrentine Peninsula, as well as the Amalfi Coast, will take you and a small group by many of the region’s spectacular sights. Throughout the course of the tour, you will be offered snacks and beverages.

While aboard a boat typical of this region, your professional skipper will expertly navigate the waters. Your local guide will point out interesting locations and share their history. These locations include Roman villa ruins and Marina Grande, a local fishing village.

You will stop at both Positano and Amalfi, for 1 to 2 hours of independent exploration in each town. After discovering the beauty of these villages, snorkel gear will be provided should you want to take in the underwater sights as well.

On your way back to the Piano di Sorrento port to conclude your all-day tour of Sorrento and Amalfi, you will be treated to a delicious limoncello liqueur. This is a typical liqueur for the region and a perfect way to end your day of taking in the Italian coast.

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4. Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto From Sorrento

The Isle of Capri has long been known for their beautiful grottoes. These naturally formed caves along the coast are full of thriving marine life and offer views not seen anywhere else on Earth. After visiting many of them and touring the mainland of Capri, you’ll cruise slowly back to the mainland.

After your hotel pickup, you’ll head to Marina Grande where you’ll board a small cruise boat typical of this area of Italy. The boat is comfortable, with plenty of seating both down below in the cabin and up top on the spacious wooden deck.

As you leave the marina, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Giovanna Baths and the ruins of a Roman villa visible from the water. Your cruise around the Isle of Capri includes stops at many of the island’s grottoes. If you’d like to view the famous Blue Grotto as well, it is available with an upgrade option. It’s worth the extra cost to swim and snorkel the aqua blue waters!

It isn’t just the grottoes you will experience while on your tour around Capri Island. The Statue of Scugnizzo, the Natural Arch, and even Villa Malaparte are also visible, among others. You’ll dock and head inland to visit “the world’s sitting room,” Piazzetta. This small square is bustling with social life.

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Other Experiences You May Enjoy:

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5. From Sorrento/Nerano: Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour

There are many sights to see along the coast of southern Italy. This boat tour will take you on a slow and comfortable cruise past many villages and towns. These include Nerano, Fornillo, Laurito, and Arienzo among others.

You’ll also dock in both Positano and Amalfi to tour the villages independently, enjoying many of the shops and cafes. Be sure to keep your camera at the ready to capture the beautiful architecture of both unique locations.

Your skipper will stop at several ideal snorkeling and swimming locations. Gear and towels will be provided. If you’d rather enjoy beverages on board or take the extra time to swim the beautifully clear waters of the Sorrentine and Amalfi coasts, you can forgo going ashore at any pre-scheduled stop.

We recommend you enjoy a beautiful lunch in Amalfi at the Taverna Buonvicino while surrounded by the beauty of the Italian coastline. You will have over 3 hours to explore and see the sights in this beautiful town.

Followed by 1.5 hours in Positano where you can lay on the beach under one of it’s famous colorful umbrellas and watch the sapphire waves wash ashore. Once you re-board the boat, you have the Fjord of Crapolla and the Islet d’Isca to look forward to seeing on your way back to the port.

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6. From Positano, Praiano, or Amalfi: Capri Full-Day Boat Tour

After being picked up at your hotel, you’ll head to the boat where your cruise boat and skipper await. You’ll head off first into open water and along the Sorrentine coast. Marina Grande, an ancient fishing village, as well as the ruins of a Roman villa are visible, as is the waterfall.

After this short cruise of the mainland coast, you’ll head across to the Isle of Capri. During your cruise around Capri’s coast, you’ll enter several of the naturally formed grottoes, including White Grotto and Green Grotto. You will have plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel the crystal clear blue waters.

Also from the water, you’ll be taken past the sites of Casa Malaparte, the Punta Carena Lighthouse, and several other coastline features. There will be 4 hours allotted to experiencing the inland sites of the Isle of Capri, including the central square lovingly referred to as “the world’s sitting room.”

Entry to the Blue Grotto is only available if you choose to take time out of your inland tour. The wait time at the Blue Grotto can be quite long so it isn’t included as part of the scheduled tour activities. However, your tour guide can make sure you get there if you wish to see it.

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7. Amalfi Coast: Boat and Snorkeling Tour with a Captain

On this day cruise to Capri your small group will enjoy a slow cruise along the Sorrentine Coast. You’ll also view the beautiful LiGalli Island made famous for the mermaids that Ulysses is said to have seen while there.

When you arrive at the Isle of Capri, you’ll enjoy a short tour around its coast to see the naturally formed grottoes. The Green Grotto is especially beautiful, and the Blue Grotto can be visited as an additional and optional stop on the tour. The beaches reachable only by sea and you will have time to snorkel or swim the crystal-clear waters and the grottoes.

When docked at Marina Grande, there will be ample time to swim the crystal clear waters. Then you can head inland to see the sites important to Capri culture, including the Piazzetta. This square is the center of social life on the island and is referred to as “the world’s sitting room.”

After 3 to 4 hours of independent exploration on Capri Island, you’ll enjoy additional time to swim and snorkel in the warm afternoon sun. Slowly cruise back to the mainland with a delicious glass of Prosecco, a sparkling wine common in Sorrento and Amalfi.

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Amalfi Coast Boat Tours: How to Actually Pick One

The Amalfi Coast has one road, one lane in each direction, and every tour bus, Vespa, and rental Fiat squeezing along it during peak season. A boat tour skips all of that entirely.

You still have to make a real decision before booking, though, and it’s not private versus group. It’s where you’re actually going.

The First Decision Isn’t Private or Shared, It’s the Destination

Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento all run boats, but the boats don’t all go to the same place. Capri is one trip.

The Amalfi Coast itself, meaning Positano, Amalfi town, Ravello from the water, Conca dei Marini, and Praiano, is a completely different trip.

Some operators blend the two on longer full-day itineraries, but plenty don’t. Decide Capri or coastline first, then worry about group size and boat type.

Group Tours: The Budget Option That Isn’t Actually Bad

A short circuit around Capri from Capri itself starts around €18 to €25 per person for a 90-minute loop with no stops. That’s less than the cost of a round-trip ferry ticket to the island, which tells you how competitive this end of the market is.

Group tours from Sorrento or Positano to Capri run closer to €90 per person, since you’re covering more distance and usually get swimming stops built in. Peak season, June through August, means these boats can carry 50 to 80 people, so don’t expect an intimate experience on the cheapest circuit tours.

Small-group tours are the better version of this same idea. These cap around 12 to 15 passengers, run from Capri, Sorrento, or Positano, and move at a more relaxed pace with real swimming stops instead of a straight loop.

The Amalfi Coast Route From Positano

A four-hour tour from Positano typically covers the run to Amalfi, stopping at the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini, the bay at Praiano, and the fjord inlet at Furore. Prices start around €50 to €85 per person on shared group boats.

Full-day versions, running 6 to 8 hours, push further to Cetara and Vietri sul Mare with shore time where the itinerary allows. Positano Boats runs a 7-hour version with the Furore Fjord, Emerald Grotto, a stop in Amalfi, and swim breaks for €139, which sits right in the middle of what these full-day trips typically cost.

Afternoon and sunset departures are worth building your day around if photos matter to you. The light on the cliffs turns best late in the day, and leaving after the main day-trip boats have already returned means having stretches of water mostly to yourself.

Private Boats: What You’re Actually Paying For

A private boat means you set the stops, the pace, and the timing, full stop. Want an extra 40 minutes at one cove because the water’s perfect and nobody’s paying attention to the clock.

That’s the whole appeal.

Prices for a private tour start around €200 for two hours out of Capri, and Sorrento-based operators run similar private options where the itinerary is built entirely around your preferences. That includes deciding whether to swing through the Faraglioni rock arch off Capri or visit the Blue Grotto, conditions permitting.

Families with kids under 5 should lean private or take the ferry instead of a shared group tour. A packed 50-person circuit boat gives you almost no room to manage a seasick toddler or a kid who needs to move around.

What a Typical Full-Day Tour Actually Includes

Most all-day small-group tours from Sorrento or Positano follow a similar shape. Morning departure, a scenic run along the coast, a stop in Positano with free time, a stop in Amalfi with free time, and swimming or snorkeling somewhere in between.

• Lunch: many small-group tours include a light lunch, often a Caprese sandwich, with soft drinks, beer, or limoncello.
• Snorkeling gear: typically provided on board, so you don’t need to pack your own.
• Free time ashore: an hour or more in both Positano and Amalfi is standard on full-day itineraries.
• A destination landing fee: some Sorrento-based operators charge a separate €10 per person landing fee, paid on the boat rather than folded into the ticket price.

What to Bring

Reef-safe sunscreen matters here more than most coastlines, since several stops sit inside protected marine areas around Punta Campanella and near the grottoes. Regular sunscreen washing off into these coves isn’t just bad form, some operators will actually ask about it before letting you swim.

Pack a real towel, not the small one from your hotel bathroom. Most boats provide basic seating cushions but rarely proper towels, and you’ll want one for both the swim stops and the ride back once the wind picks up.

A light jacket or wrap earns its space even in summer. Boats moving at speed create real wind chill on open water, and that Amalfi Coast breeze that feels perfect standing on a cliffside overlook feels a lot colder once you’re seated on a moving boat.

Cash in small euro bills helps if your tour charges a separate landing fee or if you want to buy anything once ashore in Positano or Amalfi. Not every dockside vendor or cafe on a quick stop takes cards.

Where the Boats Actually Leave From

Capri’s main departure point is Marina Grande, the same harbor where every ferry and hydrofoil to the island arrives. From there, boats typically run clockwise along the eastern coast past the Salto di Tiberio headland and the ruins of Villa Jovis, then along the southern coast past Villa Malaparte’s iconic red house on Capo Masullo.

Sorrento-based operators mostly depart from Massa Lubrense port rather than central Sorrento itself, so double-check your exact pickup point when you book. Positano add-on pickups typically run about €25 each way per person if you’re not departing from Sorrento directly.

Positano’s own departure point sits right off the main beach, which is about as convenient as it gets if you’re already staying in town. Amalfi runs its own departures too, mostly aimed at travelers based in Amalfi or Ravello who want the trip in reverse toward Positano.

When to Book and When to Go

Free cancellation for bad weather is close to universal across operators, which matters more here than in most destinations since coastal wind can shut down smaller boats with little notice. Book a day or two ahead in shoulder season, but move faster in July and August when the popular small-group departures sell out.

Morning departures, 8 to 10:30 AM depending on the operator and season, get you the calmest water and the best light for the Emerald Grotto and other cave stops. Afternoon seas along this coast pick up more chop, which matters if anyone in your group gets queasy.

Check the specific meeting point the moment you book, not the day before. Confirmation emails often specify an exact pickup spot that’s a genuine walk from where you’d assume, particularly in Sorrento where operators depart from Massa Lubrense rather than the town center itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I book a Capri tour or an Amalfi Coast tour?

They’re genuinely different trips, so decide based on what you want to see. Capri means the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks, and an island circuit, while an Amalfi Coast tour covers Positano, the Emerald Grotto, and the Furore Fjord along the mainland cliffs.

How much does an Amalfi Coast boat tour cost?

Short circuit tours start around €18 to €25 per person, small-group half-day tours run €50 to €90, and full-day tours with lunch and swim stops land between €85 and €140 per person. Private boats start around €200 for two hours and scale up based on duration and boat size.

Is a private boat worth the extra cost over a group tour?

If flexible timing, avoiding crowds, and controlling exactly where you stop matter to you, yes. If you’re comfortable sharing a boat with 10 to 15 other travelers on a fixed itinerary, small-group tours cover the same highlights for a fraction of the price.

Do boat tours include snorkeling gear and lunch?

Most small-group and full-day tours include snorkeling equipment and a light lunch, often with drinks. Always check the specific listing, since shorter circuit tours and some private options don’t include either.

What’s the best time of day to take a boat tour?

Morning departures give you calmer water and better light for cave and grotto stops. Afternoon and sunset tours trade some of that calm water for better photography light on the cliffs and thinner crowds since most day-trip boats have already returned.

Can kids come on a group boat tour?

There’s no official age limit, but tours don’t offer much flexibility for young children who might get seasick or restless on a packed boat. For kids under 5, a private tour or the public ferry gives you more room to manage them comfortably.