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Amalfi Coast & Capri Boat Tours: The Ultimate Planning Guide

18/Dec/2025

Your Essential 2026 Boat Tours Handbook: Comparing Routes and Pricing from Every Major Port from Sorrento to Positano

Seeing the Amalfi Coast from the water is not a luxury add-on — it’s one of the most authentic and memorable ways to experience this part of Italy. From dramatic cliffs and colorful villages to hidden coves only reachable by boat, the coastline was built to be admired from the sea.

This guide is designed to help you understand your options, choose the right type of boat tour, and plan it properly, based on where you’re staying, how much time you have, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you’re dreaming of a private Capri cruise, a relaxed Amalfi Coast loop, or a sunset aperitivo at sea, you’ll find clarity here.

Topics

  1. Choosing Your Boat Experience
  2. Best Boat Tour Itineraries
  3. Departure Points & Boat Tours from Each Port
  4. The Logistics FAQs
  5. Planning & Booking Your Boat Tour

1. Choosing Your Boat Experience

Not all boat tours are created equal. The right choice depends on your travel style, group size, and expectations. This section helps you quickly identify what fits you best.

 

Private vs. Shared Tours

  • Private Tours: The gold standard. You have the entire boat (and a professional skipper) to yourself. You can customize the itinerary, stay longer at a swimming spot, and play your own music. It’s flexible, personal and offers the maximum level of freedom.  Best for: Couples, families, and those seeking luxury and privacy.

  • Shared Group Tours: Follow fixed itineraries and schedules. You book a seat on a boat with other travelers (usually 8 to 12 people). While less flexible, it is a budget-friendly way to see the main sights and meet new people. Best for: Solo travelers and budget-conscious groups. 

 

Full Day vs. Half Day

  • Full Day Boat Tour (7–8 hours) is the best way to fully enjoy the coast: more navigation time, multiple swim stops, relaxed sightseeing, lunch time at a restaurant, and often free time to explore on land.

  • Half-day Boat Tours (4 hours) are possible only from certain ports and for specific routes (e.g., Sorrento to Capri, or Amalfi to Positano). They work well if you’re short on time or want a lighter experience, but they require realistic expectations — longer routes simply don’t fit into a few hours.

 

Types of Boats

Boat size impacts not only comfort, but also price and navigation style.

  • Small boats (15-28 FT) are the least expensive, offer an intimate eel and easy access to coves and swim spots. They work best for shorter itineraries like Sorrento to Capri or Positano to Amalfi. Good for couples or very small groups.

  • Medium boats (30-40 FT) balance comfort, agility and speed. Generally have shaded areas, onboard restrooms, sound systems, cabin below deck, more room to relax and sunbathe.

  • Larger boats (45+ FT) prioritize stability and comfort, making them suitable for families, mixed-age groups, or guests concerned about sea conditions.

  • Luxury Yachts tend to fall in the 38+ FT class, are great for those looking for ultimate comfort, cabins, and high-end amenities. They also look particularly well on Instagram.

  • The Gozzo is a traditional wooden Italian boat. It’s stable, authentic and perfect for the sea conditions of the area. They come in all sizes, most often in the 30-40 FT range. A solid choice

 

Self-Drive Boat Rentals (No License Required)

In some areas, it’s possible to rent small boats without a license with engines up to 40Hp. This option is only suitable for experienced and confident sailors who are comfortable navigating busy waters, changing sea conditions, and local maritime rules. For most visitors, a skipper-led tour is safer, more relaxing, and ultimately more enjoyable.

 

Public Ferries vs. Boat Tours

Public ferries are an efficient and cheap means of transportation between towns, but they are not a boat tour. Ferries don’t stop for swimming, don’t explore caves, and don’t offer the experience of cruising close to the coastline. They’re useful for getting from point A to point B — but they don’t replace a true sea experience. 

 

 

2. Best Boat Tour Itineraries

 

The Capri Circuit

One of the most iconic boat experiences in Italy. Within reach from most of the ports. Tours generally include a full circumnavigation of the island.

Highlights: The Blue Grotto, the towering Faraglioni Rocks, the White and Green Grottos, and free time to explore the island’s designer boutiques and gardens.

 

The Amalfi Coast Loop

This route showcases the UNESCO-listed coastline in all its glory. One of the must-do itineraries together with Capri. Perfect if you want to admire the coast itself rather than focus on a single island.

Highlights: The Li Galli Islands (legendary home of the Sirens), the "vertical city" of Positano, the hidden Furore Fjord, and the historic maritime republic of Amalfi.

 

Ischia & Procida: The Hidden Gems

If you’ve already seen Capri, look toward the Phlegraean Islands. For travelers with more time or a desire to explore lesser-known destinations, longer routes reach:

 

Sunset Cruises

Sunset cruises are among the most romantic and atmospheric ways to enjoy the Amalfi Coast. These experiences are perfect for couples, anniversaries, proposals, or anyone looking to enjoy the magic of the coast as the sun sets. These private cruises can also be combined with a candle-lit dinner at a seaside restaurant for an unforgettable experience. 

 

 

3. Departure Points 

Your departure port plays a major role in what’s feasible, how long you’ll spend cruising, and whether half-day options are realistic. The most common mistake travelers make is booking a tour from a port that is too far from their destination. Use the guide below to see what is possible from each major hub.

 

Boat Tours from Sorrento

The most versatile departure point, offering a wide range of itineraries, Sorrento has the best balance of travel time to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

  • Sorrento Coast 

  • Capri 

  • Amalfi Coast 

  • Ischia & Procida 

  • Sunset Cruise

→ Explore the Complete SORRENTO Boat Tour Guide: Routes, Prices & Online Booking

 

Boat Tours from Positano

The most glamorous starting point. Ideal for those who want to spend more time swimming and less time navigating.

  • Amalfi Coast 

  • Capri 

  • Sunset Cruise

→ Explore the Complete POSITANO Boat Tour Guide: Routes, Prices & Online Booking

 

Boat Tours from Amalfi 

The best starting point for exploring the eastern side of the coast and the Emerald Grotto.

  • Amalfi Coast 

  • Capri 

  • Sunset Cruise

→ Explore the Complete AMALFI Boat Tour Guide: Routes, Prices & Online Booking

 

Boat Tours from Capri

Perfect for those already staying on the island who want to see Capri from the sea, explore the Amalfi Coast or venture to the less known islands of Ischia and Procida.

  • Capri Island 

  • Amalfi Coast 

  • Ischia & Procida 

  • Sunset Cruise

→ Explore the Complete CAPRI Boat Tour Guide: Routes, Prices & Online Booking

 

Boat Tours from Naples

The primary gateway for cruise ship passengers and those staying in the city or arriving from Rome for a daytrip.

  • Capri Island 

  • Amalfi Coast 

  • Ischia & Procida 

→ Explore NAPLES Shore Excursions Guide: Routes, Prices & Online Booking

 

Boat Tours from Salerno

A great option for travelers arriving by cruise to the port of Salerno or staying in towns in the most southern part of the Amalfi Coast

  • Capri Island 

  • Amalfi Coast 

 

 

4. FAQs

How much does a private boat tour cost?

What if the weather is bad?

What is usually included?

To answer all your questions about boat tours we have prepared a dedicated guide:

→ Read our guide Private Boat Tour Costs & Everything You Need to Know  

 

 

5. Planning & Booking Your Trip

June through September is peak season. Private boats often sell out 4–6 weeks in advance so make sure to plan ahead and reserve your boat.  

  • March–April: Mild and pleasant temperatures, though the sea is often still too cold for swimming. Occasional rainy days can affect schedules. Prices are lower and crowds are minimal.

  • May–June: One of the best all-around periods, offering a great balance of warm weather, manageable crowds, and more reasonable prices.

  • July–August: Hot, sunny days and ideal sea conditions for swimming and snorkeling. This is peak season, with higher prices and the largest crowds.

  • September–October: Often considered the best time of year. The sea remains warm, temperatures are comfortable, and crowds gradually decrease.

  • November–February: Most boat tours do not operate during these months due to weather conditions.

 

Ready to Set Sail?

At KissFromItaly we specialize in curating the perfect day on the water. Whether you want a luxury yacht from Naples or a traditional Gozzo from Sorrento, our team is here to help, just get in touch!

 

More Amalfi Coast Travel Tips:

Need to decide where to stay, how to move around, what and where to eat? To help you planning your perfect trip to the Amalfi Coast we prepared a complete guide that answers all your questions and give honest, helpful advice:

The Ultimate Sorrento & Amalfi Coast Travel Guide