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Everything you need to know when booking a private boat tour on the Amalfi Coast
A private boat tour on the Amalfi Coast is one of the most exclusive and memorable ways to experience southern Italy. Cruising along dramatic cliffs, stopping to swim in crystal-clear waters, and admiring iconic towns like Positano, Capri, and Amalfi from the sea offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land.
Based on our first-hand experience organizing private boat tours for couples, families, cruise passengers, and small groups, this guide answers the most important questions travelers ask before booking a boat tour on the Amalfi Coast: is it worth it, how much it costs, where to depart from, what kind of boats are available, and how to choose the right experience for your trip.
Is it worth taking a private boat trip to the Amalfi Coast?
Absolutely. A private boat tour allows you to experience the Amalfi Coast at your own pace, away from crowded ferries and fixed schedules. From the colorful cliffs of Positano to the elegant coastline near Amalfi and hidden swimming spots only accessible by sea, the coast reveals its most beautiful side from the water.
Unlike group tours, a private boat gives you:
- A flexible itinerary
- The freedom to stop for swimming and sightseeing
- Personalized service with a professional skipper
- A relaxed, intimate atmosphere — ideal for couples, families, or special occasions
For many travelers, a private boat day becomes the highlight of their entire trip.
How much does a private boat tour to the Amalfi Coast cost?
The cost of a private boat tour depends on several factors, including whether the tour is fully private or shared, the size and type of boat, the duration of the experience, the departure port, and what’s included onboard.
As a general reference for a full-day private boat tour:
- Small boats: from €800–1,500
- Medium-size boats: from €2,000–3,000
- Large yachts: from €4,000–6,000
- Luxury yachts: €10,000+ per day
Half-day tours are usually available at a lower cost, while multi-day cruises and top-tier luxury yachts can exceed these ranges. Fuel, skipper, port fees, drinks, and extras may or may not be included, so it’s essential to clarify details before booking.
Planning tip: choosing the right boat and departure point often matters more than choosing the most expensive option.
→ Contact us to receive personalized recommendations and pricing for your private Amalfi Coast boat tour.
Where Do Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tours Depart From?
One of the advantages of booking a private boat tour is flexibility in departure location. Tours can typically start from:
- Naples (ideal for cruise passengers)
- Sorrento
- Capri
- Positano or Amalfi
- Smaller towns such as Maiori or Minori
If your hotel has a private pier, pickup can often be arranged directly from your accommodation. Departure choice affects travel time, itinerary feasibility, and overall comfort — something we always consider when planning a tour.
What kind of boats are available?
- Small: 15-28 ft - The best thing about these boats is that they are the least expensive ones. They generally have rear and/or front seats, as well as space for sunbathing in the bow. They not always have toilets on board (check before booking to make sure). They also have less powerful engines so the cruise speed will be slower. Capacity is typically between 2-8 people.
- Medium: 30-48 ft - The medium sized boats offer more space and comfort and are suitable for medium size groups of people (up to 12). They generally have space below deck including the toilet. With the extra space, you can seat more people and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast with your companions. Thanks to more powerful motors, they allow a faster cruise speed. They are the most popular choice, which means that they will sell out soon in the season!
- Large: 50-75 ft - The larger yachts offer more space, comfort, and amenities, making it a more enjoyable and luxurious experience. They also have more powerful engines allowing faster cruising speed. If money is not an issue, go with this one, espcecially if you are a party of 10 or more.
- Extra large: 80+ ft - The extra large yachts are clearly the most expensive ones with prices starting from €10k per day. They are more generally utilized for multi-day private cruises. Because of the large size they have some limitations in how close they can get to the coast, thus making them less appealing for discovering the Amalfi Coast
How long does a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast last?
Private boat tours on the Amalfi Coast can be customized in duration:
- Half-day tours: approximately 4 hours
- Full-day tours: 6–8 hours (most popular option)
- Multi-day charters: available upon request
A full day allows time for cruising, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing without rushing. When you take a private boat tour, you have the flexibility to decide the duration. This is ideal especially for passengers of cruise ships arriving to Naples.
Should I book a half day or full day boat tour if I’m in Naples?
If you wish to book a boat tour from Naples to the Amalfi Coast, a full day is necessary. However, if your starting point is Sorrento, Capri, Positano, a half-day boat tour is an option.
Do I need to book in advance?
Absolutely yes. The sooner the better because boats tend to sell out - especially at the peak of the season, June, July and August.
How long does it take to navigate from Naples to Capri with a boat tour?
Navigating a boat trip from Naples to Capri generally takes about one hour, it could be more or less depending on the sea conditions.
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How far is Capri from Naples?
Taking a private boat from Naples to Capri typically requires approximately 1 hour of navigation plus transfers and embarkation time. For a proper tour of Capri from Naples you will need a minimum of 5-6 hours in total.
When is the best time to go to Amalfi Coast?
Best time of the year: September to early October. Perfect weather, not crowded, lower prices.
Summer months, June to August: weather is hot and beautiful, perfect for enjoying time at sea. The drawback is it will be more crowded and expensive. It’s peak season so make sure to book well in advance
Spring is also very nice in terms of weather and crowds. As the winter months just ended, expect the water to be on the colder side in April and getting warmer day by day.
The boating season on the Amalfi Coast will end towards the end of October-early November and resume around March.
What’s included when booking a boat tour?
When it comes to boat rentals, what's included in the package can vary, from the private boat itself to the skipper, fuel, port fees, towels, drinks, food, and even ground transfers - so it's important to clarify what's covered before making a decision.
Can large groups take a private Amalfi Coast boat tour?
If you’re traveling as a larger group, like extended families, groups of friends, small corporate or incentive trips, a private boat tour on the Amalfi Coast is possible, but it’s important to know that by law, most standard boats for tourist charter are licensed to carry up to 12 passengers.
The easiest option is to arrange multiple boats that will sail together, with coordinated stops for swimming, lunch and disembarkation in the ports, so that the entire group can spend time all together.
The alternative is to use boats with special commercial licenses that can be arranged for bigger parties, generally up to 40 people. These larger boats allow the entire group to travel together on the same vessel. Availability of these models is very limited, so advance planning is essential, especially during peak season.If you are a large group heading to the Amalfi Coast, it is possible to book a private boat. By law, the maximum is 12 people but we can arrange to find a boat with the appropriate license.
Is a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast suitable for families and children?
Yes — a private boat tour can be a wonderful experience for families traveling with children. Kids love the swimming, diving, snorkeling, exploring that a boat tour can offer in this beautiful area of Italy, but it’s important to choose the right boat.
Based on our experience, we recommend:
- Boats with equipped with toilet and shaded areas to protect from the sun
- A cabin below deck, for rest or changing, especially useful for younger children
- Medium-size boats or larger for better comfort and stability
Can I do an Amalfi Coast sunset tour?
A sunset boat tour is one of the most romantic ways to experience the Amalfi Coast. Cruising along the coastline as the sun sets over the Mediterranean, with a glass of prosecco in hand, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.
We recommend departing from Sorrento for sunset tours, as the Lattari Mountains can partially block the sunset view when departing from the Amalfi side. After the cruise, the boat can also drop you off directly at one of the lovely seaside restaurants for a candlelit dinner overlooking the water.
Sunset tours are absolutely marvelous for couples, honeymooners, special celebrations.
Can the boat tour stop for swimming in the Amalfi Coast?
Of course! There are spots and beaches along the coastline where the boat stop for you to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Amalfi Coast. Many boats are also equipped with light snorkeling gear.
Do the boats have toilets onboard?
Generally yes. From the medium range and up, they always have toilets. For the smaller versions it’s better to ask ahead of time.
Do I bring my own food/drink on the boat tour?
Sometimes the drinks are offered/included but it’s always best to double-check first.
Plan Your Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tour
A private boat tour is often the most memorable experience of an Amalfi Coast trip — but choosing the right boat, route, and timing makes all the difference.
At KissFromItaly we specialize in custom private boat tours on the Amalfi Coast, tailored to your travel style, schedule, and expectations.
→ Get in touch with us to design your perfect boat experience on the Amalfi Coast.
Discover more about the Amalfi Coast
If you’re in the planning stage, you may also want to explore our complete Amalfi Coast & Sorrento travel guide, where we cover where to stay, the best towns to visit, how to get around, and how to plan your days beyond the boat experience.
