9 Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tours, Selected by an Italian

The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but its traffic can test your patience. Taking an Amalfi Coast boat tour lets you enjoy those cliffside views without fighting for a window seat on a bus.

I grew up in Bologna, but somehow I didn’t make it to the Amalfi Coast until my late 20s. When I finally did, I understood the hype pretty quickly, and seeing the coast from the water was one of the highlights.

Below, you’ll find my picks for the best Amalfi Coast boat tours, from shared cruises and private boats to sunset trips and sailing experiences.

Start with a departure close to where you’re staying, then decide if you want swimming stops, time ashore, or both. There are options for a few hours on the water or a longer sightseeing day.

➥ Why trust me? I’m Italian, from Bologna, and I’ve spent the last 10+ years helping travelers plan trips to Italy. I’ve visited the Amalfi Coast several times, and I know how much the right departure point can make or break your day.

I usually book tours through Viator and GetYourGuide because they offer reliable operators and flexible cancellation policies. Most tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tours: Quick Picks

Short on time? These are the Amalfi Coast boat tours I recommend most:

OUR PICK: The Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

Duration: 4 or 8 hours
Type: Shared boat tour
Best for: Travelers who want swimming, coastal views, and a choice of departure points

This Amalfi Coast & Positano: Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks is my top pick because it works for a wide range of travelers. You can choose departures from Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento, or Salerno, with up to 12 people on board.

The 4-hour options from Amalfi or Positano focus on the coast between the two towns. You’ll pass Conca dei Marini, Fiordo di Furore, and Praiano, see caves and coves from the water, and stop to swim or snorkel. These options don’t include town visits.

The 8-hour options from Sorrento or Salerno add around 1.5 hours of free time in each of Amalfi and Positano. They’re a better fit if you want to explore the towns independently as well as spend time on the water.

On board, you’ll have snorkeling gear and floating devices included, plus a shaded canopy, restroom, shower, fruit, and drinks. A local captain/guide leads the trip. Check your selected option’s meeting point before booking.

Lunch is not included, and you should bring your own towel. Choose the shorter option for a swimming-focused trip or the longer one for town visits too.

Why this is the best tour

This is the most flexible option in the list. It gives you the classic Amalfi Coast boat experience, with swimming, snorkeling, coastal views, drinks, and a proper onboard setup, but it also lets you choose the departure point that fits your trip.

Read what the reviews say:

“Literally the highlight of our entire trip to Italy. I could not stop smiling! The boat was SO comfortable with great music and the snorkeling spots were unreal with warm water and provided pool noodles and snorkeling gear. Our host was FANTASTIC, hilarious, and knowledgeable. I couldn’t possibly recommend this tour enough. ”

Emily - Read more reviews

This tour includes a boat trip, local captain/guide, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, fresh fruit, prosecco, limoncello, beer, soft drinks, water, a shaded canopy, toilet, and shower. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

Duration: 6 hours
Type: Private boat tour
Best for: Couples, families, or groups who want a flexible day on the water

This Private Amalfi Coast Boat Trip from Positano, Praiano or Amalfi gives you a boat just for your group. You can depart from Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Minori, or Maiori, which makes it easy to fit into most Amalfi Coast stays.

Your skipper helps you plan a custom route along the coast. Options include Maiori, Minori, the Marmorata waterfall, Amalfi, Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano, and Positano. Choose swimming, time ashore, or a restaurant stop rather than trying to do everything.

You can choose the boat category, from a traditional wooden boat to a speedboat or yacht. Water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, towels, and snorkel masks are included. Snacks depend on the boat option and aren’t included on the Open Deck Boat.

Lunch and Emerald Grotto entry cost extra, and tips aren’t included. Contact the operator the day before to confirm your meeting point. Weather can change the route, so keep your plans flexible.

Pros

• Private tour only for your group
• Five departure options along the coast
• Flexible route with swimming and optional town or restaurant stops
• Choice of different boat types

Cons

• More expensive than shared boat tours
• Lunch and Emerald Grotto entry are not included
• Snacks are not included on the Open Deck Boat option

This tour includes a private boat trip, local skipper, bottled water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, towels, fuel, taxes, port fees, and snorkel masks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Amalfi Coast Sunset Boat Tour

Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Type: Shared sunset cruise
Best for: Couples and travelers who want coastal views and an evening swim

This Amalfi or Positano: Sunset Cruise with Prosecco is the one to book for a relaxed evening on the water. There are separate departures from Amalfi and Positano, and the group is limited to 10 people.

From Amalfi, the route follows the coast past Conca dei Marini, the Lovers’ Arch, and Fiordo di Furore toward Praiano. There’s a swimming stop before continuing toward Positano for sunset views. Choose your departure option carefully, as the route depends on where you board.

Drinks and a small snack are included, with prosecco and limoncello on board. The skipper and hostess accompany the trip, and you’ll have towels, snorkeling gear, floating devices, a shaded canopy, restroom, and shower.

There’s no scheduled time ashore to explore towns. You’ll need to get yourself to the selected meeting point, as transfers aren’t included. This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Pros

• Small group of up to 10 people
• Choice of Amalfi or Positano departure
• Swimming, sunset views, drinks, and towels included

Cons

• No town exploration stops
• Transfers to the meeting point are not included
• Not wheelchair accessible

This tour includes a boat cruise, skipper, hostess, drinks, prosecco, limoncello, a small snack, towels, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, floating devices, a shaded canopy, restroom, and shower. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Short and Longer Amalfi Coast Boat Tours from Positano and Praiano

Staying in Positano? My guide to the best boat tours from Positano also includes Capri trips and more private options.

7-Hour Boat Tour with Free Time in Amalfi

Duration: 7 hours
Type: Shared boat tour
Best for: Travelers in Positano or Praiano who want swimming and a longer Amalfi stop

This From Praiano or Positano: Full-Day Boat Tour to Amalfi Coast is a strong option if you want a longer shared cruise from the central coast. Choose a departure from Positano or Praiano, with a professional skipper leading the trip.

You’ll pass Praiano, Fiordo di Furore, and Conca dei Marini, with an optional Emerald Grotto visit if conditions allow and most of the group agrees. Entry costs extra. The boat also follows the coast toward Atrani, Minori, and Maiori before the Amalfi land stop.

You’ll have around 2 to 3 hours of free time in Amalfi. Wander the historic center, visit the cathedral area, or have lunch before heading back to the boat. This is independent time, rather than a guided town visit.

The tour includes two swimming stops and an aperitif on the return, with prosecco, limoncello, drinks, snacks, towels, masks, and floating noodles.

Lunch is not included. Hotel pickup in Praiano is available on request, subject to availability. Transfers from Positano hotels aren’t included, so check your selected meeting point.

Pros

• Choice of Positano or Praiano departure
• Around 2 to 3 hours to explore Amalfi independently
• Two swimming stops
• Drinks, snacks, towels, and masks included

Cons

• Lunch and Emerald Grotto entry cost extra
• Emerald Grotto visit depends on conditions and group agreement
• Positano hotel transfers are not included

This tour includes a boat trip, professional skipper, two swim stops, free time in Amalfi, prosecco, limoncello, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, towels, diving masks, and floating noodles. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

4-Hour Swimming and Snorkeling Cruise from Positano

Duration: 4 hours
Type: Shared boat tour
Best for: Travelers who want coastal views and swimming without a longer day trip

This From Positano: Half-Day Amalfi Coast Boat Tour & Snorkeling is the lighter option if you want a boat experience without giving up your whole day. The trip lasts 4 hours and leaves from Positano’s main pier.

Meet the crew at Spiaggia Grande. With your skipper, you’ll cruise past Gavitella Bay, Marina di Praia, Fiordo di Furore, and Conca dei Marini’s natural arch toward Amalfi and Atrani.

The focus is coastal sightseeing and swimming, rather than town visits. You’ll stop to swim or snorkel, then relax on board with fresh fruit, prosecco, limoncello, soft drinks, or water.

Snorkeling gear and towels are included, along with life jackets, a restroom, and shower. Hotel transfers and Emerald Grotto entry aren’t included, and there’s no dedicated snorkeling guide. It isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.

Pros

• Only 4 hours, leaving time for other plans
• Direct departure from Positano’s main pier
• Swimming and snorkeling stops
• Gear, towels, fruit, and drinks included

Cons

• No time ashore to explore Amalfi or Atrani
• Hotel transfers are not included
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments

This tour includes a boat trip, skipper, snorkeling equipment, towels, life jackets, fruit, prosecco, limoncello, soft drinks, water, restroom, and shower. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Shared and Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tours from Sorrento

Sorrento is a convenient base for exploring the coast by boat. If you’re also considering a land-based trip, check my guide to the best Amalfi Coast tours from Sorrento.

Shared Boat Tour with Hotel Transfers

Duration: 8 hours
Type: Shared boat tour with transfer
Best for: Travelers in Sorrento who want swimming and time in both Amalfi and Positano

This From Sorrento: Positano and Amalfi Boat Trip with Transfer makes the logistics easier with hotel transfers from Sorrento or Vico Equense. You’ll be taken to the departure port, where a skipper/guide leads the cruise.

The route rounds Punta Campanella and reaches Li Galli for swimming, then follows the coast past Praiano, Fiordo di Furore, and Conca dei Marini. You’ll have about 1.5 hours ashore in Amalfi and 1.5 hours in Positano to explore independently.

On the return, the route includes swimming and views around Crapolla and Nerano, with stops depending on sea conditions. Drinks, prosecco, snacks, and limoncello are included, and the boat has a cabin, bathroom, and Wi-Fi.

There’s a €10 per person destination fee to pay separately. Lunch isn’t included, and snorkeling equipment and towels cost extra. This is a shared route, so choose the private option below if you want a boat just for your group.

Pros

• Hotel transfers from Sorrento or Vico Equense included
• Independent time in both Amalfi and Positano
• Swimming stops, drinks, and snacks
• Bathroom, cabin, and Wi-Fi on board

Cons

• €10 per person destination fee is extra
• Snorkeling equipment and towels cost extra
• Swimming stops depend on sea conditions

This tour includes hotel transfers, a boat trip, skipper/guide, life jackets, free time in Amalfi and Positano, swimming stops, snacks, prosecco, limoncello, soft drinks, and water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Boat Tour with Hotel Transfers

Duration: 8 hours
Type: Private boat tour
Best for: Couples, families, or groups of up to 6 who want their own boat from Sorrento

This Sorrento: Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tour is a good choice if you want to spend the day with your own group. The Sparviero 700 boat takes up to 6 people, with a skipper handling the trip.

Accommodation transfers are included from Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Piano di Sorrento, or Meta. The cruise follows the Sorrento coast past Regina Giovanna and Punta Campanella, with coastal bays and views around Li Galli along the way.

You’ll have independent visits to both Positano and Amalfi, plus swimming and snorkeling stops. Explore the towns on your own before returning to the boat. Check your booking details for stop order and time ashore.

Drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are included, but lunch is not included. Tips and optional Emerald Grotto entry cost extra. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Pros

• Private boat for up to 6 people
• Accommodation transfers from four Sorrento-area towns
• Time ashore in both Positano and Amalfi
• Towels, snorkeling gear, and drinks included

Cons

• More expensive than shared Sorrento tours
• Lunch and optional Emerald Grotto entry are extra
• Not suitable for pregnant travelers, people with back problems, or wheelchair users

This tour includes accommodation transfers, a private boat trip, skipper, fuel, free time in Positano and Amalfi, swim stops, towels, snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, and limoncello. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Naples

Duration: 10 to 11 hours
Type: Small-group boat tour (up to 12–14 people) with transfer and light lunch
Best for: Travelers in Naples who want swimming and time in Amalfi and Positano

This Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Naples with Light Lunch suits travelers staying in Naples who want plenty of time on the water. Meet in Naples at a meeting point for a road transfer to Piano di Sorrento, where you board the boat.

With an English-speaking skipper, the route includes Regina Giovanna, Cala di Mitigliano, Ieranto, and Li Galli, then Nerano, Praiano, and Fiordo di Furore. There are short sightseeing and swimming stops along the coast, rather than time ashore at every place.

You’ll have around 1 to 2 hours in Amalfi and 1 hour in Positano to explore independently. Drinks, snacks, and a light lunch of a Caprese sandwich are included.

Hotel pickup, the €10 per person destination fee, and snorkeling equipment aren’t included. This tour is not suitable for cruise passengers, as the return to Naples is around 7:30 or 8 PM.

If you want to compare boat tours with land-based day trips, I also have a full guide to the best Amalfi Coast tours from Naples.

Pros

• Roundtrip road transfer from Naples included
• Free time in Amalfi and Positano
• Swimming stops along the route
• Caprese sandwich, snacks, and drinks included

Cons

• Long day, lasting 10 to 11 hours
• Not suitable for cruise ship passengers
• Hotel pickup is excluded; destination fees and snorkeling gear cost extra

This tour includes roundtrip transfer from Naples to Piano di Sorrento, a boat trip, professional English-speaking skipper, snacks, a Caprese sandwich, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Best Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Salerno

Duration: 7 hours
Type: Small-group sailboat trip
Best for: Travelers in Salerno who want a smaller boat day with lunch

This From Salerno: Amalfi Coast Full-Day Sailboat Trip with Lunch feels more intimate than many large coastal cruises. The group is limited to 8 participants, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Salerno are included.

You’ll sail past Vietri, Cetara, Erchie, Maiori, and Minori with a skipper and hostess. There are stops in coves where you can swim and snorkel, and you can try your hand at sailing if you’d like.

The main land stop gives you free time in Amalfi to explore independently before returning to the boat. On board, you’ll have fresh fruit and prosecco, then a pasta lunch, dessert, and limoncello.

This is a great choice if you’re using Salerno as a base and want a smaller sailing trip. It isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or preexisting medical conditions, or babies under 1 year.

Pros

• Small group limited to 8 people
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Salerno included
• Swim stops and free time in Amalfi
• Pasta lunch, dessert, limoncello, and beach towel included

Cons

• Most convenient for travelers staying in Salerno
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or preexisting medical conditions
• Not suitable for babies under 1 year

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Salerno, a sailboat trip, skipper, hostess, welcome drink, fruit, prosecco, pasta lunch, dessert, limoncello, water, and a beach towel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Is It Worth Taking an Amalfi Coast Boat Tour?

In my opinion, yes. The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that looks completely different from the water. You get the full view of the cliffs, villages, arches, coves, and tiny beaches that you simply don’t see the same way from the road.

A boat tour also makes the day feel more relaxed. You avoid the worst of the coastal traffic, get swimming stops, and can see several places without constantly changing buses or ferries.

The only time I’d skip it is if the sea is rough, you’re very prone to seasickness, or you prefer spending most of your time inside the towns. Otherwise, a boat tour is one of the best things you can do on the Amalfi Coast.

FAQ: Amalfi Coast Boat Tours

What is the best Amalfi Coast boat tour?

The best overall option is the Amalfi Coast & Positano Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks. It has multiple departure points, swimming and snorkeling stops, drinks, fresh fruit, and 4-hour and 8-hour options.

Where do Amalfi Coast boat tours depart from?

Most Amalfi Coast boat tours depart from Amalfi, Positano, Praiano, Sorrento, or Salerno. The Naples tour above includes a road transfer to Piano di Sorrento, where you board the boat. The best departure point depends on where you’re staying. If possible, choose a tour that leaves from your base or includes transfers.

Is it better to take a boat tour from Positano or Amalfi?

Both offer coastal sightseeing and swimming tours. Choose the departure closest to where you’re staying, then compare the route and time ashore. The overall pick has 4-hour options from either town, so you don’t need to travel to the other one just to board.

Can you take an Amalfi Coast boat tour from Sorrento?

Yes, and Sorrento is one of the most popular bases for Amalfi Coast boat tours. Many tours include pickup, a boat ride along the coast, free time in Positano and Amalfi, swim stops, and drinks on board.

Can you take an Amalfi Coast boat tour from Rome?

Yes, but I wouldn’t choose a standard Amalfi Coast boat tour if you’re staying in Rome. Most Rome options are long day trips that include train or road transport, time in Positano or Amalfi, and a scenic boat ride. If that’s your plan, check my guide to the best Amalfi Coast tours from Rome instead.

What should you bring on an Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel if your tour does not include one. I also recommend a light cover-up, a waterproof phone pouch, and your usual motion sickness remedy if you’re sensitive to boat movement.