One ride changes how you see the Amalfi Coast. This private boat tour starts in Sorrento and lets you spend the day cruising viewpoints, jumping in for swims, and stopping where the coast looks best from the water.

I love that the itinerary feels flexible, not rigid. Stops like Positano get a real couple of hours, while captains (from Alberto and Flavio to Tomas and Viktor, based on who you get) can shape the day around your pace and interests.

One thing to plan for: this isn’t ideal if mobility is limited. The tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility issues, and you’ll be moving on and off the boat while the route stays focused on the water.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Snorkeling gear is included, so you can pack light and still get the underwater time
• A private group (up to 5) means you’re not stuck behind a crowd on a timeline
• Multiple swim stops built into the ride, including Li Galli and Spiaggia di Tordigliano
• Positano time with variety: first cruise for photos, then a couple of hours to wander
• Old-coast atmosphere at Marina del Cantone, plus an easy lunch setup by the water
• Captain-led customization shows up in real ways, from photo stops to lunch timing

Why This Private Amalfi Coast Day Feels Different From the Usual Tour

If your main goal is to see the Amalfi Coast the way you see it in photos, this format helps. You’re on the water early, you’re not hunting for views between buses and crowds, and you can take your time with the coastline because your boat schedule is built around you.

A private boat day also changes what “time” means. Instead of spending hours commuting and lining up, you’re simply moving along the coast, stopping when the water and view are right. The result is a day that feels less like a checklist and more like a relaxed coast cruise with big scenery.

Price and What You’re Actually Paying For (Up to 5 People)

The price is about $879.31 per group (up to 5), for a 7 to 8 hour day that includes travel time. That number looks steep until you compare it to what you’d pay for multiple tickets on crowded day tours plus the cost of getting a boat with fuel and staff.

What makes the value feel real is what’s included: captain, fuel, port fees, insurance, beer, water and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and beach towels (plus no hidden fees). You’re also not paying extra for the basic “do we have to bring our own?” items like snorkeling gear.

The one extra cost to plan for is gratuity. If you’re the type who likes to settle everything in advance, just keep a little buffer for that.

The Crew: How Much the Captain Can Change Your Day

On a private boat, the captain isn’t a background character. They’re the one choosing where to stop, when to swim, and how much time you get in places like Positano and Marina del Cantone.

From the experiences shared, captains such as Alberto, Flavio, Tomas, Viktor, Shiro, and Juani all seem to bring their own style. Some are heavy on history and coast facts, some keep the energy playful, and many actively adjust timing to avoid spending too long where it’s crowded. If you care about pacing—more time in the water, fewer stop-and-go moments—this is where the private format really pays off.

Where You Start in Sorrento and What to Expect on Day One

You meet at Via Marina Piccola, 72, Sorrento (NA), Italy. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck managing transport after the last swim.

You should expect moderate physical effort. That usually means moving around the boat, stepping carefully, and being comfortable with the rhythm of the day. If you’re traveling with kids or family, it helps to go with a calm attitude: the “fun” part is the stops and sea time, not constant walking.

Stop 1: Bagni Regina Giovanna (Queen’s Bath) and That First On-Water Moment

Your first cruise heads straight to Bagni Regina Giovanna, often called the Queen’s Bath. You’re sailing right by an area with ruins of an old queen villa by the water, so it’s not just a pretty cove—it’s a place with visible traces of the past.

Why this stop works early: it’s a quick way to set the mood. You get that immediate “we’re actually on the Amalfi Coast” feeling, and you’re already in scenery mode before the busier towns.

Possible drawback: because it’s an early anchoring point, you’ll still be getting your bearings. If you’re the type who wants the day to start with a long swim, you may have to wait for later stops where the swim time is more central.

Stop 2: Punta Campanella, the Lighthouse Boundary

Next up is Punta Campanella, the point where the Sorrento coast ends and the Amalfi coast begins. The tour route explains this as a boundary between the bay of Naples and the bay of Salerno, and your captain cruises near the area with a lighthouse, pointing out the landmark as you pass.

This is a great stop if you like geography. You’re not just seeing a coastline; you’re learning why the coast looks and feels different from one side to the other.

Consideration: this is described as about an hour, so it’s more of a “look and learn” moment than a long beach session. If you’re hunting for maximum time swimming right away, you may prefer to spend extra time at the later swim stops.

Stop 3: Li Galli Islands for a Swim and a Photo-Friendly Cruise

Then you cruise through the Li Galli islands, a spot known for scenery that looks special from multiple angles. This stop also gives you another chance to jump in and go snorkeling.

Why I like this placement: it breaks up the day. After earlier coastal landmarks, Li Galli brings you back to the water action—perfect when you want a swim that feels like a change of scenery, not just the same kind of cove.

Possible drawback: snorkeling always depends on conditions like water visibility and how your group handles getting in and out. It helps to stay flexible. If you’re expecting a specific type of underwater experience, remember you’re at the mercy of the sea.

Stop 4: Spiaggia di Tordigliano for Water Time That Feels Worth It

Spiaggia di Tordigliano is one of those stretches that earns its reputation through simple reasons: the coastline looks dramatic and the water gives you a clear reason to stop. You’ll have an hour to swim and snorkel, with the chance to see the coast up close rather than just from far away.

This stop is especially valuable if you’re the kind of traveler who hates the “stand on the pier and look” version of sea days. Here, the plan pushes you toward actually being in the water.

A practical consideration: beaches along this coast can mean uneven terrain and steps. Even if the snorkeling gear is provided, the physical act of getting into a swim rhythm can be harder for people with balance concerns.

Stop 5: Positano—Photo Cruise First, Then Time to Wander

Positano gets a two-part feel. First, you cruise right below the cliff town for stunning photos from the water. Then you get a couple of hours to go explore and wander the village.

This is the sweet spot for many people. From the boat, you get the classic vertical-city views—houses stacked along the cliffs. On land, you can switch gears: grab a snack, browse a shop, or just walk the streets without needing to “earn” every viewpoint through squeezing past other groups.

One thing to keep in mind: Positano can get intense in high season. If you’re going in July or August, don’t wait until the last second to decide what you want for lunch or your biggest on-foot goal. If you want a calmer experience, arrive, walk with intention, and return to the boat when you’re ready for the next swim stop.

Stop 6: Marina del Cantone—Old Fishing Village and a Lunch Moment

Your final major stop is Marina del Cantone, described as an old fishing village along the Amalfi Coast. This is where the day shifts from “scenery and swims” toward “sea-level life,” with time to swim in turquoise waters and a good setup for lunch by the water.

Even if you don’t order anything fancy, this stop feels like a reset. You’re less on the move, more in the moment, and the water makes even a simple break feel special.

Practical consideration: lunch quality depends on timing and what you choose. Many captains offer help with where to eat, and from experiences shared, they often recommend a spot with better views than you’d pick on impulse.

Snorkeling Gear, Swim Comfort, and What to Bring

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and that’s a big quality-of-life win. You shouldn’t need to pack your own mask, and you can plan to use your energy on enjoying the water instead of comparing gear bags.

That said, it’s still smart to show up ready:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat. Boat + sun + salt happens fast.
• Pack a dry layer for the ride back, especially if it cools down at all.
• Consider your own small towel. The tour lists beach towels as included, but it’s wise to be prepared for variations so you don’t scramble mid-day.

If you like music, some captains allow connecting your phone to Bluetooth for tunes on board. That little touch can make the ride feel like your own day, not a rented schedule.

How the Day Flows: The Smart Mix of Cruising, Swimming, and Town Time

What I like most is the rhythm. You don’t spend the whole day either on land or in the water. The day is designed around “do the sea part, then enjoy a town part,” and it keeps your energy from draining.

• Cruising moments build the big-view memories.
• Swim and snorkeling stops give you something physical to do.
• Town time at Positano gives you the sense of place, streets, and local atmosphere.

This blend is also why the private format matters. You’re not stuck with a group that wants different things at different times. If you want more swim time, you can ask. If you want to wander a bit longer in Positano, your captain can often plan around that balance.

Weather, Timing, and Keeping Your Expectations Real

This experience runs with the assumption of good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be rescheduled or refunded, since the tour requires good conditions to operate safely and comfortably.

My advice: keep your Amalfi Coast expectations flexible. A calm sea day is magic, but even a slightly choppier day still gives you the biggest value—boat access to views and swim spots you can’t reach by land quickly.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This is a great match if you want:

• A private day with your own pace (not a crowd timetable)
• Strong scenery plus real water time (snorkeling gear is provided)
• A blend of Positano town time and classic coastline cruising
• A captain who can tailor the day, often around swim breaks and lunch timing

It may not be the right fit if you:

• Need lots of easy, flat walking
• Have mobility limitations that make boat steps difficult
• Want a purely “on-foot tour” experience with minimal water time

Should You Book This Amalfi Coast Private Boat Tour?

I’d book it if your trip includes Sorrento and you really want the Amalfi Coast from the water. The value is in the combination: a private group, included snorkeling gear, multiple swim stops, and enough Positano time to feel like you actually visited the town—not just watched it from a distance.

I’d skip or rethink if mobility is a big issue, or if you want a fully land-based sightseeing day. For everyone else—couples, friends, small families—the setup is hard to beat: you get the coastline at its best, plus a day that feels like it belongs to you.

If you can, bring your swim essentials, pick your must-do priorities (Positano wandering versus maximum time in the water), and let your captain guide the flow.

FAQ

How many people are included in the private boat tour?

It’s priced per group and designed for up to 5 people on the private tour.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, and that duration includes travel time.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the tour, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

The itinerary includes Bagni Regina Giovanna, Punta Campanella, Li Galli, Spiaggia di Tordigliano, Positano, and Marina del Cantone.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Via Marina Piccola, 72, 80067 Sorrento, Italy.

Is the tour recommended for people with mobility issues?

The tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues.