A private boat, and the coast feels personal. This full-day ride along the Amalfi Coast is built around small-group comfort (up to 12) and an English-speaking skipper who keeps the day moving at a good pace, with cruising views like Punta Campanella, the Saracen tower, and the Li Galli islets. I also like that you get town time in Positano and Amalfi rather than only snapping photos from the water.

The main thing to consider is that this is weather-dependent, and you’ll be on a boat most of the day. If the sea turns rough, your plan can change—and the price is high enough that you’ll want to feel confident about the forecast before locking it in.

Key things to know before you go

• Private by default: it’s truly just your group on a boat that holds up to 12 passengers.
• Town time, not just water time: you get about 2 hours in Positano and 2 hours in Amalfi.
• Plenty of swim chances: you’ll have opportunities to swim and snorkel at standout spots along the coast.
• Onboard drinks and snacks included: red/white wine, prosecco, beer, soda, water, and snacks come with the fare.
• You can choose where you start: departure can be from Sorrento or Positano.
• Snorkeling gear costs extra: mask is €15 and snorkel is €9 if you need to buy it on board.

Why this private Amalfi Coast boat day feels different

Most Amalfi Coast trips fall into two modes: lots of people and limited time, or a long day with constant transit. This one is the opposite. You’re on a Gozzo-style boat (Gozzo F.lli Aprea 32) with a skipper in charge of navigation and timing, so you spend your hours seeing the coast rather than waiting in lines.

What makes it click is the mix of viewpoints and actual time on land. You cruise past the Sorrento shoreline, pause for clifftop scenery around Baia di Ieranto and Nerano, then you get real breaks in Positano and Amalfi—enough time to get a coffee, walk a few lanes, and still return to the boat without feeling rushed.

And yes, it helps that the vibe is relaxed. With snacks and drinks onboard, you’re not constantly wondering where the next meal or refreshment will come from.

Boat size, skipper, and what’s actually included

This is a private excursion, and the boat is set up for comfort with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers. That small scale matters on the Amalfi Coast, where crowded boats can turn sightseeing into elbow math. Here, you can breathe a bit more and enjoy the coastline at your own rhythm.

Your skipper is a professional and speaks English. That’s a practical plus because it means you’ll get clearer guidance on what to look for at each stop and how to time your swim or short land breaks.

Included with the price:

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for hotels in Sorrento)
• Snacks
• Alcoholic drinks: red and white wine, prosecco sparkling wine, and beer
• Soda/pop and bottled water
• Beach towels
• Fuel

Not included:

• Snorkeling equipment (mask €15, snorkel €9 if purchased onboard)

Also, you’ll have a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and it’s described as suitable for most travelers.

Route highlights: Sorrento coast, Punta Campanella, and the marine reserve

You can depart from Sorrento or Positano, and because it’s private, the schedule can be customized. Still, this day has a classic order that makes sense: start with the Sorrento shoreline, then swing toward Positano and farther along to Amalfi.

Stop 1: Sorrento Coast (about 45 minutes)

This portion is all about the dramatic “view-from-the-water” angles. You’ll cruise along the Sorrento coast and take in:

• ruins of a Roman villa near Bagni Della Regina Giovanna
• Punta Campanella and its Marine Reserve
• a historic Saracen tower
• the bays of Puolo and Massalubrense

What I like about this start is that it sets your expectations. Instead of jumping straight into the famous towns, you see where the coast’s beauty comes from—cliffs, coves, and that protected marine coastline that stays visually striking from every turn.

A small consideration: this part is mostly cruising and looking. If you prefer lots of walking right away, plan on saving your energy for later stops.

Baia di Ieranto and Nerano: the cliff-and-cove rhythm

After the Sorrento stretch, you’ll continue toward two of the most scenic parts of the coastline.

Stop 2: Baia di Ieranto (about 30 minutes)

Here the theme is small coves and steep cliffs. You’ll also pass the area around the Bay of Nerano, another part of this coastline where the shape of the coast makes the water look especially inviting.

This is the sort of stop where you’ll probably want to do two things: get a few photos quickly, then keep your eyes open for the spots where the water looks calmer for swimming later. Even if you don’t jump in here (and not everyone does), it’s a visual warm-up for the day’s swim breaks.

Positano for shopping, beach views, and a real break

Then you swing into the “big name” stop.

Stop 3: Positano (about 2 hours)

Positano is the hub of the international jet set, but your time won’t feel like a chore if you use it smartly. You’ll have about 2 hours on land, which is enough to:

• walk a few lanes
• browse chic shops
• stop for a coffee or a casual meal
• take in the beach and the hillside views

The key value here is timing. You’re reaching Positano by boat, so you arrive with views that you can’t replicate from inside the town itself. That makes your land time feel more earned.

Possible drawback: Positano can be busy, even on a boat day. Since your stop is limited to 2 hours, you’ll do best with a light plan—pick one “must-do” (coffee, a viewpoint, or a shop) and leave the rest flexible.

Li Galli islets: a short stop with a mythic vibe

Next comes a stop that feels like a postcard and a story at the same time.

Stop 4: Li Galli (about 30 minutes)

You’ll anchor near the Li Galli Islets, a tiny archipelago of three islands. There’s a legend here that the Sirens were said to lie in wait for passing sailors, luring them with song toward the rocky coasts.

Even if you’re not the myth-collection type, this stop works because the islands sit in a way that makes the coastline look dramatically layered. In practical terms, it’s also a breather in the schedule—just enough time to enjoy the view and reset before heading to Amalfi.

Amalfi town time plus swim and snorkel breaks along the coast

This is where the day turns from sightseeing to savoring.

Stop 5: Amalfi (about 2 hours)

You’ll arrive at Amalfi, often described as the pearl of the coast, and you’ll get about 2 hours in the town. That’s enough for a real wander without trying to see every corner. If you want something simple, aim for:

• a walk around the main areas
• a break with a drink or snack
• a quick look at the coastline from within town reach

Stop 6: Amalfi Coast swim and snorkel time (about 1 hour)

Between the town time and the return, you’ll get a dedicated window for water fun and recovery. The day includes many opportunities to swim and snorkel in beautiful spots along the coast. If you don’t pack gear, you can buy it onboard: €15 for a mask and €9 for a snorkel.

My advice: bring a simple plan for the swim hour. Choose one spot to snorkel seriously and keep it straightforward. You’ll be more relaxed (and you’ll actually see more) if you’re not constantly rethinking your gear and timing.

You may also have an option to get off the boat and explore villages at your leisure during this portion. Since it’s private, the skipper can help you make the call based on timing and conditions.

Return to Sorrento with Prosecco and a relaxed finish

Stop 7: Porto di Sorrento (about 1 hour cruising back)

Once you’re on your way back, the mood usually softens. You’ll relax en route to the port of Sorrento and sip Prosecco sparkling wine offered by your skipper.

If you started from Positano, the return is still designed to feel like a glide rather than another rushed transit segment. The value of this final hour is that it gives you time to decompress—especially after sun, walking, and swim breaks.

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, this is also the part where your posture and hydration matter. You’re offered bottled water, which helps, but if you know you get seasick, consider planning for that before the day starts.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $1,143.91 per person

At $1,143.91 per person, this is a serious splurge. So the fair question is: what are you buying besides a boat?

Here’s where the value comes from, based on what’s included:

• Privacy: only your group on a small boat (max 12). That alone changes how you experience the day.
• A professional English-speaking skipper: it’s not just driving; it’s timing, explanation, and keeping the route practical.
• Food and drinks onboard: snacks plus wine (red/white), prosecco, and beer, along with soda and water. This is the kind of cost you’d otherwise pay repeatedly on land.
• Towels and fuel included: those little “extras” add up in a hurry when you’re trying to travel light.
• Town time in Positano and Amalfi: about 2 hours each, which is meaningful in a day built around water access.

The price can feel easier to stomach if you’re traveling as a group and the private scale matters to you. If you’re thinking, I just want the water views, you could shop for cheaper formats. But if you want control of the day, a small boat, and the freedom to relax with drinks and swimming, this is exactly the type of tour that costs what it costs.

Also note: group discounts are listed as available, though this is still a private activity for your group.

Who this tour suits best (and who should consider alternatives)

This is a strong fit if:

• you want privacy and a smaller boat experience
• you care about water stops for swimming and snorkeling
• you want real time in Positano and Amalfi, not just a quick pass-by
• you’d enjoy having drinks and snacks handled so your day stays easy

It might not be your best match if:

• you dislike being on a boat for most of the day
• you prefer long, deep town time with lots of walking (your land windows are fixed: about 2 hours each)
• you’re very weather-sensitive and can’t be flexible if conditions change

One more practical note: the boat can depart from Sorrento or Positano. If you’re staying in Sorrento, the hotel pick-up/drop-off is easier. If you’re in Positano, you’ll meet the skipper at the dock near L’Alternativa Cocktail Bar, and the skipper waits for you there.

Should you book this private Amalfi Coast boat tour?

If you’re planning an Amalfi Coast trip and you want the coast to feel like it’s yours for the day, I think this is worth serious consideration. The combination of a small boat, a professional English-speaking skipper, included drinks, and two solid town stops creates a day that’s more balanced than many “just cruise” tours.

I’d book it if:

• you’re okay with paying for privacy and comfort
• you want swimming and snorkeling time
• you’ll actually use the town hours in Positano and Amalfi

I’d pause if:

• you’re traveling in a period where weather is unpredictable and you won’t be able to adjust dates
• your priority is maximum walking time over boat time

Given the structure of the day—and the overall rating strength (a 5.0 average with 11 reviews and a 100% recommendation signal)—this is the kind of experience that tends to land well when you know what you’re buying.

FAQ

How long is the Amalfi Coast private boat tour?

The tour is listed at about 8 hours.

Can I choose to depart from Sorrento or Positano?

Yes. The boat can depart from either Sorrento or Positano, and you can choose your departure time and departure point.

Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour. Only your group will participate.

How many people fit on the boat?

The boat is described as a Gozzo F.lli Aprea 32 with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for hotels in Sorrento), a professional English-speaking skipper, snacks, red and white wine, prosecco, beer, soda/pop, bottled water, beach towels, and fuel.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You can bring your own, or buy it onboard for €15 for a mask and €9 for a snorkel.

Where do I meet the skipper if I start in Positano?

The skipper will wait for you at the dock of Positano by L’Alternativa Cocktail Bar.

Do I get hotel pick-up if I’m staying in Positano?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are only available for hotels in Sorrento. For Positano departures, you meet at the dock as noted above.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on local time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid isn’t refunded.