Positano Boat Tours

Positano is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and has numerous options for boat trips from shared tours, private experiences and more. Join me to learn about the alternatives you shouldn't miss!

Carla Yaquer

Carla Yaquer

10 min read

Positano Boat Tours

Boats in Capri | Csaba Veres

Among the best things to do in Positano are boat trips thanks to its privileged location on the southern Italian coast. You can choose between boat trips in groups, or follow a personalised agenda to visit Capri, the Sorrento Coast and the Amalfi Coast -one of the World Heritage Sites-. Between them you can visit waterfalls, grottoes, vineyards and charming fishing villages.

In this post you will find the best options for boat trips in Positano with details of their destinations, duration, prices and comparison so that you can plan your next visit and enjoy it at your own pace. Let's get started!

1. Day trip by boat to Positano, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast from Naples

Metropolitan Naples| ©Danilo D'Agostino
Metropolitan Naples| ©Danilo D'Agostino

Leave Naples and discover the beauty of the Amalfi Coast on a full day excursion to Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. Stroll through the magical Blue Grotto and then make your way to the Piazza del Duomo in Amalfi. Wander the winding roads of southern Italy surrounded by a myriad of pastel houses embedded in the cliffs, plus the characteristic crafts of the area, all while listening to the explanations of an expert guide!

Leaving Naples, these types of tours often take you by boat to Sorrento, surrounded by the beautiful scenery along the way. The tour usually stops at: Roman Villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Cala di Mitigliano, Ieranto Bay and Amalfi. You can also admire the Furore Fjord, Praiano, Nerano and the Li Galli archipelago from the boat.

Finally, you continue to Positano, where you spend some time at leisure before setting off again for lunch in a restaurant near the sea with a picture-perfect setting.

Interesting details

  • Price: From 148 € per person.

  • Duration: 8 - 11 hours.

  • What you should know: Groups are usually up to 15 people.

  • What the tour may include: Transfer to and from your accommodation. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The captaincy of the boat on the different routes. Professional guide service in your language. Light snacks.

  • Pros: The combined boat trip between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula is convenient. It is ideal for those who avoid driving between the roads of the gods, enjoying good food, culture and history with expert commentary.

  • Cons: Landing fees, as well as the use of mask and snorkel are often an additional cost.

Book the best boat tours of Positano

2. Private one day boat tour from Positano to Capri

Capri| ©bilaleldaou
Capri| ©bilaleldaou

Sail along the deep blues of the Capri coast from Positano, away from the crowds with one of our small group shore and sea excursions.

The tour often starts in Piano di Sorrento and then skirts the coast of the Sorrento Peninsula before reaching Capri. The route usually passes through the Cala di Mitigliano, the rock formation of the Natural Arch and its coastal village; as well as Punta Campanella (the most extreme point of the Sorrento Peninsula), Punta Carena, the Faraglioni di Mezzo and, to finish at its famous grottoes: the White Grotto and the Blue Grotto (the latter is optional).

The walk combines time to stroll among the multicoloured houses along the cliffsides, see the statue of Scugnizzo, the Grotta del Corallo, visit Piazza Umberto I and many other points of interest in the area. Don't forget to taste the limoncello, it adds the typical accent to the excursion.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 149 €, you can opt for the best prices by booking in group.

  • Duration: 8 - 10 hours.

  • What you should know: Groups for this type of tour are usually a maximum of 12 people. If you are interested in the Blue Grotto, be sure to check the itinerary for the Blue Grotto, as it is sometimes excluded. Rates are usually reduced for groups. Book for yourself, family and friends and take advantage of the discounts!

  • What the tour may include: Transfer to and from the hotel or accommodation villa. Snacks. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (including the famous limoncello). Professional guide service. The captaincy of the boat on the various routes. Wi-Fi on board the boat. Snorkelling equipment.

  • Pros: People of all ages are welcome. The small group size allows for more attention. The combination of time on land and boat trip allows you to explore these beautiful Italian balconies from every corner, enjoy good food and dive into the sea.

  • Cons: Tours are usually offered in English and Italian. Often the disembarkation fee (between 5 - 7 €) is additional.

3. Private lunchtime boat trip from Positano to the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Coast| ©SalvatoreMonetti
Amalfi Coast| ©SalvatoreMonetti

For those who want to make the most of their time in Positano witha short itinerary, this is the tour for you! It's a 4-hour boat trip taking in the best of the western Amalfi Coast.

You will sail comfortably aboard a comfortable "gozzo", atraditional Amalfiboat, to the best beaches, caves and coves of the area. The route often includes passing near natural rock arches and sea caves, as well as the ancient watchtowers characteristic of the coastline.

Along the route, the Grotta di Sant'Andrea - a huge natural sea cave full of stalactites named after the patron saint of Amalfi - takes centre stage.

Other highlights include the beaches of Duoglio and Santa Croce, plus a short visit to the Furore Fjord, Praiano and the "Arch of Lovers", a natural rock arch shaped like two elephants in love. The last point of the route is in the village of Conca dei Marini.

The walk is charming, ideal for combining relaxation on the beach, in front of the bustling streets of one of Italy's most popular destinations.

Details of interest

  • Price: From 149 € per person.

  • Duration: 4 hours.

  • What you need to know: Time at each stop is usually reduced to cover the entire route.

  • What the tour may include: Drinks such as beers, bottled water, limoncello, prosecco and soft drinks. Dry snacks or fresh fruit. Snorkelling equipment and floats for beginner swimmers are often available at the "gozzo". Professional guide service. The captaincy of the boat. Wi-Fi on board the boat.

  • Pros: You walk along the main points of interest of the Italian southwest coast in a short time. This is one of the best Positano tours for those who want to escape the crowds and discover hidden gems of the Amalfi Coast.

  • Cons: Tours are usually offered in English and Italian. Transfer service to and from the accommodation is not included.

4. Sunset boat trip from Positano to the Amalfi Coast

Sunset on the sea| ©Savan Prajapati
Sunset on the sea| ©Savan Prajapati

On this type of sunset boat excursion you can admire the Amalfi Coast from a private boat, taking in the charming seaside villages at sunset as you sail for almost two hours around the Faraglioni rocks and theLi Galli archipelago near Capri.

You can admire the picturesque seaside villages along the Amalfi Coast at sunset, while taking in breathtaking views of Campania. Tapas and drinks are also usually included on this type of tour and everything is enjoyed at a leisurely pace so you won't miss a thing.

You'll have time to swim, snorkel, even have a proposal or celebrate your anniversary. This is an unforgettable addition to a romantic trip to the Amalfi Coast or if you prefer, a way to relax among friends and family in the light of the last rays of sunshine of the day.

Interesting details

  • Price: From 90 € per person.

  • Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.

  • What you need to know: You can choose between private or group cruises, although particularly for the type of experience, the former is recommended.

  • What the tour may include: snorkelling equipment. Non-alcoholic drinks and alcoholic beverages such as beer, prosecco and limoncello. Snacks such as fruit and tapas. Towels. Boat captain service.

  • Pros: The length of the tour is perfect for enjoying the archipelago and taking movie-like photos at sunset.

  • Cons: Operators usually choose a central meeting point. Transport to and from accommodation is not included.

How to book an excursion to Positano

Girl looking for the best deal| ©Andrew Neel
Girl looking for the best deal| ©Andrew Neel

To book, simply choose your preferred date and complete the forms on your operator's website. Confirmation will be sent to your email, so you can be sure of availability on the day of your choice.

How much does a boat trip to Positano cost?

Positano Boat Tour| ©dcmagna
Positano Boat Tour| ©dcmagna

The prices are quite varied, you will find options from 90 € to 950 €. The main differences present are due to the following factors:

  • Duration of the excursion, as we have seen, we have tours from two hours at sunset to a full day.
  • Type of excursion, it can be private or group.
  • Destination to visit- some focus on just one or two places such as sunset tours, while others have enough time to explore most of the coastline from land and sea.

Generally speaking, the average cost of a tour is around €150.

What are the must-see sights in Positano?

Scheduled sea excursion| ©luckysilver1
Scheduled sea excursion| ©luckysilver1

When you take your boat trip be sure to visit:

  • The Blue Grotto. The pristine water of this metre-high cave, its narrow passage aboard a rowing boat, the tunes of the raftsmen and the cavern glowing with a little reflection of natural light will make you experience a magical moment.
  • The Faraglioni rocks. Stella, Faraglione di Mezzo and the Faraglioni di Fuori or Scopolo are the names of this rocky complex. The Faraglioni are so iconic that they are depicted in the official logo of the island of Capri. They are three giant monoliths that emerge from the sea a few metres from the beach.
  • The Natural Arch. Take your picture of this pair of 12-metre wide by 18-metre high rocks in the shape of elephants that have been a symbol of the area for centuries.
  • Villa Malaparte, one of the corners that can be reached just a few metres from the Faraglioni rocks on the promontory of Punta Massullo. This cliff can be visited by boat only in good weather. The building is characterised by its red colour and geometrical structure, reminiscent of its inclusion in the rationalist trend of Italian architecture at the beginning of the 20th century.

It is possible to rent a boat without a driver in Positano

Having an aperitif before driving the boat.| ©Daria Litvinova
Having an aperitif before driving the boat.| ©Daria Litvinova

Yes! One of the fantastic experiences that Positano has to offer are the self-drive boat rentals that give you the opportunity to discover Capri and the Amalfi Coast at your own pace.

You will be able to admire the best tourist attractions and the most fascinating places of the Amalfi Coast, Positano and Capri. For the most part, you can rent your boat at the Marina Grande Beach, better known in Italy as Spiaggia Grande.

There you will find speedboats, inflatable rafts, as well as other boats that vary in size, speed and comfort so you can rent exactly what you need for your 4 - 8 hour trip.

What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Positano on my own?

Tourists being guided in Positano| ©Mourad Saadi
Tourists being guided in Positano| ©Mourad Saadi

When you are on holiday, you want to make the most of your time. The intention is to relax, explore and enjoy all that the destination has to offer and in Positano there is so much to see, do, photograph and enjoy. So why spend your precious free time worrying about how to get from one place to another?

Another advantage is that the boat trips are guided by a professional skipper who knows how to navigate. Not everyone knows how to do the task skillfully, in fact, some people only manage to get a few nautical miles when their charter time has been used up. The worst thing is that they don't enjoy the complementary activities due to lack of knowledge.

An expert skipper knows the best places to swim, dive or snorkel. With their help, you'll definitely be able to explore new corners of Italy's southernmost tip without getting lost or feeling overwhelmed by the directions.

Another highlight of the boat trips is that they often include snacks, complimentary drinks, snorkelling equipment and more. In addition, each Positano excursion focuses on a different area and activities. Some include only the route aboard the boat (mid-day excursions) while others combine free time to explore the countryside with the boat ride (full-day excursions). As a participant the worry is deciding between swimming, snorkelling or sitting on deck.

On the other hand, in case you are an adventurer who just wants to get behind the helm, you can venture out and rent a boat.

Comparison of boat trips in Positano

Li Galli| ©Gianfranco Vitolo
Li Galli| ©Gianfranco Vitolo
  • Private day boat trip to Positano and Amalfi Coast from Naples
  • From 148 €.
  • Duration 8 -11 hours
  • Highlights: the Blue Grotto, the Duomo square in Amalfi, Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Cala di Mitigliano, Ieranto Bay, Furore fjord, Praiano, Nerano and Li Galli.
  • Private day trip by boat from Positano to Capri
  • From 149 €.
  • Duration 8 -10 hours
  • Highlights: the White Grotto, the Grotta del Corallo and the Blue Grotto, Punta Carena, Faraglioni di Mezzo, Cala di Mitigliano, Punta Campanella and Piazza Umberto I.
  • Private lunchtime boat trip from Positano to the Amalfi Coast
  • From 149 €.
  • Duration 4 hours.
  • Highlights: Conca dei Marini, Fiordo di Furore, Praiano, St. Andrew's Grotto and the beaches of Duoglio and Santa Croce.
  • Sunset boat trip from Positano to Amalfi Coast
  • From 90 €.
  • Duration 1.5 - 2 hours.
  • Main destination: Li Galli archipelago.