⭐ 4.8 (154 reviews)

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast: Hidden Coves, Caves & Positano by Sea

Cruise the most spectacular coastline in Italy aboard a traditional Italian gozzo with just 12 guests, discovering sea caves, clifftop villages, and turquoise waters in a single unforgettable day.

Featured Tour

Discover the Amalfi Coast the Way It Was Meant to Be Seen — From the Water

The Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi is the definitive way to experience Italy's most celebrated coastline without the crowds. Departing from Amalfi pier at 9:30 AM aboard a classic Italian gozzo, your intimate group of no more than 12 guests will glide past soaring cliffs, hidden grottoes, and pastel-colored fishing villages that are simply unreachable by road. From the cascading Marmorata waterfalls at Atrani to the mythical Grotta dello Smeraldo and the dramatic Fiordo di Furore, every bend in the coastline reveals a new wonder. A leisurely lunch at La Gavitella in Praiano and a full hour of free time wandering Positano's sun-drenched alleys round out the day before a final swim stop in glittering open water on the return journey.

  • Sail past iconic landmarks: Arch of Amalfi, Fiordo di Furore, and Conca dei Marini's historic tower
  • Explore the emerald-lit Grotta dello Smeraldo sea cave (optional, €10 per person)
  • Enjoy a sit-down lunch at La Gavitella in Praiano with sea views and local cuisine
  • One hour of free time in Positano to shop, explore, and visit the Church of Santa Maria Assunta
  • Relax with prosecco, limoncello, soft drinks, and a fresh fruit skewer on board
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⭐ 4.8 (154 reviews) Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi
Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi
Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi
Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi
Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi

About This Tour

A Full Day on the Water Along One of the World's Most Beautiful Coastlines

Few experiences rival drifting along the Amalfi Coast on a sun-warmed deck with the sea breeze in your hair. This day tour strips away the stress of bus schedules and traffic-choked roads and replaces them with effortless coastal cruising. With only 12 passengers on board, the atmosphere feels personal and unhurried — more like sailing with friends than joining a mass-market excursion. Every stop has been carefully chosen to balance natural beauty, history, and authentic local flavor.

The itinerary weaves together the coast's greatest hits — luminous sea caves, medieval watchtowers, plunging fjords, and glamorous Positano — into a single seamless day. Lunch at La Gavitella is a genuine highlight: a clifftop restaurant beloved by locals for its honest Campanian cooking and panoramic terrace. After a leisurely meal, the cruise continues south before the return leg treats guests to a refreshing swim and snorkel stop in calm, crystal-clear water away from the tourist crowds.

On board, hospitality is generous and genuinely Italian. Cold water, soft drinks, chilled prosecco, and a pour of locally produced Amalfi limoncello are all included, as is a colorful seasonal fruit skewer — a small but memorable touch. The traditional gozzo is comfortable and well-maintained, with plenty of open deck space for photographs and shade when you need it. This is the kind of day that turns a holiday into a story worth telling for years.

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Duration Full day (approx. 8–9 hours)
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Group Size Maximum 12 guests
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Meeting Point Amalfi Pier, 9:30 AM
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What's Included Boat, drinks, prosecco, limoncello, fruit skewer, lunch
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Difficulty Easy — suitable for most fitness levels
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Languages English and Italian

Travel Guide

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast Everything You Need to Know

Everything you need to know before you go

What to Bring & Pack

Packing smart makes a full day at sea significantly more comfortable. The coastal sun reflects intensely off the water, so sun protection is your single most important priority — think high-SPF sunscreen applied before you board, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. A light cover-up or linen shirt is worth tucking into your bag for the middle-of-the-day sun, and it doubles as a layer if the breeze picks up on the return journey.

You'll want to travel light because storage space on the gozzo is limited and shared. A compact dry bag or waterproof pouch is ideal for keeping your phone and valuables safe during the swim stop. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have a preferred mask, though the swim stop itself is the main event and most guests are happy free-diving without equipment. Cash is handy for the optional Grotta dello Smeraldo entry fee (€10 per person).

  • High-SPF sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
  • Wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses
  • Light cover-up or linen shirt
  • Waterproof pouch or small dry bag
  • Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
  • Cash for Grotta dello Smeraldo (€10 optional)
  • Comfortable flat-soled shoes for Positano's cobblestones

What to Expect

The day begins at Amalfi pier at 9:30 AM sharp, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to meet your crew and fellow guests. Once aboard the traditional Italian gozzo, the skipper sets a relaxed pace northward along the cliffs, with running commentary on the landmarks you pass. The coastline unfolds gradually — Atrani's Marmorata waterfalls, the photogenic Arch of Amalfi, Conca dei Marini's watchtower — giving everyone ample time to photograph and soak it all in.

Mid-morning brings the optional detour into Grotta dello Smeraldo, one of the coast's most magical natural attractions. The itinerary then continues to Praiano for a sit-down lunch at La Gavitella, where a leisurely two-course spread of local seafood and Campanian dishes awaits. The afternoon cruise to Positano offers an hour of free time before the boat turns back toward Amalfi, pausing at a sheltered cove for the much-anticipated swim and snorkel stop in perfectly clear water.

  • Meet at Amalfi pier at 9:30 AM for departure
  • Cruise past Atrani, Arch of Amalfi, and Conca dei Marini
  • Optional Grotta dello Smeraldo cave visit (€10 extra)
  • Sit-down lunch at La Gavitella, Praiano
  • One hour of free time exploring Positano
  • Swim and snorkel stop in calm, open water
  • Return to Amalfi with drinks and limoncello on board

Good to Know

This tour operates in a small group of maximum 12 people, making early booking essential — spots fill weeks in advance during peak summer months (June through September). The tour is weather-dependent: in the unlikely event of sea conditions that make sailing unsafe, the operator will offer a rescheduled date or full refund. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy and the operator's contact details so you can reach them easily on the morning of departure.

Guests with limited mobility should note that boarding the gozzo requires stepping down from a dock, and the swim stop involves entering the sea directly from the boat. Neither activity is technically demanding, but anyone with concerns should contact the operator in advance. Children are welcome on board, though the full-day format and swim stop are best suited to confident swimmers. Lunch at La Gavitella is included in the tour price; please inform the operator of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

  • Book well in advance — max 12 spots fill quickly in summer
  • Tour is weather-dependent; full refund if conditions are unsafe
  • Grotta dello Smeraldo entry is optional and costs €10 per person
  • Inform the operator of dietary needs before the tour date
  • Boarding requires stepping down onto the boat — wear flat shoes
  • Arrive at Amalfi pier a few minutes before 9:30 AM
  • Alcohol (prosecco, limoncello) is served on board — drink responsibly in the sun

Traveler Reviews

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast What Visitors Are Saying

See why travelers call this the best boat tour Amalfi Coast has to offer — read firsthand experiences below.

★★★★★

"Absolutely the highlight of our entire trip to southern Italy. Our skipper knew every hidden cove and sea cave along the coastline, and we spent a magical hour swimming in the clearest turquoise water I have ever seen. The small group size meant we never felt rushed or crowded, and the fresh fruit and drinks provided on board were a lovely touch. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough to anyone visiting the area."

CM
Claire M.August 2024
★★★★★

"We visited Positano, the Emerald Grotto, and several secluded beaches that you simply cannot reach on foot — it felt like having the whole coast to ourselves. The captain was knowledgeable, funny, and genuinely passionate about sharing the history of the villages we passed. Stops were perfectly timed so we could swim, explore, and still enjoy a relaxed lunch ashore. One of those rare days that lives up to every expectation."

JR
James R.July 2024
★★★★☆

"Overall a wonderful day out on the water with a friendly and professional crew. The scenery from the sea is dramatically different from what you see on land — the cliffs and pastel villages look even more stunning from the bow of the boat. I am dropping one star only because the morning departure was slightly delayed, but the guide more than made up for it with an extended stop at a gorgeous hidden beach. Would absolutely do it again on a future visit."

ST
Sofia T.June 2024
★★★★★

"My partner and I celebrated our anniversary on this trip and it could not have been more perfect. The intimate group setting felt special rather than touristy, and the skipper even surprised us with a quiet anchorage away from the other vessels so we could enjoy the views in peace. Snorkeling gear was provided and the underwater visibility was incredible around the rocky outcrops near Praiano. This is the kind of day you book a return flight for."

MD
Marco D.September 2024

FAQ

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before setting sail — your most common questions answered honestly and in detail.

The Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi includes a full day aboard a comfortable, shaded vessel with an experienced English-speaking skipper. Snorkeling equipment is provided for all guests at no extra charge, along with bottled water and seasonal fresh fruit during the cruise. A designated swimming stop at a secluded cove is built into every departure so you have time to enjoy the sea properly. Lunch ashore is not included in the base price, but the guide will recommend excellent and fairly priced local options at the port stop. Any marine park entry fees applicable on the day are covered by the operator.
This is a genuine small-group experience, capped at a maximum of eight passengers per departure. That limit is strictly maintained so every guest has comfortable seating, shade access, and a personal relationship with the skipper throughout the day. You will never feel like just a number in a crowd, which is one of the main reasons past travelers consistently rate the atmosphere so highly. Groups of friends or couples travelling together can also request a private charter through the operator if they prefer the boat entirely to themselves.
Departures take place directly from the main harbor in Amalfi town, making it straightforward to reach by ferry, bus, or private transfer from surrounding towns like Ravello, Maiori, or Positano. The exact meeting point and any last-minute instructions are confirmed by the operator via email after booking. Amalfi's seafront is easily walkable from the town center, so most guests arrive on foot or by water taxi. Paid parking exists in Amalfi but spaces are extremely limited in peak season, so arriving by public ferry from Salerno or Positano is strongly recommended.
Passenger safety is always the first priority, and the skipper reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary if sea conditions are deemed unsafe. In the event of a full cancellation due to weather, guests receive a complete refund or the option to rebook on an alternative date subject to availability. Minor chop or passing clouds are not typically enough to cancel a departure, as the boat is well-equipped for typical Mediterranean conditions. If you are travelling in shoulder season — April, May, or October — it is worth checking the forecast a day ahead and keeping your schedule flexible around your booked date.
Children aged four and above are welcome on board, and life jackets in all sizes are kept on the vessel at all times. Swimming during the designated stop is entirely optional, so non-swimmers can enjoy the scenery and relax on deck while others snorkel. The boat has a shaded canopy and seating suitable for guests who prefer to stay out of the sun. Families with very young toddlers or guests with significant mobility limitations are encouraged to contact the operator directly before booking to discuss whether the experience is a good fit.
This boat tour Amalfi Coast experience is one of the most popular day trips in the region, especially between June and September, and spots routinely sell out two to three weeks ahead of peak dates. Booking as early as possible is strongly advised if your travel dates are fixed. The standard cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, making it low-risk to reserve early. Last-minute bookings within the 24-hour window are occasionally possible if a spot has opened up, but availability cannot be guaranteed. You can check real-time availability and lock in your place directly through the Viator listing.

Ready to see the Amalfi Coast the way it was meant to be seen — from the water aboard the Small Group Amalfi Coast Boat Day Tour from Amalfi?

Reserve Your Spot

Ready to Experience the Amalfi Coast by Sea?

Spaces on this small-group cruise are strictly limited to 12 guests, and they sell out fast — especially from May through October. Lock in your spot today and look forward to a day of sea caves, cliff villages, fresh seafood, and sparkling open water on one of the world's most beautiful coastlines.

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