⭐ 4.8 (198 reviews)

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast: Sail the Most Stunning Stretch of Italian Coastline

Cruise from Positano past hidden grottoes, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise coves on an intimate small-group adventure with drinks on board and a swim stop included.

Featured Tour

Discover the Amalfi Coast from the Water

The Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks is the finest way to experience this legendary shoreline without the crowds. Departing from the Positano pier with no more than 12 fellow travellers, you will glide past Praiano, the breathtaking Fiordo di Furore, the luminous Grotta dello Smeraldo, and the natural arch at Conca dei Marini before arriving in Amalfi for a free hour of exploration. The journey continues to Atrani and its Marmorata waterfalls, a refreshing swim and snorkel stop, and an optional seaside lunch at La Gavitella restaurant (available 14 May–4 October, not included). Cold drinks flow freely throughout, making this relaxed coastal cruise an unmissable highlight of any southern Italy itinerary.

  • Small group of maximum 12 passengers for a personal, uncrowded experience
  • Visit Fiordo di Furore, Grotta dello Smeraldo, and the natural arch at Conca dei Marini
  • One free hour to explore Amalfi at your own pace
  • Refreshing swim and snorkel stop in crystal-clear Tyrrhenian waters
  • Complimentary drinks served on board throughout the cruise
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⭐ 4.8 (198 reviews) Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks
Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks
Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks
Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks
Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks

About This Experience

A Small-Group Coastal Adventure Like No Other

Setting off from the iconic Positano pier, this intimate cruise hugs one of the world's most photogenic coastlines. The small-group format means your skipper can navigate closer to hidden sea caves and dramatic cliffs that larger vessels simply cannot reach. Every bend in the shoreline reveals a new postcard view, from pastel-coloured fishing villages clinging to the rock face to emerald water so clear you can see straight to the sandy seabed below.

The itinerary is thoughtfully paced, blending sightseeing with genuine relaxation. You will anchor in a sheltered cove for a proper swim and snorkel session, then continue along the coast to Amalfi, where a full hour ashore lets you wander the cathedral square, browse the lemon-scented market stalls, or simply sit at a café. Between May and early October, an optional lunch at the clifftop La Gavitella restaurant adds a delicious local food experience to the day.

Throughout the journey, a wide selection of drinks is available on board at no extra charge, keeping everyone refreshed under the Mediterranean sun. The optional visit to Grotta dello Smeraldo — an otherworldly emerald-lit sea cave — costs approximately €10 per person and is well worth the addition. With a 4.8-star rating from 198 verified travellers, this ranks among the most beloved coastal excursions departing from Positano, delivering exceptional value and unforgettable memories.

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Duration Full day
👥
Group Size Max 12 people
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Meeting Point Positano Pier
✅
Included Boat, skipper & drinks
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Difficulty Easy – suitable for all
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Languages English & 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 for a full-day boat excursion along the Amalfi Coast will make the difference between a comfortable cruise and an uncomfortable one. The sun reflects intensely off the water, so sun protection is your top priority. Lightweight, quick-dry clothing is ideal, and a hat you can secure so it does not blow away at speed is highly recommended. Bring a small waterproof bag to keep your phone and valuables dry during the swim stop.

Footwear with grip is useful when boarding and disembarking the vessel, especially at smaller jetties. If you plan to visit Grotta dello Smeraldo, carry approximately €10 in cash for the entrance ticket, as card payment may not be available. A light layer or windbreaker is handy for the return journey when sea breezes pick up in the afternoon. Motion-sickness tablets are worth packing if you are sensitive to boat movement on open water.

  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection
  • Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel
  • Secure sun hat and UV-protective sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone case or dry bag for valuables
  • Approximately €10 cash for the optional Grotta dello Smeraldo entrance
  • Light windbreaker or cover-up for the afternoon return
  • Grip-soled sandals or water shoes for boarding

What to Expect on Board

The day begins at the Positano pier where you will meet your skipper and your fellow passengers — a cosy group of no more than 12. Once everyone is on board and safety briefed, the boat heads west towards Praiano and the dramatic inlet of Fiordo di Furore, one of the most jaw-dropping natural features of the entire coast. The skipper narrates key sights and ensures the boat slows at all the best viewpoints so you can take photos freely.

After passing the natural arch at Conca dei Marini and the optional Grotta dello Smeraldo stop, the boat continues east towards Amalfi, where you disembark for a full hour of independent exploration. The skipper then guides the group to a sheltered cove for a swim and snorkel session before visiting Atrani and the Marmorata waterfalls. If you have opted for lunch, the boat stops at La Gavitella, a cliffside restaurant serving traditional local dishes with sensational sea views.

  • Board at Positano pier and receive a skipper safety briefing
  • Cruise past Praiano and the spectacular Fiordo di Furore
  • Optional stop at Grotta dello Smeraldo (~€10 entrance, not included)
  • Pass natural arch at Conca dei Marini and arrive in Amalfi for 1 free hour
  • Swim and snorkel stop in calm, clear coastal waters
  • Pass Atrani with views of the Marmorata waterfalls
  • Optional seaside lunch at La Gavitella (14 May–4 Oct, cost not included)

Good to Know Before You Book

This excursion operates in open sea conditions, so it may be cancelled or modified by the skipper in the event of adverse weather or rough seas for the safety of all passengers. Always check your confirmation email the evening before your tour date. The boat is a small motorised vessel, so guests with severe mobility limitations should contact the operator in advance to confirm suitability. Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times, particularly during the swim stop.

The Grotta dello Smeraldo entrance fee of approximately €10 per person is not included in your ticket price and is entirely optional. Similarly, lunch at La Gavitella is at your own expense and is only available between 14 May and 4 October each year. Amalfi city is explored independently without a guide, so downloading an offline map or audio guide app in advance is a great idea. Arrive at the Positano pier at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

  • Tour may be cancelled in bad weather — check your email the night before
  • Grotta dello Smeraldo entrance (~€10) is optional and not included
  • Lunch at La Gavitella is self-pay and seasonal (14 May–4 Oct only)
  • No city guide in Amalfi — download an offline map before you go
  • Arrive at Positano pier at least 10 minutes early
  • Notify the operator in advance if you have mobility concerns
  • Keep valuables in a dry bag during the swim stop

Traveler Reviews

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast What Visitors Are Saying

See why travelers call this the ultimate boat tour amalfi coast experience — straight from those who've been on the water.

★★★★★

"Absolutely the highlight of our entire Italy trip. The guide knew every hidden cove and sea cave along the coastline, and we had plenty of time to swim in the clearest water I've ever seen. The drinks were cold, the group was small enough to feel private, and the views of Positano from the water were simply jaw-dropping. I'd book this again without a second thought."

RM
Rachel M.August 2024
★★★★★

"We did several excursions during our Amalfi Coast holiday and this one blew every other out of the water — literally. The small-group format made such a difference; our skipper stopped wherever we wanted and was never rushing us back onto the boat. Snorkeling near the Grotta dello Smeraldo was a magical bonus we didn't expect. Highly, highly recommend treating yourself to this."

JT
James T.July 2024
★★★★☆

"Really enjoyable afternoon on the water with a knowledgeable and friendly crew. The prosecco and soft drinks were a lovely touch, and the swimming stop near Furore Fjord was spectacular. I'm giving four stars only because the departure point was a little tricky to find at first, so allow yourself extra time. Once we were underway though, every single moment was worth it."

SB
Sofia B.June 2024
★★★★★

"Our family of four — including two teenagers who are notoriously hard to impress — agreed this was the best thing we did on the entire trip. The boat was comfortable and well-equipped, the guide pointed out landmarks with genuine passion, and the swim breaks were perfectly timed. Seeing the famous pastel villages from the sea gives you a completely different perspective that no bus tour can match."

DK
David K.September 2024

FAQ

Boat Tour Amalfi Coast Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you step aboard — answered clearly so you can book with total confidence.

The Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks covers your seat on a small private-style vessel, a knowledgeable skipper-guide, and complimentary drinks including prosecco and soft drinks throughout the trip. Snorkeling masks are also provided at no extra charge, so you don't need to bring your own gear. Essentially, once you're on board you can relax — the essentials are all taken care of. The only things not included are personal items, gratuities, and any food you choose to purchase independently.
This is a genuine small-group experience, typically capped at around 8 to 12 passengers depending on the vessel. That intimate size is one of the biggest advantages over larger ferry-style trips, as it allows the skipper to make spontaneous stops at quieter coves and tailor the pace to the group. You'll never feel like you're being herded through the scenery. If you're traveling with a larger private party, dedicated private charter options are usually available on request through the operator.
Departure is from the main beach pier in Positano, which is reachable by the local SITA bus from Amalfi or Sorrento, by water taxi, or by private transfer. The meeting point details and exact coordinates are confirmed in your booking voucher, so save those to your phone in advance. Bear in mind that Positano's harbour area can be busy in peak season, so arriving 15 minutes early is a good idea. Parking in the village is very limited, so arriving by public transport or boat is strongly recommended.
You absolutely don't have to swim to enjoy this excursion — watching the coastline glide past from the deck is a pleasure in itself, and the swimming stops are optional. The boat travels along a relatively sheltered stretch of coastline, so conditions are usually calm, especially on morning departures. That said, if you're prone to motion sickness, it's wise to take medication beforehand and choose a seat toward the center of the vessel. The operator typically monitors weather forecasts closely and will reschedule or refund if sea conditions are deemed unsuitable.
Pack a swimsuit, a light cover-up or towel, sunscreen (reef-safe is appreciated), sunglasses, and a hat — the Mediterranean sun reflects intensely off the water. A small waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone and valuables is highly recommended. Comfortable non-slip sandals you can slip off easily are better footwear than anything lace-up. The boat has a small cooler for drinks but doesn't serve a full meal, so eat a light snack beforehand if you tend to get hungry mid-afternoon.
Most bookings for this boat tour amalfi coast experience offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure, which gives you peace of mind when planning around unpredictable summer weather. If the operator cancels due to adverse sea conditions, you'll receive a full refund or the option to rebook on another available date. It's always worth reviewing the specific terms on your Viator confirmation, as policies can vary slightly by season. Booking through the Viator platform also gives you an added layer of purchase protection.

Ready to see the Amalfi Coast the way it was meant to be seen — from the sea? Secure your spot on the Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks before it sells out.

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Ready to Set Sail Along the Amalfi Coast?

Spaces on the Positano: Amalfi Coast Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim and Drinks fill up fast, especially in peak summer months. Secure your spot today and look forward to a day of sea caves, clifftop villages, turquoise waters, and ice-cold drinks under the Italian sun.

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