Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour from Sorrento

If you’re dreaming of cruising along Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast, this Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour from Sorrento offers a well-rounded experience that combines stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and relaxing moments on the water. While it’s not a private charter, the tour’s blend of guided commentary, scenic stops, and leisurely swimming makes it a favorite for those seeking an authentic and picturesque adventure.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the knowledgeable guides, like Mario and Orlando, bring the coast’s stories to life – a real plus for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Second, the stunning views from the boat, passing through caves and along dramatic cliffs, are truly breathtaking. Third, the diverse itinerary includes charming Positano, historic Amalfi, and the hidden gems like Furore Fjord and Queen Giovanna’s Baths, offering a real taste of the region’s varied beauty.

One thing to keep in mind: this is a full-day tour with a lot packed in, which means some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if weather conditions restrict certain stops (like Positano). Still, for those who love scenic boat rides, authentic local sights, and a flexible itinerary, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day on the water with plenty of opportunities to swim, explore, and soak in the coast’s charm—perfect for first-timers to the Amalfi area or those wanting to skip the hassle of logistics.

Good To Know

Stunning Scenery: Experience breathtaking views of cliffs, caves, and historic islands along the coast.
Authentic Locations: Stops at Positano, Amalfi, and secret coves provide a genuine taste of the region.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Mario and Orlando enrich the journey with insights and humor.
Flexible Itinerary: Multiple stops for swimming, sightseeing, and exploring give you a well-rounded day.
Value for Price: For around $112, travelers get a full day of guided adventure, meals, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
Weather Dependence: The tour’s success relies partly on weather, which can affect certain stops like Positano.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

This 8-hour tour begins at Marina Piccola in Sorrento, where the boat, equipped with snorkeling gear, awaits. From there, you’re whisked along the dramatic coastline, passing Massa Lubrense and into Mitigliano Bay. The boat’s route is carefully curated to offer a balance of scenic drives and stops, giving you a comprehensive taste of the coast’s natural and cultural gems.

Nerano and Le Mortelle

The first notable stop is Nerano, a charming fishing village surrounded by lush landscapes. This is more than just a photo-op; you’ll enjoy a guided moment and scenic views, with about 10 minutes to take pictures or just breathe in the fresh sea air. Following this, the boat cruises past Crapolla, a rocky cove with dramatic cliffs and tranquil waters—perfect for a quick photo stop and appreciating the area’s rugged beauty.

The Coves and Islands

Next, the boat visits the Sirenuses, where you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel. The guides provide snorkeling equipment, making it easy to explore underwater life in the crystal waters. This is a highlight for many, especially as the water here is often described as clear and inviting.

Positano and Free Time

Arriving in Positano around 12:30 pm, you’ll enjoy about 1.5 hours ashore. The town is famous for its pastel-colored buildings, steep streets, and boutique shopping. Reviewers frequently mention the value of this free time—whether you want to wander, take photos, or grab a quick gelato, it’s a perfect window to soak in the charm of this iconic town. Some reviews note that weather can influence the visit; in rocky conditions, the boat may skip certain stops like Positano, but this often results in more time in Amalfi instead.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Amalfi and the Emerald Grotto

After Positano, the boat resumes its journey along the coast, with a scenic stop at Furore Fjord and a visit to Conca dei Marini. Here, you’ll find an optional quick guided tour and the chance to swim in the waters. The highlight is the Emerald Grotto, where you can admire the dazzling natural beauty of the cave (though entry to the grotto requires an additional fee).

Historic Amalfi & The Bay of Dreams

Around 3:30 pm, the boat arrives in Amalfi. You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore the town, visit its cathedral, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Many find this free time valuable for shopping or wandering the narrow streets lined with cafes and shops.

The Bay of Dreams and Queen Giovanna’s Baths

The final scenic highlight is the Bay of Dreams, where you can admire the picturesque setting and take a refreshing swim in the Fisherman’s Grotto. Afterwards, the boat heads toward Queen Giovanna’s Baths, a historic Roman site that’s both a relaxing spot and a bit of a hidden treasure. The guide offers some local spirits and fresh fruit here, perfect for unwinding before heading back.

Return Journey

As the day winds down, the boat slowly makes its way back to Sorrento, passing Massa Lubrense once more. The tour concludes around 5:30 pm, offering a well-paced, fulfilling day on the coast with plenty of photo opportunities and relaxing moments.

What’s Included and Not Included

This tour offers great value for the price of about $112 per person. Included are:

• A Caprese sandwich (mozzarella and tomato), perfect for a quick, authentic snack
• Soft drinks, fresh fruits, and a welcome drink
• Snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• Use of the boat’s fridge and ice to keep drinks cool
• The services of a skipper and hostess, along with insurance and taxes

Extras include the entry fee to the Emerald Grotto, which is not covered and requires an additional fee. There’s also a €10 per person charge for hotel pickup and drop-off, and a €5 destination fee.

Practical tips:

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchairs, given the nature of boat stops and walking around towns.

The Experience: Pros, Cons, and Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Mario and Orlando are a highlight—they’re praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to keep the group engaged. One guest mentioned that they “had a bit of confusion” about the departure time, but overall, the boat and crew received high marks.

The stunning scenery is consistently praised, with travelers loving the chance to see caves, islands, and dramatic coastlines up close. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with a good setup for relaxing and enjoying the views.

Swimmers and snorkelers will appreciate the gear provided, making it easy to dip into the water at various stops. The weak link can sometimes be the weather, which might limit certain activities or stops—one reviewer noted that rocky conditions prevented a visit to Positano, but appreciated the extra time in Amalfi instead.

The free time in Positano and Amalfi is highly valued, giving a balance of guided sightseeing and independent exploration. Many mention that the boat’s pace is well judged, allowing enough time at each spot without feeling rushed, though some found the schedule tight if weather issues arise.

Who Is This Tour For?

This boat tour is well-suited for those who want to see the Amalfi Coast from the water with knowledgeable guides, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and explore iconic towns without the hassle of organizing transportation. It’s ideal for first-timers or those looking for a leisurely yet comprehensive day.

It’s perfect if you prefer a guided experience that includes local insights, scenic stops, and authentic Italian flavors. However, travelers with mobility issues or those looking for a private, customizable service might find this tour less suitable.

The Sum Up

The Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour from Sorrento offers a fantastic way to enjoy Italy’s most famous coastline. With a mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and opportunities to swim and relax, it provides a balanced, memorable day out on the water. The knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic stops make it a solid choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive Amalfi experience.

The tour’s value is boosted by the inclusion of meals, snorkeling gear, and expert commentary, making it a good investment for those wanting to see the coast without the stress of self-planning. Keep in mind the weather can influence certain stops, but overall, the experience promises plenty of beautiful moments and fun.

If you’re after a guided, scenic, and immersive day along Italy’s coast with opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, this tour ticks many boxes and is worth considering.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour?
The tour starts at Marina Piccola (Sorrento Harbour), at the Sorrentoseatours office next to the Tobacco shop, with check-in at least 15 minutes before departure.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 8 hours, typically starting around 9:30 am, with the return around 5:30 pm.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Caprese sandwich (mozzarella and tomato) is served on board, along with soft drinks, fresh fruits, and a welcome drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included and available for use at stops like Sirenuses and Conca dei Marini.

Can I visit Positano?
Yes, you get about 1.5 hours of free time in Positano to explore, shop, or relax. However, weather conditions can sometimes restrict certain stops.

Are there additional fees I should know about?
Yes, entry to the Emerald Grotto costs extra, and there’s a €10 per person fee for hotel pickup and drop-off, plus a €5 destination fee.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for exploring towns.

Is the tour suitable for children or disabled travelers?
It’s not recommended for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users, given the boat stops and walking involved.

Overall, this boat tour is a well-rounded, scenic, and enjoyable way to see the Amalfi Coast. If you want a guided day filled with stunning views, authentic towns, and opportunities for swimming, it’s a solid choice — especially if you value expert guides and a relaxed pace.

You can check if your dates are available here: