Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Positano: Small Group, Swim & Lunch

Summary

Small group boat day along Amalfi’s villages, swimming and local food

You’ll join a small group for a laid-back Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano, gliding past Praiano and Furore before free time in Amalfi town. Swim off the boat in clear water, snack on fruit or sip prosecco on deck, and maybe linger over lunch at a seaside spot. It’s as much about feeling part of local life as seeing famous views.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how the morning started — one minute I was weaving through the busy little lanes of Positano, sunscreen half rubbed in, and then suddenly we were stepping onto this wooden boat with just a handful of others. Our skipper — Antonio, who seemed to know every rock on the coast — nodded at us like we were old friends. The air smelled salty and a bit sweet, like lemons somewhere nearby. I’d read about the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano but didn’t expect it to feel so… casual? Like you’re just joining someone’s family for the day.

We drifted past Praiano first (the houses stacked like pastel cakes), then that wild Fiordo di Furore gorge — honestly, I had to squint to believe it was real. Antonio pointed out the Grotta dello Smeraldo but left it up to us if we wanted to hop off and see inside (I skipped it; someone else went and came back grinning). There was music playing softly — not touristy stuff, more like what you’d hear at a cousin’s wedding. At one point I caught myself just staring at the cliffs and thinking about how many stories these villages must hold.

Amalfi itself was a bit of a blur — 1.5 hours goes fast when you’re wandering alleys smelling espresso and watching locals chat in doorways. No guide here; you’re on your own, which I kind of liked because it meant getting lost without anyone hurrying you along. Back on board, we stopped at La Gavitella for lunch overlooking the sea (not included in the price but worth every euro for that view alone). Someone tried limoncello for the first time and made a face; Antonio laughed and poured another round anyway.

On the way back toward Positano there was a swim stop — water so clear you could see your toes waving below. I’m still thinking about that feeling: floating there with cliffs above, sun on my face, not really wanting to get out. The whole day felt easy and unplanned even though everything ran smoothly (towels appeared when needed; drinks too). If you want something relaxed but real — not just ticking off sights — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Depart Positano pier at 09:30 am
• Sail past Praiano and Marina di Praia
• Pass the Fjord of Furore
• Optional visit to Grotta dello Smeraldo
• Admire Natural Arch of Conca dei Marini
• Pass through Atrani and Marmorata waterfalls
• Explore Amalfi city for 1.5 hours
• Lunch at La Gavitella restaurant (optional)
• Swim and snorkel on return trip
• Return to Positano

Top questions

How many people are on the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano?

The group size is limited to 12 people maximum per tour.

Is lunch included in this small group Amalfi Coast boat day tour?

No, lunch at La Gavitella restaurant is optional and not included in the ticket price.

Does the tour include time to visit Amalfi town?

Yes, you have 1.5 hours of free time in Amalfi town during the tour.

Are drinks provided during the boat trip?

Yes, water, soft drinks, prosecco, limoncello, fruits, and snacks are included onboard.

Can I swim or snorkel during this Amalfi Coast day trip?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming and snorkeling off the boat along the coast.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is included; departure is from Positano pier with check-in 10 minutes before departure.

What should I bring for this boat tour?

You should bring sunscreen, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, jacket, and flip-flops.

Is there a guide during free time in Amalfi?

No guide is provided during your free time in Amalfi; you explore independently.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing on a traditional wooden boat with beach towels provided onboard plus music (sometimes local favorites), use of shower and toilet facilities on board, stops for swimming and snorkeling with all gear supplied (including life jackets), 1.5 hours of free time in Amalfi town to wander as you wish (no guide), plus water, soft drinks, prosecco or limoncello served alongside fresh fruit or snacks throughout the journey before returning to Positano pier by afternoon.