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

Summary

Colorful villages, secret swims & laughter on the Amalfi Coast

You’ll set out from Positano by boat with a small group and local captain, stopping for swims in secret coves and drifting past villages like Praiano and Amalfi. There’s time ashore for gelato or wandering quiet streets, plus prosecco and limoncello back on deck as you dry in the sun. If you’re after something easygoing but full of color and little surprises, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

We pushed off from Positano just after nine — the town looked like it was barely awake, pastel houses stacked up the cliffs like someone’s wild idea of a painting. Our captain, Marco, handed out towels and grinned at my clumsy “buongiorno.” The sea was calm but smelled faintly salty and sweet, maybe from all those lemon trees I kept spotting above us. I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed so quickly — maybe it was the gentle hum of the engine or just knowing someone else was steering for once.

The first swim stop came sooner than I thought. Water clearer than any pool I’ve seen — cold enough to make you gasp but not enough to keep me out. There were only eight of us on board, so nobody felt rushed. Marco pointed out Praiano as we drifted by; he told us about the majolica dome catching sunlight and how his grandmother used to walk down those winding steps for Sunday mass. He laughed when I tried to say “Gavitella” (I definitely butchered it). We floated there for a while, not really talking much — just listening to distant church bells and the occasional splash.

After that came Furore Fjord — honestly, I’d never heard of it before this day trip along the Amalfi Coast from Positano. The cliffs squeezed in tight around a tiny beach under that stone bridge (apparently famous for cliff diving). It felt almost too dramatic to be real. We stopped again for a swim; I remember the water tasting slightly metallic near the rocks, which sounds weird but somehow made sense there.

Reaching Amalfi itself felt like arriving somewhere important — people everywhere, old men gesturing at each other outside cafés. We had free time to wander; I found myself standing inside the cathedral longer than planned just because it was cool and quiet. On the way back we passed Conca dei Marini and that arch everyone says is lucky for lovers (not sure if it worked but hey). Someone popped open prosecco and Marco poured limoncello into little plastic cups as we dried off in the sun. Even now, sometimes when I smell lemons I think about that afternoon — not sure why that sticks with me more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Depart from Positano
• Admire Positano coastline
• View Praiano village and church
• Swim and snorkel at Cala della Gavitella
• See Furore Fjord and iconic bridge
• Pass Conca dei Marini village
• Sail under the Natural Arch
• Stop and explore Amalfi town
• Visit the Emerald Grotto cave
• Return to Positano

Top questions

How long does the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano last?

The tour typically lasts several hours with multiple stops along the coast before returning to Positano.

Is swimming included during this day trip along the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters during the boat tour.

Does this tour include time to explore Amalfi town?

Yes, you’ll have free time ashore in Amalfi to visit sites or enjoy local food before heading back.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

Your ticket includes bottled water, soda/pop, snacks, prosecco beer, and limoncello served on board.

How many people are usually on this small group boat tour?

The experience is usually limited to 8–12 guests per boat for an intimate feel.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

You can snorkel during swim stops; check with your operator if gear is included or bring your own just in case.

Where does this Amalfi Coast tour depart from?

The boat departs directly from Positano’s marina area.

Are infants or children allowed on this tour?

Yes—infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during travel.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Positano’s marina with a professional English-speaking captain at the helm; room onboard a comfortable small-group boat; towels for drying off after swims; bottled water, soda/pop, snacks plus prosecco beer and limoncello served as you relax; restroom access onboard; stops for swimming and snorkeling; free time ashore in Amalfi or another coastal town depending on itinerary; music via Bluetooth if you want it—and then back again as late sunlight hits those pastel cliffs one more time.