Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano: Swim the Emerald Grotto

You swim through the Natural Arch, not just look at it from a distance.

A small-group boat tour from Positano along the Amalfi Coast with a live guide in English or Italian, stopping to swim at sea caves, the Natural Arch, and the Emerald Grotto before docking in Amalfi for a walk through the historic town. The boat holds a maximum of 12 passengers and includes fresh water, soft drinks, Italian Prosecco, towels and life jackets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Amalfi Coast boat cruise

• Board boat at Positano pier
• Cruise along Amalfi Coast
• Swim at Emerald Grotto and bays
• Visit caves accessible by swimming
• Stop in Amalfi for sightseeing
• Explore Amalfi Cathedral and square
• Shop and stroll in Amalfi town
• Board boat at Amalfi harbor
• Cruise back to Positano
• Disembark at Positano pier by 5pm

The experience

The boat leaves Positano pier in the morning and cruises slowly along the coastline, stopping at the most attractive spots for swimming in crystalline water. You'll reach the Triton and African Grotto, accessible by swimming in when conditions allow, and the Furore Gorge, an ancient fishing village listed by UNESCO. The Natural Arch is where you get to swim through the landmark itself rather than viewing it from the boat. En route, you pass the lesser-known towns of Atrani, Minori, and Maiori, then approach Amalfi from the sea at the turning point of the day.

After about three hours on the water, the boat docks in Amalfi, where you have time to walk through the old town of this former maritime republic. The Amalfi Cathedral dominates the main square from the top of a high flight of steps, its medieval facade visible from the harbor. You can shop, explore the historic streets, or simply sit and take in the views. The boat picks you up again from Amalfi's harbor and cruises back along the coastline to Positano, arriving by 5pm.

Fresh water, soft drinks, and a glass of Italian Prosecco are provided throughout the day, along with towels and life jackets. The Emerald Grotto entrance is optional and costs an extra €10 per person, paid directly at the entrance when you arrive.

What’s included

• Fresh water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• a glass of Italian Prosecco.
• towels and life jackets.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Apr 2027

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cassiopea

Is this one for you?At seven hours, the tour leaves your morning free and gets you back to Positano by early evening, so you can combine it with a meal or exploration elsewhere on the coast. The small group of up to 12 means you're not packed onto a large vessel, and the slow pace lets you actually swim at each stop rather than just pass by.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim at every stop on the Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Swimming stops depend on sea conditions. The Triton and African Grotto are accessible by swimming in when conditions allow, and you can swim through the Natural Arch. The boat stops at attractive spots along the way for swimming in the crystalline water, but the crew will assess safety at each location.

What is the Emerald Grotto and do I have to visit it?

The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is an optional stop on the tour. Entry costs an extra €10 per person and you pay the ticket directly at the entrance. The tour includes the boat ride past it, but visiting inside is your choice.

How much time do I get in Amalfi town?

After about three hours of cruising and swimming stops, the boat docks in Amalfi for a stroll through the historic maritime republic's old town. You have time to walk around, visit the Amalfi Cathedral, shop, or eat before the boat departs for the return journey to Positano.

What towns do I see from the boat besides Amalfi?

En route you pass Atrani, Minori, and Maiori, three lesser-known villages along the coastline. You also see the Furore Gorge, an ancient fishing village listed by UNESCO, and approach Amalfi from the sea at the turning point of the excursion.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included. The operator can suggest a typical seaside restaurant in Amalfi where you can eat during your time in town.