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

Summary

Sorrento to Amalfi by boat with swims, lunch and local stories

You’ll sail from Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast with real local fishermen as guides, stopping for swims in hidden coves and enjoying a fresh homemade lunch on board. Wander through Amalfi and Positano at your own pace before returning with salty hair and maybe a new favorite cake recipe—plus stories you can’t quite explain until you’ve been there yourself.

What’s the experience like?

I almost dropped my phone in the water trying to take a picture of Bagni della Regina Giovanna — Sal just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, it happens every week.” There’s something about being on that old Sorrentine Gozzo, sun sneaking through the canvas shade, that makes you forget you’re a tourist. Frank handed out coffee (yes, real espresso) as we left Marina Grande behind. The air was salty and there was this faint smell of lemons — probably my mind playing tricks but maybe not. I kept thinking how different this felt from those big ferries packed with people snapping selfies.

We drifted past Baia di Puolo and Scoglio del Vervece while Sal pointed out little coves only locals seemed to know about. When we stopped at Cala di Mitigliano for a swim, the water was so clear it almost looked fake — I hesitated for a second because it felt cold at first touch, but then you just go for it. There were floating noodles and masks if you wanted them (I did), and someone laughed when I tried to say “grazie” with my snorkel still in. The pace was slow in the best way; nobody rushed us back onboard.

Lunch happened somewhere between Conca dei Marini and Praiano — pasta salad, mozzarella from their own farm (Frank swore it tasted better at sea), tomatoes so sweet they didn’t need salt. They had vegan stuff too; one woman asked for gluten-free and got her own sandwich. Homemade Caprese cake for dessert. Not fancy but honestly perfect after swimming — I still think about that cake sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk.

We had about an hour and a half each in Amalfi and Positano to wander around. In Positano I bought a tiny lemon soap from an old lady who barely looked up from her knitting; she smiled when I tried my terrible Italian. On the way back Sal poured us all limoncello shots (tiny ones) before we jumped in for one last swim near Sorrento. Sunburn on my nose, hair full of salt — I didn’t expect to feel so much like part of someone else’s summer routine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sorrento to Amalfi Coast boat tour

• Pickup in Sorrento
• Sail from Marina Grande
• View Bagni della Regina Giovanna
• View Baia di Puolo and Scoglio del Vervece
• Pass Massa Lubrense
• Swim at Cala di Mitigliano
• Pass Punta Campanella and Nerano
• Pass Li Galli islands
• Dock in Amalfi for free time
• Enjoy lunch on board
• Pass Conca dei Marini, Furore, Praiano
• Stop in Positano for free time
• Swim stop before returning to Sorrento
• Return to Sorrento

Top questions

Is pickup included in the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Sorrento?

Yes, pickup from Sorrento is included before boarding at Marina Grande.

How long do we get to spend in Amalfi and Positano?

You’ll have about 1.5 hours free time in both Amalfi and Positano during the tour.

Is lunch provided on board?

Yes, lunch is served on board featuring homemade dishes with organic ingredients from their own farm.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested when booking.

Can children join this boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

Do we stop for swimming during the tour?

Yes, there are two swim stops where you can use life jackets, noodles, masks or snorkels provided by the crew.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses a classic Sorrentine Gozzo boat with shaded areas, sundecks, and restrooms onboard.

Are drinks included during the trip?

A bottle of prosecco per group is included plus wine, beer (2 per person), soft drinks and water throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Sorrento followed by a relaxed cruise along the coast aboard a classic Gozzo boat with shaded seating and restrooms; all drinks including prosecco, wine, beer or soft drinks; two swim stops with life jackets and snorkeling gear; 1.5 hours each exploring Amalfi and Positano; plus a homemade organic lunch prepared on board—vegan or gluten-free if needed—and even some limoncello before heading back to port.