Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Swim from Sorrento

Summary

Sail past cliff villages swim li galli islands taste limoncello

You’ll glide along the Amalfi Coast by boat from Sorrento with a local skipper, stopping for swims near Li Galli Islands and exploring both Amalfi and Positano at your own pace. Enjoy a Caprese sandwich lunch on board and end with a limoncello toast as you sail home — sun-warmed and probably smiling.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, just drifting off Sorrento with those cliffs stacked above the sea. We met our skipper, Carlo — he grinned when I mispronounced “Bagni della Regina Giovanna” (I tried, honestly). The boat felt cozy with twelve of us, not crowded. As we pulled away from Marina Grande, the air smelled like salt and sunscreen and someone’s cologne. It was early but already warm enough for shorts.

Carlo pointed out ruins tucked into the rocks — apparently Roman nobles used to bathe there. The water near Mitigliano Beach was this weirdly clear turquoise that made me want to jump in immediately (so I did, and it was colder than I expected). Floating close to Li Galli Islands, he told us about sirens luring sailors; I half-listened while treading water and trying not to think about jellyfish. There’s something about swimming here that makes you hungry fast — maybe it’s the sea air or just all the sun.

Lunch was simple: Caprese sandwich with mozzarella that actually tasted like milk and basil that left my fingers smelling green for hours. We passed Nerano and Praiano — houses stacked like Lego bricks, laundry flapping everywhere. In Amalfi, I grabbed lemon granita from a street cart (sticky hands for the next hour), wandered alleys that felt too narrow for two people side by side. Positano was busy but somehow still dreamy — pastel houses tumbling down to the beach where everyone seemed to be taking photos or eating gelato. I lost track of time there.

On the way back, Carlo poured us limoncello in little plastic cups. Everyone got quiet for a minute except for two kids giggling at seagulls fighting over crumbs. Sunburn on my shoulders, hair full of salt — I still think about that view as we cruised back toward Sorrento, everything golden and a bit unreal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Meet driver at Parcheggio Achille Lauro
• Transfer to Sorrento port
• Board boat with small group
• Admire Marina Grande village
• Pass Roman ruins at Bagni della Regina Giovanna
• Spot Mitigliano waterfall
• Pass Baia di Ieranto reserve
• Swim near Li Galli Islands
• Cruise past Nerano and Praiano villages
• Admire Fiordo di Furore cliffs
• Dock in Amalfi for free time
• Stop in Positano for exploration
• Enjoy light lunch on board
• Final swim and toast on boat
• Cruise back to Sorrento port

Top questions

How many people are on this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

This is a small group tour with up to 12-14 travelers per boat.

Is lunch included on the day trip from Sorrento?

Yes, a light lunch is served onboard: traditional Caprese sandwich plus sweet treat.

Can you swim during this Positano & Amalfi boat tour?

Yes, there are swimming stops near Li Galli Islands and other scenic spots along the route.

Are drinks provided on the boat?

Water, soft drinks, Prosecco, beer, wine and limoncello are included throughout the cruise.

Is pickup included in this Sorrento Amalfi Coast tour?

The tour includes pickup at Parcheggio Achille Lauro in central Sorrento; return transportation can be arranged if needed.

What towns do you visit on this Amalfi Coast day trip?

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

What time does the tour start?

The day begins at 8:15 AM at Parcheggio Achille Lauro in Sorrento.

Are guides English-speaking?

Your professional skipper speaks English during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Sorrento to the port, an English-speaking skipper guiding your small group by boat along the coast with stops for swimming at Li Galli Islands, free time in both Amalfi and Positano villages, drinks throughout (including wine and limoncello), a traditional Caprese sandwich lunch plus sweet treat onboard before returning late afternoon to Sorrento’s port.