Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: Small Group Gozzo, Amalfi & Positano Stops

Summary

Small group boat along Amalfi villages with swims and local snacks

You’ll sail from Salerno along the Amalfi Coast on a small group boat tour, stopping for swims in quiet bays only boats can reach. Explore Amalfi and Positano at your own pace for an hour each, with plenty of snacks, Prosecco, limoncello and laughs shared onboard. It’s relaxed but lively — expect friendly crew and moments that stick with you after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to see the real colors, you have to look from the water,” our skipper said as we left Salerno. I didn’t really get it until we were gliding past Vietri sul Mare — those pale houses stacked like someone forgot to finish a puzzle. The sea was just waking up, not too busy yet, and there was this mix of salt and something sweet in the air (maybe lemon trees? Or maybe I was just hungry). Our hostess handed out Prosecco before 10am — which felt both wrong and absolutely right for a day trip on the Amalfi Coast.

I’d seen photos of places like Cetara and Minori but they look different when you’re drifting by on a Gozzo. The boat itself had these smooth wooden rails that felt warm from the sun. At one point, our guide pointed out a tiny beach only boats could reach — we stopped for a swim there, water so clear I could see my toes wiggling. Someone tried to say “grazie” with a thick accent and everyone laughed, even the locals sunning themselves nearby. There’s something about sharing biscuits dipped in limoncello with strangers that makes you feel like you’ve known them longer than an hour.

We got an hour each in both Amalfi and Positano. In Amalfi, I wandered off alone for a bit — ended up watching two old men argue over cards outside a café while church bells echoed somewhere behind me. It was humid but not sticky, just enough to make me wish I’d brought another shirt. Back on board, there were more snacks (I lost count), cold water bottles passed around, and someone played music quietly from their phone — Italian pop songs I didn’t recognize but still hummed along to.

The last swim stop was near some cliffs past Praiano. The crew surprised us with another round of limoncello (I think they liked seeing who would pucker up the most). By then my hair was full of salt and my skin smelled like sunscreen and citrus. The ride back felt slower somehow — maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet. Even now, when I think about that view of Positano from the water, all pastel layers against green hills… well, it’s hard not to smile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amalfi Coast boat tour with stops

• Depart from Port of Salerno at 9:30 am
• Sail along coastal towns and villages
• Stop for 1 hour in Amalfi
• Swim in crystal clear waters
• Stop for 1 hour in Positano
• Enjoy drinks and snacks on board
• Return to Molo Manfredi at 4:30 pm

Top questions

How long is the Amalfi Coast boat tour?

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Salerno and returns at 4:30 pm—about 7 hours total.

Does this small group boat tour include stops in Amalfi & Positano?

Yes, you’ll have about one hour each to explore both Amalfi and Positano during the tour.

Are swimming stops included on this Amalfi Coast boat trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming in bays accessible only by boat along the coast.

Is food or drink provided during the cruise?

The price includes Prosecco, snacks, biscuits with limoncello, and bottled water onboard.

What kind of boat is used for this day trip?

The tour uses traditional Gozzi Sorrentini boats—comfortable with sunbathing area and shade.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, each boat is equipped with a toilet as well as changing room and shower facilities.

Is pickup included or do I meet at Salerno port?

You meet directly at Port of Salerno (Molo Manfredi) for departure; pickup isn’t included.

Can infants or children join this small group tour?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Salerno on a classic Gozzo Sorrentino boat with fuel covered; Prosecco served early alongside snacks; plenty of cold bottled water; biscuits dipped in local limoncello; two one-hour stops ashore in both Amalfi and Positano; time for swimming in quiet bays only accessible by boat; restroom facilities onboard; plus a little surprise from your friendly crew before heading back late afternoon.