Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: Sorrento, Amalfi & Positano Day Trip

Summary

Sail past li galli islands explore amalfi then wander positano’s hills

You’ll cruise along the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento or Nerano with a local guide, circle Li Galli islands where legends live, wander historic Amalfi for hours, then lose yourself in Positano’s steep alleys before heading home by boat. It’s equal parts sea air, laughter, and those little moments you can’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the old man at the Nerano port who teased us about our sun hats — said we’d need them more than we thought. He grinned and pointed out the Li Galli islands as we circled them, telling us about Ulysses and the Sirens (I half-listened, half-watched the way the light hit the water — kind of silvery-blue, almost unreal). Our guide, Giulia, laughed when I tried to say “Sirene” in Italian — she said my accent was “charmingly lost.” The boat was small enough that you could hear everyone’s conversations drifting over the engine hum.

Landing in Amalfi felt like stepping into a postcard but also not — there’s this salty smell mixed with coffee from some bar nearby. We had a few hours to wander. I got distracted by a cat sleeping on the steps of the Cathedral while my friend went off in search of lemon gelato (she found it and didn’t share). The Cloister of Paradise was quieter than I expected; I just stood there for a bit listening to distant church bells echoing off stone. There’s something about having that much time in one place — you start to notice tiny things, like how locals gesture with their hands when they talk.

On our way to Positano, we passed Praiano and Furore — Giulia pointed out little details about each village but honestly I was just watching the cliffs slide by and trying not to spill my drink. In Positano itself you get about an hour and a half, which isn’t enough if you want to see every corner but somehow feels perfect for just wandering. The houses are stacked up like someone dropped a box of pastel crayons down a hill. We got lost in some alleyway and ended up buying limoncello from a woman who insisted we try her homemade version first (strong stuff). On the ride back, everyone was quieter — sun-tired maybe or just full from all that color and sound. I still think about that view leaving Positano, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amalfi Coast boat tour and visits

• Ride around Li Galli islands
• Arrive in Amalfi and explore
• Visit Amalfi Cathedral and Cloister
• Free time in Amalfi (3.5 hours)
• Sail towards Positano, admire Furore and Praiano
• Stop and stroll in Positano (1.5 hours)
• Return route past Crapolla Fjord and Islet d'Isca
• Return to port

Top questions

How long is the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Sorrento?

The tour lasts most of the day, with departures at 9:00am or 11:15am and returns in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included for this Amalfi Coast tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included starting around 90 minutes before departure time.

How much free time do you get in Amalfi?

You have about 3.5 hours of free time to explore Amalfi on your own.

What sights do you see between Amalfi and Positano?

You’ll pass Fiordo di Furore and Praiano while sailing towards Positano.

How long do you spend in Positano during this day trip?

You get approximately 1.5 hours to stroll around Positano before returning.

Does this tour include entry fees or meals?

No entry fees or meals are included; you’re free to choose what you visit or eat during your stops.

Are infants or children allowed on this boat tour?

Yes, infants and children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Nerano at either 9:00am or 11:15am depending on your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup well before departure (from around 7:30am), all taxes and fees covered, port pickup at Nerano, fuel surcharges taken care of so you don’t have to worry about extra costs—then plenty of free time in both Amalfi and Positano before cruising back along the coast in late afternoon.