Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi with Swim Stops

Summary

Boat ride from Sorrento to Amalfi & Positano with secret swim stops

You’ll skip the coastal traffic by cruising from Sorrento along the Amalfi Coast, stopping for swims at Li Galli islands and Arienzo beach. Wander through Amalfi’s lemon-scented streets and lose yourself in Positano’s colorful stairways before heading back with salty hair and new stories.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that tower?” our captain asked, pointing at a lonely stone shape on the tip of Punta Campanella. “My grandfather used to fish here before tourists came.” He grinned and I could smell the sea in his words, if that makes sense. The boat hummed along the Sorrento coast and I kept thinking how much easier this was than those winding roads—honestly, I get carsick. There were just twelve of us, swapping sunscreen and stories. The cliffs looked like they’d been painted by someone who loved blue a little too much.

The first swim stop was near Li Galli—the islands really do look like dolphins if you squint. The water was colder than I expected, sharp and clear. One of the crew handed out prosecco after we climbed back up (I nearly slipped on the ladder; got a laugh from everyone). It tasted extra fizzy out there. Our guide, Giulia, told us about Nurayev living on one of those islands. She said he’d dance barefoot at sunset—hard to picture with my wrinkled toes.

We docked in Amalfi for a bit over an hour. I wandered off alone through narrow alleys that smelled like lemons and old stone, then found the cathedral square where kids were chasing pigeons. The sun made everything shimmer but not in a postcard way—more like it pressed down on your shoulders until you had to sit for a granita. Afterward we drifted past Praiano’s cliffs and into Positano’s maze of stairs. I bought a tiny ceramic fish from an old lady who wrapped it three times “for luck.”

The last swim was near Arienzo beach—pebbles underfoot, salt in my hair—and then we headed back toward Sorrento as the light started to turn gold over the water. Someone passed around limoncello; it burned sweetly down my throat. I still think about that view from the boat—the kind you try to hold onto but it slips away when you’re back home doing laundry or whatever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Pick up from hotel in Sorrento
• Navigate along Sorrento coast to Amalfi
• Pass by Campanella tip lookout tower
• View Jeranto Bay marine protected area
• Sail into Marina del Cantone bay
• Pass small historic bay with rich colors
• Swim stop at Li Galli islands
• Visit Amalfi city center for 1 hour
• Pass by Furore fjord natural inlet
• View Praiano cliffs from the sea
• Explore Positano city center for 1 hour
• Swim near Arienzo beach in Positano
• View Conca dei Marini cliffs from sea
• Swim and snorkel at Tordigliano bay

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or apartment in Sorrento is included.

How many people are on each boat tour?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 12 people per boat.

Are there stops for swimming during the day trip?

Yes, there are several swim stops including Li Galli islands and near Arienzo beach.

How long do we spend in Amalfi and Positano?

You’ll have about 1 hour and 15 minutes free time in both towns.

What drinks or snacks are provided on board?

The tour includes prosecco, water, beer, Pepsi, limoncello, and dry snacks like potato chips.

Can infants or children join this boat tour?

Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed on board.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with spinal injuries?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Will there be a local guide during the boat trip?

Yes, friendly guides are onboard to share stories and help you explore each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup directly from your Sorrento hotel or apartment before boarding a comfortable small-group boat along the Amalfi Coast. You’ll enjoy prosecco, water, beer, soft drinks, limoncello, and dry snacks while stopping for swims at hidden bays like Li Galli islands and Arienzo beach—with plenty of time to explore both Amalfi and Positano before cruising back as evening falls.