Amalfi Coast boat tour: Swim & explore grottoes from Positano

Sail past vertical cliffs and drop anchor in coves only a boat can reach

A private full-day boat tour along the Amalfi Coast departing from Positano or Praiano, led by an expert skipper. You cruise past Praiano and Marina di Praia, explore the Fjord of Furore and the Emerald Grotto, swim in crystal-clear water, and spend free time in the villages of Amalfi and Atrani. Prosecco, soft drinks and snacks are served onboard throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Praiano30m
2. Marina di Praia30m
3. Emerald Grotto40m

Full-day Amalfi Coast boat tour

• Depart from Positano or Praiano
• Admire Positano from the water
• View and swim near Praiano
• Explore Marina di Praia by boat
• Visit Fiordo di Furore and beach
• Visit Emerald Grotto by rowboat
• Swim near Capo di Conca promontory
• Explore Amalfi town and have lunch
• Visit Atrani town
• Return to starting point

The experience

The boat leaves from Positano or Praiano (you choose your departure point at checkout), and heads out along the coast with an experienced skipper who knows where the water is clearest and which spots see fewer visitors. You'll pass Praiano's cliffsides, stop to photograph the town from the water, and cruise past Marina di Praia, a fishing village wedged between two rocks where you can still see boats moored in the tiny bay. The Fjord of Furore comes next, a UNESCO World Heritage site where a narrow inlet cuts between mountains and opens onto a 25-meter beach backed by crystal water.

Swimming breaks happen at spots chosen by the skipper: La Gavitella Beach near Praiano, Conca dei Marini under the Capo di Conca tower, and other coves along the way. The Emerald Grotto, a karst cave with an underground Nativity scene of ceramic statues, sits partway through the day. Your skipper brings the boat to its dock, and you can enter by small rowboat to see the green-lit stalactites and stalagmites (grotto entry is purchased separately on-site). The boat carries towels, life jackets, a shower and a toilet. Prosecco, soft drinks and snacks appear throughout the morning and afternoon.

Amalfi, a former Maritime Republic, gets roughly 90 minutes ashore: time enough to walk the main piazza, browse the cathedral, or sit at a waterfront table for lunch. The skipper will suggest a local restaurant. After Amalfi, the route passes Atrani, the smallest town on the coast, before heading back to your starting point in Positano or Praiano. The full day runs seven hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Water, soft drinks and prosecco throughout the day.
• beach towels, life jackets for children and adults, shower and toilet onboard.
• free time to explore Amalfi on foot with restaurant recommendations from the skipper.
• taxes, fuel and mooring fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

From PraianoGuide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027Private Amalfi Coast tour, departing from La Gavitella or Marina di Praia in Praiano. Duration: 7 hours. Amenities: Salted snacks and a fridge stocked with bottles of water, soft drinks, beers and Prosecco. Towels.

From PositanoGuide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027Amalfi Coast private boat, departing from Positano. Duration: 7 hours. Amenities: Salted snacks and a fridge stocked with bottles of water, soft drinks, beers and Prosecco. Towels.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 7h, from € 1,820 per group, with a live guide in English and Italian, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Apr 2027

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Positano Boats

Is this one for you?Book from Positano if you're staying in that town and want to see it from the water as you depart. Book from Praiano if you're based there or prefer a shorter drive to the marina. Either way, the private boat means your group sets the pace at each stop: linger longer at a cove you love, or move on if you're ready.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Emerald Grotto like inside?

The Emerald Grotto is a karst cave lit by green-tinted water filtering through an opening in the rock. Inside you'll see stalactites and stalagmites, and beneath the surface, a ceramic Nativity scene placed underwater. Entry is by small rowboat and tickets are bought on-site, not included in the tour price.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. The skipper stops at several swimming spots along the coast, including La Gavitella Beach near Praiano and Conca dei Marini. You bring a bathing suit and the boat provides towels and life jackets.

How much free time do I get in Amalfi?

The tour suggests roughly 90 minutes in Amalfi, though you can ask the skipper to adjust this to your preference. That's enough time to walk the town center, visit the cathedral, or have lunch at a seaside restaurant the skipper recommends.

What's included to eat and drink on the boat?

Prosecco, soft drinks and snacks are served onboard throughout the day. Lunch in Amalfi is on your own, though the skipper will point you toward local spots.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

Yes. Public transportation options are available near the departure points in Positano and Praiano. Hotel pickup is not included, so you'll need to make your own way to La Gavitella Beach in Praiano or the Positano waterfront where the boat departs.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.