Amalfi Coast & Capri: Private Boat Tour from Positano

Summary

Private cruise Positano to Capri with swimming stops and local captain

You’ll glide along the Amalfi Coast with a local captain, swim by Li Galli islands’ clear waters, see Capri’s famous Faraglioni rocks up close, and toast with Prosecco on deck. The flexible itinerary lets you linger where you love most — it’s all about soaking up those small moments only found out at sea.

What’s the experience like?

I’d been staring at those old postcards of the Amalfi Coast for years, but nothing really prepares you for actually stepping onto that boat in Positano. The pier was already buzzing — someone’s dog barking at the seagulls, sun bouncing off the water so bright I had to squint. Our captain, Marco (he shook my hand and grinned like we were old friends), handed us cold bottles of water and said, “Today, you decide how much you want to do. This is your day.” I liked that. No schedule ticking in my head for once.

The first real gasp came when we drifted past Li Galli — these little islands just off the coast. Marco told us about the old legends (sirens luring sailors and all that). I slid into the water there — salt stinging my lips, everything suddenly quiet below the surface except for muffled laughter from the boat. It was just us and this huge blue sky overhead. We stopped again near Capri’s Green Grotto; I tried snorkeling but mostly floated around watching sunlight flicker on the rocks. The air smelled like seaweed and sunscreen, which sounds odd but somehow fits perfectly here.

Capri itself is something else — white cliffs, villas perched in impossible places. We cruised right through that arch in the Faraglioni rocks (I ducked even though there was loads of space; Marco laughed). There’s an option to hop onto Capri if you want time on land, but honestly, I was happy just drifting along Marina Piccola watching people at beach clubs waving at us like we were celebrities or something. At some point Marco popped open a bottle of Prosecco (“It’s included!” he said), and I sat there with wet hair and salty skin thinking — this is exactly what I’d hoped for when I searched for a private Amalfi Coast to Capri cruise.

I still think about that feeling: sun-warmed wood under my feet, spray on my face, no rush at all. If you get a chance to do this day trip from Positano or anywhere along the coast — especially with someone who knows every little cove like Marco does — don’t hesitate too long. You’ll miss it when it’s over.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private cruise from Positano to Capri

• Meet boat and captain at Positano pier
• Cruise past Li Galli islands
• Stop to swim near Li Galli
• Pass Blue Grotto (optional visit)
• Stop and swim at Green Grotto
• View striking grotto from boat
• See Marina Piccola harbor
• Cruise through Faraglioni rock formations
• Spot red villa on Capri promontory
• Pass pink and white lighthouse

Top questions

How long is the private Amalfi Coast to Capri cruise?

The tour is a full-day experience; exact duration depends on your preferences and chosen stops.

Does the private boat tour include swimming stops?

Yes, you can stop to swim near Li Galli islands or at grottoes around Capri if you wish.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main departure point is Positano's large cement pier next to Spiaggia Grande beach.

Is lunch included on this private tour?

No lunch is included, but bottled water, soda/pop, local beer, and a bottle of Prosecco are provided onboard.

Can we visit Capri island during the cruise?

You can choose to spend time on Capri island or stay onboard; it’s customizable based on your interests.

Are snorkel masks provided?

Yes, use of snorkel masks is included during your cruise.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

If sea conditions are deemed unsafe by your captain on the day, you'll be offered rescheduling or a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your captain directly at the pier in Positano or another agreed location.

What’s included

Your day includes a private local captain guiding your route from Positano (or nearby village), use of snorkel masks for swimming stops by Li Galli or Capri's grottoes, towels onboard so you don’t have to pack extra stuff, bottled water and soda/pop to keep cool under that southern Italian sun, plus local beer and a bottle of Prosecco opened somewhere between Faraglioni rocks and Marina Piccola. All fuel and taxes are covered too — just bring yourself (and maybe a hat).