Amalfi Coast & Positano Boat Tour from Naples with Lunch

Summary

Amalfi Coast by boat from Naples with seaside towns, lunch, and swimming

You’ll trade Naples’ bustle for sea breeze as you cruise along the Amalfi Coast by boat, stopping to swim beneath cliffs and wander through Positano’s bright lanes. With a local skipper guiding you, enjoy a Caprese sandwich lunch on deck and cap things off with limoncello as sunset hits — it’s one of those days that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

We climbed into the minivan outside Napoli Centrale just as the city was waking up — you could still smell coffee drifting out of the bars. The drive to Piano di Sorrento was a blur of tunnels and sudden flashes of blue water. Our skipper, Marco, met us at the dock with that easy grin you see everywhere down here. I remember the first salty gust as we stepped onto the boat — it hit me that this wasn’t going to be like any bus tour. The engine started up, and suddenly we were gliding past Marina Grande’s faded fishing boats bobbing in the sun.

I kept leaning over the rail to catch the spray on my face (probably looked ridiculous), but it was impossible not to stare at those cliffs stacked with lemon trees. Marco pointed out Bagni Regina Giovanna — just some old Roman ruins perched above turquoise water, no big deal. He laughed when someone asked if people still swim there (apparently yes, but only locals brave enough for cold mornings). At Mitigliano Beach we slowed down to watch a waterfall spill straight into the sea. There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for gulls overhead — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small in a good way.

The Amalfi Coast proper started after Li Galli — Marco told us about sirens luring sailors there (he winked; I think he likes that story). We passed Praiano and Nerano, both looking like pastel puzzles stuck onto cliffs. Swimming off the boat felt unreal — water so clear you could see your toes even after kicking up sand. Lunch was a Caprese sandwich with mozzarella that tasted like actual milk (not supermarket rubber), plus cold drinks and snacks while we dried off on deck. Someone spilled tomato juice but nobody cared; sun does that to people.

We had time to wander Amalfi’s narrow streets — I bought a tiny ceramic fish from an old lady who wrapped it up like it was treasure. In Positano I got lost trying to find a shortcut back down to the beach; ended up following some local kids who were arguing about football in dialect I barely understood. On the way back Marco poured limoncello shots all around (“for luck,” he said) as Sorrento faded behind us in gold light. It’s funny how quickly you forget emails and train schedules when you’re out there bobbing on that sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amalfi Coast boat tour and visits

• Meet at StarHotel Terminus Naples
• Transfer to Piano di Sorrento port
• Sail along Sorrento coastline
• See Marina Grande fishing village
• Admire Roman villa ruins
• View natural waterfall at cliffs
• Cruise past protected marine area
• View Li Galli archipelago
• Admire Nerano and Praiano villages
• Pass Praiano village
• Photograph Furore Fjord
• Explore Amalfi town freely
• Disembark and wander Positano village
• Swim and snorkel in clear waters
• Enjoy light lunch on deck
• Toast with limoncello on return

Top questions

How long is the Amalfi Coast & Positano boat tour from Naples?

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 8:45 AM in Naples and returning around 7:00-7:30 PM.

Is lunch included on this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Yes, a light lunch is included — usually a Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomato, plus snacks and drinks.

Do you stop in both Amalfi and Positano?

Yes, there are stops for free time in both towns so you can explore by land.

Can I swim during this day trip from Naples?

Yes, there are swimming and snorkeling stops in clear waters along the coast during the cruise.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered, but round-trip transfer from central Naples (StarHotel Terminus) to Piano di Sorrento port is included.

What’s the maximum group size for this boat tour?

The tour has a maximum of 12-14 travelers per group.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

What happens if weather is bad on my scheduled day?

If weather conditions are poor, you'll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from central Naples to Piano di Sorrento port by minivan or minibus, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, snacks throughout the cruise, swimming stops with snorkeling opportunities if you want them, a light Caprese sandwich lunch made fresh with mozzarella and tomatoes, plus guidance from an English-speaking skipper before returning to Naples in the evening.