Amalfi Coast & Positano: Private Boat Tour with Flexible Stops

Summary

Private Amalfi boat day with swimming, pastries & Positano strolls

You’ll feel the sea air as you cruise past Amalfi Coast villages by private boat, stopping for swims under waterfalls or pastries in Minori. Wander through Amalfi or Positano at your own pace and taste anchovy sauce straight from Cetara’s fishermen. With a local skipper guiding you and flexible stops along the way, every moment feels personal—like summer pressed into memory.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the blue — not just one shade, but layers of it, shifting under our little 40hp boat as we left Praiano behind. Our skipper, Antonio, waved off my clumsy attempt to tie a knot (“It’s okay, you’re on holiday!”), then pointed out Vietri sul Mare in the distance. Ceramics everywhere along the shoreline, flashes of yellow and cobalt on the houses. There was this salty tang in the air that made me want to breathe deeper than usual. I think I grinned like an idiot for most of that first hour.

We drifted into Cetara after maybe ten minutes — it’s still a fishing village at heart. Some old men mending nets by the dock gave us a nod. Antonio handed me a tiny bottle of anchovy sauce to sniff (wow, strong), and told us about how it’s made here. He laughed when I tried to say “colatura di alici” properly. After that we passed Maiori and stopped near a pastry shop in Minori — Sal De Riso’s place. The lemon cream pastry was so light I almost dropped it overboard. Sunlight bouncing off the water made everything feel unreal for a second.

I didn’t expect to swim under a waterfall that day — but there we were at Marmorata, cold spray mixing with sea salt on my skin. We had time to wander Amalfi by ourselves; I got lost in side streets smelling faintly of espresso and laundry soap. Later we floated off Conca dei Marini where some folks jumped in for another swim (I just watched this time — still shivering from before). Lunch was an option at one of those tiny seaside places where nobody’s in a rush.

Positano came up almost suddenly around a bend, pastel houses stacked like someone spilled gelato flavors down the cliffside. We had free time there too — honestly, I mostly sat on a bench watching people take selfies and eat granita. On the way back Antonio let us steer for a bit (he kept his hand close to the wheel though). The sun was starting to dip when we finally pulled back toward Salerno. Still thinking about that lemon pastry now and then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Sail to Marina di Vietri sul Mare
• Pass by Cetara fishing village
• Pass by small village near Cetara
• Pass by Maiori by sea
• Pass by Sal De Riso Pastry shop
• Swim under Marmorata waterfall
• Pass by one of Italy's smallest municipalities
• Stop for independent walk in Amalfi center
• Swim and lunch stop in Conca dei Marini
• Stop for photos at picturesque fjord
• Pass through Marina di Praiano
• Stop for independent walk in Positano
• Optional swimming stop before return
• Return to Salerno

Top questions

How long is the private Amalfi Coast boat tour?

The tour lasts several hours including stops for swimming, pastries, lunch options, and visits to Amalfi and Positano.

Is fuel included in the price of the boat tour?

No, fuel costs are not included; you can ask your skipper for an estimate based on your departure point before booking.

Does the tour include stops for swimming?

Yes, there are swimming stops available upon request—like under Marmorata waterfall or near Conca dei Marini.

Can I choose my boarding point along the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, departure is customizable along different points of the coast; coordinate with your skipper ahead of time.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and soda are provided onboard, kept cool in an igloo with ice.

Will there be free time in Amalfi or Positano?

Yes, you’ll have independent time to explore both Amalfi and Positano during your day trip.

Is lunch included on this boat tour?

No set lunch is included but you may stop at coastal restaurants if you wish; discuss options with your skipper during the trip.

Are infants or small children allowed on board?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or in a stroller/pram; service animals are also allowed onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible pickup points along the coast, all bottled water and soft drinks chilled in an onboard igloo with ice, plus plenty of chances to swim or pause for pastries or seaside lunch before returning via scenic routes guided by your local skipper—just remember fuel isn’t included so check with your captain before setting out.