Amalfi Coast Private Boat Tour: Sorrento Gozzo, Caves & Swim

Summary

Private boat ride from Sorrento to Amalfi’s secret coves and villages

You’ll ride a private Sorrento gozzo along the Amalfi Coast with a local captain, stopping to swim in hidden caves near Praiano and passing famous spots like Fiordo di Furore and Conca dei Marini. Enjoy snorkeling gear onboard, drinks included, plus time for lunch or shopping in Positano—just bring your curiosity (and maybe sunscreen).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how different the Amalfi Coast looks from a Sorrento gozzo — you’re low on the water, breeze in your face, salt on your lips. Our captain, Marco (who grew up around here), waved at someone fishing off a rock like it was nothing. We slipped past Santa Croce beach so quietly that I could hear someone laughing up on the cliffs. The “arch of lovers” is smaller than I pictured but somehow more dramatic — maybe because you’re right under it, not just looking down from above.

We drifted by Conca dei Marini next. Marco started telling us stories about old villas and who used to live there — some Hollywood names I’d never heard of, honestly. The sun bounced off the white houses and for a second I felt like we were in a postcard, except my feet were wet from rinsing off after a swim. There’s this spot near the Fiordo di Furore bridge where everything echoes — gulls, voices, even the splash when my friend tried (and failed) to do a graceful dive. It’s supposed to be one of Italy’s smallest fjords; felt huge with all that sound bouncing around.

Praiano was quieter than I expected. We stopped for a swim in what Marco called the pirate’s cave (he grinned like he’d made that up just for us). The water was colder here — almost sharp — but so clear you could see every pebble. My nephew kept trying out the snorkeling gear they had onboard and came up shouting about “a fish with blue lips,” which Marco said was probably just his own reflection. Not sure if he was joking or not.

By the time we reached Positano, it was busy but still beautiful — all those pastel houses stacked up like toy blocks. We had time for lunch (seafood pasta that tasted like actual sea) and wandered through some shops before heading back. The sunburn crept up on me slowly; didn’t even notice until later. There’s something about seeing these places from the water that makes them feel both closer and farther away at once… I still think about that view past Furore when everything went quiet for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Pass near Santa Croce beach
• Visit Arch of Lovers
• Pass through Conca dei Marini village
• See Fiord of Furore bridge
• Stop for swim at Pirate's Cave
• Stop in Positano for lunch and shopping

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Amalfi Coast private boat tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during your excursion.

Does this private boat tour include stops for swimming?

Yes, there are stops for swimming including at the pirate's cave near Praiano.

How long do we stop in Positano during this tour?

You’ll have a long stop in Positano with time for lunch or shopping before returning.

Are drinks provided on board?

Soda, bottled water, and towels are provided on board during your trip.

Is there a restroom available on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board for guests’ use.

Can children join this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Yes, children can join; infants may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

Will there be explanations about local history during the trip?

The captain provides brief explanations about places like Conca dei Marini and its villas.

What villages do we pass by on this route?

You’ll pass Santa Croce beach, Conca dei Marini, Fiordo di Furore bridge, Praiano, and finish in Positano.

What’s included

Your day includes towels to dry off after swims, soda and bottled water to keep you refreshed under the sun, full use of snorkeling equipment if you want to peek below the surface near Praiano or elsewhere along the coast, fuel surcharge already covered so no surprises there—and yes, there’s even a restroom onboard if you need it between stops.