Amalfi Coast: Private Boat Tour with Local Captain & Lunch

Summary

Praiano villages, secret coves, local stories and seaside flavors

You’ll cruise along the Amalfi Coast with a local captain at the helm, stopping to swim in hidden coves and explore towns like Praiano or Ravello. Enjoy drinks and snacks onboard as you listen to stories about famous villages and maybe share lunch at a seaside trattoria suggested by your guide. Expect warmth, laughter, and moments that linger long after you’ve left the boat.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light bounced off those colored houses stacked above Amalfi — like someone spilled a box of crayons down the cliffs. Our captain, Antonio (who grew up in Minori), grinned as he steered us out of the little harbor. The engine hummed under my feet. I could smell lemon groves drifting over from shore, mixing with sunscreen and that salty air you only get on this coast. We passed Praiano, where laundry flapped from tiny balconies and old men waved from their fishing boats. I tried to wave back but probably looked like a tourist — which I guess I was.

Antonio pointed out the Furore Fjord — it’s this dramatic crack in the rocks with a stone bridge way above. He told us about the diving championships they hold there, which made me dizzy just imagining it. We stopped for a swim near a quiet cove; water so clear you could see every pebble on the bottom. My hair stuck to my face after, but I didn’t care — floating there with Ravello’s cliffs in the distance felt unreal. Snacks appeared (Prosecco too), and we all toasted to “la dolce vita,” though honestly I spilled half my glass when the boat rocked.

Later we pulled into a tiny fishing village — Conca dei Marini? The sun was high by then, bouncing off whitewashed walls and making everything look sharper somehow. Antonio suggested a seaside trattoria for lunch (not included, but his cousin runs it). We sat by the water eating pasta alle vongole while seagulls hovered hopefully nearby. He told us stories about movie stars from the ‘60s coming here during La Dolce Vita years — Sophia Loren apparently swam just around that bend. Maybe she still does, who knows?

By late afternoon we drifted past Atrani (the smallest town in Italy, Antonio said) and then back toward Amalfi itself, where the cathedral bells echoed off stone alleys. The sun started slipping behind lemon trees up on the terraces. It’s funny — I thought this would be all about scenery, but what sticks is how everyone greeted us like old friends. That mix of sea spray and laughter stays with me even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast highlights

• Cruise along Amalfi Coast
• Swim in crystal clear water
• View pyramid of colored houses
• Stop for swim and photos
• Pass picturesque divided town
• See fjord and seaside village
• View fishing village bay
• Pass ancient Maritime Republic
• See Cathedral of Sant'Andrea
• Pass smallest town in Italy
• View Ravello rocky coast and villas
• See Marmorata Waterfall area
• Pass Roman summer residence ruins

Top questions

Is lunch included on this Amalfi Coast private boat tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but your local captain can suggest or reserve a typical seaside restaurant if you’d like to stop.

Does this private boat tour include drinks?

Yes, drinks such as Prosecco, beer and soft drinks are provided onboard along with snacks.

Which towns do we visit during this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

You’ll cruise by towns like Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello area and Conca dei Marini; stops depend on your preferences.

Can infants or small children join this private boat trip?

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

Are service animals allowed on this Amalfi Coast boat tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

How long is this private boat tour along the Amalfi Coast?

The duration isn’t specified but expect several hours exploring coastline highlights at an easy pace.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the designated harbor for departure.

What should I bring for swimming stops?

A swimsuit and towel are recommended if you want to swim in coves along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes cruising with a local captain along iconic Amalfi Coast villages like Praiano and Ravello area, plenty of time for swimming stops in clear waters, plus drinks such as Prosecco or soft drinks and light snacks served onboard as you go from one picturesque spot to another before returning to port.