Amalfi Coast: Small-Group Boat Tour with Amalfi & Positano Stops

Summary

Swim coves, wander Amalfi streets, pause for sun-warmed lemon scent

You’ll feel the salt air as you cruise past Li Galli islands, stop to swim in hidden coves, and wander Amalfi’s winding alleys with free time for pastries or shopping. With hotel pickup included from Sorrento and a friendly skipper guiding you along the coast, this small-group boat tour lets you see Positano and Amalfi at your own pace—leaving you with more than just pretty photos.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat near Sorrento with a couple from Milan and an older British guy who kept joking about his sunburn. Our skipper, Marco, handed out cold Cokes and pointed to Li Galli island — he said it’s shaped like a dolphin but I only saw it after squinting sideways. The water was this weirdly clear turquoise, almost fake-looking, and when we stopped for our first swim near a rocky cove I could hear someone’s laughter echo off the cliffs. Salt on my lips, sunscreen in my eyes — nothing fancy, just that real summer feeling.

Marco knew every twist of the coast. He slowed down by Furore Fjord so we could snap photos (I dropped my phone case in the excitement but fished it out). The cliffs here look like they’re stacked by hand, all wild green and stone. When we docked in Amalfi for free time, I wandered through alleys that smelled like espresso and lemons. Bought a pastry from a woman who called me “tesoro” — no idea if she says that to everyone or just tourists who mangle Italian.

Positano was next. The climb up those narrow streets made me wish I’d skipped that second beer on board. Shops selling sandals everywhere; I watched a guy hammering leather straps right there on the street. We had enough time to sit on the pebbly beach and let our feet dry before heading back — honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet. There’s something about seeing the Amalfi Coast from the sea that makes all those Instagram photos seem kind of flat by comparison. Still thinking about that first swim under the cliffs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour along Amalfi Coast

• Board semi-private boat
• Enjoy coastline views
• Pass by Li Galli islands
• Pass by Furore Fjord
• Stop in Amalfi for free time
• Stop in Positano for free time
• Return cruise along coast

Top questions

How many people are on the boat during this Amalfi Coast tour?

The boat holds a maximum of 12 people for this small-group experience.

Does this tour include stops in both Amalfi and Positano?

Yes, you’ll have free time to explore both Amalfi and Positano independently during the tour.

Are swimming stops included during the boat trip?

Yes, there are stops along quiet coves where you can swim directly from the boat.

Is hotel pickup included in Sorrento?

Hotel pickup is included if you book the Sorrento option; otherwise, meeting points are available.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

The tour includes soft drinks like water or beer and dry snacks such as chips.

Can infants join this boat tour?

Yes, infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; strollers are allowed too.

Do we visit the Emerald Grotto during this day trip?

No scheduled stop at Emerald Grotto due to long waits; you can visit independently during free time if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Sorrento (or meeting point), all cruising along the coast with swimming stops at quiet coves, free time in both Amalfi and Positano for sightseeing or shopping as you like, plus soft drinks and dry snacks served on board by your English-speaking skipper before returning in the afternoon.