Amalfi & Positano Boat Tour: Swimming, Limoncello & Pickup

Summary

Boat trip from Sorrento to Amalfi and Positano with swimming stops and local flavors

You’ll drift along the Amalfi Coast by boat with swimming stops near Li Galli, free time exploring Amalfi’s winding streets and Positano’s colorful shops, plus prosecco and snacks onboard. Includes hotel pickup and limoncello tasting before heading back — you’ll remember that sea air long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with us nearly missing the pickup because I’d somehow read the time wrong (classic). The driver was patient though, just smiled and waved us in. We got to Marina della Lobra, still half awake, but the sea air kind of woke me up fast — salty and a bit sharp. Our guide, Marco, handed out lifejackets and joked about “Italian punctuality.” I liked him immediately. The boat wasn’t crowded; everyone spread out quietly at first, but you could feel people relax as we pulled away from shore.

I didn’t expect how blue the water would look near Li Galli — almost unreal. Marco pointed out Praiano tucked into the cliffs (“That’s where my cousin got married,” he said), then let us jump in for a swim. I lost my hair tie to the sea (RIP), but floating there with the sun on my face felt worth it. Onboard, someone popped prosecco and passed around those little taralli crackers. It wasn’t fancy, but it hit right after swimming — salt on your lips, fizz in your nose.

We had maybe two hours in Amalfi. I wandered off for a lemon granita and watched an old man sweep his doorstep while humming something that sounded like an old folk song — wish I’d asked him what it was. The streets were busy but not overwhelming; you could still smell bread baking somewhere nearby. Back on the boat, Marco poured homemade limoncello into tiny cups (“Don’t shoot it!” he warned), and I tried to sip slow but honestly… it’s strong stuff.

Positano was next — more crowded than Amalfi, but beautiful in its own way. I got lost trying to find a ceramic shop and ended up buying a fridge magnet instead. We swam again on the way back; the water felt colder this time or maybe I was just tired. By late afternoon everyone was quieter — sunburned shoulders, wet hair drying in the wind — watching the coast slip by until we docked again at Massalubrense. I keep thinking about that moment floating off Li Galli; sometimes you don’t need words for it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amalfi Coast boat tour and sightseeing

• Hotel pickup and transfer to marina
• Check in and board the boat
• Sail along Amalfi Coast and Punta Campanella
• Pass by Ieranto Bay and Nerano village
• Swim stop at Li Galli island
• Pass by Praiano coastline
• Disembark in Amalfi for 90 minutes free time
• Return to boat and sail to Positano
• Free time in Positano for 90 minutes
• Sail back with swimming stops and snacks
• Limoncello tasting before docking
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Amalfi & Positano boat tour?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation is included in both directions.

Are there swimming stops during the tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming along the coast including near Li Galli.

How much free time do you get in Amalfi and Positano?

You’ll have about 2 hours in Amalfi and 1.5 hours in Positano to explore independently.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

Prosecco, snacks like taralli crackers, one drink of choice and water are served on board.

Is limoncello tasting part of this boat experience?

Yes, homemade limoncello is offered before returning to port.

Can infants or small children join this boat tour?

Yes, infants can ride in prams or strollers; infant seats are available too.

Are guides local experts?

Your skipper and guide are locals who share stories about each stop along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Sorrento or nearby towns, all sailing along Sorrento and Amalfi coasts with a local skipper-guide at your side. You’ll have plenty of free time split between Amalfi and Positano for wandering or shopping as you like; plus prosecco, snacks, water on board (and one extra drink if you want), WiFi access if you need it, insurance coverage throughout the trip—and a homemade limoncello tasting before heading back to shore.