Private Ischia boat tour from Sorrento: full day

The Aragonese Castle rises from the sea as you round the island's first corner.

A private full-day boat tour departing from Sorrento that circles Ischia, stopping at named villages, natural hot springs, and coastal landmarks with an English-speaking captain. Pickup and drop-off from Sorrento are included; the boat size varies by option, and thermal bath entry fees are separate. Beach towel, snorkel masks and noodles are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day tour of Ischia Island

• Depart from Sorrento along coastline
• Enjoy scenic sail with views of Mount Vesuvius
• Pass by Aragonese Castle
• Sail past San Pietro Beach
• Arrive at San Montano Bay
• Continue to Punta Imperatore headland
• Visit natural hot springs of Sorgeto
• Explore Sant’Angelo village
• Stop at Cartaromana Bay for lunch
• Swim in Ischia waters
• Sail back to Sorrento

The Experience

You leave Sorrento by boat and spend the first hour sailing east across the Gulf of Naples, watching Mount Vesuvius rise on the horizon and the tuff cliffs of the Sorrento Coast slip past. The captain navigates the route and handles the boat; you watch the water change color and the coastline unfold. Roman villa ruins dot the shore near Sorrento, and small fishing villages appear in the coves below the cliffs.

As Ischia comes into view, the Aragonese Castle dominates the skyline—a fortress rising straight from the sea that has stood for centuries. The boat passes San Pietro Beach, where seaside cafés line the water, then enters San Montano Bay, a wide crescent of calm water ringed by green hills. You'll stop at Sorgeto, where thermal springs bubble directly from the rocks into the sea; the water there stays warm year-round from underground heat. The captain anchors and you can swim in the mineral-rich springs, surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Later the boat reaches Sant'Angelo, a village of pastel houses that seem to float on the water, and Cartaromana Bay, where you can swim again before the final leg back to Sorrento.

The tour runs seven to eight hours total. You choose one of three boats at checkout—the Gozzo Sorrentino, Acquamarina, or Lancia 42FT—each with different capacity and comfort. A beach towel, snorkel masks and noodles are included; bring your own lunch or plan to eat at one of the stops. Entry to the thermal baths and fuel costs are not included. Pickup and drop-off happen at a designated meeting point in Sorrento, and the captain speaks English and Italian throughout the day.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your Sorrento meeting point.
• an English and Italian-speaking captain for the full day.
• beach towel.
• snorkel masks and noodles for swimming stops.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Restart boat

Is this one for you?Choose the private boat option if you want to set your own pace across Ischia's five stops—your captain adjusts timing and which beaches you linger at, rather than following a fixed group itinerary.

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Top questions

What is the Aragonese Castle and why does it matter on this tour?

The Aragonese Castle is a medieval fortress rising from a rocky islet off Ischia's coast, visible from the boat as you approach the island. It's the most recognizable landmark on the route and marks the start of your stops around Ischia's coastline.

Can I swim in the thermal springs at Sorgeto?

Yes, the boat anchors at Sorgeto and you can swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters that bubble from the rocks into the sea. The thermal springs stay heated year-round from geothermal activity, but entry fees to any thermal bath facilities on land are not included in the tour price.

How long is the boat ride from Sorrento to Ischia?

The initial sail from Sorrento to Ischia takes about one hour, crossing the Gulf of Naples. The total tour is seven to eight hours, which includes the crossing, stops around the island, swimming time, and the return to Sorrento.

What's included in the tour and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Sorrento, the captain's services, a beach towel, snorkel masks and noodles. Lunch is not included, so bring food or plan to buy it at one of the stops. Thermal bath entrance fees and fuel costs are separate.

Which boat option should I choose?

You pick one of three boats at checkout—Gozzo Sorrentino 10mt, Acquamarina 850, or Lancia 42FT with Seakeeper. Each has different size and comfort features; the captain and route are the same regardless of which you select.