Naples to Ischia Private Boat Excursion: Swim & Explore

Swim in thermal waters and hidden coves while the captain holds the schedule

A private boat excursion from Naples to Ischia lasts roughly 7 hours and takes you around Italy's largest thermal island, with stops to swim, explore coastal rock formations and the Aragonese Castle, and visit the tiny island of Procida. You customize the itinerary by deciding how much time to spend at each stop—the captain and boat are yours alone for the day. Contact the operator the day before via phone or WhatsApp to confirm final details; different boat sizes and cabin options are available at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat excursion to Ischia

• Meet captain and boat at Mergellina harbor
• Cruise around Aragonese Castle
• Visit longest beach on Ischia and swim
• Swim at scenic small bay
• Experience thermal waters near Sant'Angelo
• Cruise to Procida island
• See Marina Corricella with pastel buildings

The Experience

You meet your captain at Mergellina harbor in Naples and head out on a private boat built around your interests. The route passes the Aragonese Castle, a striking fortress perched on a rocky islet connected to Ischia by a footpath, and takes you to the island's longest beach—the same stretch of sand where scenes from Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels were filmed. You stop to swim in clear water whenever you want, and the captain can adjust the route based on sea conditions and what you'd rather see.

The day includes stops at small scenic bays perfect for swimming off the boat, and a thermal beach where bubbling mineral-rich water meets the rocky shore near Sant'Angelo. A short cruise takes you to Procida, the tiny island where the 1994 film "Il Postino" was shot, and you'll see Marina Corricella with its pastel buildings rising from the water. Snorkel masks, towels, snacks, soda and beer are on board; Prosecco is available if you want it. If you're hungry, the captain can stop at one of the seaside restaurants along the way—lunch is optional and you choose where.

The boat category you select at checkout determines the size and whether you have a cabin, so pick based on your group and comfort. Your captain speaks English or Italian and monitors conditions continuously; if weather turns unsafe, the tour is refundable or can be rescheduled. The captain is the sole judge of whether it's safe to go out, so a firm booking depends on their call the morning of your excursion.

What’s included

• Snorkel masks and towels.
• snacks and soda.
• beer and a bottle of Prosecco available on board.
• your captain and all fuel, taxes and port fees.
• optional lunch stops at seaside restaurants along the way, your choice.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Exclusive Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to set the pace yourself—you're not following a group schedule or a fixed itinerary, so a morning person can linger at the thermal beach while someone else spends the afternoon in the water at Procida. The captain handles the route and the boat; you handle the clock.

Top questions

What is the Aragonese Castle and why do we pass it on the boat?

The Aragonese Castle is a historic fortress set atop a rocky islet connected to Ischia by a footpath. The boat cruises around it so you can see the striking coastal rock formation and the castle perched on the cliff from the water.

Can we really swim whenever we want, or is the itinerary fixed?

You decide how much time to spend at each stop. The captain helps you plan a relaxed tour custom-fit to what you want to see and do—whether that's a long swim in one cove or quick passes at several spots.

What is included with the private boat excursion?

The excursion includes use of snorkel masks, towels, snacks, soda, beer, and a bottle of Prosecco available on board. Your captain, fuel, taxes and port fees are all included. Lunch at a seaside restaurant is optional and you choose which one.

Is there a cabin on the boat, or is it open?

At checkout you choose from different boat categories—some are open and some have cabins—so you can pick the setup that suits your group and comfort level. Read the descriptions at booking to see which size and style you prefer.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

Your captain monitors sea conditions continuously and is solely responsible for deciding if it's safe to go out. If conditions are deemed unsafe, the tour is fully refundable or can be rescheduled. If the captain says it's safe, the booking is firm and non-refundable.

Do we visit Procida, and what is there to see?

Yes, the boat cruises to Procida, a tiny island where the 1994 film "Il Postino" was filmed. You'll see Marina Corricella, a charming harbor with pastel-colored buildings and a picturesque waterfront setting.