Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano: Swim and grotto stops

Four hours, five swimming stops, one grotto, and the cliffs from the water

A private boat tour departing from Positano or Praiano that runs the length of the Amalfi Coast, stopping to swim at small beaches and near the Fjord of Furore, passing through the Emerald Grotto, and finishing in Amalfi before returning. You choose between three boats (an 18-foot vessel for four people that fits inside grottos, a 34-foot gozzo for six, or a 38-foot motorboat for six), and the skipper speaks English or Italian. Soft drinks and prosecco are on board. The Emerald Grotto entrance ticket is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Praiano30m
2. Marina di Praiapassing by
3. Emerald Grotto30m

Private Amalfi Coast Half-Day Tour

• Depart from Positano or Praiano
• Admire Positano from the water
• View Praiano and swim spots
• Pass by Marina di Praia village
• Visit the Fjord of Furore
• Explore the Emerald Grotto by row boat
• Swim near Conca dei Marini
• Admire Amalfi town from boat or walk
• Pass by Atrani town
• Return to starting point

The experience

The boat leaves Positano in the morning, and the first thing you do is watch the vertical town recede from the water: a perspective most visitors never get. From there the route runs south along the coast, stopping at the small beaches of La Porta, Arienzo and Laurito in Positano, then crossing to Praiano to swim at La Gavitella Beach or Marina di Praia. The skipper knows the water and will cut the engine when you want to jump in. Snorkelling gear is available, and the stops are yours to shape. Stay longer at one beach, skip another, ask to linger somewhere the light is right.

The Fjord of Furore comes next, a UNESCO site where the cliffs drop straight into the water and an overhanging bridge frames the view. Then the boat enters the Emerald Grotto, a cave you reach by rowboat from the main vessel. The water inside is green and still, and stalactites hang above. The entrance fee is paid on the spot and not included in the tour price. After the grotto, you pass Conca dei Marini and its tower, then Amalfi itself, where you can either walk into the town center or stay on the boat and watch it from the water. Atrani, the smallest town on the coast, comes last before the return to Positano or Praiano, and the skipper takes a different route back so you see the coastline from a new angle.

The boat carries towels, life jackets for children and adults, a shower and WC (except on the smallest vessel), and a selection of soft drinks and prosecco. Weather can cancel the tour, but you get an alternative date or full refund if that happens. Bring sunscreen, a bathing suit, sunglasses, a hat and a light jacket. The sun is strong on the water and the wind picks up in the afternoon.

What’s included

• English or Italian-speaking skipper.
• beach towels, life jackets for children and adults, shower and WC (not on the 18-foot boat).
• snorkelling gear.
• water, soft drinks and prosecco.
• taxes, fuel and mooring fees.

Options for this experience

3 options

Romar Azzurra 18FTUp to 1 per booking · Guide in English or Italian · Available from 12 May 2027Amalfi Coast – 4-hour private tour: The Romar is a 5.85-meter boat that accommodates 4 passengers plus the captain.

Gozzo Don Raffae 34FTUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Italian · Available from 25 Apr 2027Amalfi Coast – 4-hour private tour: The Don Raffaè is a traditional 11-meter gozzo boat that accommodates 6 passengers plus the captain.

Italyure Teacher 38FTUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Italian · Available from 21 Apr 2027Amalfi Coast – 4-hour private tour: The Italyure is a refined 12-meter motorboat that accommodates 6 passengers plus the captain.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Apr 2027

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Positano Boats

Is this one for you?Book the 18-foot Romar Azzurra if you are a small group and want to enter the grottos. It is the only boat that fits through the narrow openings. The larger boats give you more deck space and onboard facilities, so pick one of those if your group is four to six people and you want to stay comfortable between swims.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I swim during the Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano?

Yes. The tour includes stops to swim at small beaches near Positano and Praiano, and at Conca dei Marini. The skipper will cut the engine and let you stay as long as you want at each stop. Snorkelling is available on board.

What is the Emerald Grotto and do I have to enter it?

The Emerald Grotto is a cave with green water, stalactites and an underwater ceramic nativity scene. The boat passes it and you transfer to a small rowboat to go inside, but the entrance ticket is not included in the tour price and you can choose to skip it.

Which boat should I book for a group of four?

The Romar Azzurra 18-foot boat holds four people and is the only one small enough to enter the grottos easily. The Gozzo Don Raffae 34-foot and the Italyure Teacher 38-foot motorboat both hold six people and offer more space and amenities like a shower and WC.

How long is the tour and when does it depart?

The tour runs four hours. You can depart from Positano, or from Praiano at La Gavitella Beach or Marina di Praia if that is more convenient for where you are staying.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favourable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, the operator offers you an alternative date or a full refund.

Is there food or drink on the boat?

Water, soft drinks and prosecco are provided on board. The tour does not include a meal, so bring snacks if you want them.