Sorrento & Amalfi Coast: Self Drive Boat Hire, Capri Option

Summary

Set your own pace on a self-drive boat from Sorrento to Capri or Amalfi

You’ll take charge of your own boat along Sorrento and Amalfi Coast, maybe even circling Capri if you feel bold. With a map in hand and tips from locals at the dock, you’ll pick where to swim or just drift under the sun. It’s all on your time—no rush, no crowds—just salt air and freedom.

What’s the experience like?

We showed up at the little port in Sorrento just after breakfast—still a bit groggy, honestly—and there was this low buzz of voices and clinking ropes. The guy at the dock (Antonio? I think so) asked us about our boating experience before even letting us near the boat. Fair enough. He handed us a map and walked us through everything: throttle, anchor, where not to go unless you want trouble with the coast guard. There was this faint smell of diesel and seaweed mixed together—kind of sharp but familiar if you’ve ever been around boats.

I didn’t expect how freeing it would feel to steer our own little boat along the Amalfi Coast. You get to choose your stops—so we drifted off toward Nerano for a swim, then pointed toward Capri when the sun started burning off the morning haze. The water was that deep blue you see in postcards, but it’s different when you’re actually floating on it, legs dangling over the side. We had an empty icebox (should’ve packed more snacks), but we did bring cold drinks and just let them rattle around while we took turns at the wheel. My partner tried using the map upside down at one point—cue some laughter and a few confused gestures from passing locals.

The best part? No schedule except our own. We dropped anchor by some random cove—can’t remember its name—and just listened to nothing but water slapping against fiberglass for a while. There were other boats in the distance but it felt like we had our own slice of coast. I still think about that quiet moment sometimes, especially when life gets noisy again back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive boat rental and coastal tour

• Arrive and receive boat operation briefing
• Learn to navigate coastline with provided maps
• Drive boat along Amalfi and Sorrento coast
• Choose stops at beaches for swimming and sunbathing
• Manage your own tour and timing freely

Top questions

Do I need a boating license for self drive boat hire in Sorrento?

No license is required for these boats, but previous boating experience is mandatory.

Can I visit Capri with self drive boat hire from Sorrento?

Yes, you can manage your route to include Capri as well as Amalfi Coast beaches.

Is there a guide or captain on board?

No captain is provided; this is a fully self-drive rental for experienced boaters only.

Are maps provided for navigating Amalfi Coast?

Yes, each boat comes with maps and instructions from staff before departure.

What equipment is included with my self drive boat rental?

You get an empty icebox and snorkeling equipment included with your booking.

Is lunch included on this self drive tour?

No lunch is included; you should bring your own food and drinks for the day.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

Where does self drive boat hire start from?

The boats depart from Sorrento port; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes port fees in Sorrento plus an empty icebox (bring your own snacks), snorkeling equipment for exploring those clear waters, detailed maps for navigation, and practical instructions from local staff before you set out on your self drive adventure along the coast or toward Capri.