Sorrento to Ischia Private Boat Excursion: Swim & Explore

The Aragonese Castle rises from the water as your boat circles it, built in 474 B.C. to watch for enemy fleets.

A private boat excursion from Sorrento across the Bay of Naples to Ischia lasts approximately 8 hours, with stops to swim in volcanic bays, explore the colorful fishing village of Procida, and visit the Aragonese Castle. You choose how much time to spend at each stop, and the captain adjusts the route based on sea conditions and your interests. Lunch at a local restaurant is optional; snorkel masks, towels, water and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour from Sorrento to Ischia

• Meet captain and board boat in Sorrento
• Set off across Bay of Naples
• Cruise around Aragonese Castle
• Visit healing hot springs and volcanic mud pools
• Stop for lunch and shopping in seaside village
• Swim at Ischia's largest beach
• See beautiful bay with green slopes and beach
• Cruise to colorful island of Procida
• Explore Procida fishing village marina
• Return to Sorrento

The Experience

The day starts at Marina Piccola in Sorrento, where you meet your captain and board either a speedboat or a larger leisure yacht—your choice at checkout. The boat crosses the Bay of Naples with Mt. Vesuvius visible in the distance, heading toward Ischia's volcanic coastline. Along the way, you'll cruise past the Aragonese Castle, the island's most significant historical landmark, and stop to swim in the clearest bays and lagoons the captain knows. Snorkel masks are on board, and the water temperature varies as you pass natural hot springs flowing into the Mediterranean, forming pools with volcanic mud.

The route is flexible: you decide how long to linger at each stop. Some travelers spend an hour swimming and snorkeling in one bay, while others prefer to move through more sites. A lunch stop at a seaside village on the island gives you time to eat at a local restaurant (at your own cost) and explore the narrow streets and shops. From there, the boat takes you to Ischia's largest beach for another swim in the turquoise water, then across to Procida—a small, colorful island with a working fishing village and photo-worthy marina that sits just offshore.

The captain monitors sea conditions throughout the day and may adjust stops or the overall route if needed; this flexibility is part of what makes a private boat work. Water, soda, beer and a bottle of Prosecco are included, along with towels and snacks. You'll need to contact the operator the day before your excursion to confirm final details and provide your accommodation information.

What’s included

• Snorkel masks.
• bottled water and soda.
• beer and a bottle of Prosecco.
• snacks.
• towels.
• all fuel, taxes and port fees.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Exclusive Cruises

Is this one for you?Book the Premium Leisure Boat if your group is smaller and you want a nimble boat that reaches tight coves; choose the 46-50ft Luxury option if you have more people or prefer a larger cabin and deck space. Either way, the private boat means the captain works around your pace and interests instead of a fixed schedule, so a morning person can swim longer at dawn while someone else explores Procida's village without rushing.

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Top questions

What's the Aragonese Castle and why is it on the route?

The Aragonese Castle was built in 474 B.C. as a fortress to spot enemy fleets approaching Ischia. Your boat cruises past it so you can see the structure rising from the water and understand its place in the island's history.

Can I swim and snorkel during the excursion?

Yes. The boat stops at multiple bays and lagoons where you can swim off the boat, and snorkel masks are provided. Some stops have natural hot springs flowing into the sea, creating pools at different temperatures.

Do I have to eat lunch at a restaurant, or is it included?

Lunch is optional and not included in the price. The boat stops at a seaside village where you can choose to eat at a local restaurant at your own cost, or bring your own food.

What's the difference between the Premium Leisure Boat and the 46-50ft Luxury Leisure Boat?

Both are private boats for your group. The Premium option is smaller, while the 46-50ft Luxury boat is larger. You choose which size suits your group when you book; both visit the same stops and follow the same flexible itinerary.

Can the captain change the route if the weather isn't ideal?

Yes. Your captain monitors sea conditions continuously and may adjust stops or the overall route at any time to keep everyone safe. If conditions are deemed unsafe on your scheduled day, the tour is refundable or can be rescheduled.

What happens if I want to spend more time at one stop and less at another?

That's the point of a private boat: you customize the day with your captain. Tell him which stops matter most to you, and he'll allocate the time accordingly so the day fits what you actually want to see.