Quick answer — Amalfi Coast boat tour prices
- Group tour (half day): €60–90/person — fixed route, 15–20 passengers
- Group tour (full day): €90–140/person — Capri + coast combo
- Private boat (full day): €800–1,200 for the whole boat (6–10 people = €80–200/person)
- Luxury yacht (full day): €1,500–3,500 — custom itinerary, premium amenities
- Sunset cruise: €50–80/person (group) or €400–700 (private, 2–3 hours)
- Snorkelling tour (half day): €70–110/person — equipment included, 3–4 swimming stops
- Best value: Private boat split 6 ways = similar cost to group tour, vastly better experience
| Route | Duration | Highlights | Departs from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorrento → Capri | Full day (8–9h) | Blue Grotto, Faraglioni, island time | Marina Piccola, Sorrento |
| Sorrento → Positano → Amalfi | Full day (7–8h) | Furore Fjord, Li Galli islands, Nerano | Marina Piccola, Sorrento |
| Positano → Amalfi → back | Half day (4–5h) | Amalfi town, hidden coves, swimming | Positano harbour |
| Amalfi → Ravello ridge → Atrani | Half day (3–4h) | Emerald Grotto, Atrani, swimming stops | Amalfi harbour |
| Full coast (Sorrento → Salerno) | Full day (9–10h) | Entire Amalfi Coast + Capri combo | Marina Piccola, Sorrento |
| Sunset cruise | 2–3h | Golden hour, prosecco, cliffside views | Positano or Sorrento |
A boat tour is the single best way to experience the Amalfi Coast. From the water you see the cliffs, pastel villages, and hidden coves in a way that is not possible from land. The SS163 coastal road is narrow and congested in summer; a boat bypasses all of that, covering more ground with none of the parking headaches — plus swimming in secluded bays that no bus tour can replicate.
Types of Boat Tours Available
Group Boat Tours — from €65/person
Group tours are the most accessible option. You join a shared gozzo or motorboat carrying 15 to 20 passengers on a fixed itinerary. Half-day tours run 4 to 5 hours (€60–90/person); full-day versions including Capri cost €90–140/person. Standard inclusions: skipper, basic snorkelling gear, one or two swimming stops, and water. Departures are fixed at 9:00 or 9:30, with afternoon options around 13:00. The trade-off is flexibility — you cannot linger at a favourite cove or skip a stop. Group tours rarely sell out except in late July and early August; book 48 hours ahead for morning slots.
Private Boat Charter — from €800/boat
A private charter gives you the boat and skipper to yourselves — set the pace, choose stops, linger as long as you like. Full-day gozzo charters cost €800–1,200; split among 6 to 8 people, that is €100–200/person, remarkably close to a group tour. Inclusions typically cover fuel, skipper, snorkelling gear, towels, a cool box with drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker. Lunch is on your own at a seaside restaurant (the skipper handles mooring) or catered on board for €15–25/person. BlueKeys offers private boat tours from Sorrento to Capri with swimming stops, Blue Grotto visit, and island time. Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead in peak season.
Sunset Cruise — from €50/person
Sunset cruises depart between 17:00 and 18:00 and last 2 to 3 hours. Group cruises cost €50–80/person (prosecco, aperitivo, one swimming stop included); private charters run €400–700. The experience is atmospheric: golden light on limestone cliffs, towns twinkling at dusk, water shifting from turquoise to indigo. Best departure points are Positano (facing west toward Li Galli islands) and Praiano. Runs May through September only; book midweek for better availability.
Capri Day Trip by Boat — from €90/person
The most popular excursion on the coast. Group trips (€90–140/person) depart Sorrento at 9:00, circle the island past Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto (€18 entry, cash, conditions permitting), include swimming stops, then dock at Marina Grande for 2 to 3 hours ashore. Return by 17:00. Private Capri charters (€900–1,400) offer better timing, quieter coves, and the skipper's knowledge of Blue Grotto queue patterns. Do not choose an operator solely because they "guarantee" the Blue Grotto — nobody can; good operators offer alternatives when it is closed.
Snorkelling Tour — from €70/person
Dedicated snorkelling tours (3–5 hours, €70–110/person) focus on underwater spots: Punta Campanella marine reserve, Li Galli rocks, and the Conca dei Marini coastline. Full equipment provided — mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit if needed — with 3 to 4 stops chosen for clarity and marine life. Boats are smaller RIBs or gozzos (6–10 passengers) to access shallow coves. Best months: June to September (22–26°C water). Book a dedicated tour rather than hoping for good snorkelling on a regular trip.
Sailing Excursions — from €100/person
Half-day sails cost €100–150/person, full-day €180–280/person, with a maximum of 6 to 8 passengers. Inclusions: skipper/instructor, drinks, snorkelling gear, and a better food spread than powerboat tours — bruschetta, local cheese, chilled Campanian wine. The pace is slower and wind-dependent, covering less coastline but delivering a quieter, more connected experience. See sailing trips along the Amalfi Coast.
Tour Comparison — All Types Side by Side
| Tour Type | Price | Duration | Group Size | Stops | Food/Drink | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group (half day) | €60–90/person | 4–5h | 15–20 | 2–3 stops | Water only | Budget travellers, solo visitors |
| Group (full day / Capri) | €90–140/person | 7–9h | 15–20 | 3–4 stops + island | Water, light snack | First-time visitors wanting Capri |
| Private charter | €800–1,200/boat | 7–9h | 2–12 | Unlimited (you choose) | Drinks, fruit, snacks | Families, groups of friends, couples |
| Luxury yacht | €1,500–3,500/boat | 8–10h | 2–12 | Unlimited (you choose) | Full bar, catered lunch option | Celebrations, luxury seekers |
| Sunset cruise | €50–80/person | 2–3h | 6–15 | 1 swimming stop | Prosecco, aperitivo | Couples, romantics, short stays |
| Snorkelling tour | €70–110/person | 3–5h | 6–10 | 3–4 snorkelling spots | Water, light snack | Active travellers, nature lovers |
| Sailing excursion | €100–280/person | 4–8h | 4–8 | 2–3 stops | Wine, bruschetta, snacks | Sailing enthusiasts, slow travel fans |
3 Best Boat Tour Routes on the Amalfi Coast
1. Amalfi Coast Full Day — Sorrento to Positano to Amalfi
The definitive Amalfi Coast boat tour for first-time visitors. Depart Marina Piccola, Sorrento at 9:00, heading east along the Sorrentine Peninsula.
Itinerary: Sorrento → Nerano Bay (swimming, 30 min) → Li Galli islands (photos and swimming, 30 min) → Positano (1 hour ashore or Fornillo cove swimming) → Fjord of Furore (slow cruise, photos) → Emerald Grotto, Conca dei Marini (optional, €5) → Amalfi harbour (1.5 hours for lunch and town) → Atrani (swimming, 30 min) → return to Sorrento. Total: 7–8 hours.
Also available: boat tour from Positano or boat tour departing from Amalfi.
2. Capri Circuit — Full Island by Boat
The classic island experience. Cross from Sorrento (40 min) or Positano (50 min), then circle the entire island before docking for free time.
Itinerary: Depart Sorrento 9:00 → Blue Grotto (if open; €18 cash) → north coast past Punta Carena → Faraglioni rocks (slow pass, photos) → Natural Arch → Green Grotto (swimming, 30 min) → White Grotto → Marina Grande (2–3 hours: lunch, funicular to the Piazzetta, Augustus Gardens) → return to Sorrento by 17:00. Total: 8–9 hours.
3. Positano to Amalfi — Half-Day Coastal
Best for visitors short on time who want the heart of the coast from the water. Depart Positano harbour along the most dramatic stretch — the towering cliffs between Praiano and Conca dei Marini.
Itinerary: Positano harbour 9:30 → Fornillo beach → Praiano coastline (photos) → hidden cove below Praiano (swimming, 30 min) → Fjord of Furore → Emerald Grotto, Conca dei Marini (optional, €5) → Amalfi harbour (1 hour free time) → Atrani (swimming, 20 min) → return to Positano. Total: 4–5 hours.
What to Expect on Board
Boat Types
Gozzo (traditional wooden boat): The most common vessel — wide, stable, open-deck, 7 to 10 metres, carrying 6 to 12 passengers. Shaded stern, sundeck at the bow, onboard toilet, freshwater shower, swimming ladder. Beautiful and photographs exceptionally well.
RIB (rigid inflatable): Faster and more manoeuvrable, ideal for snorkelling tours and shallow coves. Bouncier in choppy water, less shade, less comfortable for long days — but covers more ground.
Yacht: For luxury charters (€1,500+) — 12 to 18 metres, enclosed cabin, proper bathroom, galley, air conditioning on some vessels. See luxury yacht charters on the Amalfi Coast.
Sailboat: 10 to 14 metres with cabin below, head, and galley. Narrower deck but comfortable cockpit seating under the bimini. Different motion (more rolling, less pitching).
Food, Drinks, and Swimming
Private charters provide a cool box with water, soft drinks, and prosecco; upgrade packages (unlimited prosecco, wine, spritz, aperitivo platters) cost €10–20/person extra. For lunch: stop at a seaside restaurant (€25–50/person), bring a picnic, or arrange catering (€15–25/person for local salumi, mozzarella, bread, and wine). Most tours include 2 to 4 swimming stops (20–40 minutes each), with snorkelling gear provided on private tours and some group tours — confirm when booking.
Best Departure Points — Where Should You Start?
Where you begin matters more than most people realise. Each departure point offers different routes, pricing, and experience.
| Departure Point | Best For | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorrento | Capri trips, full-coast tours | €800–1,200 private | Widest selection of boats and operators; closest port to Capri (40 min); easy to reach by Circumvesuviana train from Naples | Furthest from the Amalfi Coast proper (takes 45+ min to reach Positano by boat); Marina Piccola can be crowded at peak departure times |
| Positano | Coastal tours, sunset cruises | €900–1,400 private | Starts in the heart of the coast; best sunset views (faces west); shorter transit time to the best swimming coves | Slightly higher prices than Sorrento (fewer operators, higher demand); harbour access involves steep steps; fewer Capri departures |
| Amalfi | Eastern coast, Emerald Grotto | €750–1,100 private | Closest to the Emerald Grotto, Atrani, and Ravello; slightly lower prices than Positano; easy harbour with flat access | Further from Capri (75 min crossing); fewer operators than Sorrento; the western coast toward Positano is a longer transit |
| Salerno | Budget-friendly, eastern approach | €650–1,000 private | Lowest prices of any departure point; easy to reach by high-speed train from Rome or Naples; less crowded harbour | Furthest from Capri and Positano; the first stretch of coast (Vietri, Cetara) is less dramatic; fewer tour options overall |
Our recommendation: If you are staying in Sorrento and want Capri, depart from Sorrento — it saves over an hour of transit each way. Based in Positano, Praiano, or Ravello? Depart from Positano. On a tighter budget arriving from Naples or Rome by train? Salerno is the smartest starting point. Browse: excursions from Sorrento, tours from Positano, tours from Amalfi.
When to Book a Boat Tour — Month by Month
The season runs from April through October, but conditions vary dramatically:
| Month | Sea Temp | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 16–17°C | Mild, occasional rain | Low | Low season (−20%) | Swimming is bracing; many operators not yet running full schedule; great for sightseeing-focused tours |
| May | 18–20°C | Warm, mostly sunny | Moderate | Shoulder (−10%) | Excellent month — warm enough to swim, few crowds, wildflowers on the cliffs, best underwater visibility |
| June | 22–24°C | Hot, sunny | Moderate–High | Standard | Best overall month for boat tours. Warm water, long days, manageable crowds. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for private |
| July | 25–26°C | Very hot, sunny | High | Peak (+10–20%) | Peak season begins. Crowded coves, especially around Capri. Book 3–4 weeks ahead. Morning departures essential |
| August | 26–27°C | Very hot, humid | Very high | Peak (+20%) | Italian holiday month — Ferragosto (15 Aug) is the busiest day of the year. Highest prices, most crowded. Book 4+ weeks ahead |
| September | 24–25°C | Warm, mostly sunny | Moderate | Shoulder (−10%) | Many locals' favourite month. Warm sea, thinning crowds, golden light, lower prices. Occasional thunderstorm in late Sept |
| October | 21–23°C | Mild, more rain risk | Low | Low season (−20%) | Still warm enough for swimming early in the month. Some operators wind down mid-October. Best prices of the season |
The sweet spot: Late May, June, and the first three weeks of September. Warm water, good weather, manageable crowds, better prices than July–August. If you can only travel in July or August, book your boat tour as early as possible — private charters sell out weeks in advance.
Private vs Group Tour — An Honest Comparison
When a Group Tour Is the Right Choice
- You are a solo traveller or a couple — a private boat for two is expensive. A group tour puts you on the water for €65–90/person.
- You are on a tight budget — group tours are cheaper per person, even factoring in what is not included.
- You want a no-decisions day — the route is planned, you just show up and enjoy.
- You want to meet people — group tours attract other travellers, a highlight for solo visitors.
When a Private Charter Is Worth the Money
- You are a group of 4 or more — six people splitting an €800 boat = €133/person, barely more than a full-day group tour.
- You are travelling with children — the flexible pace is essential with kids. You can stop when they need to, skip long transits, and focus on calm bays. Choose a gozzo (stable, shaded, spacious) over a RIB. Half-day tours (3–5 hours) work best for families with children under 10; full-day is feasible for ages 6 and up if the itinerary includes island time. Bring snacks, SPF 50, UV rash guards, and confirm child life jackets in advance.
- You want to control the itinerary — if you find a cove you love, the skipper anchors as long as you want.
- It is a special occasion — birthday, anniversary, proposal. A shared boat with 18 strangers is not the setting you want.
- You care about comfort — less crowded, better equipped, personal attention and local tips from the skipper.
The honest maths: A half-day group tour for 2 costs around €130–180 total. A half-day private charter costs €500–700 for the boat. For a couple, private is 3–4 times more expensive. For a group of 6, private is roughly the same per person — and incomparably better. BlueKeys private boat charters include fuel, skipper, snorkelling gear, and drinks on board.
Seasickness Prevention — Tips That Actually Work
- Take medication early: Antihistamine tablets (dimenhydrinate — sold in Italy as Xamamina or Travelgum) work best 30–60 minutes before departure. Once you feel ill, it is too late. Child-friendly versions (Xamamina bambini) are available at any Italian pharmacy.
- Eat a light breakfast, skip alcohol the night before: An empty stomach is worse than a full one, but heavy food is a trigger. Toast, fruit, light coffee — avoid orange juice.
- Sit at the stern, watch the horizon: The stern has the least vertical motion. Looking at the horizon is the single most effective natural remedy — staring at a phone screen is the fastest way to trigger nausea.
- Ginger and hydration: Ginger candies, ginger tea, or raw ginger — clinically supported, not a placebo. Sip water regularly; dehydration worsens everything.
- If you feel sick, tell the skipper: An experienced skipper will slow down, find calmer water, or stop in a sheltered cove. Do not be embarrassed — they deal with this regularly.
How Much Does a Boat Tour Cost?
- Group tour (half day): €60 to €90 per person
- Group tour (full day): €90 to €140 per person
- Private gozzo boat (full day): €800 to €1,200 for the boat
- Private gozzo boat (half day): €500 to €700 for the boat
- Private luxury yacht (full day): €1,500 to €3,500 — see luxury yacht charters on the Amalfi Coast
- Sailing excursion (half day): €100 to €150 per person
- Sunset cruise (group): €50 to €80 per person
- Sunset cruise (private): €400 to €700 for the boat
- Snorkelling tour: €70 to €110 per person
Hidden costs to budget for: Blue Grotto entrance (€18/person, cash only), Emerald Grotto (€5/person), lunch ashore (€25–50/person), skipper tip (€20–50 for a full-day private charter), upgraded drink packages (€10–20/person).
When you split the cost of a private boat among 4 to 8 people, the per-person price often comes close to a group tour — with a vastly better experience. BlueKeys private boat charters include fuel, skipper, snorkelling gear, and drinks. Prefer to skipper yourself? Check out boat rental options on the Amalfi Coast.
How to Book
Book well in advance during peak season (June through August). For the best selection and local expertise, browse available boat tours on BlueKeys, where every skipper is vetted, every boat is inspected, and local support is available throughout your trip.
What to confirm before booking: Exactly which boat you will be on (ask for name and photos), what is included (fuel, drinks, snorkelling gear, towels), the cancellation policy (weather cancellations should always be fully refundable), and the meeting point with precise directions.
Safety and Regulations
All boats must carry life jackets and safety equipment. Reputable operators also carry a first-aid kit and VHF radio. The Amalfi Coast falls under the Capitaneria di Porto di Salerno (Italian Coast Guard), which oversees maritime safety, licensing, and passenger limits. All commercial operators must hold a valid NIS licence and insurance — if an operator cannot show their licence number, that is a red flag. The Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area has speed limits, anchoring restrictions, and designated snorkelling zones; fines for violations exceed €1,000.
Book Your Boat Tour
Explore Amalfi Coast boat tours, Capri day trips from Sorrento, or private charters — with local skippers who know every hidden cove on the coast. Also available: tours from Positano, excursions from Sorrento, and luxury yacht charters.
