The best way to explore the Amalfi Coast? Definitely by boat! Wave goodbye to Naples for a day and treat yourself to the chance to discover one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in the world.
Duration 10/11 hours
Available Every day
Small Group Max 12-14 people
Meeting Point Star Hotel Terminus
Start time
08:45am
Get ready to fall in love with the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s pure magic from the sea! On this small group boat tour from Naples, you’ll uncover secret beaches, dazzling caves bursting with color, and jaw-dropping views around every corner. Two stops will also allow you to explore the charming towns of Positano and Amalfi by land. We are sure you will love it!
Itinerary – Boat Tour from Naples to the Amalfi Coast:
Meeting point in central Naples and scenic transfer.
Your day begins at 08:45 at the Star Hotel Terminus, in Piazza Garibaldi. After meeting our staff, you’ll board a comfortable minivan or minibus heading to the port of Piano di Sorrento, enjoying the scenic views along the Sorrento Peninsula.
Cruise along the Sorrento Coast.
Hop aboard a traditional Sorrento gozzo boat and enjoy a coastal cruise. You’ll admire fascinating spots like the old fishing village of Marina Grande, the Roman villa ruins at the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a natural waterfall cascading from the cliff, and the stunning Bay of Ieranto.
Discover the Amalfi Coast by sea.
As you sail towards Amalfi, you’ll discover the coastal gems of the Amalfi Coast: the Li Galli archipelago, the peaceful village of Nerano, the charming town of Praiano, and the dramatic Fjord of Furore—one of the most breathtaking spots along the coast.
Swimming, snorkeling, and onboard relaxation.
The captain will make a couple of stops along the way so you can swim in crystal-clear waters or snorkel. On board, you can relax with tasty snacks, refreshing drinks, and soak up the sun and the sea breeze.
Stops in Amalfi and Positano.
Disembark in Amalfi to explore the ancient Maritime Republic and visit the Cathedral, the old town, or local artisan shops (stop of 1 to 2 hours). Then head to Positano and lose yourself in its colorful alleys, boutiques, and postcard-perfect views (stop of 1 to 2 hours).
Limoncello toast and return to Naples.
End your day with a limoncello toast during the return cruise. Once at the port, your transfer will take you back to the meeting point in Naples.
The price includes: Round-trip transfer from Naples to the port – Professional English-speaking skipper – Snacks – Light lunch (Caprese sandwich with mozzarella and tomato) – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The price does not include: Hotel pick-up and drop-off – Destination fee of €10.00 per person (to be paid on site) – Snorkeling equipment (bring your own or purchase before boarding: €15.00 mask; €9.00 snorkel).
Do not forget: Swimsuit – Beach towel – Sunscreen – Sun hat – Camera.
The name Ieranto derives from the Greek “Ieros” or “sacred”: here near Punta Campanella stood the temple of the Goddess Athena and, according to Homer, this is where the sirens lured Ulysse with their enchanting songs.
Today the sacred atmosphere can still be felt as you walk along rocky paths that lead to panoramic views that open into a sudden blue.
The Bay of Ieranto is a strip of land stretching from the fishing village of Nerano almost to Capri. Now onwned by FAI, the Italian Environmental Fund, it frequently hosts guided tours. However access to the area is always free.
Seen from above, it truly resembles a dolphin. In reality, Li Galli is a tiny archipelago made up of three small islets situated between Capri and Positano. Currently privately owned, it can only be visited by invitation. However, those less fortunate can admire it from afar during a boat tour.
The archipelago consists of Gallo Lungo (the largest island), La Rotonda, and La Castelluccia. The entire area is part of the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area. It is also known as "Le Sirenuse" because, according to legend, it was once inhabited by sirens who lured passing sailors with their enchanting songs. Mythology tells us that only two ships ever avoided shipwrecking on its rocks: Ulysses’ ship, as told in Homer’s Odyssey, and that of the Argonauts, saved by Orpheus’ music. It is said that the name Li Galli derives from the ancient Greek depiction of sirens who, in archaic Greek art, were not half-woman and half-fish but rather half-woman and half-bird.
The archipelago was rediscovered in the 1920s by Russian dancer and choreographer Léonide Massine. At the time, Li Galli was covered with Roman ruins and uninhabited. Massine built a villa there with the help of architect Le Corbusier, who also constructed a theater on the island.
After Massine’s death, the archipelago was purchased by another Russian dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, who dreamed of creating a dance school there. Unfortunately, his premature death prevented him from realizing this dream, and in 1988, the islands were left uninhabited once again. Today, Li Galli is owned by an entrepreneur from Sorrento who rents out the island’s residences for private parties and events.
Positano, much like the sirens said to inhabit the nearby Li Galli islands, never ceases to seduce those who arrive here. Seen from the sea, Positano resembles a seashell streaked with a multitude of colors. From the green of the Monti Lattari that crown it, to the white, pink, and yellow hues of its Mediterranean houses, the silvery-gray of its pebble beaches, and finally, the deep blue of its sea.
During the Roman era, magnificent villas were built along Positano’s coastline, as evidenced by remains near the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. In 1260, after being sacked by the Pisans, the town's urban layout was transformed for defensive purposes. It began to resemble Amalfi, with narrow streets, houses clinging to the cliffs, fortifications, and watchtowers.
From every corner of the town, you can admire the multicolored majolica dome of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which houses an 18th-century icon of the Black Madonna.
Curiosity: the name Positano originates from legend. It is said that a ship carrying a painting of the Madonna was unable to sail further due to calm winds. The sailors reportedly heard a voice saying, "posa, posa", meaning "stop here." and that is how they approached the shore. The townspeople, who later named the village after this event, took the painting to the Church of San Vito, the patron saint of Positano, which no longer exists as of the 1600s.
The painting was left in the church, but by morning, it had miraculously disappeared and was found near the sea, on a myrtle (mortella) tree. Believing this to be a miracle, as the painting had seemingly moved on its own, the townspeople began constructing a new church dedicated to Maria Assunta at that very spot.
The village of Praiano, nestled between the coastline and the mountains, offers inviting, tranquil beaches and is home to the only beach on the Amalfi Coast bathed in sunlight until sunset. Adjacent to Praiano lies the charming village of Furore, famous for its stunning fjord, where a popular diving competition is held every year on the first Sunday of July.
The Fjord of Furore is one of the most captivating spots on the Amalfi Coast. It features a deep crevice in the rock, traversed by the Schiato stream, which flows rapidly from the Agerola plateau. These dramatic inlets and steep cliffs are reminiscent of northern European landscapes. However, Furore blends the magical essence of those fairytale-like sceneries with the scents and atmosphere of the Mediterranean.
As with every enchanting place, Furore is steeped in legends. One local tale tells of the Devil himself visiting Furore. The villagers, disapproving of his presence, treated him with hostility. Offended, the devil decided to leave a "mark" near Agerola as he departed but accidentally wiped himself with the most aggressive nettles. Enraged, he fled while screaming, stomping his feet and leaving imprints along that stretch of road.
Historians, however, believe that the name "Furore," once called "Terra Furoris", originates from the sound of the waves crashing violently against the rocks of the small fjord.
In the past, the Fjord of Furore hosted factories for paper production, and the ancient drying yard where paper was laid to dry can still be seen today near the valley. Since 1997, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently included in the prestigious "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" club.
According to legend, the town takes its name from Amalfi, a nymph loved by Hercules, who was buried here by the will of the gods. Certainly inhabited by the Romans, who fled to the Monti Lattari to escape the Germanic and Lombard invasions, Amalfi began as a defensive outpost for the Byzantine Duchy of Naples. The town enjoyed a privileged relationship with Byzantium due to the Amalfitans’ exceptional maritime trading skills.
With its unique whitewashed houses, mild climate almost year-round, and charming artisanal shops, Amalfi is a perfect tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Amalfi is a town of about 7,000 residents, rich in history and art, and it lends its name to the Amalfi Coast, a world-famous destination that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
One of Amalfi’s most iconic landmarks is the Amalfi Cathedral, built in the Arab-Sicilian style and dedicated to Saint Andrew, the city’s patron saint. The cathedral was constructed next to an older Basilica, itself built on the ruins of a temple. Inside, the cathedral features a coffered ceiling, a central nave, and, above the altar, a painting of the Martyrdom of Saint Andrew. In the crypt beneath the cathedral lies the body of Saint Andrew, the first disciple of Jesus and the patron saint of Amalfi.
The Cloister of Paradise is part of the Amalfi Cathedral and can be accessed from its atrium. It is one of the most fascinating structures on the Amalfi Coast. Built between 1266 and 1268 as a burial site for prominent and distinguished citizens of Amalfi’s noble families, the cloister once housed their sarcophagi.
Amalfi and the Amalfi Coast await you with their pastel-coloured villages overlooking the blue, the inlets, the fjords, the mountain trails with unforgettable views, rich art, history, traditions, and, of course, exceptional food and wine.
Yes, you will have free time to swim and snorkel during the boat tour. Based on their experience, the skipper will select the best and most comfortable spots for you to enjoy.
Yes, a light lunch is included in the boat tour. You’ll enjoy a Caprese sandwich made with fresh mozzarella and tomato, along with snacks and drinks served on board.
No, unfortunately, access to the Island of Li Galli is not permitted as it is privately owned. However, you will have the opportunity to admire it and take photos from the boat.
Yes! The Sorrento and Amalfi Coast boat tour from Naples is ideal for families with children or teenagers. The tour is a lot of fun, thanks to the various swimming stops that allow for swimming and snorkeling activities.
This boat tour is quite long, and you will not return to the Star Hotel Terminus in Naples before 7:30-8:00 PM. For this reason, we kindly ask that you inform us at the time of booking if you have a train to catch or if you are on a cruise, so we can make arrangements to ensure you get back on time.
In case of bad weather/sea conditions the tour might be cancelled. If this happens, we are pleased to offer our customers the choice of an alternative date or, in case of inability to rebook, a full refund.
Sorrento and Amalfi Coast boat tour from Naples
Write a review!
Highlights:
Departure from Naples
Small groups of maximum 12-14 people
Professional English-speaking skipper
Scenic cruise along the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts
The organisation of the tour was impeccable and our skipper was extremely friendly. The stops in Amalfi and Positano allowed us to explore these charming villages, but the real show was the view from the sea. The small unspoilt beaches and hidden grottos were simply breathtaking. We made a couple of stops for swimming and snorkelling - the water was crystal clear! I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience the Amalfi coast in a unique way.
What a wonderful day!
S. Ellington
The boat trip along the Amalfi Coast was nothing short of spectacular. Each stop was more beautiful than the last. Free time in Amalfi and Positano allowed us to explore these jewels at our leisure. Special thanks to our skipper for a wonderful day.
A boat trip I will never forget!
Elowen J.
The Amalfi Coast seen from the sea is a unique experience. Stops in Amalfi and Positano gave us time to explore these beautiful towns. We snorkeled in the crystal clear waters and enjoyed delicious snacks on board. An experience well worth having!
Really great trip well worth the time and money. The host Dario was really informative and explained sites we saw along the coast, gave suggestions on what to see in each stop and provided refreshments and food on the boat. It sounded like a long day at first but I loved every minute on the boat and time flew by. It was amazing stopping and going for a swim and getting out of Naples for the day. Probably my favorite part of the trip. Also really convenient having the company transport you to the departure site. I wished I had used them on my trip to Pompeii. So much more stress free having Viator handle all the transportation.
Had a blast
Akia M
I strongly recommend booking this tour. Luisa and Nello were excellent hosts. The pickup from the meeting point was prompt and the journey to Sorrento from Naples was smooth. That boat tour was a dream and I feel like all the activities were nicely balanced out. You have time to sightsee, to swim, to lounge, to eat, and to shop. The meal and snacks they provided on board were delicious as well. This was my favorite activity during my entire stay in Italy. Great experience and definitely worth the money.
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Reviews from our customers
Overall rating
5.00 /5
Based on 12 review
Rating details
highly recommend
What a wonderful day!
A boat trip I will never forget!