Amalfi looks different from your own boat. This private 7-to-8 hour cruise from Sorrento lets you set the pace, with included snorkeling gear and water-level photo views that big-group boats just can’t deliver.

I love how the day mixes classic coastal sights with real swimming time. You’ll cruise past landmarks, then actually stop at beaches and coves long enough to get in the water (not just “look from the deck”).

One thing to consider: because this is a paid, high-end private day, communication matters. Most captains run the route smoothly in English, but if a replacement skipper comes in with limited English (it has happened), the explanations and back-and-forth questions can feel thinner.

Key things that make this Amalfi Coast boat tour work

• Private group up to 5: you’re not squeezed into a crowded schedule, so you can slow down for photos or swim longer.
• Snorkeling gear included: you don’t need to pack your mask and you’ll have equipment ready on board.
• A practical route: ruins, a lighthouse headland, island waters, a swim beach, Positano time, then a second swim/lunch stop.
• Captains who tailor the day: some skippers have adjusted timing for more water time and even added ideas like a Ravello detour when it fits.
• Drinks on board: beer plus water and soft drinks are included, which turns “day on the coast” into a true day off.

Your private Amalfi day starts in Sorrento, not on a bus

This is a boat tour built around the idea that the coast is best seen from the water. You meet at Via Marina Piccola, 72 in Sorrento, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. That matters because the “getting there” part is already handled—you’re starting your day on the water, not spending hours coordinating multiple legs.

The private setup is also the whole point. Only your group participates, so your captain can match the day to how you like it: more swimming, more time walking Positano, or more time lingering at the best-looking coves. In reviews, captains like Alberto, Tomas, Flavio, Viktor, Juani, and Alessandro stand out for doing exactly that—mixing route knowledge with real-world decisions about where the water is calm and where the best breaks for swimming are.

What the 7 to 8 hours really includes (and why it matters)

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours, including travel time. That’s a big deal on the Amalfi Coast, where roads can be slow and parking is not your friend. A private boat day cuts through a lot of that friction.

Still, plan the mindset of a full day. You’re not doing short “look-and-leave” stops. You’ll have multiple one-hour blocks at the water (swim/snorkel time), a two-hour window on Positano, and then another two-hour stop at Marina del Cantone where lunch is often the move.

Also note the physical note: the experience is listed for travelers with moderate fitness, and it’s not recommended for people with mobility issues. Even if you’re not doing hardcore hiking, boat boarding and getting in/out of the water can be a factor. If you’re deciding between this tour and something more land-based, that’s the first filter I’d use.

Stop 1: Bagni Regina Giovanna for a dramatic start by the water

Your day begins with a direct cruise to Bagni Regina Giovanna, sometimes described as the queen’s bath. The appeal here is twofold:

1) Ruins right at the shoreline

You’re not just seeing a beach—you’re seeing an ancient spot where the old queen villa remains near the water.

2) A “set the tone” swim stop

It’s the first real chance to get in the sea without needing to wait until later.

The time is about one hour. That’s enough to settle in, take a few photos from the boat, and choose whether you want a quick swim or a slower snorkel. Admission is listed as free, which keeps the day focused on the water time rather than extra ticket runs.

Possible drawback: because it’s an early stop, you’ll want to be ready mentally and physically to enjoy it right away. If you’re the kind of person who needs a long “wake up” breakfast first, plan for a smoother start before you arrive.

Stop 2: Punta Campanella for the coastline “boundary” moment

Next you head toward Punta Campanella, where the Sorrento coastline ends and the Amalfi coastline begins. The route is described in a clear geographic way: the bay of Naples gives way to the bay of Salerno.

You’ll sail near a lighthouse point, and the captain will pass by and point it out. That’s the kind of detail that pays off because it helps you understand what you’re looking at. Instead of drifting through coastlines as a set of pretty scenes, you start connecting them—this headland marks a shift, and the sea changes with it.

Time here is about one hour, again with free admission. It’s not the biggest swimming stop on the route, but it can be a very good stretch for photos from the moving boat and for learning a bit about how the coastline is laid out.

Stop 3: Li Galli islands for snorkeling and jump-in fun

Then comes Li Galli, the islands that many people associate with the Amalfi Coast’s most postcard-like water. Here you’ll cruise through the islands, and you get another clear chance to jump in and snorkel.

This is where the included gear matters most. If you’ve ever bought a snorkel kit on vacation that only gets used once, you’ll appreciate that it’s already there. You can concentrate on the water, not your packing list.

Time is about one hour. That’s a sensible chunk because snorkel windows work best when you’re not rushing. One of the patterns that shows up in the experiences people liked is simple: they weren’t stuck doing long waits. Multiple swim chances across the day meant you didn’t have to hit a single perfect moment.

Also, because the itinerary is customizable, your captain can sometimes adjust the exact feel of this portion—more swim time, more drifting for photos, or a calmer spot if conditions call for it.

Stop 4: Spiaggia di Tordigliano for a full swim beach hour

Next up is Spiaggia di Tordigliano—one of the beaches highlighted along the coast. This stop is straightforward: swim and snorkel for about one hour.

If you’re trying to decide what kind of day you’re booking, think of this as your “anchor” swim hour. Li Galli is beautiful and island-shaped; Tordigliano is beach-shaped and designed for that classic vacation rhythm: get in, float, snorkel, then let the sun do its job while you dry off.

The big advantage here is variety. You’re not only snorkeling around rocks or islands. You’re at a beach setting long enough to feel the change in the coastline. Admission is listed as free, so you’re not juggling tickets while the sea is calling.

Stop 5: Positano by boat first, then two hours on land

Positano is the star everyone expects, but the timing can make or break your experience. On this tour, you get Positano in two phases:

• First, you cruise right below the cliff town for stunning photos from the water.
• Then you’re dropped off for a couple of hours to wander around.

You get about two hours on Positano. That’s a sweet spot for most people: enough time to feel the place without turning it into an all-day grind.

One practical tip based on how captains shape the day: arrive with a simple plan for those two hours. Decide in advance if you want mostly walking and views, or if you want a slower pace with time just sitting near the water. With a private boat schedule, you have flexibility—but only if you know what you want when you hit shore.

Also, because Positano can be very busy in peak summer, boat arrival helps you skip some of the earliest crowd stress. You’ll still be on foot in town, but you’ll start with the coast-level views that big-group tours often can’t match.

Stop 6: Marina del Cantone for lunch by the water and another swim

Finish strong at Marina del Cantone, described as an old fishing village along the Amalfi Coast. This is the kind of spot where the day shifts from sightseeing to actual coastal living.

You get about two hours here, and the big value is choice:

• You can stop for lunch along the water.
• You can go for a swim in turquoise waters.

In reviews, captains repeatedly get praised for lunch decisions. Some skippers even offer to help set up reservations, and a few names pop up often, like Flavio, Viktor, Thomas, and Juan. The common thread is simple: they steer people toward food with good views rather than trapping you near the most tourist-heavy areas.

Also, this is where you might get the feeling that the day is more than a checklist. When captains customize routes, this portion is often where they place the “best water time” at the end—sometimes including extra hidden-beach-style swimming, depending on conditions.

Snorkeling, towels, and what you should pack anyway

The tour is explicit about included snorkeling gear, and the summary emphasizes that you won’t need to pack your mask. That’s a real convenience.

But here’s the honest part: one piece of advice from a past passenger suggests bringing your own towels, saying towels weren’t provided in their case. The tour information also says beach towels are included. So I’d do this:

• Trust the listing that towels are included.
• Bring a small towel anyway if you hate surprises.

Beyond that, consider the practical essentials you always need for a boat day:

• swimsuit ready
• sunscreen
• sunglasses and a hat
• something for your phone/keys (even a simple waterproof pouch)

In some experiences, people mentioned extra items on board like noodles and life jackets. Those aren’t listed in the formal inclusions, so don’t count on them—but it’s a nice sign that the boats tend to be set up for relaxed swimming.

Drinks on board: included beer plus “vacation mode” comfort

Included in the price are beer, water and soft drinks, plus the “day-on-the-water” basics like port fees and fuel. That’s what makes this feel different from the usual day-trip where you pay for every small thing.

It also helps that the tour is private for up to five. If you book with a group, you can split the cost and keep the day’s spending predictable. If you book as a small group, you’re paying more per person—but you’re buying control: no waiting for strangers, no being herded on someone else’s timetable.

A few reviews also mention Bluetooth music playing from phones, and that the boat can feel comfortable and spacious for sunbathing and lounging. Since that’s not guaranteed in the core inclusions, treat it as a bonus if it’s available on your specific boat.

Price: what you’re paying for, and when it becomes a good deal

At $879.31 per group (up to 5), this isn’t a budget tour. But the value math shifts depending on your group size and what’s included.

Here’s what you’re getting without extra add-ons:

• captain
• fuel
• port fees
• insurance
• beer
• water and soft drinks
• snorkeling equipment
• beach towels (listed)
• no hidden fees

That’s a lot of “included costs” that often disappear into separate charges on other experiences. You’re also getting a private boat day, which is the main driver of price on the Amalfi Coast.

When this becomes a good deal:

• you’re traveling as a group of 4–5
• you care about swimming and snorkeling, not just scenic cruising
• you want Positano time without joining a big ship crowd
• you want a captain who can shape the day, not just read off a script

When it might not be the best fit:

• you’re on a tight budget
• you only want land sightseeing and won’t use the water stops
• you need guaranteed detailed English commentary at every step (because captain language can vary)

How to get the most out of your captain (and your day)

Because this is private, you’ll get more value if you communicate clearly. Here’s what I’d do.

Before you board (or as soon as you meet):

• tell the captain what you want most: more swimming, more photos, more time on Positano, or a calmer pace
• ask if they can help with lunch timing for the Marina del Cantone stop
• decide how brave your group is about jumping in and snorkeling (so you don’t waste swim windows waiting)

The reviews give you a feel for the difference a great captain makes. Skippers like Tomas and Flavio are praised for smooth days and smart stop choices. Others like Viktor and Alessandro get credit for making the ride fun and photo-friendly, with enough time to actually enjoy Positano rather than rushing through it.

And remember: the itinerary is described as customizable. That’s your chance to make the day fit your travel style, not the operator’s brochure.

Should you book this Amalfi Coast private boat tour?

Book it if:

• you’re ready for a full day on the water and you want multiple swims
• you want Positano plus real coastline time without the big-tour grind
• you’ll have a group of up to five so the price feels less lopsided
• you care about convenience: snorkeling gear, drinks, and port fees are handled

Skip it (or pick something else) if:

• mobility issues could make boarding or water access difficult
• you need a very consistent English-speaking guide experience no matter who’s steering that day
• you want mostly land time and shopping

FAQ

How many people can be in the private boat group?

The tour is priced per group and is up to 5 people.

How long is the Amalfi Coast private boat tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours, and the total duration includes travel time.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Via Marina Piccola, 72, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy.

Does the boat include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour notes you do not need to pack your mask.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are the captain, fuel, beer, water and soft drinks, port fees, insurance, beach towels, snorkeling equipment, and no hidden fees.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is gratuity included?

No. Gratuity is not included.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you tell me your group size and whether your priority is snorkeling, Positano time, or relaxed photo cruising, I can help you judge if this route will match your ideal day.