Some coastlines feel like postcards.

On this full-day private boat from Sorrento, you get a smooth, scenic ride along the Sorrento coastline and then deeper into the Amalfi Coast, with multiple chances to swim and snorkel in clear water. Two things I especially like are the built-in beach time (not just a quick look) and the fact that you’re drinking and snacking on the water with real coastline time, not a rushed schedule. One drawback to plan for: the day depends on decent weather, and if seas are choppy, you’ll feel it on a small 26-foot boat.

Because it’s private, your day feels controlled: stops are timed for swimming, snorkeling gear is provided, and you’re not squeezed into a crowded group. You also get thoughtful comfort touches like a separate toilet and a canopy for shade, plus beach towels for each person. The main consideration is pacing: you’ll spend plenty of time moving between spots, and time on land in places like Positano is only available on request, so this is primarily a boat-and-water experience.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private group of up to 6 means a calmer, more flexible day
• Multiple swimming and snorkeling stops along the Amalfi shoreline
• Snorkeling gear and beach towels included, so you travel lighter
• Onboard drinks and snacks (prosecco, beers, limoncello, Aperol Spritz) with a cooler setup
• Stops at Li Galli and Positano viewpoints without needing to hike or fight bus crowds

Your Private Boat Day Starts in Sorrento (Not a Crowded Pier)

This tour is built around a simple idea: see the Amalfi Coast from the water, and spend time actually in it. You start in Sorrento at 10:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. It’s offered in English, and it runs as a private tour for only your group (up to 6), which makes a big difference to how the day feels.

The boat details are worth noting. It uses newer vessels—described as built in 2023 and 2025—with a length of 26 feet. That size matters. It’s small enough to feel personal and nimble, but it also means you’re more likely to notice wind or waves than you would on a large ferry. One review highlighted how the captain handled choppy water well, calling out Captain Simon for making the best of a rougher day. That’s the kind of competence you want on a boat day.

Comfort-wise, you get a separate toilet and a canopy for shade. Those aren’t glamorous items, but on a sunny coast, shade can keep the day pleasant instead of sweaty. You’ll also get a beach towel for each person, which saves you from packing your own and worrying about dry storage.

The Price Makes Sense If You Fill the Group

The cost is listed as $1,631.05 per group (up to 6). If you’re booking with a full group of six, that works out to roughly $272 per person. If you have fewer people, the per-person cost goes up fast—because it’s priced per group, not per seat.

So here’s how I’d think about value:

• You’re paying for a private boat, not a shared tour where you’re queued and squeezed.
• You get snorkeling equipment, snacks, and a full set of onboard drinks.
• The itinerary includes long stretches of coastline sightseeing plus scheduled swim time.

Lunch is not included (more on that later), so you’re mostly budgeting for what you choose to eat on shore during the Nerano break. Still, for a day that includes water time, gear, and drinks, the cost can feel fair—especially compared to piecing together separate boat transport and paying for activities.

Sailing the Amalfi Coast: Towers, Villas, Caves, and Real Swim Time

The first big block is 3 hours along the Amalfi Coast, after cruising out from the Sorrento side. This is where the “boat day” part becomes the whole point. You’ll sail past old defensive towers (built in the Middle Ages), and you’ll glide by dramatic villas and hotels perched above the sea. You also get views of smaller features that most land-based visits only hint at: hidden tiny beaches, little islands, and sea caves that reportedly have plenty of fish.

What makes this stop feel worthwhile is the structure: you’re not just watching from one angle. There are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in cool spots along the coast. The water clarity is specifically mentioned, which is exactly what you want for snorkeling—good visibility means you’ll see more than just your own hands.

One practical consideration: snorkeling time is only as good as the conditions. Clear water is ideal, but wind and swell can change comfort levels quickly on small boats. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring along what you normally use for boats or seasickness—because you’ll be on the water for most of the day.

Li Galli: The Mermaid Islands Stop You Don’t Have to Rush Through

Next up is Li Galli, an archipelago described as three islands in front of Positano. The setting is framed as a magical place, and it’s tied to the legend of the mermaid islands connected to the Odyssey of Ulysses.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes, which is short in land-time terms—but that’s pretty normal for viewpoint-plus-a-water-plunge islands. You’ll get the atmosphere and a good chance to appreciate why people call this area special. If you want the coast photography without crowds, this kind of quick, focused stop can be a sweet spot.

Also, remember that this is still a boat tour. Your best use of those 30 minutes is to be ready fast—snorkel gear, swim mindset, camera on standby—so you don’t lose time while everyone gets sorted.

Positano From Afar (Plus an Optional Town Visit)

From the boat, you’ll admire Positano from a distance—those colorful houses stacked above the sea are made for this kind of perspective. The description also calls out the bell tower of the ancient cathedral rising among the rooftops, which is exactly the kind of landmark you want to clock when you’re viewing a town from the water.

Then comes the useful part: you can request a visit to Positano town, exploring the old center and narrow streets with shops you access on foot. The key word here is request. It’s not automatically guaranteed in the way some tours are timed to include a standard town stop.

So I’d plan like this:

• If Positano’s streets are your priority, be ready to ask and commit quickly when the moment comes.
• If your priority is swimming and staying in the water, the from-the-boat viewing may be enough.

Either way, the boat angle gives you an overview first, and that makes any later walking feel more logical—like you already know where you’re headed.

Nerano Break: Waterfront Lunch Time (But Lunch Isn’t Included)

The tour then shifts to Nerano for about 2 hours, described as a break and lunch stop. This is where you stop being in “constant motion” mode and get a real break.

You’ll have time to visit a restaurant by the waterfront and taste dishes at your own expense, because lunch at a restaurant is not included. Still, the way the stop is framed—waterfront and the best of the coast—suggests this part of the day is meant to let you refuel after hours on the water.

A smart move: treat this as your main meal window. You’ll have snacks and drinks onboard, but a proper sit-down meal will make the afternoon feel more relaxed. If you’re sensitive to sun, use this stop to reset: shade, water, and a slower pace.

Returning Along the Coast With Prosecco

On the way back, you spend about 1 hour enjoying the fresh breeze with a glass of cool prosecco. It’s a simple finish, but it fits the rhythm of a boat day: you’ve seen the coast in detail, swum in multiple places, and now you’re winding down without another big stop.

This return phase also matters because it gives you a chance to absorb what you saw earlier. When you’re moving between caves, islands, and cliff towns, it’s easy for impressions to blend together. The calmer ride back helps you make sense of the whole coastline.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters)

This is one of the strongest parts of the value equation. Included items aren’t just extras; they reduce friction.

You get:

• Separate toilet and canopy for shade
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Beach towel for each person
• Alcoholic beverages plus soft drinks and snacks:
• Prosecco, beers, limoncello, Aperol Spritz
• Mineral water, Coca cola, lemon soda
• Dry snacks like chips and peanuts
• Several swim and snorkeling stops

One more rule that matters: alcoholic beverages are listed as only for adults 18 years old and above. If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this matters for planning who will be offered what. The tour still runs the same—just the alcohol portion changes.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Different)

This tour is ideal if you want the Amalfi Coast the way most people never truly see it: from water level, with time to swim and snorkel, and without a bus schedule dictating your day.

It’s a great fit for:

• Couples and small friend groups who want privacy
• People who like water time more than long walks
• Travelers who don’t want to bring snorkeling gear or hunt for towels
• Anyone who appreciates scenic cruising plus a structured day with stops

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re prone to seasickness and small-boat motion would ruin the day
• You want a heavy on-land itinerary with long museum-style stops
• You’re traveling with someone who can’t handle movement on a boat (the tour notes it’s not recommended for persons above age 90)

Also, keep your expectations realistic about Positano. You get views for sure, and a town visit may happen on request, but the day’s core is still sea time.

Practical Tips to Make the Day Smoother

You’ll have the best time if you treat this like a water-focused day from the start:

• Bring a good swim setup and expect to get in and out of the water multiple times.
• Protect yourself from sun since you’ll be outside for hours with limited shade (the canopy helps).
• Plan your camera and phone storage so you can jump in quickly at each stop.
• Think ahead for Nerano: that’s your likely chance to get a proper meal since lunch isn’t included.

If you end up with choppy waters, don’t panic. A review specifically praised Captain Simon for handling rough conditions and keeping the day enjoyable, which is exactly the kind of mindset you want in challenging sea conditions.

Should You Book This Private Amalfi Coast Boat Tour?

If your idea of an unforgettable Amalfi day is swimming, snorkeling, and coastline views that you can’t get from buses, I’d say this is a strong pick. The combo of private boat, included snorkeling gear, beach towels, onboard drinks, and multiple water stops adds up to real convenience and real time on the coast.

I’d only hesitate if you strongly prefer land-based sightseeing, or if boat motion is a dealbreaker for your body. For most people who want the Amalfi Coast at sea level—plus a relaxed, small-group vibe—this private day has the right mix of wow-factor and practical comfort.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private boat tour?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

How many people are on the boat for this private tour?

It’s a private tour/activity with only your group participating, up to 6 people.

Are snorkeling equipment and beach towels included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and provides a beach towel for each person.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch at a restaurant is not included. Nerano is the stop where you can take a break and eat.

What drinks and snacks are included onboard?

Included items list prosecco, beers, limoncello, and Aperol Spritz, along with mineral water, Coca cola, lemon soda, and dry snacks like chips and peanuts.

What should you expect regarding weather?

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