Salerno to Amalfi and Positano Private Boat Excursion

A Private Boat Tour from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast: An Authentic and Flexible Experience

Imagine cruising along the famous Amalfi Coast in your own private boat, with the wind in your hair and incredible views all around. For about 6 hours, this tour whisks you from Salerno through legendary villages like Amalfi and Positano, stopping at hidden bays, grottos, and quaint fishing villages. Prices start at around $1,138.40 per group — which, considering it can accommodate up to five people in luxury or even groups of 30 in a larger vessel, offers good value for a personalized experience.

What we love most about this tour is how customizable it is — your captain and crew work with you to craft a day that fits your preferences, whether that’s soaking in a secluded bay, exploring tiny villages, or enjoying a local seafood lunch right from the boat. Plus, the chance to see the coastline from the water—where cliffs rise dramatically and colorful villas cling to the hills—is simply breathtaking.

A potential consideration to keep in mind is the weather. Since the trip depends on seas being calm and safe, your cruise might be rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable. Also, as it’s a private tour, it’s best suited for those seeking a more intimate, flexible, and luxurious way to experience the coast rather than a crowded group excursion. If you value personalized service, stunning vistas, and the opportunity to swim and relax in peaceful spots, this trip could be perfect.

Who will love this tour? If you’re traveling with a small group, craving flexibility, or want to avoid large tour buses and crowded viewpoints, this private boat trip is a fantastic choice. It’s especially appealing for cruise passengers and those who appreciate authentic, scenic experiences with the comfort of knowing your day is tailored to your interests.

Key Points

• Flexible and Personalized: Your itinerary is up to you, with options to spend more time swimming, exploring villages, or relaxing.
• Incredible Views from the Water: The coastline’s cliffs, colorful villas, and sea caves are best appreciated from the boat.
• Includes Swim Stops and Grotto Visits: Swim in scenic bays and visit the Emerald Grotto or Pandora’s Grotto for a unique experience.
• Variety of Boats for Different Groups: Options range from open wooden boats for small groups to large comfortable vessels for bigger parties.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Fuel, taxes, port fees, bottled water, soda, alcohol, towels, and snorkel masks are included.
• Likely to Be Well-Reviewed: With a 5.0 rating based on 22 reviews, travelers rave about the guides, scenery, and overall value.

Exploring the Amalfi Coast from the Water: What to Expect

Picture yourself meeting your crew at the Piazza della Concordia in Salerno, ready to embark on a day of discovery. The tour is fully customizable, so when you book, you select your preferred departure time between 9 am and 10 am. You’ll then choose your boat type—whether an intimate wooden boat for six, a shaded speedboat for eight, a luxury speedboat for ten, or a larger vessel for up to 30 people. This flexibility means your experience can be as intimate or as social as you like.

Once aboard, the crew takes you along a route that includes many highlights of the coast. You’ll pass Vietri sul Mare, famous for its colorful ceramics, and Cetara, a fishing village renowned for its tuna and anchovy dishes. The trip offers a chance to see Minori, believed to have been founded by Hercules, and even take a swim at a tranquil spot in Erchie.

From the boat, you’ll admire the limestone cliffs dotted with villas and the rugged coastline that has inspired artists and travelers alike. The boat may stop for lunch at a family-run seaside restaurant, offering you the chance to taste authentic local cuisine with stunning views. Many reviews mention how much they loved the flexibility to adapt the itinerary and enjoy a leisurely day.

Specific Stops and Their Charm

Marmorata: Here, you can admire a natural waterfall that once powered a paper mill—a reminder of Amalfi’s historic paper industry. It’s a picturesque spot to swim or just take in the scenery.

The Smallest Village in Italy: This tiny cobblestone piazzetta with a charming fountain offers a peaceful break, perfect for a quick stroll or a coffee.

Sea Caves and Grottos: Pandora’s Grotto, a stunning natural sea cave, is a highlight, though visiting the Emerald Grotto is optional and costs €7 per person. Expect emerald-green waters that make for excellent photo opportunities.

Beach and Sophia Loren’s Villa: Swim in a bay at the former villa of Hollywood starlet Sophia Loren or relax where Jackie Kennedy vacationed. These spots are top-rated for their beauty and exclusivity.

Praiano and Positano: The tour often includes stops at Marina di Praia, a quieter beach near Praiano, and free time in Positano, where you can stroll the streets, visit the famous church, or shop for local ceramics and fashion.

Authentic Experiences with Expert Guides

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides and captains make a big difference. Many travelers praise Luigi and other skippers for their knowledge, friendliness, and willingness to customize the day. Several mention how guides like Francesco and Luigi go above and beyond, making the experience memorable as they share local insights and ensure safety.

The boat itself is described as beautiful, and the routes are carefully monitored for sea conditions—your safety is a priority. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the trip can be rescheduled or refunded, which adds peace of mind.

The Value for Money

At over a thousand dollars for the group, this experience might seem pricey at first glance. However, considering the inclusions—fuel, port fees, snacks, drinks, towels, snorkel masks, and the exclusivity of a private boat—the cost reflects more than just transportation. It’s a luxury experience that offers privacy, flexibility, and stunning scenery, often missing from more rigid group tours.

Many reviews describe it as “worth every penny,” with travelers remarking how they’d gladly pay more for the personalized service and unforgettable vistas. It’s a chance to enjoy the coast without the crowds and to soak in the landscape at your own pace.

Breaking Down the Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Salerno’s picturesque waterfront, you’ll meet your crew and board your boat, setting out into the Gulf of Salerno. The first stops are typically at Vietri sul Mare and Cetara, offering a chance to explore these colorful towns or simply enjoy the view from the water.

A highlight is the swim stop at Marmorata, where the waterfall spills into the sea—a rare natural spectacle. Many reviewers have raved about the swimming opportunities, describing clear waters and peaceful coves that feel like your own secret hideaway.

Continuing along the coast, you’ll pass Conca dei Marini, notable for its dramatic cliffs and the high-diving bridge—an iconic photo spot. The tour often includes a visit to Pandora’s Grotto, where emerald waters shimmer inside a natural cave.

If you choose to include lunch, the boat can pull into a family-run restaurant or anchorage near Minori, where you can sample local specialties like fresh seafood, pasta, or regional desserts from renowned baker Sal de Riso.

For the latter part of the day, many travelers enjoy swimming in a bay once frequented by Sophia Loren or relaxing near Positano, with free time to wander the alleyways, shop for ceramics, or just bask in the seaside atmosphere.

Optional Grotto Visit and Beach Stops

The Emerald Grotto is a must-see for many, with its glowing green waters—a truly magical sight. However, entry is not included in the tour fee, so budget for the €7 fee if you wish to visit.

The Fiordo di Furore, a small secluded inlet carved into cliffs, is another picture-perfect spot, with colorful fishermen’s houses and the stone arch bridge offering an unforgettable view.

At the end of the day, many guests remark how the combination of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing made for a perfect balance—no rush, just a leisurely exploration of the coast’s most beautiful spots.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private boat excursion is ideal for small groups seeking a personalized, flexible day on the water. It’s perfect for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time and see the coast from a different perspective, or for families and friends looking for a more exclusive experience. If you love stunning scenery, tranquil swimming spots, and authentic villages, this tour will satisfy those desires.

Travelers who value guides with local knowledge and appreciate the chance to customize their itinerary will find this experience especially rewarding. If you prefer a rigid schedule or are on a strict budget, this might not be the best fit. But if your goal is to have a luxurious, memorable, and scenic day that feels uniquely yours, then this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The trip is approximately 6 hours, including travel, swimming, and stops at various villages and grottoes.

What is the maximum group size?
The private boat can accommodate groups up to 30 people, with smaller boats suited for more intimate groups of 6 to 10.

What is included in the price?
Bottled water, soda, alcohol (including beer and Prosecco), towels, snorkel masks, fuel, taxes, and port fees are included.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is optional and available at local seaside restaurants during the trip. The boat can also stop in Minori for bakery treats or Roman ruins exploration if desired.

Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable. Your captain will work with you to tailor stops and activities based on your preferences.

What about weather cancellations?
Trip safety depends on sea conditions. If the weather is unsafe, the tour will be rescheduled or refunded.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable on a boat and can enjoy swimming and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, camera, and a sense of adventure. Towels and snorkel masks are provided.

How do I meet the guide?
Meet at Piazza della Concordia near the Salerno waterfront. The operator will contact you beforehand for final details.

To sum it up, this private boat tour offers a truly flexible, scenic, and refreshing way to experience the Amalfi Coast. It’s ideal for those who want to skip the crowds and explore hidden spots at their own pace, with the comfort and guidance of a knowledgeable captain. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking a peaceful retreat, or simply want to see the coast from a unique vantage point, this experience promises unforgettable views, swimming, and authentic Italian charm. Perfect for small groups who value personalized service and scenic beauty, it delivers a memorable slice of the Amalfi life—on your own terms.