Procida, a tiny island just off the coast of Naples, offers some of the most charming boat tours in Italy. Unlike larger touristy spots, Procida’s compact size and colorful fishing villages make it ideal for exploring by boat—whether you want to swim in secluded coves, enjoy local food onboard, or simply admire the vivid scenery. We particularly love tours that combine spectacular views with authentic touches, like the boat ride that includes free underwater photos or the sunset aperitif that captures the island’s magic as the sun dips below the horizon. With pristine waters and picturesque harbors, Procida is a perfect playground for boat lovers, especially those who appreciate a personal touch and local insights.
Three of our favorite experiences stand out: the Procida Island Tour by Boat 2h 15m with Swimming and Underwater Photos, the Boat trip with lunch or aperitif in Procida with Eraora Boat, and the Sunset aperitif by boat. Each offers something unique—whether it’s the chance to snorkel in hidden spots, enjoy a leisurely meal on the water, or toast to sunset with local products. For a full day of exploration or a romantic evening, Procida’s boat tours deliver memorable moments on the sea.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of boat experiences, from quick scenic tours to longer trips with meals or sunset drinks. You can choose from:
- Complete circumnavigation with swimming and underwater photos (Procida Island Tour by Boat)
- Guided tours with storytelling and swimming stops (Tour of Procida by boat)
- Luxury boat trip with lunch or aperitif (Boat trip with lunch or aperitif)
- A quick sail around Procida with a stop in Ischia (Ischia boat ride)
- A special mini-cruise exploring Baia and swimming (Flegrea mini-cruise)
- A romantic sunset aperitif by boat (Sunset aperitif)
Now, let’s dive into each experience to see what makes them special.
1. Procida Island Tour by Boat 2h 15m with Swimming and Underwater Photos
This comprehensive 2-hour and 15-minute boat tour offers a fantastic way to see Procida from the water. It starts with a complete loop around the island, highlighting landmarks like the historic Palazzo D’Avalos on Terra Murata and the colorful fishing port of Corricella. The tour is notable for its free underwater photos and videos, taken with a professional 5K underwater camera—an instant souvenir that sets it apart from more generic trips.
What makes this tour stand out is the variety of stops for swimming and snorkeling—ideal if you want to cool off in secluded coves. The skipper takes care of the logistics, providing masks and mouthpieces, with optional fins. Reviews rave about Domenico’s responsiveness, his storytelling, and the chance to explore hidden spots inaccessible on land.
Your day includes visits to Riserva Naturale Isola di Vivara and Cala del Pozzo Vecchio, where you can snap photos of the film location from Massimo Troisi’s “Il Postino.” With a small group and personalized service, this trip is perfect for those seeking an active, scenic, and intimate experience.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and professional underwater shots. Price is very reasonable considering the personalized touches and reviews confirm it’s a top-rated experience.
2. Tour of the island of Procida by boat with swimming stops
For around $50, the Tour of Procida by boat with swimming stops is a straightforward yet delightful way to explore the island’s coast. Led by Captain Franco, this 2-hour trip emphasizes storytelling and local anecdotes, giving you a more personal connection to Procida’s marine landscape.
What makes this trip unique is the focus on discovering Procida from a different perspective—not just walking the streets but viewing its cliffs, caves, and colorful houses from the sea. The captain’s experience ensures smooth navigation along the coast, and travelers can anticipate swimming in beautiful spots that are often inaccessible by land.
While it’s a shorter tour, reviews reflect satisfaction with the professionalism and warmth of the crew. If you’re after an authentic experience that balances sightseeing and leisure, this tour offers excellent value. It’s most suited for those who want a relaxed pace and a friendly guide to introduce them to Procida’s seascape.
Bottom line: A budget-friendly, authentic boat trip that highlights the island’s natural beauty and makes swimming a highlight, perfect for a quick overview.
3. Boat trip with lunch or aperitif in Procida with Eraora Boat
Looking to combine the sea with good food? The Boat trip with lunch or aperitif in Procida aboard the “Era ora” offers just that. This flexible trip can last from 2 to 6 hours, depending on your choice, making it ideal for a leisurely day of relaxation. Its main selling point is the opportunity to admire Procida’s landscapes while enjoying local specialties.
The itinerary includes a tour of the island, visits to Vivara Nature Reserve, and the iconic Corricella fishing village. You can choose to have a lunch featuring typical products or an aperitif at sunset, both served onboard. The crew prepares local, fresh, and plentiful food, with customizable options for dietary restrictions, adding to its appeal.
Reviewers highlight the quality of the onboard meal, the peaceful bays visited, and the relaxing atmosphere. This experience is best suited for travelers wanting a combination of sightseeing, culinary delights, and comfort. The only caveat is the higher price point—consider it an investment in a luxurious, stress-free day on the water.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers and those wanting a longer, more indulgent cruise that combines scenic views with fine local cuisine.
4. Ischia: Boat Ride around Procida with Time on the Island
Starting from Ischia, this 4-hour boat tour offers a broader perspective, sailing around Procida’s volcanic coast. It’s a good choice for those already planning to visit Ischia and wanting to include Procida in their itinerary without an all-day commitment. You’ll see hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and Terra Murata from the water, with a chance to stop ashore for 2 hours to explore the island’s charm.
The highlight is the mix of sea vistas and a chance to walk around Procida’s colorful streets, especially the famous Corricella. The tour is less intimate but still provides a solid overview of the island’s landscapes. Reviews note that it’s a good value for the duration, especially if combined with other activities in Ischia.
If you’re pressed for time but still want to experience Procida’s scenery, this trip hits enough highlights without taking the entire day. It’s best for those already in the Naples or Ischia area who want a quick, scenic taste of Procida.
Bottom line: A practical option when in Ischia, combining a boat cruise with limited time ashore.
$31 per person
5. Flegrea mini-cruise
The Flegrea mini-cruise is a 7-hour adventure led by Iris, focusing on exploring the submerged city of Baia and swimming from the boat. It’s a unique choice for those interested in history and archaeology, combined with some time in the sea. The tour features mosaics and ruins visible from the boat, with stops at Capo Miseno for swimming and relaxation.
While it’s more oriented toward history and underwater archaeology, the itinerary provides ample swimming opportunities, making it a good option for active travelers who want a mix of culture and leisure. The longer duration allows for a more relaxed pace and a deeper dive into the area’s significance.
Reviews are positive about the informative narration and swimming stops, though the focus on submerged ruins means it might not appeal to beach lovers looking solely for sunbathing. It’s best suited for history buffs or those wanting a comprehensive day trip in the Bay of Naples area.
Bottom line: An engaging, longer cruise ideal for those with an interest in archaeology and underwater sites, with enough time for swimming.
$71 per person
6. Procida: Sunset aperitif by boat
Finally, for a romantic wind-down, the Sunset aperitif by boat offers a 2.5-hour cruise that captures Procida’s sunset magic. Departing from Marina Grande, this trip is designed for relaxation and romance, with local, km0 products served onboard as the sun dips below the horizon.
The boat is described as brand new, comfortable, and eco-friendly, equipped with solar panels—think of it as a small step toward sustainable tourism. The skipper speaks three languages and makes the experience feel personalized. The tour includes a guided cultural commentary and the option for an evening swim, adding to the ambiance.
Reviews show this tour is perfect for couples or anyone looking for a peaceful, scenic experience. The timing is flexible, but booking early is recommended to secure your preferred sunset slot. It’s a great way to end a day on Procida in a relaxed and memorable manner.
Bottom line: If you’re after a romantic, laid-back experience with great views and local bites, this sunset cruise is a top pick.
$67.96 per person
How to Choose the Best Procida Boat Tour
Choosing the right boat tour depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If swimming and underwater photography are your priorities, the Procida Island Tour by Boat delivers excellent value and personalized service (see details here). For a longer, culinary experience, the lunch or sunset aperitif trip offers a luxurious way to enjoy local food on the water (more info).
Travelers with limited time might prefer the Ischia boat ride, which combines sightseeing and a quick stop, while history buffs should consider the Flegrea mini-cruise for its archaeological focus and swimming. For a romantic evening, the Sunset aperitif is hard to beat.
Consider your fitness level—some tours involve swimming, while others are primarily relaxing cruises. Also, check the weather and book early, especially for sunset or longer trips, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Procida’s boat tours are diverse enough to match most travel styles. Whether you want a quick scenic ride, a full day with food and swimming, or a romantic sunset sail, there’s an experience waiting for you. For families or active travelers, the tours with snorkeling and sightseeing work beautifully. For couples seeking romance, the sunset cruise is hard to beat.
Book early to secure your spot, especially in peak season, and enjoy exploring this colorful island from the sea. Procida’s charm is best appreciated from the water, so take the plunge and choose a tour that fits your style. After all, the best way to understand Procida’s soul is to see it from the water—preferably with a glass of local wine in hand.