Tours for Cruise Passengers and Cruise Ships in Salerno, Amalfi and Positano

A boat adventure along the Amalfi Coast that hits all the highlights with flexibility and personal touches. For $624.68 per group (up to five people), you’ll spend approximately 6 to 8 hours exploring from Salerno, sailing past towns like Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, and the iconic Positano. Led by an expert skipper, this private experience offers the chance to swim in secluded coves, walk through historic towns, and enjoy snacks and drinks on board.

What truly draws us to this tour are its customizable itinerary—the skipper can adapt the route based on your preferences—and the small-group feel that ensures a more intimate and relaxed outing. Plus, the opportunity to visit some lesser-touristed villages like Cetara and Erchie means authentic Italian coastal charm.

A notable consideration? Since the tour includes many stops and variable timing, it’s best suited for travelers who want a flexible pace and are comfortable with a day on the water. If you’re hoping for a structured, packed schedule or are sensitive to weather, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a private, leisurely day on the sea, combining scenic cruising with authentic village visits. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or families wanting to avoid crowded tourist spots while still experiencing the best of the coast.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary: The skipper can modify stops and routes based on your preferences.
• Authentic villages: Visit quiet fishing villages like Cetara and Erchie, avoiding heavy tourism.
• Swim stops: Enjoy swimming in beautiful coves and under the Marmorata waterfall.
• Independent exploration: Have time to walk through Amalfi and Positano on your own.
• All-included snacks and drinks: Refresh yourself with snacks and soda on board, with fuel and fees covered.
• Price and value: At about $125 per person for a private tour, it offers personalized attention and flexible planning.

The Complete Experience: An In-Depth Look

Setting Out from Salerno

Starting in Salerno, the tour combines the convenience of a private boat with the expertise of your skipper—who, unlike larger group tours, is dedicated to your comfort and interests. The cost of around $624.68 for up to five people covers the boat, fuel, landing fees, snacks, and drinks, making it a reasonable investment for a tailored day on the coast.

The journey kicks off with a quick sail to Vietri sul Mare, famous for its hand-painted ceramics. Spending about 15 minutes here, you’ll get a taste of traditional craftsmanship—perfect for snapping photos or picking up a unique souvenir. Since admission is free, it’s a low-pressure stop that adds charm without extra cost.

Exploring Traditional Fishing Villages

Next, the boat glides to Cetara, a small fishing town known for its anchovy sauce. Unlike the heavily touristed Amalfi and Positano, Cetara feels authentic and unchanged by mass tourism. You might find local shops selling products, and it’s a chance to see a real working fishing village. The 10-minute stop allows you a brief stroll and perhaps a chance to buy some local delicacies.

Following that, the boat moves on to Erchie, a tiny village just five minutes away. While the stop is brief, it’s an excellent photo opportunity of untouched coastal life, and for those who love quiet, authentic spots, it’s a highlight.

Coastal Drive-by and Swim Stops

The tour continues along the coast with a scenic passage in front of Maiori and Minori—the latter being known as an old Roman summer retreat. While there’s no formal stop, the boat’s route offers great views of these historic towns. In Minori, the tour suggests a potential 15-minute visit to Sal De Riso’s pastry shop—famous for its desserts—if time allows.

One of the true highlights is a swimming stop at Marmorata, under its waterfall. With about 40 minutes here, you can jump into the refreshing waters, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic spot. The waterfall and surrounding cliffs provide a postcard backdrop, and many travelers comment on how relaxing and memorable this stop is.

Charm and Culture at Amalfi and Conca dei Marini

The tour’s most famous destination, Amalfi, gets about an hour for independent exploration. The town’s narrow streets, historic cathedral, and lively piazza make it a perfect spot to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, or browse local shops. The autonomy here means you can choose how much time to spend, which many find preferable to large organized tours.

A short boat ride brings you to Conca dei Marini, a picturesque fishing village where you can take a dip or have lunch at one of the small seaside restaurants. This stop offers a chance to experience true local life and scenery away from the crowds.

Next, the Fiordo di Furore, a tiny fjord often called “the world’s most beautiful creek,” provides a perfect photo op. A quick 10-minute stop allows you to capture its cliffs, colorful houses, and tranquil waters.

The Grand Finale: Positano

No trip along the coast is complete without a visit to Positano, often called the “pearl of the Amalfi Coast.” With about an hour and a half here, you’ll have ample time to wander its steep streets, admire its colorful houses, and soak in the scenery—perfect for those wanting independent exploration. Many reviews highlight how this stop allows a more personal experience compared to crowded bus tours.

On the return leg, the boat heads back to Salerno, with a 30-minute ride and some additional time for swimming or relaxing. The whole day is paced to balance sightseeing, leisure, and authentic experiences.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

What makes this experience stand out is the blend of customization and intimacy. Instead of following a rigid schedule, your skipper is willing to adapt, making it ideal for those who want a relaxed, personalized day. The inclusion of snacks, drinks, and fuel adds value, and the small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd.

Many travelers, including JoAnne, appreciated the views and stops despite some weather issues. She mentioned that “the views were spectacular,” and stopping to explore Amalfi and swim were some of the “great additions.” This flexibility is a big plus for travelers who want to avoid crowded, cookie-cutter tours and prefer genuine experiences.

However, bear in mind that the tour’s duration (6-8 hours) involves a fair amount of time on the water. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more structured schedule, you might want to discuss the itinerary with your skipper beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is an excellent choice for couples or small groups seeking a private, relaxed outing. It’s perfect if you want to see the coast at your own pace, enjoy scenic swims, and explore towns independently. Those looking for a more intimate and authentic experience will appreciate the quiet villages and personal touch.

It’s less suitable for travelers who prefer guided, highly structured tours or have limited mobility—since some stops involve walking and swimming. Also, if weather turns bad, the flexible nature of the route gives your skipper the option to change plans, but some may prefer a backup plan for rainy days.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, including travel time between stops, swimming, and independent walks.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers fuel, landing and facility fees, snacks, and soda. It’s an all-in-one package for a private experience.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the skipper can modify stops and routes according to your requests, making it a flexible and personalized day.

Are there any additional costs?
Port fees or buoy fees are not included, but most stops themselves are free of charge. Lunch in small restaurants in Conca dei Marini is optional and paid separately.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s ideal for families or groups wanting a relaxed day on the water. Service animals are also allowed.

What happens in bad weather?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you can reschedule or get a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 87 days ahead, indicating high interest and limited availability during peak seasons.

Is the tour shared with others?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, ensuring a more intimate and tailored experience.

To sum it up, this boat tour offers a wonderful way to experience the Amalfi Coast without the hassle of crowded buses or guided tours. It provides genuine local charm, leisurely swimming stops, and the freedom to explore towns at your own pace. It’s best suited for those who value personal attention, authentic villages, and scenic cruising. If you’re up for a day on the water with flexible stops and splendid views, this tour promises a memorable and authentic experience of Italy’s beloved coast.