If you’re dreaming of experiencing the Amalfi Coast from the water, a private boat tour might just be the highlight of your trip. This half-day experience, offered by Positano Boats, promises a personalized way to see some of the coast’s most stunning sights, from hidden caves to vibrant fishing villages. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a more relaxed way to soak in the scenery, this tour aims to deliver.
What we really like about this experience is how flexible and intimate it feels—you’re not stuck in a large group, and the guide can tailor the stops to match your interests. Plus, the chance to swim in turquoise waters, explore caves, and enjoy regional snacks adds significant value. On the flip side, it’s a four-hour tour, which means you’ll need to be comfortable with a pretty packed schedule that covers quite a bit of coastline in that time.
This tour is best suited for travelers who love being on the water, enjoy scenic drives, and appreciate a private, customized experience. It’s perfect if you want to see the Amalfi Coast’s highlights without the hassle of large tour groups or full-day commitments.
Key Points

- Private and customizable: The tour is designed for your group, allowing flexibility in stops and activities.
- Scenic highlights: Pass by Praiano, the Fjord of Furore, the Natural Arch, and visit Amalfi and Atrani.
- Cave and beach visits: Explore the Emerald Grotto and enjoy swimming stops along the coast.
- Multiple boat options: Choose between an elegant motorboat, a traditional gozzo, or a small, nimble boat for cave exploration.
- Relaxed pace: Four hours is enough to cover plenty of sights but isn’t overly long, making it ideal for those short on time.
- Expert captain: The experience boasts knowledgeable guides, which many reviews highlight as a major plus.
A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

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Starting Point and Departure
Your journey begins from one of three convenient locations: Positano Boats at Spiaggia Grande, La Gavitella Beach, or Marina di Praia. The meeting points are easy to find, and you’ll want to arrive about 10 minutes early to settle in. The trip is private, so it’s just your group and the captain, which means a more relaxed, tailored experience.
Scenic Drives Along the Coast
The first leg takes you from Positano or Praiano, offering stunning views as you cruise for about 15 minutes to Praiano. This stretch alone is a treat—think about how the colorful houses cling to cliffs and the shimmering sea lapping against rocky shores.
Praiano and Beaches
Once in Praiano, the tour includes stops at La Gavitella Beach, the picturesque Africana Grotto, and Marina di Praia—an adorable fishing village with a laid-back vibe. The boat allows for individual swim stops in the crystal-clear waters, which many travelers find refreshing and memorable. You might want to bring your beachwear, as it’s perfect for jumping in whenever the mood strikes.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Fjord of Furore
Next, the boat heads to the Fjord of Furore, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its steep cliffs and a tiny bridge spanning the fjord make it one of the coast’s most dramatic sights. One reviewer mentioned, “You’ll love the views of the cliffs and the bridge, it’s truly unique.” The fjord is a highlight, especially because you get close-up views from the water, something you can’t really get from land.
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Emerald Grotto
The Emerald Grotto is probably the most famous cave on this route. You’ll get a chance to visit inside by hopping onto a small rowboat, although the grotto’s entrance fee isn’t included. Inside, the water’s glow is mesmerizing, and it’s a particular hit if you enjoy caves and snorkeling. The visit lasts about 20 minutes, giving you enough time to marvel at the stalactites and the luminous waters.
Conca dei Marini and the Natural Arch
Continuing along, you’ll pass by Conca dei Marini, a charming spot with more swimming opportunities. The Natural Arch is another visual marvel—massive rock formations with a sweeping archway that’s perfect for photos.
Amalfi and Atrani
Your next major stop is Amalfi, the historic maritime republic. You’ll have about an hour here to explore or relax, depending on your preference. Many find strolling through Amalfi’s narrow streets and visiting the cathedral a lovely way to soak up local charm. Then, the boat continues to Atrani, another quaint fishing village with scenic views.
Return Journey and Final Swims
On the way back to Positano, the boat makes a second stop for swimming, giving you a chance to cool off one last time. The entire trip is about four hours, a perfect length to see a lot without feeling rushed.
The Experience on Board

The boat options vary—an Italyure 38FT motorboat for up to 10 people, a Don Raffaè gozzo suitable for 12, or a smaller Romar Antilla 18FT for four. This variety makes it accessible whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends or family. The captain is fluent in English and Italian, and many reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, which really enhances the trip.
Onboard, you’ll find a selection of soft drinks and prosecco, making it easy to toast to the spectacular views. The attention to comfort and personalized service is evident in the way the crew seems genuinely eager to accommodate your requests—whether that’s finding the best swimming spots or taking more time at certain sights.
Price and Value
While the exact cost isn’t explicitly listed here, considering the private, customizable nature of the tour, it’s a good idea to think of this as a premium experience. The value lies in the flexibility, personalized attention, and the chance to explore privately—something many travelers find worth the price.
What Do Travelers Say?

The only publicly available review scores this experience a perfect 5 out of 5. Gabrielle from the United States shares, “My family and I had a great time on our half-day boat trip! We worked with the captain to find the perfect places for swimming and snorkeling. He took us to some fantastic spaces with caves and cool rock formations. The four hours flew by—we highly recommend this excursion to others looking to take in the sites from the water and really enjoy swimming along the coast.”
This kind of honest feedback highlights the tour’s strength: knowledgeable guides, customizable stops, and a focus on making the experience enjoyable and memorable.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves being on the water and values a private, flexible experience, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the coast’s key sights without feeling rushed or boxed into a large group. Families, couples, or small groups that enjoy swimming, caves, and scenic cruising will find this especially appealing.
Those on a tight schedule or seeking a more relaxed, personalized way to enjoy the Amalfi Coast will appreciate how this tour balances sightseeing with leisure. However, if your primary goal is to explore inland towns extensively or visit multiple sites for longer, you might want to consider other options.
The Sum Up

This private half-day boat tour offers an intimate, scenic, and flexible way to see the Amalfi Coast from the water. With a knowledgeable captain and options to customize your stops, it’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a more relaxed, tailored experience rather than a rigid group tour. The ability to swim in crystal waters, explore caves, and admire iconic sights like the Fjord of Furore and Emerald Grotto makes it a memorable outing.
While it’s a bit of an investment, many guests find the value justifies the cost, especially given the personalized service and exclusive access to some of the coast’s most beautiful spots. It’s a smart pick for those who love a mix of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery.
Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a different way to experience the coast, this tour could be the highlight of your trip, offering a genuine taste of Amalfi’s natural beauty from the comfort of your private boat.
Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano
FAQ

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What time does the tour start?
You can check availability for starting times, but it lasts about 4 hours. Be sure to show up 10 minutes early at your meeting point. -
Where does the tour depart from?
From Positano (Spiaggia Grande), La Gavitella, or Marina di Praia, with pickup included at each location. -
Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there are multiple stops for swimming, and the captain is happy to meet your requests for the best spots. -
Are the boat options suitable for small groups?
Yes, the smallest boat, Romar Antilla 18FT, is perfect for four people, making it ideal for intimate outings. -
Is the Emerald Grotto visit included?
You can choose to visit; the entrance ticket is not included, and the visit is optional. -
What’s included onboard?
A wide selection of soft drinks and prosecco are provided to make your trip enjoyable. -
Is this tour family-friendly?
You can check availability for your dates here:
While not specifically aimed at children, the leisurely pace and swimming stops could suit families with older kids who enjoy being on the water.
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