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

If you’re planning to explore the stunning Amalfi Coast, a boat tour from Salerno could be just what you need. This particular experience, offered by Amalficoast Lovers, is designed to give you a comfortable, flexible way to see a string of charming villages, swim in pristine coves, and enjoy the coast’s iconic scenery—all from the deck of a private boat. The idea of sailing along the coast, with an expert skipper and the freedom to customize your stops, makes this tour stand out among many options.

What I particularly like about this experience are two things. First, the personalized nature—since it’s private and flexible, you can tweak the itinerary based on your interests or weather conditions. Second, the combination of scenic cruising and independent exploration—you get to see a lot from the water and then enjoy some free time to walk around iconic spots like Amalfi and Positano at your own pace.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is quite long, around 6 to 8 hours, which might be a lot for travelers on a tight schedule or those with limited mobility. Also, the price, roughly $624 for a group of up to five, reflects a private experience, so it’s best suited for families, friends, or couples looking for a more exclusive way to enjoy the coast. Overall, if you want a relaxed, scenic day with plenty of swimming and sightseeing freedom, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: Perfect for those who want to tailor their day on the water.
• Inclusive with snacks and drinks: No need to worry about extra costs for refreshments.
• Multiple stops, swimming, and exploration: Combines scenic cruising with independent walking and swimming opportunities.
• Longer duration: Allows for a relaxed pace but may be tiring for some travelers.
• Good value for a private experience: The price covers the boat, skipper, fuel, fees, and some treats.
• Ideal for those seeking a laid-back, scenic day: Not a rushing tour, but one that offers plenty of time to enjoy each stop.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

This tour takes you along the coast with a detailed itinerary packed with stops that each have their own charm. The journey begins in Salerno, a city known as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and heads south along the coast via comfortable boat.

Stop 1: Vietri sul Mare

The first leg of the trip takes you to Vietri sul Mare—famous for its brightly colored ceramics. This stop is more about passing through and admiring the colorful seaside town from the water rather than a dedicated sightseeing pause. You’ll spend about 15 minutes sailing past, which allows you to get a quick glimpse of this artistically renowned place. You might find it charming to notice the ceramics decorating many buildings and shops, though there’s no formal stop or tour here.

Stop 2: Cetara

Next, the boat glides into Cetara, a fishing village that’s still largely untouched by mass tourism. This town is appreciated for its traditional economic activities and its renowned anchovy sauce. If you’re into local food products, you’ll probably enjoy stopping here to browse some shops or buy souvenirs. The 10-minute stop isn’t long, but it’s enough to soak in the quiet, authentic vibe of a small coastal village.

Stops 3 to 5: Erchie, Maiori, and Minori

After Cetara, you’ll cruise past Erchie, a tiny village that’s perfect for snapping photos of its picturesque harbor. Then, a longer cruise brings you past Maiori, a larger town with a broad beach, followed by Minori, known for its Roman summer residences and the famous Sal De Riso pastry shop. The brief 15-minute stop at Minori is especially appealing if you’re a sweet tooth—you can sample some local treats and enjoy some quick exploration. These stops are about enjoying the scenery from the water and maybe popping ashore briefly.

Stop 6: Marmorata Waterfall

One of the highlights is a stop for swimming under the Marmorata waterfall near Ravello. This is a real treat, especially if you enjoy a quick dip in freshwater with the scenic backdrop of a waterfall. It’s about 40 minutes here, giving you enough time to relax and cool off. From reviews, we know that this is a popular swimming spot, and it’s one of those moments you’ll likely remember for its refreshing nature.

Stops 7 to 9: Atrani, Amalfi, and Conca dei Marini

Next, the boat visits Atrani, a very small but charming town, followed by a walk around the historic center of Amalfi. Here, you’re free to explore at your own pace for about an hour—a good chance to stroll through narrow streets, visit a local cafe, or browse shops. Then, the boat stops at Conca dei Marini, where you can enjoy a dip in the clear waters or have lunch in one of the small seaside restaurants—depending on your preference. The simple fact that you can choose to swim or just relax makes this flexibility a big plus.

Stop 10: Fiordo di Furore

A short stop at the Fiordo di Furore offers an excellent photo opportunity of the tiny fjord that’s famous for its dramatic cliffs and colorful houses. Only about 10 minutes here allow you to take in the scene without feeling rushed.

Stops 11 to 13: Praiano and Positano

Moving on, you’ll pass by Praiano, once a summer retreat for the Doges—an interesting historical tidbit that adds context to the coast’s grandeur. The main event here is a longer stop at Positano, known as the “pearl of the coast.” With 1.5 hours to wander, you can explore the steep streets, colorful boutiques, and beautiful views. Many reviews mention that this is a highlight, especially since you get to explore at your own pace without feeling hurried.

Final Leg and Return

After Positano, the boat returns to Salerno, a journey of around 30 minutes, completing your day of scenic cruising, swimming, and exploring. The whole day balances travel, sightseeing, and free time well, though it’s a full schedule.

What to Expect on the Water

This tour is conducted on a comfortable boat, with fuel, landing, and facility fees included. Snacks and soda are provided, so you won’t need to bring much for refreshments—though you might want to pack extra water or a small bag for personal belongings. Since the skipper can modify the itinerary based on weather or your requests, it offers a tailored experience, which is a significant advantage compared to rigid group tours.

The boat ride itself offers stunning views of the coast’s colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, and the shimmering sea. It’s the kind of experience that makes you realize why the Amalfi Coast is so stunning from the water. The boat can stop in the coves for swimming, which many travelers find refreshing and memorable.

How It Compares in Value

At roughly $624 for a group of five, this experience leans toward being a premium option—especially considering it’s private, includes snacks, drinks, and fuel. For the exclusivity and flexibility, it’s a good investment if you’re after a personalized, relaxed day rather than a large-group sightseeing cruise.

One reviewer summarized, “Rocky road but still enjoyable,” referring to encountering a thunderstorm and the need to transfer boats for lunch—but still, the reviews highlight the spectacular views and added value of free swimming and independent exploration.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This boat experience suits travelers who prefer a more intimate, relaxed way to see the coast. It’s ideal if you want flexibility in your day, enjoy swimming, and appreciate scenic cruising from the water. It’s also good for small groups or couples looking for a more exclusive outing. If you’re okay with a longer day and aren’t expecting a structured, guided tour with multiple stops, this is a solid choice.

Keep in mind, if weather turns poor, the experience might be canceled or rescheduled, so having some flexibility on your travel dates is a smart idea.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves boat travel and swimming stops, so it’s probably fine for kids who are comfortable on boats and in water. Always check with the provider if you have very young children.

What should I bring for this tour?
It’s wise to carry swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and maybe a light jacket if it gets breezy. The tour provides snacks and drinks, but you might want extra water or personal essentials.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, including cruising, swimming, and exploring stops, with around 30 minutes allocated for the return trip.

Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes, the skipper can modify the route during navigation based on your requests or weather conditions, offering a flexible experience.

Are there any additional costs?
No, fuel, landing, facility fees, snacks, and soda are included. You might want to bring extra for shopping or meals in the villages.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s exclusive to your group, making it ideal for a personalized experience without strangers on board.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour from Salerno offers a compelling way to explore the Amalfi Coast at your own pace. With scenic drives, plenty of swimming opportunities, and the freedom to wander charming villages, it’s perfect if you prefer a relaxed, personalized day on the water. The experience is particularly suited for small groups or couples who want to avoid large crowds and enjoy the coast’s beauty in a more intimate setting.

While it’s a longer day—so good stamina and a love for water-based adventures are helpful—it’s a great way to see many of the coast’s highlights without the rush. The flexibility of the itinerary, combined with thoughtful touches like snacks and drinks, ensures a comfortable, memorable outing. If you’re after a scenic, peaceful, and customizable Amalfi Coast experience, this tour is worth considering.

Remember: Weather can impact your day, so plan some flexibility into your itinerary. Also, check in advance if you’re traveling with young children or have specific needs, as this is a water-based activity. If you’re looking for a private, scenic, and flexible way to experience the Amalfi Coast, this boat tour might just be your best bet.