Exploring Southern Italy’s stunning coastline by sea offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. With its serene pace and personalized charm, a private boat tour from Naples to Amalfi Coast lets you escape the crowds of ferries and the limits of scheduled tours. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden coves, iconic villages, and transparent waters, all at your own rhythm. Whether you’re a couple seeking romance, a family on holiday, or a group of friends chasing adventure, this type of journey blends freedom, luxury, and natural wonder. From charming fishing towns and historic ports to dramatic cliffs and secret islands, here’s what you shouldn’t miss during your Amalfi Coast escape by sea.
1. Positano: The Jewel of the Amalfi Coast
As your boat glides past the cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula and enters the Amalfi Coast, the first stop worth anchoring at is Positano. Famous for its cascading pastel-colored houses, chic boutiques, and iconic beach, Positano is a must-see destination.
From the sea, the village appears like a vertical painting set against a green mountain. You can disembark for a stroll through its narrow alleyways, enjoy a drink at a waterfront café, or take a dip at Spiaggia Grande. Positano’s beauty is legendary, and seeing it from the water enhances its dramatic charm.
2. Li Galli Islands: Myth, Magic, and Marine Beauty
Just off the coast between Positano and Capri lie the Li Galli islands, an archipelago shrouded in myth. These three tiny islands—Gallo Lungo, La Rotonda, and La Castelluccia—are associated with the legend of the sirens from Homer’s Odyssey.
While the islands are privately owned and not open for walking tours, a private boat allows you to circle around them, swim in their turquoise waters, and even snorkel in secluded spots. The silence and clarity of the sea here are unmatched—a true highlight of your boat tour.
3. Fiordo di Furore: A Dramatic Hidden Fjord
Often missed by tourists who stick to the roads, the Fiordo di Furore is a dramatic natural gorge carved into the cliffs just beyond Praiano. From the boat, you can marvel at the stone bridge that arches over the fjord and the small beach nestled at its base.
This secluded cove is a stunning location for swimming or capturing unforgettable photos. Thanks to its hidden position and cinematic landscape, it has served as the backdrop for several Italian films.
4. Amalfi: History, Culture, and Lemon-Scented Streets
Continuing eastward along the coast, you arrive at Amalfi, the namesake town of the region and once a powerful maritime republic. Docking here allows you to explore a fascinating blend of history and charm.
You can visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea, stroll through piazzas lined with lemon trees, or sample traditional delizie al limone in a local pastry shop. For those interested in culture, the Museum of Paper offers a look at Amalfi’s papermaking tradition.
From the boat, the town’s harbor and rising buildings offer a picturesque view that blends perfectly with the surrounding cliffs and sea.
5. Praiano: Quiet Beauty and Authentic Vibes
For a peaceful contrast to the more touristic Positano and Amalfi, consider stopping at Praiano. This lesser-known fishing village is ideal for those who appreciate authenticity and tranquility.
Its calm waters and scenic coastline are perfect for swimming or sunbathing on board. The cliffs around Praiano offer small sea caves and inlets to explore, and the village itself maintains a slower pace that many travelers find enchanting.
6. Conca dei Marini & the Emerald Grotto
Another hidden gem accessible by boat is Conca dei Marini, home to the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). This sea cave is famous for the vibrant green light that reflects off its interior walls, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Although you’ll need to transfer to a smaller boat to enter the grotto, your private tour operator can typically arrange this. The emerald-colored waters and stunning stalactite formations make it a magical stop along the way.
7. Maiori and Minori: Off-the-Beaten-Path Charm
If you wish to extend your journey, sailing further east brings you to Maiori and Minori, two charming towns less frequented by international tourists.
These villages offer wide beaches, ancient Roman ruins, and delicious local cuisine. Minori, in particular, is known for its pastries and limoncello. A lunch stop here can be a delicious and relaxing part of your day, away from the crowds.
8. The Journey Itself: Scenic Cruising Between Stops
One of the greatest advantages of a private boat tour from Naples to Amalfi Coast is the time spent cruising itself. The coastline between Naples and Salerno is one of the most photographed in the world, with its steep cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and pastel villages perched above the sea.
Your captain can slow down near panoramic points, sea caves, or scenic arches for photo opportunities, or anchor in quiet bays for a swim. You’ll be able to enjoy local aperitifs, music, or simply the sound of the waves as you soak in the sun.
A Journey Beyond Sightseeing
A private boat tour from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is more than just a way to move between destinations—it’s an immersive experience that blends nature, history, and leisure in the most luxurious way. Each stop along the coast offers its own story and flavor, but it’s the freedom of the journey, the access to hidden corners, and the quiet elegance of sailing that transform the day into something truly unforgettable. If you’re seeking a moment of pure Mediterranean magic, there’s no better way to experience it than by sea.