The Capri tour is the most booked departure from Positano. The crossing takes about 40–50 minutes and covers the island of Capri by sea — the Faraglioni rock stacks, the Blue Grotto, and on 8-hour tours, a few hours of free time ashore in Capri town or Anacapri.

For visitors who want to see Capri without staying overnight, the guided full-day boat trip from Positano is one of the most practical options: you leave in the morning, cruise along the Gulf of Naples, make the scheduled stops, and return by evening. Small-group tours (maximum 15 people) often include a snorkeling stop in the turquoise waters between the coast and the island, plus free time to walk around Capri. All guides are English-speaking. Book at least a week ahead in July and August — spots fill quickly.

Blue Grotto note: entry is not included in the tour price and is paid separately on-site (around €18 per person). In peak season, the queue can exceed two hours. If the Blue Grotto is your main priority, consider a dedicated tour rather than treating it as an optional stop on a full Capri day.

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A boat ride along the Amalfi Coast from Positano is a different experience from driving it: the SS163 offers limited views, heavy traffic, and large sections of coastline entirely invisible from the road. From the water, the full sequence of cliffs, hidden coves, and colorful villages comes into view — including sea caves and rock formations that most visitors never see.

Shortly after leaving Positano harbor, you pass the Li Galli Islands — a private archipelago of three rocky outcrops that tradition links to the Sirens of the Odyssey. Few tours stop here, but seeing them from the water alone is a reason to choose an eastbound route.

Four-hour tours typically cover the stretch between Positano and Amalfi, with stops at the Emerald Grotto in Conca dei Marini, the Praiano bay, and the beaches of Furore — including the well-known fjord inlet. Full-day tours of 6–8 hours continue as far as Cetara and Vietri sul Mare, with shore stops where available and plenty of time for snorkeling in the more sheltered coves along the coast. The Sorrento Coast and the marine reserve at Punta Campanella are visible on clear days heading west — some itineraries pass through this stretch before turning toward Capri.

For anyone wanting to see both Positano and Amalfi in a single day, a boat tour is significantly more relaxed than any overland option — no queues, no hairpin bends, no waiting for buses.

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The late-afternoon light on the cliffs and villages is when photographs turn out best — and departing after the day-trip boats have returned means having the water mostly to yourself. Sunset tours are among the most requested boat rides on the coast for exactly these reasons.

These tours run 2–3 hours and cover the most scenic stretch between Positano and Praiano, returning after dark. Some include an aperitivo on board — often prosecco or Amalfi Coast limoncello — along with soft drinks. Bring sunscreen: even in the late afternoon, reflected light off the water is stronger than it looks. Departures are typically between 5:00 and 6:30 PM depending on the time of year. Both private and small-group formats are available (maximum 15 people).

Book sunset tours at least 3–4 days ahead in summer. They sell out faster than any other format on the coast, particularly small-group departures.

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Unlike Capri, where group tours can carry 50–80 people, all shared tours from Positano are capped at 15 people per boat. That changes the comparison considerably: even a group tour keeps a reasonable pace, with snorkeling stops and some flexibility on the route. Prices start at around €50 per person.

A private experience means the boat is entirely yours. You choose the route, the stops, how long you swim, and whether to add or skip a destination. For anyone wanting to explore the more hidden coves of the Amalfi Coast — including less-visited sea caves — without time constraints, private is the only format that genuinely allows this. Prices start at around €500 per boat for two hours, regardless of group size. If you're four or more, the per-person gap versus a group tour narrows significantly. Full-day skippered rentals also start around €500.

Our Recommendations

Traveling solo or as a couple on a tighter budget: small-group guided tour — maximum 15 people, consistently good quality.
Family or group of 4 or more: private tour is often more cost-effective per person and much more practical with children or specific needs.
Romantic occasion or special celebration: private sunset tour with prosecco and limoncello on board.
Want to see Capri in a full day: 8-hour guided tour with a small group and free time ashore included.

Gozzi are the traditional wooden boats of the Amalfi Coast and broader Campania region. They have a wide sunbathing area at the bow and a shaded seating area at the stern. Larger models include a below-deck space with a bathroom and small kitchen. They're slower than speedboats but more stable in choppy water, and they remain the preferred choice for longer tours and family outings. For skippered boat rentals, the gozzo is also the most available type along the coast.

Speedboats are sportier and faster — they cover the same distances in less time and work better for anyone wanting to fit in more stops within a few hours. One thing to check: smaller speedboat models don't have an onboard bathroom. If that matters for you or your children, verify the boat's specifications before booking.

Small-group tours from Positano fill up faster than equivalent tours from Capri — per-boat capacity is lower. For July and August, especially sunset tours and Capri departures, book 7–10 days ahead. Private boats always require advance reservation.

All tours include free cancellation for weather: if conditions make safe navigation impossible, refunds are automatic with no documentation required. Moderate wind and swell don't typically cancel a tour, but they can make the ride less comfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. A few practical things to bring: sunscreen, a light layer for the return trip after sunset, and water shoes if you plan to swim at rocky coves.

One logistical note: Positano harbor is reachable on foot from the village center, but the descent takes around 10–15 minutes and involves several flights of steps. There is no vehicle drop-off point at the harbor itself — taxis stop at the top of the stairs. If you have young children or luggage, allow extra time.