Sailing Amalfi and Capri by private boat feels like cheating—in a good way. You get a calm, flexible day on the water, with short scenic stops along the Amalfi cliffs plus a proper boat-led tour of Capri’s sights. I love that the schedule mixes classic lookouts with actual swim time, so you’re not stuck only sightseeing from a deck.
The second thing I like is the comfort setup for a day at sea: shower, restroom, towels, snorkeling equipment, and even music on board. One thing to consider: several of the best add-on sights involve optional tickets and fees, so your final total can creep up.
Here’s the practical part: the tour is built around good visibility and good weather. If the sea turns ugly, expect the operator to switch dates or refund, which is fair, but it can mess with tight itineraries. Also, some stops are brief (think 10–30 minutes), so you’ll want to go in with the mindset of quick scenic hits plus a few longer moments when you can actually stop and enjoy.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Private day at sea on the Idea Marine 70.2
- Where you board in Amalfi (and how to choose your port)
- Amalfi Coast first: Conca dei Marini, the Fjord, and Praiano beaches
- Positano from the water: Marina Grande and the Roman museum option
- Emerald Cave and other optional paid extras
- Li Galli islets: a calm water break before Capri
- A secret-feeling beach stop at Spiaggia di Tordigliano
- Marina del Cantone: quieter bay energy and beach-food potential
- Capri from the water: White Grotto, Faraglioni, Villa Malaparte, and more
- What’s included on board (and what costs extra)
- Price and value: paying for time, comfort, and fewer headaches
- The skipper: Antonio, plus why language skills matter
- Weather matters more than you think
- Should you book this Amalfi Coast and Capri private boat day?
- FAQ
- How many people can book this tour?
- How long is the private boat day?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Does the tour include tickets for Capri highlights like the Blue Grotto?
- Is the Emerald Cave included?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things to know before you go
- Private group of up to 5 for less crowd time and more personal pacing
- Idea Marine 70.2 includes a cabin with shower, restroom, fridge, and towels
- Skipper supports Italian and English and can help you time optional activities
- Amalfi stops are short but scenic (Conca dei Marini, Fiordo di Furore, Praiano, Positano)
- Capri is boat-focused with major landmarks like Faraglioni, White Grotto, and Villa Malaparte
- Extra tickets may apply for the Emerald Cave, Blue Grotto, and Capri port landing
Private day at sea on the Idea Marine 70.2
This tour is all about switching from land traffic to sea time. You’re not trying to cram Amalfi into a series of buses and timed tickets. Instead, you get a private boat day where the coastline becomes your main attraction, and the pace stays in your hands.
The boat setup matters more than you might think for a 7-hour day. You’ll have a cabin with a shower and a refrigerator, plus a restroom on board. There are also towels, snorkel gear, and soft drinks, plus a bottle of prosecco included. In other words, it’s not just a ride between stops—it’s a comfortable base while you’re on the water.
And the vibe? Music on board helps keep the mood easy, especially when you’re bouncing between coves and viewpoints. It’s the kind of day that makes you feel like you’re watching the Amalfi Coast at its best, not rushing through it.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Amalfi.
Where you board in Amalfi (and how to choose your port)
Your starting point is given as Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri, 7, 84011 Amalfi SA. The tour also notes that you can request departure from several nearby ports, including Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Praiano, and Positano.
That request option is practical. Depending on where you’re staying and how early you want to start, one port can save you a chunk of time. It also changes the early sightlines—different cliffs, different angles, different first coastline stretch.
Because the tour ends back at the same meeting point, I’d think of port choice as the biggest “make it easy” lever. If you’re based on the Amalfi side, starting there can reduce stress. If you’re closer to the west end, Maiori or Minori might be a smoother jump into the day.
Amalfi Coast first: Conca dei Marini, the Fjord, and Praiano beaches
The day starts with an Amalfi departure in the morning, then works its way along the coast with several memorable stops. Even when you only have a short window, each place has a distinct feel.
Conca dei Marini is a quick moment with a local flavor. You’ll see the Borgo dei Pescatori of Marina di Conca from the water, and the stop is set at about 15 minutes with admission free. This is a classic “breathe in the setting” stop—enough time to look around and take photos without turning the day into a checklist.
Next comes Fiordo di Furore, described as a hidden, enchanting beach area along the coast. The stop is only about 10 minutes, but the reason it’s worth it is the look. From the boat, this section of coastline feels tucked away, like you found it because you’re out here instead of on the road.
Then you reach Praiano, where the tour gives you choice. You can visit areas such as Marina di Praia Beach, Gavitella Beach, and Le Praie Beaches, with about 30 minutes allocated. Since the time is still limited, your best strategy is to pick one area you actually want to walk a little or linger at, rather than trying to cover everything.
Positano from the water: Marina Grande and the Roman museum option
Positano is on the route, and you get about an hour at this stop. It’s a much better allocation than the quick photo stops, which matters because Positano rewards slower attention.
You’ll have discretion to visit spots like Marina Grande, Arienzo Beach Club, or the Roman Archaeological Museum Positano. The museum option is interesting because it shifts the experience from “pretty coastline” to something more grounded in place. If you’re the type who likes your views with context, it’s a strong add-on.
One thing to keep realistic: the Amalfi Coast is famous for being busy. This private boat plan won’t magically erase crowds everywhere, but it reduces the most painful parts of the day—especially the sense of constantly waiting and moving through bottlenecks. The value of private here is time saved and decisions simplified.
Emerald Cave and other optional paid extras
Some of the most famous natural features on this route come with ticketed options. The key one on the Amalfi side is the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Cave). You have about 30 minutes here, but the cave visit is at your discretion and requires a ticket not included in the tour.
On the Capri side, the Blue Grotto is also noted as an extra. The tour states Capri port landing fees and other extras may apply as well. That doesn’t mean the tour is incomplete without them. It just means you shouldn’t plan your day like every highlight is already paid for.
My practical advice: decide your “must-pay” list early. If you really want the Emerald Cave and/or the Blue Grotto, plan for those costs upfront so you’re not surprised later when you’re standing at the decision point.
Li Galli islets: a calm water break before Capri
After Praiano and Positano, you get the Li Galli area. This is one of the “wow, we’re really out here” sections. You’ll be able to swim in crystal-clear water and see the islets called the Long Rooster, the Rotunda, and the Castelluccia.
The stop is about 30 minutes, with admission free. What I like about a swim break right here is the pacing. By the time you’re ready for Capri, you’ve already had a chunk of active time and a chance to reset your energy.
If you’re thinking about snorkeling, this is where you’ll likely appreciate the included equipment. The tour provides snorkeling gear, and the water conditions described as crystal clear are the kind you notice more when you’re actually in the water, not just watching from above.
A secret-feeling beach stop at Spiaggia di Tordigliano
Next is Spiaggia di Tordigliano, about 20 minutes and admission free. The description notes it’s part of the municipality of Vico Equense but closer to Positano, and it’s not easy to find.
That’s exactly the value of some coastal stops on a private route. You’re getting a slice of “less obvious” coastline, which often means quieter water and fewer people trying to cram into the same viewpoint. Even with limited time, the point isn’t to linger forever—it’s to feel like you found more than the postcard version.
Marina del Cantone: quieter bay energy and beach-food potential
You’ll then have about an hour at Marina del Cantone. This stop is described as a compromise for those who want a quiet bath, and it’s famous especially for gastronomy.
On request, you can make a stop to go to restaurants on the beach. That’s not included as part of the tour cost (the tour only includes the sailing day and on-board items), but the option matters. It gives you a chance to mix sea time with a more local-style meal stop without turning the day into an extra logistics project.
If you want a calmer stretch before Capri gets busy, this timing is smart. You’re also getting a longer pause compared with earlier coastline stops, which helps the day feel balanced rather than frantic.
Capri from the water: White Grotto, Faraglioni, Villa Malaparte, and more
Then the big shift: Island of Capri. The tour allocates about 2 hours for a complete tour of the island from the boat, highlighting the key sights you’d typically hunt for on shore.
From what’s listed, you’ll see:
- White Grotto, named for the sea-tinted color from the tuff rock
- Villa Malaparte, a private home on a steep rocky promontory
- Faraglioni, Capri’s signature sea stacks
- Marina Piccola, where you can swim in the bay
- Green Cave, tied to local legends about secret passages
- Punta Carena Lighthouse
- Blue Grotto (noted as part of the Capri highlights, with optional tickets likely)
- Marina Grande, plus other spots on the route
This matters because it shows you Capri’s “big images” without forcing you into a day of constant walking and ferry schedules. You get the iconic shapes and the dramatic rock formations while staying on board—especially useful if you’re short on time.
And since snorkeling equipment is included, the swim moments (Amalfi coves and Marina Piccola) are a strong use of what’s provided. Capri is the kind of place where water color and rock texture are hard to appreciate properly without getting near the surface.
What’s included on board (and what costs extra)
Here’s the included foundation that makes this private boat day work smoothly:
- Cabin with shower, plus a restroom on board
- Refrigerator and onboard music
- Experienced skipper speaking Italian and English
- Private transportation (as listed)
- Soft drinks, a bottle of prosecco
- Beach towels and snorkeling equipment
- Fuel and towels
That’s a lot to be included for one price, and it changes how you plan. You’re not paying separately for basics like towels and drinks, and you won’t be stuck improvising snorkeling gear.
What’s not included:
- Capri port landing fee
- Optional extras like the Blue Grotto ticket
- Optional ticketed visits such as the Emerald Cave
So the real budgeting issue isn’t the boat itself—it’s the add-ons. If you treat the cave visits as optional choices and not automatic inclusions, you’ll feel in control of cost.
Price and value: paying for time, comfort, and fewer headaches
The price is $1,428.97 per group (up to 5), with a private format. On paper, it’s not a bargain-tour. In practice, it can feel like one of the smarter ways to spend a day here if you’re traveling with up to four companions.
Why? Because you’re paying for:
- a private experience (no sharing your pace with strangers)
- a comfortable on-board setup (shower, restroom, towels)
- a full day arc that covers multiple coastal highlights and Capri’s signature views
The private structure also helps you avoid some of the time sink that happens on a busy coast. One review mentioned how private boat time saved their family from lines and traffic. I’d treat that as the heart of the value: less waiting, less friction, more actual enjoyment.
If you’re a solo traveler, the price can feel steep. If you’re a small group, it starts to look more like a sensible splurge—especially since many of the best moments here require time and flexibility.
The skipper: Antonio, plus why language skills matter
You’ll sail with an experienced skipper who speaks Italian and English. In a review, the skipper Antonio stood out as a key part of the experience. That’s not just name recognition. When you’re moving between coves and making quick choices about what to do next, having a skipper who can communicate clearly makes the whole day feel smoother.
A good skipper also helps you time swimming and viewing moments. Since some stops are 10–30 minutes, you don’t want uncertainty about what you can reasonably see in that window.
Weather matters more than you think
This is a sea day. The experience specifically says it requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
That’s the one “watch out” item that’s outside your control. If your travel dates are fixed with no flexibility, it’s worth booking with awareness that the sea can decide the schedule.
Also remember that some stops are optional-ticket based. If the weather is good but you change your mind mid-day, the tour structure still works—you just may pay for the extras you choose.
Should you book this Amalfi Coast and Capri private boat day?
Book it if:
- you want a true private day for up to five people
- you care more about time on the water than ticking off stops on foot
- you like the idea of Capri’s landmarks viewed from the sea, with swim time at Marina Piccola
- you’re comfortable treating the Emerald Cave and Blue Grotto as optional add-ons rather than guaranteed inclusions
Skip it or rethink it if:
- you need a long, fully land-based Capri day with lots of on-island walking (this tour is described as boat-focused)
- you’re trying to keep costs tightly controlled, since extra cave tickets and Capri port fees can add up
If you’re on the fence, I’d make the call based on your group size and your tolerance for optional fees. With up to five people sharing the cost, the comfort and the private pacing are where this trip earns its price.
FAQ
How many people can book this tour?
The tour price is per group for up to 5 people.
How long is the private boat day?
The duration is about 7 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri, 7, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy, and ends back at the same meeting point.
Does the tour include tickets for Capri highlights like the Blue Grotto?
No. Capri port landing fees and extra tickets (such as the Blue Grotto) are not included.
Is the Emerald Cave included?
A visit to the Grotta dello Smeraldo is optional, and the ticket is not included.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
























