Booking choice: The Positano and Amalfi boat day, from $172 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The drive gives you the famous cliff-top views, Ravello and the towns' lanes. The boat gives you the coastline from below, sea caves, a swim and no hairpins. Some tours even mix the two.
The quick answer
Choose the drive for the high views, Ravello and hotel pickup, from about $110. Choose the small-group boat day for a swim stop, grottoes and no car sickness, from about $172, with 90 minutes in Amalfi and 2 hours in Positano. Can't decide? The classic drive includes a boat leg from Positano to Amalfi in season.
What is the difference between the boat and the drive?
The drive shows the coast from above and includes Ravello; the boat shows it from the water, adds a swim and skips the bends.
| Drive (small group) | Boat day | |
|---|---|---|
| From | $110 | $172 |
| Group | Max 8 | Max 12 |
| Towns | Positano, Amalfi, Ravello | Amalfi, Positano |
| Swim stop | No | Yes |
| Car sickness risk | High for some | Sea sickness on rough days |
| Weather | Runs in most weather | Cancelled in rough seas, refunded |
Leaning towards the sea? Check your date for the Positano and Amalfi boat day.
Check dates for the Positano and Amalfi boat dayWhat does the boat day include?
A skipper, fuel and safety kit, prosecco, soft drinks, beer and fruit, snorkel masks, and free time in Amalfi (about 90 minutes) and Positano (about 2 hours).
The boat passes the Sorrento coast, Punta Campanella, Li Galli and the Furore fjord, and ends with a swim. Lunch and towels are not included; there is a small embarkation fee on site.
Is the boat better if you get car sick?
Usually, yes: the coast road bends constantly, while the sea is calm on most summer days.
On windy days the boat can be bumpy, and operators cancel if the sea is rough, with a full refund or a new date. If both worry you, a private driver can stop whenever you need.
No hairpins, a swim stop and both towns: the small-group boat day.
Explore the Positano and Amalfi boat dayWhat do you miss on the boat?
Ravello, the high viewpoints above Positano, and the drama of the road itself.
Ravello sits about 350 metres above the sea and is only reached by road. If the gardens and the view from above are on your list, drive.
Can you do both in one day?
Yes: the classic guided tour drives to Positano, takes a boat to Amalfi in late spring to early autumn, then drives up to Ravello.
Several small-group drivers also offer a short optional boat trip from Amalfi for about EUR 15 to 20, which guests often call a highlight.
Want road and sea in one day? The classic tour includes the boat leg in season.
Check dates for the Positano, Amalfi and Ravello day tourWhich is better for families?
The boat for water-loving kids who can swim; the drive for toddlers or anyone who dislikes boats.
The boat takes children with a discount, and infants sit on laps. Life jackets are provided. On the drive, stairs in the towns are the main challenge with strollers.
What about Capri?
Capri is a separate boat day from Sorrento, in the other direction.
The Capri and Blue Grotto boat day (from $114) circles the island with free time ashore. The Blue Grotto costs extra and closes when the sea is rough. Many visitors do the coast one day and Capri the next.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to see the Amalfi Coast by boat or car?
Both are worth it. By car for the high views and Ravello, by boat for the coastline from the water and a swim.
Do boat tours from Sorrento stop in Positano and Amalfi?
Yes. The small-group boat day stops about 90 minutes in Amalfi and 2 hours in Positano.
What happens if the sea is rough?
Boat operators cancel or reschedule for safety, with a full refund.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Positano & Amalfi Small-Group Boat Day
No hairpins, no car sickness, a swim stop
Positano, Amalfi & Ravello Day Tour
- Guide with live commentary all day, plus a driver
- Air-conditioned minibus, groups of up to 21
- Boat transfer Positano to Amalfi (about April to October)
