REVIEW · POSITANO
Private Cruise to Capri and Amalfi coast from Positano or Amalfi – yacht 40′
Book on Viator →Operated by Sorrento Holiday Charter · Bookable on Viator
Capri looks better from a yacht. This private 40-foot cruise from either Positano or Amalfi mixes a guided Capri visit with swim-friendly stops along the coast; I especially love the snorkeling gear included and the guided focus on Capri’s must-sees.
One thing to keep in mind: the stops are flexible and weather-dependent, and lunch on shore costs extra (you can request a light option on board).
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A 40-foot private yacht day from Positano or Amalfi
- What you actually get on board (and why it matters)
- The Amalfi Coast sailing part: Positano, Amalfi, Li Galli, Nerano
- Capri by sea: grottos, Punta Carena, Marina Piccola, and Faraglioni
- Swimming and snorkel time with included scuba equipment
- Optional walk ashore on Capri (when you want a change of pace)
- Price and logistics for a small private group
- Who this Capri yacht day fits best
- Should you book this private Capri cruise?
- FAQ
- Is this a private cruise?
- Where does the cruise depart from?
- How long is the cruise?
- Is snorkeling and scuba equipment included?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Is the Blue Grotto included?
- What should I wear?
- What if the weather is poor?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key things to know before you go

- Private yacht day for a small group (price is for up to 8, while the booking cap shows up to 10—confirm your headcount when you book)
- Departure from Positano or Amalfi with customizable timing and swim stops
- Snorkeling and scuba equipment included so you’re not scrambling for gear
- Capri viewpoints and grotto stops with optional walking ashore
- Blue Grotto ticket not included, so plan on extra cost if you want it
A 40-foot private yacht day from Positano or Amalfi

You’re getting a true private outing here, not a seat on a crowded ferry. The yacht is around 40 feet and the whole vibe is small and personal, which matters on a route as busy as Capri.
You can start from Positano or Amalfi, and the day runs about 8 hours. Stops aren’t locked to the minute—you get customization, which is great if you want a calmer swim window or you’re trying to match conditions on the water.
If you care about comfort, this is a big deal. You’ll have breathing room to move around, and the pace can actually feel like a day on the coast instead of a checklist sprint.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Positano.
What you actually get on board (and why it matters)
This cruise is set up for time on the water, so the basics are covered. You get beverages, bottled water, snacks, and coffee and/or tea, plus live commentary as you cruise.
There’s also a dedicated driver/guide and tour escort/host, so the experience isn’t just show-and-tell from a distance. You’ll get guidance as you sail, and that helps you spot what you’d otherwise miss from the boat.
In the same vein, the crew can make the day run smoothly around your comfort level. In one standout example, the captain-led team—Leonardo and Marco—was singled out for doing exactly that: keeping things relaxed while still getting you to the good swim points.
The Amalfi Coast sailing part: Positano, Amalfi, Li Galli, Nerano

The coast segment is more than scenery. You’ll cruise past major landmarks and then get your own chances to cool off, swim, snorkel, and relax on board.
You’ll see the big-name stops along the way—Positano, Amalfi, and Li Galli—then head toward Nerano, known for clear water and top restaurants. Even if you’ve seen photos of this stretch, there’s a difference when you’re on the water and not on a road behind a wall of tourists.
Why the Nerano stop is a highlight: it gives you a natural break before Capri. You can grab lunch or just make it a swim-and-sun pause, depending on what you feel like that day.
One practical note: lunch isn’t included in the price. You can choose a lunch at a restaurant along the shore or request a light lunch on board, but you should budget for food separately if you want more than snacks.
Capri by sea: grottos, Punta Carena, Marina Piccola, and Faraglioni

Once you reach Capri, the focus shifts to the island’s most legendary views, without forcing you to spend the whole day hiking. This part is paced around boat stops where you can swim, snorkel, and take breaks to soak in the scenery.
You’ll cruise around key Capri points such as:
- Punta Carena for dramatic coastline views
- Green Grotto for the famous grotto look (boat access and timing matter)
- Marina Piccola for the classic harbor-side setting
- Faraglioni Rocks—the rock formations you’ve seen in postcards, but better when they’re right there
- White Grotto for another striking grotto stop
- Tiberius Jump—a famous spot that’s all about the sheer scale and seaside angles
You’ll also go past Blue Grotto, but here’s the key catch: Blue Grotto tickets are not included. If Blue Grotto is your number-one goal, you’ll need to plan for the ticket separately.
What I like about this approach: you get the big “Capri greatest hits” from the water, while still keeping the day flexible enough to actually enjoy it. In many group tours, you’re herded. Here, it’s more like you’re steering the day with the help of your host.
Swimming and snorkel time with included scuba equipment

This is one of the most practical reasons to book this kind of private cruise: the snorkeling equipment is included (along with scuba gear). You don’t have to rent, search, or haggle at the last minute.
The day is structured for repeated water time: you’ll have swimming and snorkeling chances on both the Amalfi Coast portion and around Capri. That means you can decide how bold you want to be without feeling locked into one long activity.
For the best experience, show up thinking like a swimmer, not like a museum guest. The dress code is smart casual, but you should treat the day as a “dress smart, act ready to swim” situation—don’t forget your swimming suite.
Optional walk ashore on Capri (when you want a change of pace)

You can also have a walk on the island if you feel like stepping off the boat. That’s a smart option because most Capri land time is where you see the streets, shops, and viewpoints that boats can’t fully capture.
The value here is choice. You’re not forced into an all-land day, and you’re not trapped on the water for the entire time either.
If you do go ashore, I’d keep it light. The boat portion is the main event, and you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to return, relax, and still enjoy another swim window.
Price and logistics for a small private group

The price is $3,386.04 per group for up to 8 people, for an approximately 8-hour outing. If you fill the yacht near its stated pricing headcount, you’re roughly looking at about $420 per person at the top end—before considering any separate costs like lunch or Blue Grotto tickets.
Is it expensive? Yes, compared to public options. But for what you’re paying for, it can feel more reasonable:
- you’re booking private boat time with an on-board host and guide
- the cruise includes snacks, drinks, coffee/tea, and snorkeling/scuba gear
- you get the route time from Positano or Amalfi out to Capri and back, with sightseeing built in
Two “budget checks” you should make:
- Lunch isn’t included (you can request a light lunch on board or stop for shore-side lunch)
- Blue Grotto tickets aren’t included, so that’s an extra if you want it
Also, double-check headcount because the data shows up to 8 in the price summary, while the booking cap shows up to 10. That doesn’t mean something is wrong—it just means you should confirm what your exact group size will be when you receive your confirmation.
Who this Capri yacht day fits best

This cruise shines when you want a mix of sightseeing and water time, with real guidance instead of guesswork. I think it’s a strong fit for:
- Couples who want Capri views without the stress of ferry schedules
- Friends who want a shared day on the water with breaks to snorkel and swim
- Small families who prefer staying together on a private boat
- Anyone who wants live commentary and a smoother flow than standard group tours
It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to spend your day sprinting between viewpoints. The stops around Capri are arranged to let you see major icons while still having downtime.
One more practical note: this experience runs best with good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Should you book this private Capri cruise?
I’d book it if Capri is on your must-see list and you want your day to feel like yours. The combination of a private yacht, live guided commentary, and included snorkeling/scuba equipment is what makes this more than just transportation to Capri.
I’d think twice if your trip plan is extremely tight, because lunch and Blue Grotto ticket costs can add up, and the cruise depends on conditions on the water. Also, if you’re not planning to swim or snorkel at all, you may not get full value from the setup.
If you’re deciding between a quick day trip and a more relaxed, experience-first day, this is the better move. It’s built around the water—and you’ll feel it from the first swim stop near Nerano to the classic Capri sea views.
FAQ
Is this a private cruise?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Where does the cruise depart from?
You depart from Amalfi harbour or Positano pier.
How long is the cruise?
The duration is about 8 hours.
Is snorkeling and scuba equipment included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with scuba and snorkeling equipment.
What’s included for food and drinks?
The cruise includes beverages, bottled water, snacks, and coffee and/or tea. Lunch is not included.
Is the Blue Grotto included?
No. Blue Cave (Blue Grotto) tickets are not included.
What should I wear?
The dress code is smart casual, and you should bring your swimming suite.
What if the weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t be refunded.







