More about: 6 Best Boat Trips from Sorrento
The Correale Museum, the perfectly preserved old town, and a citrus grove in the heart of the city: there are plenty of reasons to visit Sorrento. It is a peaceful destination, on the shores of a blue sea and perfumed by the scent of lemons.
Among the things to see and do in Sorrento, it is impossible not to include a mini cruise around the waters surrounding the city. Among these, the ones that visit Capri, the best-known island in the archipelago, stand out.
1. Cruise to Capri and the Blue Grotto
The classic of classics. Capri, the most famous island in the archipelago, is about a 30-minute boat ride from Sorrento.
This island is the most popular destination for tourists, and there are several excursions that take you to Capri from Sorrento, both by boat and other means of transport.
Without a doubt, its flagship attraction is the famous Blue Grotto. It was already known in Roman times and was then adorned with a statue of Neptune, god of the sea, and his son Triton.
Another landmark of Capri are the iconic sea stacks, the guardians of the island. These are three enormous rocks—Saetta, Stella, and Scopolo—formed by a karst phenomenon that has eroded the coast.
Before disembarking, the boat will circle the island, allowing you to see its charms. These tours usually include a glass of limoncello and free transfer from your hotel in Sorrento.
- Duration: approximately 8 hours
- Price: around €60
- Recommended for those who want to see a classic of any trip to Campania
2. Boat trip to Amalfi and Positano
On this excursion, the boat leaves Sorrento in the morning and heads towards Li Galli, a small unspoilt archipelago. It consists of three islands - La Rotonda, Gallo Lungo and La Castelluccia - surrounded by a breathtaking blue sea. According to tradition, this is where the sirens who tried to stop Ulysses' journey lived.
After leaving this paradise behind, the boat arrives in Amalfi, the town that gives its name to this stretch of coastline.
You will have a few hours free to explore Amalfi at your own pace, and your first stop could be the famous Piazza del Duomo. Here you will find St. Andrew's Cathedral with its unique mix of styles.
At lunchtime, you can opt for a regional classic: pizza. At Donna Stella, you can enjoy this delicacy under an inviting pergola (Salita Rascica 2). Other highly recommended restaurants include Da Maria (Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi 14) and Da Memé (Salita Marino Sebaste 8).
Before returning to the boat, take a stroll through the Rione Vagliendola, a charming seaside neighborhood. Once on board, you will pass in front of Furore, a village known for its picturesque fjord. According to legend, this cove is the work of the devil who tried to steal the souls of the inhabitants.
Before returning to Sorrento, the boat stops at Positano, a town known not only for its beaches and mountains but also for its typical sandals and colorful clothing.
You will usually have an hour to explore the old town, and if you are interested in fashion, I recommend Nanà Positano (Via Pasitea 164) and Antica Sartoria Positano (Via del Brigantino 9/13).
- Duration: approximately 8 hours
- Price: around €50
- Recommended for those who want to spend a day discovering two of the most beautiful places in southern Italy.
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3. Cruise along the Amalfi Coast with limoncello tasting
This stretch of coastline is famous for its terraced gardens that descend towards the sea. These plots are home to the "ovale di Sorrento," a round or elongated lemon with thicker skin than usual. Its juice, rich in mineral salts, is used to make a world-famous liqueur: limoncello.
The beauty of the area means there are several options for tours of the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.
At the start of the cruise, the crew will give you a taste of the local limoncello, which is still made using traditional methods. Meanwhile, you will learn about the history of the region.
These boat trips will give you the opportunity to admire the coast and its natural beauty. You will pass in front of the villages of Puolo and Massa Lubrense, go past Cape Corbo with its charming waterfall, and continue sailing to Punta Campanella. According to the Odyssey, this is where Ulysses found the sirens.
The boat usually stops at Punta Campanella so that passengers can enjoy a swim. This stretch of the Amalfi Coast is perfect for snorkeling. The price usually includes the rental of snorkeling equipment.
By the way, if you want to take home a bottle of homemade limoncello, I recommend the Giardini di Cataldo, an urban farm with a centuries-old tradition.
- Duration: around 2 hours
- Price: between €30 and €40
- Recommended for those who want to take a short boat trip while seeing some wonderful sights.
4. Boat trip with stops in Ischia and Procida
There are so many things to see that it's not uncommon for some destinations to take a back seat. Ischia and Procida are a perfect example. Both suffer from competition from Capri, but this does not mean that their charms are any less.
Ischia is a good-sized island and its coastline is dotted with sandy beaches. After seeing its silhouette from the sea, you will touch land to climb up to the Aragonese Castle, the undisputed symbol of the island. The remains of the fortress are located on an islet connected to the coast by a narrow strip of land.
These boat trips usually include a stop for diving in the Grotta Verde, a sea cave that ends in a very shallow cove. The reflection of the sun creates a magical atmosphere.
You will also have time to enjoy a visit on your own. You can take the opportunity to eat something typical without spending too much. Some good options are Cap' E' Fierr (Via Venanzio Marone), Da Ciccio (Via Luigi Mazzella, 32) or Da Assuntina (Via Francesco Buonocore 29).
The boat trip continues to Procida, the hidden gem of the Gulf of Naples. From the boat, you will see Terra Murata, the historic town of Procida and the beating heart of the island. It was built about 90 meters above sea level to protect the population from pirate attacks.
Once ashore, I recommend taking a stroll through Marina della Corricella, a fishing village with charming pastel-colored houses. If you fancy a refreshing ice cream, you can grab a cone at the Chiaro di Luna ice cream parlor (Via Marina di Corricella 87).
These excursions usually include breaks for swimming and a small snack. Don't forget your swimsuit at the hotel and bring sunscreen!
- Duration: 10 hours or more
- Price: around €150
- Recommended for those who want to discover two unjustly forgotten destinations
5. Capri Fun Tour with banana boat ride
The route for under-30s. A boat will pick you up in Sorrento and, after sailing along the coast, you will arrive in Capri where you will enjoy a guided tour of the most emblematic places and free time to explore on your own.
Before returning, you will take a ride on a banana boat, an inflatable boat tied to a motorboat. Holding on is a real challenge and any falls are sure to cause laughter. But I'm sure you know that better than I do. These experiences usually include snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.
- Duration: between 7 and 8 hours
- Price: around €100
- Recommended for those under 30
6. Sunset cruise with aperitif
The perfect option for any trip for two, although it should not be overlooked if you are traveling to Sorrento with children. The boats cruise along the coast at dusk and offer passengers a small aperitif.
Sipping a glass of prosecco as the sun sinks into the sea is priceless. In addition, these routes usually include stops to enjoy a dip in the sea.
- Duration: 2 hours or a little longer
- Price: around €70
- Recommended for those who want to surprise their partner
Is a boat trip with children recommended?
Of course! A mini cruise is like a little adventure that children usually enjoy. Just keep in mind the usual recommendations: protect them with sunscreen in summer, put a hat on them, and keep them hydrated. Keep in mind that most beaches are suitable for children.
If you want to visit the city buried by the ashes of Vesuvius, I recommend reading the post that explains how to visit Pompeii with children.
What happens if you can't sail?
In case of bad weather or rough seas, you will be refunded the cost of the excursion. If you are staying longer in Sorrento, you may be offered a change of date.
In case of rain, you can take advantage of the cancellation to visit the Correale Museum, an art gallery containing works from the 16th to the 18th centuries (Via Correale 50).