Best Boat Trips from Sorrento

Thanks to its location on the Gulf of Naples, Sorrento is the perfect destination for a boat trip.

Matteo Gramegna

Matteo Gramegna

7 min read

Best Boat Trips from Sorrento

Sorrento | ©Mariano Mantel

The Museo Correale, the perfectly preserved old town and a citrus grove in the heart of the city: there is no shortage 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 on the waters surrounding the city. Among them are those that visit Capri, the most famous island of the archipelago.

1. Cruise to Capri and Grotta Azzurra

Grotta Azzurra| ©Nabil Molinari
Grotta Azzurra| ©Nabil Molinari

The classic of classics. Capri, the most famous island of the archipelago is located about 30 minutes by boat from Sorrento.

This island is the most popular destination for tourists and there are several excursions that lead to Capri from Sorrento, both by boat and by other means of transport.

Undoubtedly, its flagship is the famous Blue Cave. It was already known in Roman times and at that time was adorned with a statue of Neptune, god of the sea, and his son Triton.

Another landmark of Capri are the iconic Faraglioni, the guardians of the island. They are three huge rocks - Saetta, Stella and Scopolo - formed by a karstic phenomenon that has eroded the coast.

Before disembarking, the boat will take a tour of the island allowing you to see its charms. These tours usually include a glass of limoncello and a free transfer from your hotel in Sorrento.

  • Duration: about 8 hours
  • Price: about 60 €.
  • Recommended for those who want to see a classic of any trip to Campania.

Book an excursion to Capri from Sorrento

2. Boat trip to Amalfi and Positano

Boating on the Amalfi Coast| ©Jason Harman
Boating on the Amalfi Coast| ©Jason Harman

On this excursion, the boat leaves Sorrento in the morning and heads towards Li Galli, a small undisturbed archipelago. It consists of three islands - La Rotonda, Gallo Lungo and La Castelluccia - surrounded by a breathtaking blue sea. According to tradition, here lived the mermaids who tried to stop the voyage of Ulysses.

After leaving this paradisiacal corner behind, the ship arrives at Amalfi, the town that gives its name to this stretch of coast.

You will have a few hours free to explore Amalfi at your own pace and the first stop could be the famous Piazza del Duomo. Here you will find the Cathedral of St. Andrew with its peculiar mix of styles.

At lunchtime you can opt for a classic of the region: pizza. At Donna Stella you can enjoy this delicacy under a suggestive pergola (Salita Rascica 2). Other highly recommended restaurants are Da Maria (Via Lorenzo D'Amalfi 14) and Da Memé (Salita Marino Sebaste 8).

Before returning to the ship, you can take a stroll along the rione Vagliendola, a very fascinating seafaring quarter. 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 had tried to take over the souls of the inhabitants.

Before returning to Sorrento, the ship stops in Positano, a town known not only for its beaches and mountains but also for the typical sandals and colorful clothes.

Normally, you will 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: about 8 hours
  • Price: about 50 €.
  • Recommended for those who want to spend a day exploring two of the most beautiful places in southern Italy.

Book your boat trip from Sorrento

3. Cruise on the Amalfi Coast with limoncello tasting

Getting to know the Amalfi Coast| ©Francisco Anzola
Getting to know the Amalfi Coast| ©Francisco Anzola

This stretch of coastline is famous for the cultivated terraces that slope down to the sea. In these plots of land grows the "ovale di Sorrento", a round or elongated lemon with a 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 that there are several alternative tours to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento.

At the beginning of the sailing, the crew will have you taste the local limoncello, which is still made according to the traditional method. In the meantime, you will learn some notions about the history of the region.

These boat tours will give you the opportunity to admire the coast and its natural beauties. You will pass in front of the villages of Puolo and Massa Lubrense, go past Cape Corbo with its enchanting waterfall and continue sailing to Punta Campanella. According to the Odyssey, this is where Ulysses met the Sirens.

As usual, the ship stops at Punta Campanella for passengers to enjoy a swim. This stretch of the Amalfi Coast is perfect for snorkeling. Normally, the price includes the rental of snorkeling equipment.

By the way, if you want to go home with a bottle of artisanal limoncello, I recommend the Giardini di Cataldo, an urban farm with a centuries-old tradition.

  • Duration: about 2 hours
  • Price: between 30 € and 40 €.
  • Recommended for those who want a short boat ride but still want to see some wonderful scenery.

Book an excursion to the Amalfi Coast from Sorrento

4. Boat tour with stops in Ischia and Procida

Arriving in Procida| ©Hervé Simon
Arriving in Procida| ©Hervé Simon

There are so many things to see that it is not uncommon for some destinations to take a back seat. Ischia and Procida are a perfect example. Both suffer from competition from Capri, but that doesn't mean their charms are any lesser.

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 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 to dive in the Grotta Verde, a sea cave that ends in a very shallow inlet. 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. Good choices are Cap' E' Fierr (Via Venanzio Marone), Da Ciccio (Via Luigi Mazzella, 32) or Da Assuntina (Via Francesco Buonocore 29).

The sailing continues to Procida, the hidden gem of the Gulf of Naples. From the boat you will see Terra Murata, the historic village 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 a stroll through Marina della Corricella, a seaside village with its charming pastel-colored houses. If you fancy a refreshing ice cream, you can have a cone at the Chiaro di Luna ice cream parlor (Via Marina di Corricella 87).

These excursions usually include a few swimming breaks and a small snack- don't forget your swimsuit at the hotel and bring sunscreen!

  • Duration: 10 hours or more
  • Price: about 150 €.
  • Recommended for those who want to discover two unjustly forgotten destinations.

5. Capri Fun Tour with banana boat tour

On a banana boat| ©Peanut Dela Cruz
On a banana boat| ©Peanut Dela Cruz

The route for under 30 years old. A boat will pick you up in Sorrento and, after sailing along the coast, you will arrive in Capri where both a guided tour of the most emblematic places and free time to explore it on your own are planned.

Before returning, you will take a ride on a banana boat, an inflatable boat attached to a motorboat. Holding on is a real challenge and any fall is a source of 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: about 100 €.
  • Recommended for those under 30 years old

6. Sunset sailing with aperitif

Sunset in Amalfi| ©Giuseppe Milo
Sunset in Amalfi| ©Giuseppe Milo

The perfect option for any trip as a couple, although it should not be discarded if you have traveled to Sorrento with children. The boats cruise along the coastline at sunset and offer travelers a small aperitif.

Sipping a glass of prosecco while the sun sinks into the sea is priceless. In addition, these routes often include stops for a dip in the sea.

  • Duration: 2 hours or a little more
  • Price: about 70 €.
  • Recommended for those who want to surprise their partner

Is it advisable to take a boat trip with children?

Boat trip| ©Samuel M
Boat trip| ©Samuel M

Yes, of course! A mini-cruise can be assimilated to a small adventure that children usually like. Just keep in mind the classic 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 them.

In case you want to visit the city buried by the ashes of Vesuvius, I recommend you to read the post that explains how to visit Pompeii with children.

Book an excursion to Pompeii from Sorrento

What if you can't sail?

Correale Museum| ©Dave & Margie Hill
Correale Museum| ©Dave & Margie Hill

In case of bad weather or rough sea, the excursion fee will be refunded. If you stay more days in Sorrento, you may be offered a change of date.

In case of rain, you can take advantage of the cancellation to see the Museo Correale, an art gallery containing works from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century (Via Correale 50).