From Positano: Amalfi Coast and Emerald Grotto Group Cruise

Traveling along Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a highlight for many, and a boat cruise offers a front-row seat to its dramatic cliffs, colorful fishing villages, and hidden caves. This group tour from Positano promises a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring, all wrapped in a relaxing boat ride with plenty of memorable views.

What stands out most about this experience are the stunning coastal vistas, the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, and the informative guides who bring the coast’s stories to life. You also get a good taste of the famous Emerald Grotto, one of the coast’s most beautiful natural caves, plus a leisurely stop in Amalfi itself.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency—if the sea is rough, some grotto visits might be limited or canceled. Plus, since it’s a group tour, those seeking a more private, tailored experience might find this a bit busy.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, relaxed day on the water—perfect if you’re interested in scenic cruising, brief stops for swimming, and exploring a charming Italian seaside town without the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple tickets.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery with panoramic views from the water.
• Multiple swimming stops with opportunities to jump into the sea.
• Knowledgeable guides providing interesting insights about the coast and its landmarks.
• Free time in Amalfi to explore at your own pace, from historical sites to local eats.
• All-in-one experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration.
• Comfortable boat ride with included drinks and towels for convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Amalfi Coast Cruise

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach, where you’ll find the designated orange umbrella at the Cassiopea Cooperative kiosk. Travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, which helps streamline boarding and ensures a timely departure. The tour lasts about 7 hours, with the exact starting times available upon booking, giving you some flexibility around your plans.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and suitable for groups. You’ll be sharing the experience with around 11 other guests, making it intimate enough for conversation but still lively. A helpful guide navigates and provides commentary in both English and Italian—a plus if you want to catch some local stories and fun facts.

Scenic Route and Highlights

The journey kicks off with a scenic cruise along Positano’s coast, giving you instant Instagram-worthy views of the colorful cliffside houses and winding streets from the water. As the boat moves outward, you’ll pass by charming towns like Atrani, Minori, and Maiori, each with their unique vibe. These towns are best appreciated from the water, and you’ll want your camera ready to capture their pastel facades and rocky harbors.

Grotto Visits and Swimming Stops

One of the main draws is the chance to visit several caves. The Triton Grotto and the African Grotto are on the list, with the latter known for its striking colors and formations. Weather permitting, you’ll also stop at the Emerald Grotto, one of the coast’s most renowned natural attractions. The glow of sunlight filtering through underwater openings creates a mesmerizing green hue that’s well worth the visit.

The swimming stops are a major highlight, with about two opportunities during the cruise to jump into the Mediterranean’s clear waters. Reviewers like Caroline mention the boat stopping for “approx 2 stops for us to jump into the sea,” which she found very enjoyable. The tour provides towels, life jackets, and soft drinks onboard to keep everyone comfortable during these dips.

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Furore Gorge and Natural Highlights

The boat’s route also takes you past the Furore Gorge, a UNESCO-listed area known for its dramatic fjord-like appearance and small fishing village. This spot is perfect for photos—think towering cliffs framing a tiny harbor—and for appreciating the coast’s rugged beauty.

Along the way, you’ll experience sweeping sea views of Amalfi, with the town itself offering about 3 hours of free time. This is your chance to wander medieval streets, visit the historic cathedral, or simply relax over a glass of local lemonade or limoncello. Previous guests like Yvette enjoyed this part, describing it as a “magnificent coastline” with a “perfect mix of boat, swim, photo opportunities, and free time in Amalfi.”

Returning and Final Moments

As the tour winds down, the boat heads back toward Positano, offering more breathtaking views and a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s highlights. The journey back is usually just as scenic, with sunset shots often making a great finish to your day.

The Overall Experience and Value

This Amalfi Coast cruise offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure. For a seven-hour tour, the price includes guided commentary, boat transportation, drinks, towels, and safety gear, which collectively provides good value considering the scenery and experiences packed into the day.

While some reviews mention the quality of the guide, like Francesco and Stefano, praising their engagement and local knowledge, others highlight the generous swim stops as a major perk, especially appreciated in the warm months. Tourists also seem to value the relaxing pace, with many noting it’s a “fully relaxing day,” perfect for unwinding from more hectic travel schedules.

Food and Refreshments

Unlike some tours with included meals, this cruise focuses on drinks and light refreshments—soft drinks, mineral water, and a glass of Prosecco. Travelers often comment that the lemonade in Amalfi is a must-try, and the provided drinks onboard keep everyone refreshed during the day’s activities.

Group Size and Atmosphere

The small group setting and friendly guides like Francesco make the experience feel more personal. Guests frequently mention the informative yet relaxed tone of the guides, helping to make the day both educational and fun. The group size, around 11 people, strikes a nice balance between social interaction and space for personal exploration.

Practical Tips for Your Day on the Water

• Be sure to arrive early at the meeting point to avoid missing the boat.
• Pack swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a camera—the scenery is too good to miss.
• Wear comfortable clothes and bring water to stay hydrated.
• Remember that weather conditions can affect grotto visits, so check the forecast.
• If you plan to explore Amalfi, budget some extra time and money for souvenirs or snacks.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those prone to seasickness, so plan accordingly.
• Confirm your hotel name in Positano 48 hours before to help coordinate logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour cost?
The price covers the boat tour, a guide, still mineral water, soft drinks, a glass of Prosecco, towels, and life jackets. Food is not included.

How long is the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with the exact start time depending on the day’s schedule.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at the Cassiopea Cooperative kiosk on Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach, under the distinctive orange umbrella, 30 minutes before departure.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, the boat makes around two stops for swimming, weather permitting. Guests can jump into the clear waters and enjoy the caves.

Is there free time in Amalfi?
Yes, you’ll have about 3 hours to explore Amalfi on your own—perfect for visiting the cathedral, relaxing at a café, or shopping.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t speak Italian?
Absolutely. Guides operate in English and Italian, making it accessible to most travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes. Avoid smoking and explosive substances onboard.

Final Thoughts

This Amalfi Coast boat tour from Positano offers a well-rounded day of scenic cruising, swimming, and exploring some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal spots. It’s especially good for travelers who enjoy being on the water, appreciate natural wonders like caves and gorges, and want the flexibility to explore Amalfi town at their own pace.

The guides’ local insights, combined with the stunning vistas and relaxing swim stops, create a memorable experience without the hassle of planning every detail. While weather can influence grotto visits, the combination of sightseeing, swimming, and free time makes this a flexible, value-packed outing.

If you’re craving a leisurely day soaking up the Amalfi Coast’s charm, this cruise could be just what you need. It’s best suited for those who want to balance scenic beauty with a relaxed, social atmosphere and aren’t overly concerned about strict schedules or private tours.

This cruise is a fantastic way to see the Amalfi Coast from a different perspective—on the water, surrounded by nature, and with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

You can check availability for your dates here: