Amalfi Coast Boat Tour from Sorrento

The Amalfi Drive is famous for its views, but the coast looks different from the sea. Villages stack up the cliffs in pastel layers, terraces of lemon trees hang above the water and small beaches appear below headlands that the road has to climb over. A boat tour from Sorrento covers that stretch without a minute of traffic. You leave from the port, cross the mouth of the peninsula and follow the shoreline past Positano, the tiny islands of Li Galli and on towards Amalfi, with a skipper pointing out the landmarks and anchoring in a cove where you can swim. Small-group boats get close to the rock, so you see sea caves, watchtowers and the monasteries clinging to the cliff in a way a large ferry cannot manage. Lunch is usually part of the day, and there is time ashore in one of the villages to wander the lanes, see the cathedral stairs or simply sit by the harbour.

The linked booking is a small-group day cruise with swimming and lunch, which strikes a good balance between a private charter and a crowded ferry. It is a stronger choice than the coach tour if you value the sea over the sights, because the boat gives you the open air, the swim and the view of the coast from outside rather than through a window.

The sea decides everything. In summer the water is calm enough for the full route and the swim stops, in spring and autumn the programme can be shortened, and in winter most boat tours stop altogether. Operators confirm sailings the day before and cancel when wind or swell makes the crossing uncomfortable, so choose a flexible booking and keep a spare day. If you are prone to seasickness, take tablets in advance and sit near the stern.

Plan the rest of your time around it. A boat day pairs well with a land-based Amalfi Drive on another day, because the two experiences complement each other: the coach gets you into Ravello and the cathedral in Amalfi, while the boat gives you the coastline and the water. If you are choosing only one, think about your priorities.

Travellers who want the villages, the shopping and the history should take the road; travellers who want the swim, the scenery and an easy day should take the boat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket for the return and a towel, and wear shoes that grip a wet deck.

Think about timing and comfort. Departures from the port are usually in the morning, with a return in the late afternoon, so allow for the walk down to the harbour from the old town or a taxi if your hotel is high on the cliff. The boat has a shaded area, but the sun is strong at sea, so cover up and drink water throughout the day.

Carry a small bag rather than a large one, as space is limited, and wear shoes that are easy to remove for the swim. If lunch is served on board or ashore, mention dietary needs in advance. Families with younger children should ask about life jackets in smaller sizes and the number of hours between toilet stops.