The Best Boat Rentals in Italy

Most small motorboats and RIBs without a captain start around €250–€700 for a full day, while mid‑size sailboats and day cruisers typically run €400–€1,200 per day. Captained motor yachts commonly range from €900–€3,000+ per day, and luxury yachts can exceed €4,000 depending on size and season. Prices usually include the boat, basic safety gear, and standard cleaning; fuel, captain or crew fees, docking/port fees, and gratuities are often extra. On many listings you’ll also find add‑ons like snorkeling sets, towels, soft drinks, or light snacks—always check the inclusions section before you book so there are no surprises.

Across Italy you’ll find easy‑to‑drive day boats and RIBs for coastal coves, classic wooden “taxi boat” style launches in Venice, sailboats and catamarans for relaxed cruising, and motor yachts for upscale day trips or multi‑day charters. On the lakes, sleek runabouts and vintage launches are popular for sightseeing, while along the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian coasts you’ll see comfortable cabin cruisers that handle open‑water runs between seaside towns and islands.

You can often self‑operate smaller boats with engines up to about 40 hp, which in many regions do not require a boating license. For higher‑powered boats or offshore routes, an Italian or internationally recognized license is typically needed. If you don’t have a license or prefer to relax, booking a captained charter is the simplest option—your skipper handles navigation, docking, and local rules, and can tailor the route to your plans.

Popular departure points include Naples (Molo Beverello) and Sorrento (Marina Piccola) for Capri, Ischia, and Procida; Amalfi’s Porto di Amalfi – Marina Coppola and the Positano pier for Amalfi Coast cruising; Portofino Marina and La Spezia for the Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre; Venice’s Marina Sant’Elena and the Riva degli Schiavoni for lagoon tours; Como’s waterfront near Piazza Cavour for Lake Como; and Sardinia’s Porto Cervo and Palau for La Maddalena. Your exact pickup is usually confirmed after booking based on the boat’s berth and sea conditions.

Expect dramatic cliffs and sea caves along the Amalfi Coast, the Faraglioni rocks and turquoise coves around Capri, pastel villages of Cinque Terre from a completely new angle, elegant villas and gardens on Lake Como, and Venice’s grand palaces, islands, and quiet lagoon channels beyond the bustle of the canals. In Sardinia you’ll find white‑sand beaches and crystal‑clear anchorages in the La Maddalena archipelago that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

As a general guideline, no license is required for many small boats up to about 40 hp used near shore, while a valid license is needed for more powerful engines, longer offshore routes, personal watercraft, or nighttime navigation. Requirements can vary by region and vessel, so always review the specific listing. If you book with a licensed captain, you will not need a boating license at all.

Yes, families are welcome. Boats carry life jackets and standard safety equipment, and many hosts can provide child‑sized vests if you share ages and sizes in advance. For younger children, ask about shade, secure seating, and recommended sea conditions. Captains are experienced in choosing calm routes and swim stops that work well for families.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many can stock the boat with water, soft drinks, and ice. Glass is sometimes discouraged for safety, and some boats charge a small corkage or cleanup fee. If you want a special spread or celebration cake, ask your host about catering or a lunch reservation at a waterfront restaurant along the route.

Some boats welcome well‑behaved dogs, especially on day trips, while others prefer no pets due to upholstery or space. If you plan to bring a pet, confirm in advance and ask about any cleaning fees. Bring a non‑slip mat, fresh water, and consider the heat on deck during summer afternoons.

Summer is typically sunny, but wind and swell can affect certain routes, and pop‑up storms do occur. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may adjust the itinerary, timing, or harbor of departure for comfort and safety. If conditions are unsafe, most providers offer a free reschedule or a weather‑based refund according to the booking policy—you’ll see the exact terms before you pay.

Absolutely. Boats are a favorite for birthdays, proposals, family reunions, and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Share your headcount and any must‑haves like music, decorations, or a sunset cruise window, and your captain can suggest the right vessel and route. For larger groups, reserve early in peak months to secure adjacent pickup times or multi‑boat flotillas.

The prime boating season runs from late May through September, with July and August the busiest and warmest. April, May, and October offer lighter crowds and milder prices with generally pleasant conditions. Expect extra demand around early summer and late‑summer holiday weeks; U.S. travelers often target Memorial Day, the first week of July, and Labor Day, while Italy’s Ferragosto on August 15 is a major local holiday. Weekdays are calmer at marinas, mornings typically bring lighter winds and smoother seas, and sunset trips are ideal for photos and cooler temperatures.

Your captain can blend scenic cruising with swim stops in sheltered coves, time ashore for gelato or a seaside lunch, and slow passes by landmarks for photos. Around Venice you can weave into quieter lagoon islands, on the Amalfi Coast you can tuck into grottoes and beach clubs, in Cinque Terre you can pause below each village, and on Lake Como you can circle grand villas and gardens before anchoring for a dip.

Favorite routes include Capri with the Faraglioni and hidden coves, Ischia and Procida from Naples or Sorrento, the La Maddalena islands from Palau or Olbia in northern Sardinia, and the colorful Venetian islands of Murano and Burano. In Sicily, skippers often suggest the Egadi Islands from Trapani for pristine water and relaxed lunch stops. Your departure harbor and sea forecast will guide which islands are best on the day you sail.