The Best Boat Rentals in Positano

For simple private coastal cruises with a skipper, expect roughly €200–€300 per hour for 2–4 hours, with many boats including soft drinks, water, towels, and snorkeling gear. Full‑day private trips to Capri or along the Amalfi Coast typically run about €1,100–€1,600 per boat depending on size, month, and inclusions. Larger luxury yachts for celebrations can range from about €3,000 to €6,000+ per day. Self-operated 40 hp motorboats available in nearby ports usually start around €250–€400 per day plus fuel. Fuel may be included on set‑itinerary tours but is often charged separately on custom routes; docking fees or grotto entry tickets are extra when applicable. Prices climb in June–August and drop in shoulder months.

You’ll find classic wooden gozzo boats ideal for relaxed cruising and photos, speedy RIBs and motorboats for beach‑hopping and swim stops, comfortable cabin cruisers and mid‑size yachts for day charters and parties, and a smaller selection of sailboats for those who prefer to move with the wind. Most day boats host 6–12 guests, while larger yachts accommodate up to 12 passengers plus crew in line with standard charter limits.

Most visitors choose a captained charter because local skippers handle navigation, swim‑stop choices, and busy mooring areas off Spiaggia Grande so you can just relax. Self‑drive boats under 40 hp are available mainly from nearby towns, but the coastline is crowded in summer, anchorages can be tight, and conditions change with afternoon winds. If your priority is a smooth, stress‑free day and on‑the‑fly itinerary tweaks (like a lunch stop in Nerano or a detour to Li Galli), a skipper is the easiest option.

In town, most private charters meet at the pier on Spiaggia Grande by Piazza Amerigo Vespucci. Many operators also offer pickups or convenient departures from nearby hubs such as Marina di Praia in Praiano, the Amalfi harbor (Molo Pennello/Marina area), and Sorrento’s Marina Piccola. Your captain will confirm the exact meeting point and can often arrange tender transfers when anchoring offshore is required.

From the sea you’ll admire Positano’s colorful cliffside, cruise past the Li Galli (Sirenuse) islets, and glide beneath soaring rock walls near the Fiordo di Furore. Many itineraries include the Emerald Grotto near Conca dei Marini when sea conditions permit, plus swims in coves around Praiano and Nerano. Capri day trips add the Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and—weather and swell allowing—the famous Blue Grotto, which sometimes closes when seas are rough.

In Italy, you do not need a boating license to operate small motorboats within 6 nautical miles of the coast if the engine is under about 30 kW (40.8 hp) and within other technical limits; anything more powerful or offshore requires a license. Many local companies still prefer or require a captain for visitor safety and logistics, especially in peak season. If you want to self‑drive, look for 40 hp listings and confirm the requirements and allowed route before booking.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry the legally required safety equipment, including life jackets; request child sizes in advance so the crew can have them ready. Children count toward the boat’s maximum passenger capacity, and skippers can tailor calmer itineraries with extra swim stops and shade. If anyone is prone to motion sickness, mornings are typically smoother and near‑shore routes help.

Most charters allow you to bring your own snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many include water and soft drinks (sometimes Prosecco). Crews can often arrange a seaside restaurant stop or cater simple platters with advance notice. Use reusable cups where possible, secure items in soft coolers, and avoid messy foods that might stain decks.

Small, well‑behaved dogs are accepted on some boats with prior approval; others prohibit pets due to deck materials or allergy concerns. If bringing a pet, tell your captain when you inquire, bring a towel or mat for the deck, fresh water, and plan for limited shore access at private docks and busy beaches.

The Tyrrhenian Sea is generally calm in the morning, with choppier afternoon seas common in summer due to sea breezes. Captains make the final call on safety; if conditions are unsafe or the port authority restricts departures, reputable operators will reschedule or refund per their policy. Blue Grotto access and grotto swims are especially sensitive to swell, so keep plans flexible and watch for last‑minute adjustments.

Absolutely. Most boats can host 6–12 guests comfortably, which suits birthdays, proposals, family reunions, and bachelorette trips. For larger groups, ask about pairing boats or stepping up to a larger yacht, keeping in mind that many day boats are limited to 12 passengers by standard charter rules. Share your celebration details when you inquire so the crew can help with timing, music, cake or prosecco, and a photogenic anchor spot at sunset.

Boating season runs roughly April through October, with peak demand and the hottest weather in late June through August. The busiest local holiday is Ferragosto on August 15, when festivities and fireworks light up the coast; book well in advance if you want that date. If you’re traveling from the U.S., Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends also see increased American demand even though they aren’t Italian holidays. Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, and morning departures are smoother and quieter; late‑day trips offer golden light and beautiful sunset photos.

Top picks include a full‑day Capri loop with swims beneath the Faraglioni, a coastal day taking in Praiano, the Fiordo di Furore, and the Emerald Grotto when conditions allow, and a relaxed Li Galli and Nerano circuit with a long lunch at a seaside trattoria. For something special in mid‑August, some captains offer night cruises to watch Ferragosto fireworks from the water, which avoids road traffic and gives you front‑row views.