The Best Boat Rentals in Sorrento

Expect self-drive runabouts and RIBs to start around $250–$400 per day plus fuel, while private captained sightseeing boats typically run about $120–$300 per hour or $700–$1,500 for a full day depending on size and season. Larger luxury yachts often range from roughly $350–$550 per hour or $2,000–$6,000+ per day. Most captained trips include a licensed skipper, safety gear, and basics like bottled water; many also add soft drinks, light snacks, towels, and snorkeling masks. Fuel, port fees on Capri, and gratuities are the most common extras, so check the listing before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix: classic wooden “gozzo Sorrentino” day boats for coastal cruising, modern center‑console powerboats and RIBs for quick hops to Capri, stylish motor yachts for groups and celebrations, and sailboats or the occasional catamaran for those who prefer to travel under canvas. If you want an authentic local vibe, the gozzo is the Sorrento icon; for speed and flexibility, a RIB or mid‑size motorboat is ideal.

If you book with a professional captain, no license is required. For self-drive rentals in Italy, a recreational boating license is required when engine power exceeds 30 kW (about 40.8 hp) or if you plan to navigate more than 6 nautical miles from shore. Many self-drive boats offered around Sorrento are specifically configured below that power threshold and are rented “senza patente” (no license) for coastal cruising; the rental operator will brief you on local limits before departure.

The main departure point is Marina Piccola, the town’s lower harbor beneath Piazza Tasso, served by a seaside road, buses, and a cliffside elevator. You’ll also see pick-ups from Marina Grande (the historic fishing harbor), Marina di Cassano in nearby Piano di Sorrento, and Marina della Lobra in Massa Lubrense. Your confirmation will state the exact pier and meeting point, so allow a little extra time in peak season.

Classic highlights include cruising past the Roman ruins at the Baths of Regina Giovanna, skirting Punta Campanella and the protected Bay of Ieranto, and circling Capri to view its sea caves, the Faraglioni rock stacks, and the Punta Carena lighthouse. Farther along the Amalfi Coast you’ll spot the Li Galli islets off Positano and the dramatic cliffside villages of Positano and Amalfi, with Mount Vesuvius framing the Bay of Naples in the distance. Captains tailor routes to sea conditions and your timing.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry lifejackets for every passenger, with child sizes available; many captains ask that kids wear them while underway. Most tours plan calm swim stops and provide towels, masks, and drinking water, and can add shade and snacks. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, let the host know in advance so they can prepare the right gear and recommend the smoothest time of day.

In most cases, yes. Many charters include water, soft drinks, and a welcome Prosecco, and they’re happy for you to bring additional snacks, picnic fare, or a birthday cake. Coolers and ice are often available; glassware may be replaced with reusable cups for safety. Your captain can also reserve a seaside restaurant or beach club if you’d like to step ashore for lunch.

Pet policies vary by boat. Small, well‑behaved dogs are commonly accepted on day charters if you advise the owner in advance; some yachts restrict pets to protect teak decks and upholstery. If you’re island‑hopping, note that disembarking with pets can be limited at certain marinas and beaches—your captain will advise what’s feasible on the day.

Summer brings mostly calm seas, but afternoon winds and swell can build—mornings are typically the smoothest. Captains monitor conditions and may adjust the route or timing for comfort and safety; if the sea is unsafe, reputable operators offer a free reschedule or refund. Iconic spots like Capri’s Blue Grotto only open when the sea is very calm, so think of it as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

For most visitors, a captained charter is the easiest path: your skipper handles busy harbors, marine park rules, moorings, and timing at swim stops while you relax. Confident boaters can choose a self-drive under the local limits for a budget‑friendly day, but you’ll need to stay within the designated coastal areas, observe slow‑speed zones near shore, and avoid no‑anchor zones in the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area.

Absolutely. Many boats are set up for special occasions with Bluetooth music, sunpads, shaded seating, and swim ladders. Tell the host your headcount and vibe—chill cruise, photo stops, snorkeling, or a lunch reservation—and they’ll suggest the right boat size and a route that fits your timing. You can bring decorations, cupcakes, and a bottle to toast, and your captain can help stage photos at iconic backdrops like the Faraglioni.

The prime boating season runs May through September, with the warmest water in July and August. Shoulder months (late April to early June and September to October) offer lighter crowds and often excellent sea conditions. Weekdays and morning departures are smoother and easier to book than weekend afternoons. The Ferragosto holiday around August 15 is the local peak on the water, and in May the Tre Golfi Sailing Week brings impressive racing yachts to the Sorrento area. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day aren’t observed in Italy, but they do coincide with the busy summer period—plan ahead if you’re traveling then.

Yes—Capri is a classic day trip from Sorrento. Your captain can circle the island to see sea caves, the Faraglioni, and Marina Piccola, and you can swim in sheltered coves. The Blue Grotto is operated separately by small rowboats and opens only when the sea is calm; if it’s running, there’s a separate entrance fee and a queue at the cave mouth. If conditions aren’t suitable, your skipper will pivot to other highlights such as the Green and White Grottos or extra swim time along Capri’s south coast.