The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast, Italy, is a breathtaking piece of coastline where dramatic cliffs touch turquoise waters and colorful villages cling to the hills. Stretching 50 kilometers from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, it's famed for its medieval history (once a maritime republic), lemon-scented terraces, and vibrant towns like Amalfi. The 13 towns, connected by the winding Amalfi Drive or via boat, are each so charming. I couldn't have imagined how picturesque it would be, and within minutes of getting off the boat from Salerno this strip of coast became one of my favorite destinations in Italy.

Renting a boat in Amalfi offers a front-row seat to this UNESCO World Heritage gem - seeing the coast from land is one thing, but the view from the sea is something else entirely! Truly an experience that cannot be skipped. You'll explore hidden coves, charming nearby towns like Positano, and stunning islands. Whether you want the best spots to swim in crystal waters or find out where to dock for a seaside lunch, this guide will share everything you need to know to make the most of your day on the water.

View of Positano along the Amalfi Coast

How to Rent a Boat in Amalfi

Renting a boat in Amalfi is straightforward, and the best part? You don't need any experience! I mean, literally no experience necessary. You could have never stepped foot in a boat before and they'll rent you one - Italian law allows you to operate a motorboat without a license if the engine power is 40 horsepower (HP) or less. Boats exceeding 40 HP require a valid boating license (e.g., an Italian license or an International Certificate of Competence for non-EU visitors).

Cruising the turquoise waters is a dream, making for an extremely memorable (and possibly slightly nerve-wracking) day! Here’s how:

• Find a Rental Stand or Book Online: Walk along the seaside promenade at Amalfi Harbor (Marina Coppola, along Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri) where you’ll spot clearly marked boat rental stands. Walk-up rentals don’t require reservations, but arrive by opening (typically between 8-9am) to secure a boat. For better rates and guaranteed availability, book in advance with companies such as:
• Amalfi Marine: License-free boats from €300/day.
• Borrow A Boat: Boats from €450/day, with flexible payments.
• GetYourGuide: License-free rentals from €420/day, with “reserve now, pay later” options.
• Choose Your Boat: Costs vary by size, season (June–August is priciest), and whether you opt for a skipper. A full-day rental (9am–5pm) for a boat fitting 5–6 people costs €350–€450 plus fuel (~€50–€100). Half-day rentals (9am–1pm) range from €200–€250. Smaller & slower boats are budget-friendly; larger & faster ones are great for splurging. We rented a larger boat in peak season for four people, paying €450 plus €50 for fuel, which was comfy but on the higher end. Booking earlier in advance (e.g. in April for summer reservations) can save 10–25%.
• Get On the Water: No boating license? No problem! If you're new to boating, rental staff will provide a quick tutorial on controls and safety — it's esentially a crash course in captaining. We felt confident after their briefing, and having an experienced boater in our group made it stress-free. If driving feels daunting, you can hire a skipper for €100–€200 extra; you still navigate the waters at your own pace, you just don't have to drive the boat yourself.

Exploring Li Galli Islands

The Islands

We set sail from Amalfi Harbor for the stunning Li Galli Islands, just 6–7 nautical miles away (about a 15–20-minute boat ride). These islands — Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and La Rotonda — are part of the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and are known for their towering cliffs and mythical siren lore.

We were cruising along the coast before heading to the islands when we spotted the Fiordo di Furore (see my Fiordo di Furore post for more details), and took the boat as close as we could get to take it in from the sea. We had gone there the day before, so it was really cool to get a different perspective.

The islands are perfect for swimming — jumping into the refreshing water with those views was a highlight. You can anchor at Gallo Lungo in the shallow la Praja cove (5–10 meters deep); La Castelluccia and La Rotonda are rockier, with deeper waters (15–30 meters), so stick to Gallo Lungo to be safe.

Li Galli Islands mythology: Amalfi Coast Sirens

They are traditionally identified as the "Sirenuse Islands" mentioned in Greek mythology - legend claims the Li Galli Islands were the Sirens’ home, where they sang to passing ships. Sirens are creatures that were often depicted as half-bird, half-human. NOT mermaids, unlike what the belief is today. They were mostly known to live on rocky, uninhabited islands and fly, rather than swim.

Ulysses and the Sirens (1891) by John William Waterhouse. Image via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

One of the most prominent myths says the wings were given to them by the earth goddess Demeter so they could fly over the earth and sky in search of Persephone. Their irresistibly beautiful voices and songs would enchant sailors, causing them to go mad with desire and either crash their ships the rocky ourcroppings that the sirens call home or drown trying to swim to them.

In the Odyssey, Odysseus encounters the Sirens while sailing home from Troy. Warned by the sorceress Circe, he orders his crew to plug their ears with wax and tie him to the mast so he can hear the Sirens’ song without following it. The islands have archaeological traces of Roman and medieval structures, suggesting they were once a Roman anchorage or strategic outposts.

Renting Gallo Lungo Island

After having been a large, uninhabited paradise used by Greeks, Romans, medieval hermits, and Saracen pirates for many years, Gallo Lungo - the largest of the three - was purchased in 1924 by a Russian choreographer and dancer. It changed hands twice since, and is currently owned by Sorrentine hotelier Giovanni Russo. The entire island (villa and grounds) is available for rent through luxury travel agencies for €130,000 per week during peak season(€ 100,000 off-season). The island is currently on sale for 195 million euros (anyone want to go halfsies?).

Visiting Positano by Boat

After Li Galli Islands we drove the boat to Positano, about 3.5 nautical miles away (a 10-15 minute boat ride). Positano was a dream - you can dock the boat, get off and explore the area. Here's what to expect when visiting by sea...

Docking: The main dock in Positano is Spiaggia Grande Marina, located at the heart of Spiaggia Grande, the town’s primary beach. This is where most boat tours and private rentals dock. Pull up the boat to the dock and staff will park it for you until your return. The process is straightforward: approach the marina, signal staff, and they’ll handle the rest of it. The idea of it greatly stressed me out, since there were so many other boats around and we didn't want to do something wrong, but the staff takes care of everything.

It costs €20 for the first hour, then €5 per hour after that.

Things to do in Positano: There is so much to do in Positano, from hiking and beaches to cafes and cooking classes, but you'll only have a few hours to explore when coming via boat rental, so you'll want a plan. It would be worth it to book a tour in advance online and time it so you arrive just before it starts.

When you first get off the boat, stretch your legs! Positano's streets are majorly uphill, but the adorable Italian vibe and breathtaking views are worth it. The dock is next to Spiaggia Grande, the famous main beach that you have to check out.

Wander down all the narrow paths packed with charming shops, restaurants and cafes. Take beautiful 'postcard' photos at the iconic viewpoint on Via Cristoforo Colombo (GPS: 40.628102, 14.489243, near Li Galli Bistrot). Grab a quick lunch or limoncello with cliffside views (the higher up you go, the better the view) before heading back to the dock to collect your boat.

My Experience: Adventure, Swimming, & Cultural Exchange

My boyfriend and I really wanted to get an Amalfi Coast boat rental, but neither of us had driven a boat on our own before. The rental staff at Amalfi Harbor assured us no experience was needed, but we were still a bit nervous. Luckily, a nice couple from Sweden offered to split a boat with us, and we met up the next morning for our adventure - one of them was an expert boater, so we felt much safer with him as our captain.

We sailed along the coast, to the Li Galli Islands and to Positano. In Positano we walked up so many stairs to find a restaurant with the best views we could get (the higher up, the better) - it was exhausting but definitely a success! We ended up at a place called Il Capitano (Viale Pasitea, 119, 84017 Positano SA, Italy) with panoramic views of the beach and the sea. If you happen to be in Positano in the evening, I know the views here at sunset would be breathtaking.

After 2-3 hours of exploring and eating, we picked up a few bottles of chardonnay and hopped back in the boat at Spiaggia Grande Marina. We rode around for a bit before finding a nice, calm spot along the coast to anchor the boat for tanning, swimming, and cliff jumping until heading back by 5pm.

It was really nice spending the day with new people from different backgrounds. There's something special about traveling and sharing stories of culture and adventure; we talked about midsummer in Sweden (think flower crowns and dancing, not the horror movie!), and Norweigan graduation rituals where they write their own rap songs and competitively decorate school buses. Having brought a waterproof speaker, we shared music from our travels, building an amazing global playlist! This day trip from Amalfi was one of the highlights of my visit.

Renting a boat on the Amalfi Coast is an unforgettable adventure that blends the thrill of captaining your own vessel with the beauty of turquoise waters and cliffside towns. From anchoring at Li Galli Islands’s la Praja cove for swimming and cliff jumping along the coast to wandering Positano’s charming streets, it makes the perfect addition to a dreamy Italian summer. Whether you’re a first-time boater or a seasoned sailor, rent a boat and sail to Fiordo di Furore, Li Galli, and beyond for a journey you’ll never forget!

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