Private Boat Tour of the Amalfi Coast with Allegra 19

Getting a chance to see the Amalfi Coast from the water is a dream for many travelers, and this private boat tour with Allegra 19 from Sorrento offers an intimate way to explore some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal sights. Priced at approximately $917 for a group of up to four, it’s a premium experience that promises seven hours of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing aboard a well-equipped vessel. With only your party on board, this tour combines the best of nature, charming villages, and local flavor, guided by an experienced skipper who will share insights along the way.

What I particularly like about this experience is how flexible and personal it feels. First, the itinerary includes Positano — a town famous for its colorful hillside houses and artistic boutiques — where you get about three hours for browsing and soaking in the scenery. Then there’s a swim stop along the coast, giving you a chance to cool off in the inviting waters of Amalfi. The highlight for many, including reviewers, is the stop at Fiordo di Furore, a UNESCO-listed village perched along a narrow fjord, offering a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. Lastly, the quiet bays of Nerano and Bagni Regina Giovanna provide serene spots for lunch and more swimming, some with historic Roman ruins as a backdrop.

One of the tour’s strengths is the expert guidance provided by your skipper, who is often praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Rosa, in her review, praised Luigi, the skipper, calling him “an amazing host” who made the entire trip feel safe and enjoyable. Snack options, including Prosecco, Limoncello, and local snacks, make the journey feel indulgent and authentic. The equipment for snorkeling and the beach towels provided are thoughtful touches that enhance the leisurely vibe.

However, it’s worth noting that cost and timing are considerations. At over $900 for a group of four, this is a splurge, but many find the personalized nature and the convenience of a private boat well worth the price—especially if you value flexibility, privacy, and the chance to see the coast without the crowds. The tour’s 7-hour duration is also designed to give ample time at each stop, but as some reviews highlight, the experience can be nerve-wracking if boat safety or comfort isn’t up to expectations.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Only your group participates, which means more flexibility and intimacy.
• Expert skipper: Guides like Luigi are praised for their friendliness and knowledge about the coast.
• Highlights include Positano and Amalfi: Two iconic towns with free time for exploration, shopping, and photos.
• Swim and snorkel opportunities: Stops in Furore and Nerano provide relaxing ways to cool off and see marine life.
• Gourmet touches: Snacks, drinks, and the chance to experience local flavors like Limoncello enhance the trip.
• Cost reflects quality: While on the higher end, many find the private boat and personalized service worth the premium.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting from Sorrento’s Marina Grande, the convenience of being picked up or meeting right at the marina means less hassle before you even get on the boat. The vessel Allegra 19 offers a comfortable platform for a day trip, and with a maximum of four people, you’ll likely find ample space for lounging, moving around, and enjoying the sea breeze. The duration of about seven hours includes both travel time and stops, so you won’t feel rushed — plenty of time to relax and soak up the coast’s beauty.

Positano is undoubtedly the most Instagram-worthy stop. The tour allows around three hours here, enough to walk the narrow streets, browse boutique shops, or simply sit and watch the colorful houses cascade down the hillside. One reviewer recommended not choosing a smaller boat, citing safety concerns, which underscores the importance of trusting your skipper’s expertise and the boat’s condition.

Next, the crew anchors in Amalfi for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. The two-hour stop offers a brief but refreshing break. Many travelers would advise bringing your own snorkel gear, although snorkelling equipment is provided on the boat. It’s a chance to experience the Mediterranean’s lively underwater world, even if just for a short while.

The Fiordo di Furore might be the tour’s hidden gem. Known as “the village that isn’t really a town,” it’s renowned for houses that cling to mountain walls and a fjord that cuts deep into the coastline. Here, you can take photos of a truly unusual landscape, with the quiet backdrop of the UNESCO site. It’s a quick 30-minute stop but packed with visual drama.

Moving further along, the bay of Nerano is a calmer spot, perfect for a relaxed lunch or more swimming in peaceful waters. Some travelers might choose to bring their own picnic or enjoy the option of stopping for local seafood at one of the nearby restaurants. The tour does not include lunch, but you’re free to bring or purchase food onshore, making this an ideal break for those seeking a quiet, authentic experience away from the busier tourist spots.

Finally, Bagni Regina Giovanna offers a scenic setting with Roman ruins in the background. It’s an easy stop for photos, and the natural beauty of this spot makes it a memorable way to cap off your boat journey.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Cost and Value: While the price of $917 may seem steep, it covers nearly everything: the boat, skipper, fuel surcharge, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and port fees. For a private, guided day on the water with such personalized service, most travelers regard it as fair value.
• Booking in advance: Many guests book this tour about 50 days ahead, which suggests it’s popular enough to require planning.
• Physical fitness: Moderate activity levels are expected — walking around towns, swimming, and boarding the boat comfortably.
• Weather dependence: The tour is weather-dependent. If the sea isn’t calm or weather is poor, you may need to reschedule or get a full refund.
• Age restrictions: Not recommended for children under six, mainly for safety reasons and the boat’s setup.
• Extra costs: Be prepared for optional lunch expenses if you wish to dine in Nerano or other stops; the tour does not include lunch.

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a small group looking for a private, flexible day on the water, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for those who want to explore Positano and Amalfi at their own pace, enjoy swimming in less crowded spots, and indulge in some local snacks. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a knowledgeable skipper and enjoy authentic experiences rather than large, noisy group tours. Families with older children or teens tend to enjoy it, especially with the snorkeling options and photo opportunities.

This experience isn’t suited for anyone uncomfortable on small boats or with limited mobility, given the moderate physical activity involved. It also leans towards travelers who see value in personalized service and don’t mind paying a premium for exclusivity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 6, mainly due to safety considerations and the nature of the boat and stops.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the private boat, skipper, fuel surcharge, snacks, bottled water, soda, Prosecco, Limoncello, snorkeling equipment, beach towels, and port landing fees in Amalfi.

Can I bring my own food?
While the tour provides snacks and drinks, you are free to bring your own lunch if you wish, especially for the Nerano stop.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 7 hours, including travel time and stops.

Is pickup offered?
Yes, pickup can be arranged, but the meeting point is usually at Marina Grande in Sorrento.

What if I want to visit other locations?
The itinerary is fixed, but with a private tour, there’s some flexibility in how you spend your time at each stop.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 50 days ahead, especially during peak season, to secure their preferred date.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included as part of the tour.

In essence, this private boat tour of the Amalfi Coast offers a tailored experience with the chance to see some of Italy’s most dazzling coastlines and charming villages. While it’s a premium option, the personalized service, expert guide, and beautiful stops make it a memorable way to enjoy the region, especially if you value comfort, privacy, and a bit of adventure. Just remember to weigh the cost against your desire for a flexible, exclusive day on the sea—and be prepared for some unforgettable views and stories to tell.