Private Boat Amalfi Coast: Capri, Li Galli and Faraglioni

Should you choose a gozzo or a motor yacht?

A gozzo belongs to the boating tradition of Campania, but the name alone tells you little about speed, comfort or performance at sea. A modern gozzo may suit a day trip to Capri; ask about the actual model, propulsion and usable space rather than relying on its appearance. Useful priorities include proper shade, comfortable seating while underway, an onboard toilet and a boarding ladder that makes getting out of the water manageable.

A motor yacht may provide separate living spaces and more shelter, although these features need checking on the individual vessel. Request recent photographs and details of the layout and boarding arrangements, particularly when travelling with children or anyone with limited mobility. The larger boat is not automatically the more suitable choice. Match the vessel to your intended route, sensitivity to motion and preference for swimming, shaded relaxation or time spent ashore.

Where should you depart, and how long should you allow?

Positano, Praiano and Amalfi have access points to the sea, but the precise embarkation arrangement depends on the operator, vessel and local conditions. Do not assume your boat can collect you at whichever jetty lies closest to your villa. A road transfer or tender connection may be necessary. Private boats and any driver service are arranged on request; confirm the meeting point, access route and boarding procedure before setting out.

Allow a full day for Capri and ask the skipper to assess realistic passage times. Your departure point, cruising speed, swell and marine traffic all matter more than a generic journey estimate. Starting near Positano or Praiano is not the same as starting in Amalfi. Request a schedule based on the boat you are actually considering, with a sensible return window and room for adjustments rather than a sequence of tightly timed stops.

How do Li Galli, Capri and the Faraglioni fit together?

Li Galli is a small archipelago off Positano, separate from Capri. It can form a stop along the journey, but should not become an obligation regardless of conditions. The islands are privately owned and should not be treated as somewhere to land. Any approach, pause or swim depends on current rules and the situation on the water; your skipper should determine where the boat may go and whether a stop is appropriate.

Continuing towards Capri, the Faraglioni are a defining feature of the island’s southern coastline. Seeing these rock formations from the sea does not require going ashore, nor does it guarantee a close approach or passage through the arch. Safety, traffic and local restrictions govern the route. A balanced plan might combine Li Galli, a cruise towards the Faraglioni and a sheltered swimming stop, without insisting on a complete circuit of Capri.

Is it worth going ashore on Capri?

Staying aboard and visiting Capri on foot create quite different days. Remaining on the boat leaves more time for the coastline, swimming and an unhurried lunch. Going ashore adds another perspective, but also involves disembarkation arrangements, possible waits and transport on the island. Capri town sits above Marina Grande rather than beside its quay. Decide early whether your priority is to experience the island from the water or spend meaningful time in town.

Treat the Blue Grotto as a separate possibility, not a guaranteed inclusion. Entry is made in authorised small rowing boats and depends on sea conditions, opening and queues; your private vessel does not enter the grotto. If visiting it matters most, make that clear when planning and be prepared to simplify the rest of the itinerary. Combining the grotto, Capri town, a long restaurant lunch and several swims can leave surprisingly little time to enjoy any of them.

What should you plan for lunch, swimming and comfort?

Choose between lunch aboard and a restaurant accessible from the water. Catering and any chef service are arranged on request; meals, drinks and cooking facilities should never be assumed to be included. A restaurant stop may need a reservation and tender transfer, with arrangements and charges confirmed separately. Share allergies and dietary preferences in advance, and avoid making a lunch booking that pressures the skipper to maintain an unsuitable route or remain in an exposed location.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the journey and a protective phone pouch. Check whether towels, drinking water and snorkelling equipment are provided rather than bringing assumptions aboard. For children, ask about correctly sized safety equipment. Swimming should take place only with the skipper’s agreement, in permitted areas and clear of manoeuvring boats. Anyone prone to seasickness should seek suitable advice from a pharmacist or clinician before the day.

What needs confirming before you leave your villa?

Ask for written confirmation identifying the vessel, skipper, planned duration, departure point and boarding arrangements. Establish whether fuel, harbour charges, tender transfers, meals and attraction tickets are included or separate. Cancellation terms, weather-related changes and the process for adjusting the route also deserve attention before committing. Sunshine at your villa does not necessarily mean comfortable conditions offshore: the skipper must make the operational decision about what is safe and practical on the day.

For villa guests, the outing begins before reaching the quay and ends after disembarkation. Allow for steps, bags and road connections, and avoid scheduling dinner too close to the expected return. The Amalfi Coast Luxury Villas is personally curated by Giovanna Villani, who lives in Praiano; private boats and any transfers are arranged on request. A useful brief sets out your preferred departure area, practical needs and one principal priority, leaving the detailed route flexible.

Questions guests ask

Can you visit Li Galli and Capri in one private boat day?

They can be combined, subject to the departure point, vessel and sea conditions. Agree on priorities with the skipper and avoid treating every proposed stop as guaranteed.

Can you go ashore on Li Galli?

Do not plan on landing: the islands are privately owned. Navigation, stops and swimming in the surrounding waters must follow current local rules.

Does seeing the Faraglioni include the Blue Grotto?

No. These are separate stops. Blue Grotto entry uses authorised rowing boats and depends on opening, sea conditions and waiting times.

Are fuel and lunch included with a private boat?

Not necessarily. Request a written breakdown of inclusions and additional charges. Catering, chef services and any transfers are arranged on request.