The Complete Yacht Charter Guide to the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast presents a paradox: it is one of the world's most beautiful coastlines, yet experiencing it by land can be frustrating. The single coastal road (SS163) is narrow, winding, and congested in summer, with buses and cars competing for space on hairpin bends carved into 300-metre cliffs. A yacht charter eliminates these challenges entirely, transforming the journey into the destination. From the water, the full grandeur of the coast reveals itself — Positano's cascade of pink, terracotta, and white buildings tumbling down to the beach, the medieval watchtowers perched on rocky promontories, the lemon terraces of Ravello suspended above the sea, and the hidden coves and grottoes that are invisible from the road.

The Amalfi Coast's compact geography makes it ideal for yacht charters of any duration. Capri is just 17 nautical miles from Amalfi, Positano is 5 nautical miles from Amalfi, and the entire coast from Sorrento to Salerno spans only 30 nautical miles. This means a single day charter can encompass the coast's greatest highlights — a morning swim at the Li Galli islands, lunch in Positano, an afternoon circumnavigation of Capri with a visit to the Blue Grotto, and a sunset cruise back along the illuminated coastline.

The culinary dimension adds another layer of richness. The Amalfi Coast is the birthplace of limoncello, the home of the world's finest buffalo mozzarella (from nearby Paestum), and a region where every cliffside village has restaurants serving freshly caught seafood with views that defy description. Many of the best restaurants — Da Adolfo in Positano, Lo Scoglio in Nerano, Il Riccio in Capri — are accessible primarily by boat, making a yacht charter the key to the coast's finest dining experiences.

The Amalfi Coast's dramatic topography means that large marinas are scarce, but several excellent departure points serve the charter fleet:

Marina Grande, Sorrento — The most popular departure point for Amalfi Coast charters. Sorrento sits at the tip of the peninsula, offering direct access to both the Amalfi Coast (southeast) and Capri (south, just 10 nautical miles). The town is well-connected to Naples airport (60 minutes by car or hydrofoil) and offers excellent hotels, restaurants, and provisioning.

Marina Grande, Capri — For charterers who want to begin their experience on the island itself. Capri's main harbour is small but atmospheric, with colourful fishing boats and the funicular railway climbing to Capri town above. Starting from Capri allows a morning circumnavigation of the island before heading to the Amalfi Coast.

Amalfi Harbour — The historic harbour of the Amalfi Republic, now a small but functional marina. Departing from Amalfi places you at the heart of the coast, with Positano 20 minutes west and Ravello accessible by a short drive up the mountainside. The harbour is overlooked by the magnificent 9th-century Cathedral of Sant'Andrea.

Marina di Stabia, Castellammare — The largest full-service marina in the Gulf of Naples, with berths for yachts up to 100 metres. Located at the base of the Sorrento Peninsula, it offers the best facilities for larger yachts and is 40 minutes from Naples airport. Less atmospheric than Sorrento or Amalfi, but practical for superyacht charters.

Other departure options include Naples' Marina Mergellina (for charters combining the city with the coast), Salerno (the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast), and Positano (anchor pickup by tender — there is no marina, only moorings).

The Amalfi Coast's anchorages are among the most scenic in the world, though many are small and fill quickly in high season. These are the spots our charter advisors recommend:

Marina Piccola, Capri — The south-facing bay beneath Capri's famous Faraglioni rocks. Three towering limestone stacks rise from the sea, and the water is deep blue and crystal clear. The beach club at Marina Piccola serves excellent seafood, and the swimming is superb. Arrive early in summer — the anchorage fills by mid-morning.

Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra), Capri — The world's most famous sea cave, where sunlight enters through an underwater opening and illuminates the cavern in an ethereal electric blue. Yachts anchor outside and transfer to small rowing boats for the cave entrance (1-metre high — you lie flat in the boat). Best visited early morning before the tourist boats queue.

Li Galli Islands — Three small islands between Positano and Capri, once owned by Rudolf Nureyev and now a marine reserve. The Sirens of Greek mythology were said to inhabit these rocks. The anchorage between Gallo Lungo and La Rotonda offers sheltered swimming in turquoise water with Positano as a backdrop. Landing is prohibited, but the snorkelling is exceptional.

Baia di Ieranto — A protected bay at the tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, facing Capri across the strait. Accessible only by sea or a hiking trail, this pristine cove has no development, no beach clubs, and no crowds — just clear water, a pebble beach, and the dramatic silhouette of Capri on the horizon.

Marina di Praia — A tiny fjord-like inlet between Praiano and Furore, with a small beach flanked by 100-metre cliffs. The restaurant Ristorante La Praia serves lunch directly on the beach. The anchorage is sheltered and intimate — one of the coast's hidden gems.

Nerano Bay (Marina del Cantone) — A wide bay on the south side of the Sorrento Peninsula, famous for the restaurant Lo Scoglio, which serves the legendary "spaghetti alla Nerano" (with fried courgettes and provolone). The anchorage is well-sheltered and the water is excellent for swimming. A water taxi from the yacht to the restaurant completes the experience.

The Amalfi Coast's compact geography makes it particularly well-suited to day charters, though term charters offer a deeper exploration of the region:

Day Charter (8–10 hours) — The most popular option. A classic Amalfi Coast day charter departs Sorrento in the morning, cruises to Capri for a circumnavigation and Blue Grotto visit, stops at the Li Galli islands for swimming, visits Positano for lunch (at anchor or at a beachside restaurant), and returns along the coast as the setting sun paints the cliffs gold. Distance: 30–40 nautical miles.

Half-Day Charter (4–5 hours) — Perfect for a Capri-focused experience. Depart Sorrento, cruise to Capri, circumnavigate the island past the Faraglioni and Blue Grotto, swim at Marina Piccola, and return. Alternatively, a half-day along the Amalfi Coast visits Positano and the Li Galli islands.

Sunset Charter (2–3 hours) — An evening cruise along the Amalfi Coast, departing from Positano or Amalfi. Prosecco, antipasti, and the golden light of an Italian sunset reflecting off the pastel villages create a quintessential Mediterranean moment. The coast is at its most beautiful in the hour before sunset, when the cliffs glow amber and the sea turns to liquid gold.

Term Charter (3–7 nights) — A multi-day exploration of the Gulf of Naples, combining the Amalfi Coast with Capri, Ischia (famous for its thermal springs), Procida (the colourful fishing island that inspired the film "Il Postino"), and the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. A week-long charter covers approximately 100–150 nautical miles and includes overnight stays at anchor in Capri, Positano, and Ischia.

Event Charter — The Amalfi Coast is one of the world's premier wedding and celebration destinations. Bluebnc Yachting arranges yacht charters for wedding parties (ceremony at Villa Rufolo in Ravello, reception on board), milestone birthdays, and corporate retreats. The combination of a luxury yacht and the Amalfi Coast's dramatic scenery creates an unforgettable event setting.

The Amalfi Coast is a premium charter destination, with prices reflecting its status as one of the world's most desirable coastlines:

Day charter prices on the Amalfi Coast typically include captain, crew, fuel, and basic refreshments. Term charters follow the standard Mediterranean model with an APA of 25–30% covering fuel, food, marina fees, and running costs. Note that mooring fees in Capri and Positano are among the highest in Italy — budget €500–€2,000 per night depending on yacht size and season.

Bluebnc Yachting offers all-inclusive day charter packages that bundle the yacht, crew, gourmet lunch, drinks, and water sports equipment into a single transparent price — no surprises, no hidden fees.

The charter season runs from April to October, with the coast at its most vibrant — and most crowded — in high summer:

April – May (Shoulder Season) — Warm days (18–24°C), manageable crowds, and lower prices. The lemon trees are in bloom, filling the air with fragrance, and the wisteria cascading down Positano's buildings creates a photographer's paradise. Water temperature reaches 18–21°C — cool but swimmable. This is the ideal time for charterers who want to explore the coast's cultural attractions (Ravello, Pompeii, the Amalfi Cathedral) without the summer crowds.

June (Early High Season) — The perfect balance. Air temperatures reach 26–30°C, water warms to 22–24°C, and the summer social scene is beginning but not yet overwhelming. Restaurant reservations are easier to secure than in July–August, and the anchorages are busy but not impossibly crowded. June is the month most recommended by our charter advisors.

July – August (Peak Season) — Hot (30–35°C), crowded, and expensive — but undeniably magical. The Amalfi Coast in high summer is the Mediterranean at its most glamorous. Capri's Piazzetta is a parade of fashion and celebrity, Positano's beach clubs pulse with energy, and the evening passeggiata in Amalfi is a quintessential Italian experience. Book 6–12 months ahead for the best yachts.

September – October (Late Season) — The connoisseur's choice. September offers summer warmth (water 25°C) with dramatically fewer crowds. The light is softer and warmer, the sea is at its calmest, and the coast's restaurants are at their most relaxed and welcoming. October brings cooler evenings and occasional rain, but the coast's beauty is undiminished — and prices drop significantly.

Bluebnc Yachting's charter advisors have designed these itineraries to showcase the best of the Amalfi Coast and Gulf of Naples:

Classic Day Charter: Capri & Positano — Depart Sorrento at 09:30. Cruise to Capri (45 minutes), circumnavigate the island past the Faraglioni rocks and Natural Arch. Visit the Blue Grotto (weather permitting). Swim at Marina Piccola. Lunch at Il Riccio (Michelin-starred, accessible by boat). Cruise to the Li Galli islands for afternoon swimming. Continue to Positano for a gelato stop (tender to beach). Return to Sorrento along the illuminated coast by 19:00. Distance: 35 nautical miles.

Amalfi Coast Explorer (Full Day) — Depart Amalfi at 09:00. Cruise west past Conca dei Marini (Emerald Grotto) to Praiano and Positano. Swim at Marina di Praia. Continue to the Li Galli islands and Nerano Bay for lunch at Lo Scoglio (the famous spaghetti alla Nerano). Afternoon at Baia di Ieranto. Return via Furore Fjord and Atrani. Distance: 25 nautical miles.

One-Week Gulf of Naples — Day 1: Naples to Procida (colourful Marina Corricella). Day 2: Procida to Ischia (thermal springs, Aragonese Castle). Day 3: Ischia to Capri (Blue Grotto, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola). Day 4: Capri to Positano (Li Galli islands, lunch at Da Adolfo). Day 5: Positano to Amalfi (Emerald Grotto, Ravello excursion). Day 6: Amalfi to Nerano Bay (Lo Scoglio, Baia di Ieranto). Day 7: Nerano to Sorrento via Capri. Total: ~120 nautical miles.

Sunset Charter: Positano to Praiano — Depart Positano at 18:00. Cruise east past the Li Galli islands as the sun descends. Prosecco and canapés on the aft deck. Watch the sunset paint Positano's buildings in shades of gold and rose. Return along the coast under the stars, with the cliffside villages illuminated above. Duration: 2.5 hours.

Bluebnc Yachting brings the full weight of our Mediterranean charter infrastructure to the Amalfi Coast — a curated selection of motor yachts and sailing yachts available for charter in the Gulf of Naples, each operating under MYBA E-Contract terms with Lloyd’s of London insurance. Our charter advisors maintain personal relationships with the harbour masters at Marina Grande Capri, the maître d’ at Da Adolfo and Lo Scoglio, and the local boatmen who control access to the Blue Grotto — the kind of connections that transform a good charter into an extraordinary one.

The Amalfi Coast rewards local knowledge more than almost any other charter destination. Knowing which anchorages are sheltered in a southwest wind, which time to arrive at the Blue Grotto to avoid the two-hour queue, and which restaurants will send a tender to collect you directly from your yacht — these details are the difference between a tourist experience and a private one. Bluebnc’s advisors provide this level of intelligence for every charter we arrange, drawing on a network of relationships built over three generations in the Mediterranean.

As the flagship brand of the Isle of Mallorca Group, we connect the Amalfi Coast seamlessly with our other Mediterranean destinations — the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, and Sardinia & Corsica — creating multi-week itineraries that showcase the finest waters in the western Mediterranean. Whether you envision a single day circumnavigating Capri or a fortnight sailing from Mallorca to the Amalfi Coast, Bluebnc Yachting makes it possible.