Boat Rental in Naples — 2027 Guide: Capri, Ischia, Procida and the Amalfi Coast

The Bay of Naples is one of the finest places to sail in the Mediterranean. Vesuvius rises above the city, the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida lie offshore, and to the south the Sorrento peninsula stretches towards Amalfi, with sheer cliffs and small villages that seem to hang above the sea. Ferries and hydrofoils run to the islands every day, but a private boat changes the experience completely: instead of queues on the pier and crowds in the harbour, you choose the cove yourself, swim beneath the Faraglioni and have lunch at a restaurant you reach from the sea.

Main routes from Naples

• Capri. The bay's most famous island lies about thirty kilometres from Naples, roughly an hour by speedboat. From a boat you get the best view of the Faraglioni rocks, the Grotta Bianca and Grotta Verde caves and the steep shores you cannot walk around. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is visited in small rowing boats, so there is often a wait. Capri is best given a full day.
• Procida and Ischia. Procida is the smallest and quietest of the three islands, known for the colourful houses of the Marina Corricella harbour. Ischia is larger and greener, with the Aragonese Castle on its rock and coves with hot springs. Both can be combined in one day, and the sea between them is part of the Regno di Nettuno marine protected area.
• Posillipo, Gaiola and Baia. If you only have half a day, you do not need to go far: the Posillipo coast below the city is lined with villas and small coves, Gaiola has an underwater park with Roman remains, and at Baia, near Pozzuoli, there is a sunken ancient town you can see even from the surface. It is a good route for a first swim and a sunset with a view of Vesuvius.
• The Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi Coast. South of Naples lie Sorrento, the Punta Campanella protected area and the bay of Nerano, and beyond the cape the Li Galli islets and Positano. Positano and Amalfi take longer to reach from Naples, so this is a full-day trip on a faster boat with an early start.

Types of boats and how to choose

• RIBs. They are the most common choice in Naples: fast, stable and easy to bring into small coves. Smaller ones take up to 8 people, while large 13- and 14-metre RIBs take up to 15. They are ideal for Capri, Procida and the Posillipo coast.
• Motor boats and yachts. Boats of 12 to 15 metres with a cabin, shade and a bathroom for up to 12 people. They are more comfortable for a full day at sea, a larger group or a trip towards the Amalfi Coast.
• Sailing boats. A 14-metre sailing boat for up to 10 guests is the right choice if a calm sail matters more to you than speed. The afternoon breeze in the bay is often enough for a lovely sail towards Procida or Capri.

Prices, skipper and driving without a licence

• Skipper. All boats in Naples on Crystalium Booker are rented with a skipper, who knows where anchoring is allowed in the protected areas and how to avoid the crowds around Capri.
• Driving without a licence. In Italy you may, as a rule, drive a smaller boat up to 10 metres with an engine of up to about 40 hp without a boating licence, and only within 6 nautical miles of the coast. The boats on this platform are larger and more powerful than that, so they come with a skipper.
• Daily prices. A smaller RIB for up to 8 people costs 650 to 750 EUR per day, and large RIBs for up to 15 people 1,300 to 1,350 EUR. A sailing boat for up to 10 guests costs 1,200 EUR per day. Motor boats of 12 to 15 metres range from 1,400 to 2,000 EUR, and the largest boat on offer costs 2,600 EUR per day.
• Fuel and extras. On fast boats fuel can be a significant cost, especially on the way to Amalfi. Check in the listing or your enquiry whether fuel is included in the price, and how much you pay to enter the Blue Grotto and to moor in the island harbours.

Season and weather

• May, June and September. The best balance of weather and crowds: the sea is warm from June, and around Capri it is much quieter than in midsummer.
• July and August. The peak of the season, especially around Ferragosto in mid-August. Book in advance and set off early in the morning, before the ferries and excursion boats.
• October. Often still fine and warm, but with shorter days and more changeable weather.
• Wind and waves. In the afternoon the maestrale can blow across the bay, and the scirocco and libeccio raise swell from the open sea, especially on the seaward side of Capri and Ischia. The skipper uses the forecast to pick the calmer side of the islands.

Boat rental in Naples with Crystalium Booker

On Crystalium Booker we offer verified boats with local skippers. See everything on offer on the boats in Naples page. Our picks are the Small RIB for Capri or Procida in a smaller group, the sailing boat Vela 460 GL for a calmer day under sail, and the motor boat Open 50 for a full day towards Sorrento and Amalfi. Need a custom route or advice? Send us an enquiry through the contact page. Do you rent out a boat in Naples? List it with us.