Picture this: the sun warming your skin as you glide across the turquoise waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the pastel-colored buildings of Positano rising dramatically from the cliffside, and not another tourist in sight. Just you, the gentle Mediterranean breeze, and views that make your Instagram followers green with envy.
This isn’t some exclusive celebrity experience – it’s what happens when you rent your own boat in Positano!
Now if you are thinking now how to rent a boat in positano then this guide for you.
According to recent tourism data, boat rentals in Positano have increased by nearly 14% since 2024. It’s becoming THE way to experience the Amalfi Coast – and for good reason!
Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to captain your own Positano adventure! (Or at least know when to hire someone else to do it for you!)
Types of Boats Available for Rent in Positano
When I first started researching boat rentals in Positano, I was totally overwhelmed by the options.
Gozzo? RIB? Speedboat? What’s the difference and which one should I choose? After testing several different types (tough job, I know!), here’s my breakdown of what you’ll find:
Gozzo guide in Positano
The gozzo boat is what first comes to mind when you imagine a classic Italian coastal experience.
These traditional wooden boats with their distinctive shape have been used by local fishermen for generations.
I absolutely fell in love with my gozzo experience – there’s something wonderfully authentic about puttering along the coast in these charming vessels.
They’re typically 5-7 meters long, comfortable for 4-8 people, and while not the fastest boats, they provide a stable, dry ride perfect for first-timers. Most come with a canopy for shade, which you’ll appreciate during the scorching summer months!
RIBs in Positano
If you’re looking for something more modern, RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are incredibly popular rental options.
These boats feature a sturdy hull paired with inflatable tubes, offering both light weight and fuel efficiency.
My first solo boat driving experience was in a RIB, and I found it surprisingly easy to handle!
They’re fast, stable in various sea conditions, and the inflatable collar provides extra safety – perfect for families or nervous first-timers. Most RIBs in Positano range from 5-10 meters and can accommodate 6-12 people.
Speedboat Experience
For thrill-seekers wanting to cover a lot of ground, speedboats are your best bet.
During my second visit, I upgraded to a speedboat to visit Capri and the entire Amalfi coastline in one day – something impossible with slower boats.
These powerful vessels range from compact 5-meter boats to larger 10+ meter luxury speed boats with cabins and bathrooms.
Just be warned: they use more fuel, and driving them requires more skill and confidence.
Luxurious boat travel
If you’re celebrating something special (or just want to feel like a movie star for a day), luxury yacht charters are available from Positano.
I treated myself for my 40th birthday, and WOW – it was worth every euro!
These boats typically come with a captain and sometimes even crew members. Expect amenities like comfortable seating areas, bedrooms (cabins), bathrooms (heads), and often kitchens (galleys).
Sizes range from 10-meter day cruisers to massive 25+ meter yachts.
License Requirements: Can You Rent a Boat Without Experience?
This was literally my biggest worry before my first boat rental in Positano. “Do I need some kind of special license? Will they let me drive a boat with zero experience?” If you’re feeling the same anxiety, let me put your mind at ease with what I’ve learned.
Documents for boat rent in positano
Italy has some specific maritime laws that vary depending on the boat type and how far you plan to go from shore.
Here’s the important part for first-timers: for boats with engines under 40HP and staying within 6 nautical miles from shore, you generally don’t need a license!
This covers many of the smaller rental boats in Positano.
If you have a boat license from your home country, bring it! Many international licenses are recognized in Italy.
I met a couple from California who brought their U.S. Coast Guard certification, which allowed them to rent a much more powerful boat.
If you’re unsure, email the rental company beforehand to confirm if your license is valid.
Get Experience
If you’ve never driven a boat before, don’t panic!
Many rental companies in Positano offer small motorboats and gozzo boats specifically designed for beginners.
My first rental was a 5.5-meter boat with a 40HP engine – perfectly manageable even with zero experience.
These boats are stable, relatively slow, and forgiving of rookie mistakes (like that time I approached a dock way too fast… oops!).
Some rental companies offer quick “crash courses” (poor choice of words, perhaps) for beginners.
When I rented from a company near Positano’s main dock, they spent about 30 minutes teaching me the basics – starting the engine, steering, anchoring, and safety procedures.
This hands-on training was invaluable and gave me the confidence to head out alone.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Boat in Positano?
Let’s talk about money – because boat rentals in Positano aren’t cheap.
Expected Budget
For the budget-conscious traveler, small motorboats and traditional gozzo boats are your best bet. For a half-day rental (4 hours), expect to pay between €180-€250 for a basic boat that fits 4-6 people. My first rental was a simple 5.5-meter boat for €220 for the morning – splitting it between four friends made it quite reasonable! Full-day rentals of these smaller boats typically range from €280-€400 depending on the season and boat size.
If you’re looking for something more comfortable or spacious, mid-range options like larger gozzos, decent-sized RIBs, or small speed boats typically cost €350-€600 for a full day. I found this to be the sweet spot in terms of value – enough comfort and power to really explore the coast without the premium prices of luxury options.
Now, if you’re celebrating something special (like I was on my anniversary), luxury yacht charters start around €700-€900 for smaller yachts (8-10 meters) and can go up to several thousand euros for large, crewed vessels. My splurge on a 12-meter yacht with the captain was €1,200 for the day – expensive, yes, but it remains one of my all-time favorite travel experiences!
Hidden cost
Here’s what catches many first-timers by surprise: the rental price usually doesn’t include fuel! On my first outing, I returned the boat and got hit with an €80 fuel bill I hadn’t budgeted for.
Most companies charge for fuel based on consumption (typically €50-€100 for a day of normal cruising).
Additionally, almost all rentals require a security deposit, usually €500-€1,500 depending on the boat value.
If you want additional equipment like towables, snorkeling gear, or paddleboards, these typically cost extra – usually €10-€30 per item. Some premium rentals include these, so always ask what’s included in the quoted price.
Pro tip I learned the hard way: book online in advance for the best rates. Walking up to rental kiosks on the day will almost always cost you more.
Where to Rent a Boat in Positano: Top Rental Companies
My top recommendation after multiple trips is “The positano boat tour”. Their fleet of traditional gozzos and modern boats is impeccably maintained, and their staff actually seems to care about your experience.
I also had great experiences with Positano Boats and Blue Star, both offering excellent service and well-maintained vessels.
For luxury options, Plaghia Charter impressed me with their professional crew and stunning yacht selection.
You have two main options for booking: online platforms or directly with local companies. For my first trip, I used GetMyBoat to compare options, which worked well but included service fees. On subsequent visits, I’ve booked directly through company websites or by email, often securing better rates and more flexibility with cancellations. That said, platforms like Click&Boat and Sailo offer the convenience of comparing multiple options in one place.
Need to Know Before Rent
Look for companies that are transparent about boat maintenance, have proper insurance documentation, and provide detailed safety briefings.
Online reviews mentioning safety are a good sign.
I always ask about life jackets for everyone (including properly sized ones for kids if you’re traveling with family).
I focus on reviews mentioning boat condition, staff helpfulness, and whether the company honored their agreements.
Booking Process
The booking process typically starts with an inquiry about availability for your desired dates.
Once confirmed, most companies require a deposit (usually 30-50%) to secure the reservation.
The balance is typically paid on the day of rental, along with the security deposit.
Always get confirmation in writing about what’s included and what extra charges might apply. I learned this lesson the hard way when “free fuel” turned out to mean only the first 5 liters!
Documents for Renting
When rental day arrives, make sure you bring the right documents. At minimum, you’ll need:
- Valid ID/passport for all drivers
- Boat license (if applicable for your rental)
- Credit card for the security deposit
- Booking confirmation
- Phone with offline maps downloaded (highly recommended!)
I learned the hard way that certain rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old and hold a valid driver’s license, even for boats that don’t require a specific boating license.
Essential Navigation Tips for Positano’s Waters
First, you need to understand the basics of maritime right-of-way rules.
Unlike driving, there’s no “right side of the road” on the water.
Instead, power gives way to sail, and smaller vessels generally should avoid larger ones that have less maneuverability.
When two motorboats approach head-on, both should alter course to the right (like passing on a road). I remember feeling totally confused when a ferry seemed to be heading straight for me – knowing these rules saved me from panic!
Positano’s harbor area is bustling with activity – water taxis, tour boats, ferries, and other rental boats all compete for space.
When departing or returning to Positano, reduce your speed significantly (keep it under 3 knots within 200 meters of shore).
Watch for the yellow buoys that mark swimming areas – NEVER drive a boat inside these zones!
Common First-Timer Mistakes When Renting a Boat in Positano
Misreading Weather Conditions
The weather along the Amalfi Coast can be deceiving.
I’ve started days under perfect blue skies only to face whitecaps and strong winds by afternoon.
Many first-timers ignore weather forecasts or fail to watch for changing conditions.
Always check marine forecasts specifically (not just general weather), and understand that conditions can vary dramatically around headlands and between morning and afternoon.
The area between Capri and Positano is particularly notorious for afternoon chop.
If you see dark clouds, increasing winds, or the sight of larger boats heading back to port – follow their lead!
Overambitious Itineraries
It’s easy to get overly ambitious with your itinerary. On paper, Capri looks “just” 5.5 nautical miles from Positano – surely quick to reach, right?
Not when you factor in slower speeds near ports, time for swimming stops, and potential weather delays. My first planned route would have required 8+ hours of constant movement!
A more realistic first-timer itinerary covers maybe 15–20 nautical miles total for a full day, allowing plenty of time for swimming, lunch, and relaxed exploration.
Remember that the journey itself is part of the experience – don’t turn it into a rushed checkpoint race.
Docking and Anchoring Mistakes
Harbor and docking procedures intimidate many beginners, myself included on my first trip. In Positano, docking isn’t typically allowed except at designated restaurants or private facilities. Most boats anchor offshore instead.
Common mistakes include:
- Anchoring too close to swimming areas (stay outside the yellow buoys!)
- Not paying out enough anchor chain (rule of thumb: 5 times the water depth)
- Approaching beaches with engines still running
When returning to Positano, many first-timers get confused by the proper procedure – typically you’ll need to call the rental company when approaching, and they’ll direct you or send someone to help.
Forgetting Safety and Navigation Gear
Many beginners (myself included!) forget to check for essential safety and navigation equipment before departing.
Ensure your boat has:
- Enough life jackets for everyone
- A working fire extinguisher
- Basic tools
- A bailer or pump
- An anchor with sufficient chain/rope
- A paddle
- Emergency flares
My worst oversight was not checking that my rental’s bilge pump worked – I spent an hour manually bailing water after a big wave splashed over the bow!
Also verify you have proper charts, whether paper or digital, especially if venturing beyond the immediate Positano area.