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Boat tours Ischia
A day on board a boat while vacationing on Ischia is one of the most unforgettable experiences the island can offer. In the summer months, it's also a great way to escape the tourist crowds that take over the beaches and to explore nearby locations like the islands of Capri and Procida or the Amalfi Coast.
Options for spending time at sea off Ischia:
Organized boat tours around the island
Water taxi rides
Private boat rentals/charters with a skipper
Private boat rentals without a skipper
Boat Tours around Ischia
On Ischia, there are a number of boat tour companies that offer itineraries around the island's coast.
Alcione Boat
This tour takes passengers by a large boat around the entire coast of the island to admire sights like the Castello Aragonese, Bays of Citara and San Montano, Grotta del Mago, tiny coves, and luxury villas built on the coastal cliffs by sea. Lunch on board and stops for swimming.Departure: Forio
Duration: 6-7-hours
Price: from EUR 70
Water Taxi Service - Ischia
Water taxis are often the fastest and most convenient way to travel between coastal locations on the island of Ischia, especially waterfront restaurants or beaches that are otherwise only accessible via long and challenging hiking trails.
There are two water taxi companies on the island, located in Ischia Ponte and Sant’Angelo. Both offer trips to the beach for between EUR 3 and 10/person, depending on the distance. They also offer private boat tours of the island for prices beginning at around EUR 200 for groups of up to 6 passengers.
Water taxis only run in the summer from 1 April to 31 October, weather permitting.
Cooperativa San Michele - Taxi boat Sant’Angelo: +39 081 904460 / +39 3315228532
Cooperativa Ischia Barche - Taxi boat Ischia Ponte: +39 081 984854
Private Boat Tours, Rentals, and Charters with a Skipper
If you'd like to take a private boat tour with a skipper to explore Ischia at your own pace and stop whenever the fancy strikes to swim or spend time on the beach, you have a number of options.
Each port on Ischia has a few boat rental agencies, offering trips around Ischia or excursions further afield to Procida, Capri, or even the Amalfi Coast. All include an expert skipper and different sized boats to fit your group.
Boat Rentals without a Skipper
Another option for exploring Ischia by boat is to rent a boat without a skipper, which you can do from agencies offering small rubber dinghies or wooded gozzo boats at the ports. You do not need a boating license, though some experience is highly recommended, and you can circle the island or head to neighboring Procida.
We strongly suggest renting a boat without skipper only if you have experience at sea, as there are a number of boats and ferries that navigate the waters around Ischia in the summer, and the seas tend to get choppy in the afternoon.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Where do boat tours depart from in Ischia?
Organized group tours depart mainly from Forio or Ischia Porto, depending on the operator. Private skippered charters can be arranged from all of the island's ports: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, and Forio. Boat taxis operate from Ischia Ponte and Sant'Angelo. Guests staying away from the port can reach the departure point by bus or taxi, or arrange directly with the operator for the most convenient boarding location.
Do boat tours run in bad weather?
No, boat tours are suspended when the sea is rough or the winds are strong. In case of cancellation, a full refund or rescheduling is offered. Morning departures are generally more stable than afternoon ones, when the wind tends to pick up. Checking the marine weather forecast before departure is always a good idea.
Can you take a boat tour from Ischia to Capri or the Amalfi Coast?
Yes, full-day boat tours from Ischia to Capri and the Amalfi Coast are available. The Capri tour lasts about 8–10 hours and includes stops at the Blue Grotto and Marina Piccola. Amalfi Coast tours connect Ischia to Positano, Amalfi, and Sorrento with swimming stops and lunch. These tours depart from Ischia Porto or Forio, depending on the operator, and can be booked through the Tours section of Ischia Insider. In peak season, booking at least 5–7 days in advance is advisable.
Is it possible to rent a boat without a license in Ischia?
Yes, small dinghies and wooden boats are available for rental without a boating license at all of Ischia's ports. These vessels are capped at 40 HP, enough to explore nearby coves and extend as far as Procida. Daily rental starts at around €80. It is recommended only for those with at least some sea experience: Ischia's coastline is busy with hydrofoils, ferries, and many boats, and the sea tends to get choppier in the afternoon. Those without experience are better off booking a skippered tour.
How long does an organized boat tour around the island take and how much does it cost?
An organized tour around the island typically lasts 6–7 hours, departing from Forio or Ischia Porto in the early morning. The route includes swimming stops at secluded coves, sea views of Aragonese Castle, Baia di Citara, Baia di San Montano, and the island's rocky inlets. Some tours include lunch on board. Prices start from around €70 per person for group tours. In peak season, booking in advance is recommended.
Can you get to Ischia by private speedboat?
Yes. Instead of a scheduled ferry, you can reach Ischia aboard a private speedboat departing from Naples, Capri, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast. Departure times are flexible, and some options include a chauffeured car to the embarkation pier. Service does not run in rough sea conditions. Availability, prices, and bookings are in the Transfer section of Ischia Insider.
When is the best season for a boat tour in Ischia?
The boat tour season in Ischia runs from April through October. The best months for a calm sea outing are June and September, when conditions are generally settled, and temperatures are pleasant. July and August offer the warmest water but come with peak season. Spring and fall bring more variable weather and a higher chance of cancellations, but prices are better, and the experience is quieter.
Do boat tours include a stop for lunch?
It depends on the tour. Some organized tours include lunch on board, served during the sail or at one of the stops. Others include a stop at a port or cove where you can eat at a local restaurant of your choice. Private skippered charters allow you to plan the day entirely around your preferences, including where and whether to stop for lunch. Before booking, it is worth checking what is included in the price and whether lunch is an extra.