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Taxi boats Ischia

Ischia Water Taxi: What to Know Before You Go

Taxi boats are the simplest way to reach Ischia's most secluded beaches, thermal springs, and coastal coves without a car or group tour. The service runs on the island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples, Italy, from 1 April through 31 October, operated by two local cooperatives: Cooperativa Ischia Barche at Ischia Ponte and Cooperativa San Michele at Sant’Angelo.

A taxi boat in Ischia is a small-craft water taxi service that connects the island's main piers with coves and beaches reachable only by sea. Boats carry between 4 and 12 passengers, run on fixed routes with per-person fares, and depart on request throughout the day. No advance booking required for standard routes — you simply show up at the pier.

Quick info

  • Operators: Cooperativa Ischia Barche (Ischia Ponte); Cooperativa San Michele (Sant’Angelo)

  • Season: 1 April – 31 October (weather-dependent; indicative)

  • Per-person fares: from €2–€8 one way, depending on route (indicative)

  • Private hire: from €200 for a full-day private boat tour (up to approximately 6 passengers; indicative)

  • Booking: on-site at the departure pier; advance booking recommended for private hire in July–August

What Is a Taxi Boat in Ischia?

A taxi boat in Ischia is a point-to-point maritime transfer service connecting the island's moles and piers with beaches, thermal springs, and coastal sites accessible only from the sea. Unlike a private boat charter, which you rent by the hour or full day, a water taxi operates like a shared shuttle: you pay per person per route, and the boat may carry other passengers heading in the same direction.

The service is managed by local boat cooperatives, which keeps fares regulated and posted at each pier. Ischia water taxis offer both shared rides at fixed per-person rates and private hire of the whole boat for your group, available on request at both departure points. As a water taxi service on a volcanic island with limited road access to many coastal locations, it fills a gap that public transportation does not.

Where Do Taxi Boats Depart From?

The island of Ischia has two main taxi boat hubs: one on the eastern side at Ischia Ponte and one on the southwestern coast at Sant’Angelo. A third informal point operates directly from Maronti Beach.

Departures from Ischia Ponte

Cooperativa Ischia Barche — also known locally as Ischiabarche — operates from the pier below the Castello Aragonese. From here, boats reach the eastern and southern coves: Cartaromana Beach, Spiaggia degli Inglesi, La Scarrupata, and San Pancrazio. One-way fares for short routes start at approximately €2–€4 per person (indicative; verify at the pier).

Departures from Sant’Angelo

Cooperativa San Michele runs from the pier at the village of Sant’Angelo, the car-free settlement on the southwestern tip of the island. Boats connect Sant’Angelo with Maronti Beach, Sorgeto (natural thermal springs directly in the sea), Cavascura, Cava Scura, and Le Fumarole. Routes from Sant’Angelo are slightly longer, so fares typically range from €3 to €8 per person one way (indicative).

Departures from Maronti Beach

Maronti Beach has an informal water taxi point at its eastern end, near the thermal springs area. Local operators here run short hops to Sorgeto and the neighboring thermal sites on request. No fixed timetable: ask the barchini operators directly on the beach.

Taxi Boat Prices

Fares below are indicative and based on prices observed during the 2026 season. All fares are per person, one way, unless noted. Verify current rates at the departure pier before boarding.

Route

Per-person fare

Operator

Ischia Ponte ↔ Cartaromana Beach

€3–€4

Cooperativa Ischia Barche

Ischia Ponte ↔ La Scarrupata

€4–€6

Cooperativa Ischia Barche

Sant’Angelo ↔ Maronti Beach

€3–€4

Cooperativa San Michele

Sant’Angelo ↔ Sorgeto

€4–€6

Cooperativa San Michele

Sant’Angelo ↔ Cavascura / Cava Scura

€5–€8

Cooperativa San Michele

Sant’Angelo ↔ Le Fumarole

€3–€5

Cooperativa San Michele

Private hire (whole boat, up to ~6 pax)

from €60–€100

Both cooperatives

Private full-day tour of the island

from €200

Both cooperatives

All fares are indicative and subject to seasonal variation.

Taxi Boat vs Private Boat Charter: Which One to Choose?

Water Taxi (taxi boat)

Private Boat Charter

Pricing model

Per person, per route

Full boat, hourly or daily

Flexibility

Fixed routes, on request

Custom itinerary

Other passengers

Shared boat

Exclusive hire

Typical use

Single beach transfer

Full-day exploration, multiple stops

Approx. cost

€3–€8 per person

from €200 per day

The water taxi is the right option when you need a quick transfer to a specific beach or thermal spring. A boat rental makes more sense for groups of 4 or more who want to set their own schedule and visit multiple coves. If your group plans three or more stops around the island, private transfers or a full-day charter will likely cost less per person than paying individual taxi boat fares for each leg.

If you are a group of 3 or more heading to the same destination, ask the cooperative about hiring the whole boat before buying per-person tickets: the combined fare sometimes works out close to the individual total, with the added benefit of departing immediately without waiting.

When Does the Taxi Boat Service Run?

Both cooperatives operate from 1 April through 31 October. Boats run throughout the day, typically between 9:00 and 18:00 (hours vary by operator and season; indicative).

In July and August, departures from Ischia Ponte and Sant’Angelo run roughly every 20–30 minutes on the busiest routes. Outside peak season, boats may run on request rather than on a fixed schedule.

Services are suspended in rough sea conditions: both cooperatives make the call on the day with no advance notification system. Check the weather forecast the evening before if your itinerary depends on reaching Sorgeto or Cavascura — conditions in this part of the Bay of Naples can shift overnight. If you arrive at the pier and boats are not running, no fare is charged. During shoulder season (April–May, September–October), it is worth booking accommodation with free cancellation if taxi boat access is central to your plans.

Where Can Taxi Boats Take You?

Taxi boats serve all the major coastal locations on Ischia that have no road access or limited parking on the eastern, southern, and southwestern coastlines:

  • Cartaromana Beach — eastern coast, near the Castello Aragonese; fine-pebble beach with clear water

  • Spiaggia degli Inglesi — eastern coast, sheltered small beach

  • La Scarrupata — southeastern coast, rocky and pebble cove

  • San Pancrazio — southeastern coast, thermal beach with geothermal activity

  • Maronti Beach — south coast, one of the longest beaches on the island (approximately 2 km)

  • Sorgeto — south coast, natural thermal hot springs directly in the sea, open year-round

  • Cavascura / Cava Scura — south coast, historic spa with thermal pools in a rocky ravine

  • Le Fumarole — south coast, geothermal sand beach

  • Citara — western coast, near Forio, large beach with thermal park access

Note: the northern coast towns of Casamicciola Terme and Lacco Ameno are more easily reached by road or bus; the taxi boat network concentrates on the eastern, southern, and southwestern coves. Most boat trips take between 5 and 20 minutes.

Boat Transfers from Ischia to Nearby Destinations

For cross-destination transfers from the island of Ischia to other Bay of Naples ports and Amalfi Coast stops, private transfers and charter operators offer pre-booked routes distinct from the local cooperative water taxi service.

Common routes and approximate transfer times:

  • Ischia to Capri — approximately 1 hour by private speedboat

  • Ischia to Procida — approximately 20–30 minutes

  • Ischia to Sorrento — approximately 45–60 minutes

  • Ischia to Positano — approximately 60–80 minutes

  • Ischia to Amalfi Coast (Amalfi, Ravello area) — approximately 90–120 minutes

  • Ischia to Naples (Molo Beverello) — approximately 45–60 minutes

Transfer times are indicative and vary by vessel type and sea conditions. Private transfers from Ischia are best organized through boat rental operators or tour companies based at Ischia Porto or Ischia Ponte. Fares for cross-island routes are not fixed; request a quote directly with the operator at least 24 hours in advance.

Browse all boat tours, water taxis, and charters available from Ischia on Ischia Insider: Boat Tours, Charters & Rentals.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

How much is it to rent the whole boat for a group?
Group fares for up to 6 passengers start at €65 for mid-distance routes such as Ischia Ponte to Maronti Beach, and reach €200 for the full around-the-island loop. Intermediate destinations from Sant'Angelo — Forio, Lacco Ameno, Casamicciola, Ischia Porto or the Castello Aragonese — fall in the €100–120 range. The flat fare is fixed regardless of the actual number of passengers, so the group rate works in your favour from 4 people up. For full-boat bookings, call ahead: San Michele +39 081 904460 (Sant'Angelo) or Ischia Barche +39 081 984854 (Ischia Ponte).
How much do children pay?
Children aged 0–5 travel at half price on most routes: €2 on short rides from Sant'Angelo to Le Fumarole, Cavascura, Olmitello and the Maronti bus station, and €2.50 on the Sorgeto run. From age 6 onward the full adult fare applies. Reduced rates are not published for every route — ask at the pier for prices on Ischia Ponte departures or for full-boat bookings. Boats carry life jackets sized for children, but mention the presence of minors when boarding so the crew can confirm that the correct safety equipment is on board.
When does the taxi boat service run in Ischia?
Boats run from April 1 to October 31, with daily hours from 8:00 to 19:00 at the Ischia Ponte slipway and from 9:00 to 20:00 at the Sant'Angelo pier. Off-hour rides are available by phone arrangement at a 50% surcharge on the published fare. Outside the season the cooperatives suspend operations: the southern coast is exposed to autumn and winter swells, and most of the beaches served by the boats are themselves closed. Morning departures are the most reliable window — wind usually picks up after lunch, especially in July and August.
How long does each taxi boat ride take?
Short legs run 5–15 minutes on calm water: Cartaromana from Ischia Ponte takes about 5 minutes, Spiaggia degli Inglesi 10–15 minutes, and Le Fumarole or Cavascura from Sant'Angelo around 10 minutes each. Longer routes like Ischia Ponte to Maronti Beach or Sant'Angelo to Citara require 20–25 minutes. The full around-the-island loop takes 3–4 hours depending on stops agreed with the skipper at the start of the trip. Times can stretch slightly in choppy conditions, when the captain reduces speed for passenger comfort.
Where do I board a taxi boat in Ischia?
There are three boarding points on the island: the slipway on Via Pontano in Ischia Ponte, between the Hotel Miramare e Castello and La Mandra Beach (Cooperativa Ischia Barche); the small pier in front of the main square in Sant'Angelo, near the Il Pirata restaurant (Cooperativa San Michele); and a secondary walk-up boarding area at the eastern end of Maronti Beach. The two main piers are signposted and reachable on foot. At Maronti there is no fixed counter: board directly from the beach at the cooperative's moored boats.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, walk-up boarding is the standard for regular routes during opening hours. You arrive at the pier and depart on the first available run. Phone booking is useful in three specific cases: off-hour rides (with a 50% surcharge), full-boat group fares including the around-the-island loop, and a guaranteed pick-up at a remote beach for the return leg. The numbers are San Michele +39 081 904460 (Sant'Angelo) and Ischia Barche +39 081 984854 (Ischia Ponte). In July and August arriving 20 minutes before your preferred run noticeably reduces wait time.
How do I get to the boarding points if I'm not nearby?
The two main piers are served by the EAV bus network (€1.50 per ride, ticket valid 100 minutes) and by metered ground taxis (radiotaxi +39 081 992550, available around the clock). From Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte is a few minutes on foot along the seafront promenade. Reaching Sant'Angelo by bus takes 20–40 minutes from the main towns, depending on the route. The EAV network covers all six municipalities of the island with frequent runs in summer, making the boarding points accessible without a car. Opening hours and prices may change; please check for updates before your visit.
Is the taxi boat suitable for families with children?
Yes, the service works well for families with children able to board a small motorboat on their own — most legs run 5–15 minutes on calm water, life jackets sized for kids are on board, and the boats only operate when sea conditions are safe. Children aged 0–5 travel at half price on most short routes. Not suitable for full-size strollers or prams: space on board is limited and there is no luggage hold. A baby carrier is the practical option for infants and very young children.
Can I bring luggage on a taxi boat?
Space on board is limited and there is no luggage hold: the practical limit is a backpack, a beach bag or one medium soft bag per passenger. Hard-shell suitcases are not workable. For moving full luggage between hotels on the island the taxi boat is not the right tool: a private boat transfer with advance booking or a ground taxi works better, depending on the route. If you have a bulky item, mention it before boarding so the crew can confirm there is space and adjust seating accordingly.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The service is suspended when wind or sea conditions make boarding unsafe; the decision is made on the day, not in advance. The cooperatives do not pre-charge and do not bill cancelled rides. A scirocco from the south typically affects Sant'Angelo departures; a heavy mistral from the north-west tends to disrupt the Ischia Ponte station. Conditions are most variable in spring and autumn. Morning departures are more reliable than afternoon ones in July and August. Check the local marine forecast before heading to the pier, since the cooperatives do not issue advance cancellation notices.
Is the taxi boat crowded in July and August?
Yes, demand is highest in midsummer on the short Sant'Angelo runs to Maronti, Le Fumarole and Sorgeto, with traffic concentrated between 10:00 and 14:00. Wait times at the pier can reach 20–30 minutes on peak days. Early-morning departures and late-afternoon runs (after 17:00) are noticeably quieter. Arriving 20 minutes before your preferred departure helps secure a seat on the first available boat. The cooperatives do not hold reserved seats on regular routes: it is first come, first served once boarding starts.
Taxi boat or private boat charter — which one should I choose?
A taxi boat is the right tool for a single transfer to a hard-to-reach beach: per-person fare, short ride, no booking required. A private boat charter with skipper is the better fit for a half- or full-day on the water with custom stops, swimming breaks and lunch on board — full-day rates start around €500. The around-the-island group fare (€200 for up to 6 passengers, 3–4 hours) sits between the two: a single coastal loop without the cost of a full charter, useful when you want one complete circuit rather than a flexible cruise.
Can I take a taxi boat from Ischia to Capri or Sorrento?
No, the two island cooperatives do not run cross-Gulf transfers. To reach Capri, Procida, Sorrento, Positano or the Amalfi Coast by private boat you book through specialised charter operators that work across the Gulf of Naples. Typical durations: Ischia–Procida 15–20 minutes, Ischia–Capri or Ischia–Sorrento 35–60 minutes, Positano and the Amalfi Coast 1.5–2 hours. Fares run roughly €400–€800 each way for up to 6 passengers, depending on the destination and the season. For scheduled ferries to Capri and Procida the embarkation point is Ischia Porto, not the taxi boat piers.
Is there Uber in Ischia? What's the difference from a taxi boat?
No, Uber does not operate on the island of Ischia. The available transport options are: metered ground taxis (radiotaxi +39 081 992550), the EAV bus network (€1.50 per ride), taxi boats by sea to beaches not reachable by road, and rental cars, scooters or bikes. The label "water taxi" used in international guides refers to the same service that local operators call taxi boat: same boats, same cooperatives, same fares. For reaching Sant'Angelo from the port, the taxi boat is often faster than a ground taxi forced onto winding inland roads.