If you’re planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast (or just Capri Island), then you have GOT to go on a private boat tour during your trip. In my opinion, it is well worth the money! In fact, my time on the boat was probably my absolute favorite thing I did throughout my entire trip. And like I mentioned in my last post, I went on 4 different boat tours while there last month because I loved it so much :)

Today I’m going to try and answer all your questions I received via instagram, snapchat and blog comments pertaining to boat tours in Italy. I’m telling you everything you need to know in order to make the most of your private boat tour in Capri Italy.

Which Boat Rental Company to Use?

You don’t necessarily need to plan ahead because there are PLENTY of boats to be rented, trust me. I went in June (which is one of the busiest times to go) and I had no issues finding a boat to rent. In fact, I found plenty of options, despite what my hotel concierge told me :)

But if you insist on planning ahead (and I don’t blame you!), let me help you by pointing you in the right direction slash explaining the boat rental sitch. There are TONS of different companies you can use to rent boats and fortunately, they’re all about the same price so it’s just a matter of (a) what kind of boat you want and (b) when you want to go (coordinating with their availability). Here’s a list of all the companies that offer boat rentals (with a skipper included) for your reference – and most of them are located in the little souvenir shops along the harbor.

Your hotel might be able to book it for you as well; but I bet they only work with a few companies, so you might have limited availability (for times lots AND kind of boat). Also note that some of the companies only take cash so keep that in mind and be sure to ask if you book in advance.

To be honest, I really can’t remember which company we used! And I paid in cash so I can’t look at my credit card statement – sorry friends. But they’re all good so you can’t go wrong!

Outfit Details: SWIMSUIT: Carla Coletto (wearing size 6) also available here // EARRINGS: Kendra Scott Rogan Stud Earrings // COVERUP: Nordstrom (LOVE it and I’ve worn it as a kimono too! so cute!) // SUNHAT: BP (sold out – similar here) // SUNGLASSES: Ray Ban Aviators

What Should I Bring?

I’ve put together the perfect packing list based on my experience and what I think you’ll need to have the BEST time during your private boat tour :) Let me know if you’d add anything, but I think this covers it all!

1. Swimsuit (duh) // 2. Coverup for walking around before and after your boat ride // 3. Beach bag for all your goodies // 4. Snacks & wine (yes!) – there’s a little mini grocery store in between a few of the souvenir shops along the harbor. Bring some cash and pop in there before your schedule boat ride time to pick up a few bottles of vino! Some of the boating companies also have beer for you (in their ice chests!) but it might be nice to have some of your own wine as well! // 5. Sunscreen or other sun protection // 6. Sunglasses (#necessary) & sunhat since it is typically REALLY sunny AND it was nice to have something to hold my hair on one place because it was blowing ALL over the place. // 7. Towel (for just in case you take a little dip in the ocean!) but some of the boating companies provide towels for you, so just be sure to check! // 8. Portable speakers (I have and love this one!) – maybe you didn’t have room to pack any, but if you’ve got them then you should totally bring them on our boat ride!

How About The “Blue Grotto”?

Okay so here are my thoughts on the blue grotto – and some of you will for sure disagree, but you really don’t need to go. Eeek! I know, crazy for me to say, but I’m serious. It’s such tourist trap if you ask me…

Or okay maybe that’s on your bucket list, but it’s SUCH a tourist trap you guys! There’s usually a LONG line of boats waiting to get in there and who wants to waste their time waiting in line? (especially time that costs a pretty penny!). There’s plenty of other beautiful attractions you can see on your tour while enjoying your time out and about on the water.

What Time of Day Is Best To Go?

It really just depends on what you want to do before and after because you really can’t choose  a bad time to go out on the boat. I would suggest going in the morning so you can spend the afternoon roaming around and hanging out in the city center. But then again, it might be nice to go out on a sunset cruise and enjoy a bottle of wine!