What to bring on a Positano boat tour

Wear your swimwear under your clothes, bring a soft bag rather than a wheeled case, pack a layer for the way back, and carry some cash. The swim stop arrives sooner than people expect and there is nowhere private to change on a shared boat, so having it on already saves a small performance under a towel. Soft bags matter because deck space is shared and a hard case has nowhere to live. The layer is for the return leg, when you are wet, the boat is moving and the sun is lower than it was. And cash is because the fees that arrive on the day — grotto entrances, landing charges — are collected on the water.

SwimwearWorn under your clothes

BagSoft, not wheeled

For the returnA layer, even in August

CashFor on-the-day fees

Usually aboardTowels, masks, drinks

FootwearSomething for the stairs

What is already on the boat

More than people expect. The full-day listings here carry snorkel gear and floats, drinks, and shade, and most have a toilet aboard; several also carry towels. That means the bag you bring can be small. Sun protection, something to drink water from, a phone in something that will survive a splash, and a layer is close to the whole list. What each listing actually includes is set out on all tours compared.

Why cash, and how much of a nuisance it is

Some Capri days collect a landing fee on the water, and the Blue Grotto entrance is paid on site to the rowing boats. Card machines on a tender in a swell are not a thing. Bring enough for whichever of those applies to your booking, in notes small enough to hand over. How the grotto payment works is on the Blue Grotto page.

One last thing that has nothing to do with the boat: whatever you carry down to the pier, you carry back up the stairs afterwards, tired and salty. That is the real argument for travelling light here — finding the pier.

Check dates for the most-reviewed tour

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure on most tours — book now, decide later.

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear on a boat tour in Positano?

Swimwear underneath, something easy over it, and shoes you can climb stairs in. Add a layer for the return leg, when you are wet and the boat is moving. What is aboard already is listed on the tours compared.

Do I need to bring a towel and snorkel?

Usually not. Most full-day listings here carry masks, floats and often towels, along with drinks and shade. Check your own booking before packing duplicates.

Do I need cash on a boat tour?

Yes, if your day includes the Blue Grotto or a landing fee collected on the water. Both are paid on site rather than by card — how the grotto payment works.