Yacht charter in the Bay of Naples: Vesuvius, Capri and pizza on board

Do you know what pizza margarita and yachting in Naples have in common? Both are brought to perfection here. In the first case, simple ingredients that combine to create an explosion of flavor. In the second, there are simple joys: a warm sea, azure water and a view of the volcano that once wiped Pompeii off the face of the earth.

The Bay of Naples is a place where history, nature and the Italian dolce vita meet at one point. Renting a yacht here allows you to see what is hidden from pedestrians: the villas of the Roman emperors at the bottom of the sea near Baia, the fishing villages of Procida, which are impossible to forget, and sunsets against the backdrop of Vesuvius, coloring the sky the color of ripe peaches.

Unlike the glamorous Costa Smeralda or the prim Cote d’Azur, the Bay of Naples remains more alive, more real. There is less pathos here, but more soul. And yes, it will probably taste better here.

Why the Bay of Naples is the perfect place for yachting

There are three reasons why this region should be chosen for charter.

The first is diversity. You can do everything in one cruise: swim in the clear waters off the island of Capri in the morning, have lunch in the fishing bay on Ischia in the afternoon, and anchor at Vesuvius in the evening. And at the same time, you will never get bored — every island here has its own character.

Capri is glamorous, expensive, with a Blue cave and crowds of tourists. Ischia is green, with thermal springs and a more peaceful atmosphere. Procida is tiny, multicolored, similar to Burano, but without crowds. And each of them is accessible from the water in an hour and a half from Naples.

The second is history. You can dock at Pompeii and imagine what the city looked like before that very night in 79. Or go to Bayeux, an underwater archaeological park where Roman villas rest on the bottom and can be seen through the clear water. Or just sail past Castel del Ovo Castle, where, according to legend, Virgil hid the egg on which the fate of Naples depends.

The third is food. Naples is the birthplace of pizza. And believe me, pizza eaten on the deck of a yacht overlooking Mount Vesuvius is not just a meal, it’s a cultural experience. And also seafood, which is the freshest here, limoncello, which was invented here, and local wine, which is produced here on the slopes of that volcano.

Where to start: ports and marinas

Naples is the most obvious and convenient place to start. The city’s port (Porto di Napoli) is a large marina with good infrastructure: water, electricity, gas station, parking. It is easy to reach any island or coast from here. Plus, Naples is a transport hub: it’s easy to fly here, get there by train or car. The downside is that the city is noisy and chaotic, and if you’re looking for peace, you might want to start somewhere else.

Sorrento is a quieter alternative. A small port, cozy streets, lemon trees and a view of Vesusium, which opens from the embankment. From here it is convenient to start on Capri or along the Amalfi coast. But there is less marina here, and there is a shortage of space in high season.

Castellammare di Stabia is a port between Naples and Sorrento, less well—known to tourists, but no less convenient. It is within easy reach of Pompeii (15 minutes by car) and the coast. A good option if you want to combine yachting with excursions on land and not overpay for parking.

What to choose: sail, motor or catamaran

The choice of vessel depends on your plans.

Motor yacht — if you want to explore all the islands in a day. It takes an hour to walk from Naples to Capri, an hour and a half to Ischia, and 40 minutes to Procida. You can do everything on a motor yacht. Plus, motor yachts are often rented here for parties — with music, cocktails and stops at the most beautiful coves. The downside is that fuel is expensive in Italy, and the costs can be substantial.

Sailing yacht — if you value silence and are ready to adjust to the wind. Winds can be unpredictable in the Bay of Naples, but steady breezes prevail during the season (from May to September). A sailboat is about romance, about leisurely gliding between islands, about evening wine on the deck under the stars.

Catamaran — if there are a lot of you (6-12 people) or if you are afraid of pitching. The catamaran is stable, spacious, and has room for everyone. Ideal for families with children or groups of friends who want to travel together but not sleep on each other’s heads.

Rent with or without a captain? If you don’t have an ICC license or equivalent and experience, the answer is obvious — with a captain. The local waters are full of underwater rocks, the currents in the straits between the islands are strong, and the ports of Naples and Sorrento have a high density of ships. The captain will remove all these problems and at the same time tell you where the best pizza is and which bay to enter to avoid the crowds.

Routes: what to see on a yacht in Naples

Classic: Naples — Capri — Ischia — Procida — Naples (3-5 days)

This route covers all three main islands.

Day 1: Departure from Naples. A short walk to Capri. On the way there is a tour of the island from the water: the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks, Villa Malpaso. Anchorage in Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. A night in Capri.

Day 2: Transfer to Ischia. It is a green island with thermal springs. You can anchor off the bay of Sant’Angelo or enter the port. Be sure to swim in the hot springs that gush directly into the sea near the Gulf of Sorgello.

Day 3: Procida is a tiny, colorful, incredibly photogenic island. Here you can wander through the streets, have lunch at a fishing restaurant and feel the real, non-tourist Italy.

Day 4: Return to Naples with a stop at Baia, an underwater archaeological park where the ruins of Roman villas can be seen through the water.

The alternative: Sorrento — Capri — Amalfi — Positano — Sorrento (3-5 days)

This route is along the Amalfi coast. These are not islands, but cities on cliffs, which look even more dramatic from the water.

Day 1: Sorrento — Capri.
Day 2: Capri — Amalfi. On the way there is the bay of Nerano, which is considered one of the most beautiful on the coast.
Day 3: Amalfi — Positano — return to Sorrento. Positano from the water — these are colorful houses clinging to the rock, and a small beach cove below.

Short route for the day: Naples — Baia Procida — Naples

If you have only one day, you can do a lot. In the morning — departure from Naples, an hour’s walk to Baia, snorkeling over the Roman ruins. Then lunch in Procida. In the evening, return to Naples with sunset against the backdrop of Mount Vesuvius.

Special places in Naples that cannot be missed

Posillippo beach. It is located right in Naples, but you cannot reach it from land — only from the water. A narrow strip of sand at the foot of a cliff, surrounded by pine trees. Locals say that there was once a villa of the Roman poet Virgil here.

Cala di Nerano. The bay is on the way from Capri to Amalfi. The water here is so clear that the yacht seems to float in the air. A small beach surrounded by cliffs is an ideal place for a midday stopover.

Bayi Underwater Park. About 20 km west of Naples, near the modern town of Bacoli. At the bottom are the ruins of an ancient Roman resort: villas, thermal baths, mosaics. The sunken city can be viewed with a mask or scuba diving, if there is a certificate. It feels like diving into a time machine.

Castel del Ovo Castle. The famous Neapolitan fortress on a tiny island. It looks especially impressive from the water. Legend has it that Virgil hid a magical egg in the castle’s cellars, and as long as it is intact, Naples is safe.

Seasons and prices for yachts in Naples

May and June are great times for yachting. The sea warms up to 20-22 degrees, the sun is shining, but there is still no sweltering heat. Tourists are moderate, prices are average.

July and August are the peak. It’s hot, crowded, and expensive. The water temperature rises to 26-27 degrees. Renting a yacht at this time can cost 30-50% more than in May. If you are planning a cruise for these months, you need to book 6-9 months in advance.

September and October are the velvet season. The water is still warm (up to 24-25 degrees), there are fewer tourists, and prices are decreasing. Many consider September to be the best time to travel around the Bay of Naples.

Prices. A sailing yacht for 6 people with a captain in May will cost from 3,500 to 6,000 euros per week. Catamaran for 8-10 people — from 7,000 to 12,000 euros. Motor yacht — from 9,000 euros and above, plus fuel (from 300 to 1,000 euros per week, depending on the route). The base price usually does not include meals (provisions), port fees and tips for the crew. Put an additional 30-50% on it.

Anyships organizes yacht rentals in the Bay of Naples with full escort. We will select a vessel for your needs — sailing, motor or catamaran, with or without a captain. We will help you plan a route to Capri, Ischia, Procida and the Amalfi coast. Let’s tell you where it’s cheaper to get up for the night and which restaurant on the beach has the best pizza.

Contact us to start planning your Italian cruise. We know every bay here.