Coats Quests

Hands down our favorite way to spend a summer day is renting rubber boats. You can find multiple noleggio barche in the Campania region from Napoli to the Amalfi. I’m sharing our favorite places, but the possibilities are virtually endless!

From Monte di Procida, you can circumnavigate the islands of Ischia and Procida; likewise, from Nerano you can circumnavigate Capri. Our first few times, we left from Nerano, coasted through Capri’s legendary Faraglioni rock formations, and swam in crystal blue waters around the gorgeous island. However, the drive to Nerano is long and verrrrry windy, taking nearly 2 hours from our home. It’s worth it once to see Capri, but for us, the shorter drive to Pozzuoli/Monte di Procida now wins every time. Additionally, it’s easier to port on Ischia or Procida and grab gelato from the sleepy little towns on the water. And it’s about 50-60 Euro cheaper to go around Ischia/Procida. We love this day. There are lots of boat tours around Amalfi, and you can also hire a skipper to take you around the island, a popular choice if you don’t want to do the driving. But for a fraction of the cost (130-150 Euro plus gas), the day holds endless possibilities of snorkeling, cliff jumping, relaxing, grotto swimming, and even swimming up to natural hot springs.

What to bring: We pack a cooler with picnic lunch, snorkel gear, water shoes (the rocks on the island are SOOOOO sharp), 10 -15 Euro cash for docking the boat, pool noodles or floaties (usually available in shops near the rentals) and LOTS of sunscreen. This is a full sun day…burns are eminent, but we attempt to reduce the inevitability with good quality sunscreen, hats, and sun shirts.

Monte di Procida:

Where to park: Arrive early, of course, but parking is easy in the lot adjacent to the row of boat rental companies. The lot uses a parking meter. If that is full, you can always go up the street a bit to the next metered lot. We have always used Nunzia with Mediterraneo Service Boats. They give a detailed map noting where to go and where to avoid. Our routine is to arrive early to snag a good parking spot, grab a caffe (use the restroom), and then head out. Ask the rental company for a good location to dock your boat. We love this place in Sant’Angelo!

Nerano:

Where to park: There is a large monitored public lot. We have paid 20 Euro for the entire day. Then walk down to Bassa Marea Boat Charter, which is a tiki hut, where you will pick up your boat. If you’re like us, you’ll grab caffe (so we can use the restroom), before heading out!

Both companies use WhatsApp, and boats can be reserved by texting them. The later the date in summer, the more advanced reservations need to be. Water is pretty cold in June, but irresistible by August! (My kids don’t seem to mind either way!)

What my kids liked: Everything. Cliff jumping, snorkeling, exploring grottos, lounging in kiddie inner tubes in the water.

Fair winds, my friend. You are going to love this experience!