Sailing the Amalfi Coast: A Week in Paradise

Mooring Options and Costs

Positano, Amalfi, and Cetara each have distinct mooring setups. Positano is mostly buoy-based, Amalfi has organized marina pontoons, and Cetara offers a small municipal port with limited berths. Fees, space, and reservation processes differ—expect prices and availability to shift with the season.

Mooring in Positano, Amalfi, and Cetara

• Positano

• Type: Predominantly mooring buoys and a small passenger pier; limited fixed pontoons for private yachts. Most buoys require a tender transfer ashore.

• Reservation: Strongly recommended in high season. Several operators manage the buoy fields, and private moorings fill early.

• Pricing: Rates can reach €80–€250+ per night for a 12–15m yacht in July and August (length, operator, and timing affect this). Expect the upper end during weekends and festivals.

• Trade-off: Anchoring in front of Spiaggia Grande is possible in settled weather, but the area is exposed to ferry wake and afternoon chop.

• Amalfi (Marina/Pontile Coppola)

• Type: Protected harbour with pontoons and professional marina staff. Berths are available for a range of yacht sizes, but confirm maximum LOA directly with the marina as published limits vary.

• Reservation: Online bookings available; in high season, book as far ahead as possible.

• Pricing: Nightly rates for mid-sized yachts (12–16m) typically €100–€400+ in peak months. Rates rise with size and added services (power, water, waste).

• Advantage: Direct shore access, provisioning nearby, and immediate access to the old town.

• Cetara

• Type: Small municipal port, pontoons managed by Cetara Servizi e Sviluppo. Designed for small to medium craft.

• Reservation: The municipality assigns seasonal berths via an annual application; short-term transit berths are limited—contact the harbour office directly.

• Pricing: For 2024, official daily transit rates for a 12m yacht in July–August are about €65 per night. Rates are set by municipal decree and published seasonally; always confirm for your dates.

• Trade-off: Fewer services and limited space, but a quiet, protected overnight stop away from the main tourist hubs.

Mooring Comparison Table (Typical Seasonal Picture)

Practical Mooring Tips

• Book early for July–August—Amalfi, Positano, and Capri can be fully booked weeks in advance. Some charter operators pre-book berths; if not, use marina booking portals or call directly.
• In Positano, plan for tendering ashore from buoys. Factor in extra fuel and time.
• For Cetara, check the latest municipal notice (“bando”) for the current tariff and process. Short-term transits may need to coordinate arrival time with the port office.
• Fees fluctuate—always confirm the current rate when booking, as 2024 tariffs may differ from prior years.

Provisioning, Fuel, and Services

You’ll need to plan for groceries, fuel, and water—especially with limited marina space and unpredictable schedules. Provisioning varies by port; some offer full supermarkets and fuel docks, others much less.

Where to Provision and Refuel

Provisioning Tips

• Salerno and Sorrento are best for a full stock-up: large supermarkets (e.g., Conad, Carrefour) within a short taxi ride or delivery to the marina. Expect €100–€200 for a week's groceries for four, depending on diet and preferences.
• Amalfi has several small grocery shops and bakeries within a few hundred meters of the marina; prices are higher than inland.
• Positano and Cetara have small convenience shops and fresh produce, but limited selection and higher prices. Buy staples in Salerno or Sorrento.
• Fuel:
• Salerno (Marina d’Arechi): Full fuel dock, open daily in season.
• Sorrento: Fuel dock at the main marina.
• Amalfi: Fuel dock near the marina entrance; can be crowded—expect to wait during morning rush.
• No fuel dock in Positano or Cetara—top up before or after these stops.
• Capri: Fuel dock in the main marina, prices are typically higher than mainland.

Typical Fuel Costs

Diesel is usually in the €1.80–€2.20 per litre range in 2024. A typical 40-foot sailing yacht will use 35–60 litres for a week (mostly for entering/leaving harbours and minimal motoring), so budget €65–€130 for fuel. Motor yachts will need much more—check your boat’s consumption.

Waste and Pump-Out Facilities

Proper waste disposal is enforced along the Amalfi Coast, especially within marine protected areas. Pump-out facilities and procedures vary by port.

• Procedure: In marinas with pump-out, request assistance on VHF or at the office. Some facilities are mobile (cart) units. Fees are often included but can be €10–€20 in some ports.
• AMP restrictions: Discharging blackwater or any waste is strictly prohibited within the AMP—use marina facilities only.

Charter Paperwork, Check-in/out, and Insurance

Charter paperwork and procedures are consistent with most Mediterranean bases, but small differences matter. Prepare the following documents and familiarize yourself with the local process.

Licenses and Certificates

• Skipper’s license: Many charter companies require an RYA Day Skipper, ICC (International Certificate of Competence), or a national equivalent. The ICC is widely recognized, but not universal—check with your operator.
• VHF certificate: Many operators, especially in Italy, require a VHF operator's certificate (SRC or equivalent).
• Crew List & Passport/ID: Submit a full crew list in advance; have passports or EU ID cards for all crew.
• Insurance:
• Hull insurance is included in most charters, with an excess (security deposit) payable on check-in—often €2,000–€4,000.
• Third-party liability is standard.
• Optional damage waiver: Many operators offer a non-refundable waiver (often €150–€400) to reduce or replace the deposit.
• Check-in/out times:
• Check-in: Usually from 17:00 on embarkation day; some bases offer earlier boarding for a fee.
• Check-out: Typically by 09:00 on disembarkation day, with a technical debrief and fuel tank check.

What to Bring

• Printed copies (and scans) of all licenses
• Confirmation of booking and paid extras
• Credit card for deposit
• Local marina/harbour contact numbers

Weather Conditions and Sailing Seasons

The Amalfi Coast’s weather is Mediterranean: mild shoulder seasons, hot summers, and variable winter. Local wind and sea conditions can shift quickly.

Optimal Sailing Seasons

• May–June, September: Warm water, fewer crowds, reliable services. Most comfortable for sailing and mooring flexibility.
• July–August: Peak heat and tourism. Marinas and buoys are crowded, and berth rates increase significantly.
• October–April: Services reduce, and weather becomes less predictable. Some marinas close or reduce staff. Charter availability is limited in winter, and some operators do not offer bareboat charters outside main season—confirm with your provider.

Local Wind and Sea State

• Mornings: Light winds, often under 10 knots.
• Afternoons: Thermic breezes build, especially along exposed stretches—10–20+ knots are typical.
• Sirocco (SE) and Maestrale (N): Occasional strong gusts require attention, especially near headlands and in open passages.
• Sea state: Can change rapidly—plan to arrive in port by mid-afternoon when possible.

Crowds and Service Windows

• Ferries and taxi boats: Operate at full capacity June–September. Outside this window, expect reduced frequency.
• Restaurants and shore services: Book ahead during peak months. In shoulder season, many places remain open but with shorter hours.

Local Sailing Regulations and Protected Areas

The Amalfi Coast is covered by local port ordinances and the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area (AMP). Anchoring and navigation rules change between zones.

Anchoring Restrictions

• Punta Campanella AMP: Divided into Zones A/B/C.
• Zone A: Strict reserve—no access, navigation, or anchoring except by explicit authorization.
• Zones B/C: Regulated access; mooring buoys may be provided. Anchoring outside designated areas is prohibited.
• Li Galli: Inside the AMP; special protection applies. Anchoring is prohibited or strictly regulated—check current charts and AMP notices before planning a stop.
• Local ordinances: Most Capitanerie issue seasonal rules reserving a strip (often 200–300m) for bathing. Speed is limited to 3 knots within this zone, and crossing must be perpendicular. Further out, reduced speed limits (often 6–10 knots) apply up to 1nm offshore.

Practical Rules

• Treat all AMP areas as no-anchoring unless you spot authorized buoys.
• Use marina pontoons or AMP moorings where provided.
• Obey all local buoys, painted swim zones, and harbour staff instructions—fines for non-compliance are enforced by the Guardia Costiera.
• AMP boundaries and rules can change seasonally—download the latest Punta Campanella AMP cartography before departure.

Itinerary Suggestions and Key Destinations

A week-long clockwise circuit works well, starting and ending at Salerno or Sorrento. This gives you flexibility for provisioning, easy access to the coast, and a manageable schedule.

Suggested One-Week Amalfi Coast Itinerary

• Day 0: Embark at Salerno (Marina d’Arechi) or Sorrento/Marina di Puolo. Complete check-in, provisioning, safety briefing.
• Day 1: Sorrento/Salerno → Positano (15–20 nm from Sorrento; 7–9 nm from Capri/Amalfi). Secure a buoy or anchorage, tender ashore for dinner.
• Day 2: Positano → Conca dei Marini / Fiordo di Furore. Swim stops at permitted locations, visit Grotta dello Smeraldo.
• Day 3: Conca → Amalfi (7–9 nm). Berth at Marina Coppola for town visit and provisioning.
• Day 4: Amalfi → Cetara (6–8 nm). Overnight at municipal pontoon, enjoy seafood ashore.
• Day 5: Cetara → Nerano / Marina del Cantone. Sheltered anchorage, explore land trails, tender transfers.
• Day 6: Nerano → Capri (Marina Piccola or main marina). Island day—book berths in advance.
• Day 7: Capri → Return base (Sorrento or Salerno), disembark, debrief.

Key Distances

Trade-offs and Tips

• For calm, private nights, choose bays like Nerano or Conca—shore access is less convenient.
• Schedule provisioning in Amalfi or Salerno for best access to supermarkets and services.

Safety Precautions and Emergency Contacts

The Amalfi Coast is busy, with frequent ferry wakes, shifting weather, and tight mooring. Basic seamanship and preparation are essential.

Safety Guidelines

• VHF and Emergency Contacts:
• Maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16.
• Guardia Costiera ‘Numero Blu’: 1530 (toll-free).
• European emergency number: 112.
• When calling, state your MMSI/boat name, position, number of people, and the nature of the emergency.
• Lifejackets & Drills:
• Carry lifejackets for all crew.
• Practice man-overboard drills before departure.
• Wear lifejackets in deteriorating weather or at night.
• Weather Briefings:
• Check coastal forecasts each morning and before each leg.
• Afternoon breezes and unexpected gales can develop quickly; if >15–20 knots is forecast, avoid exposed passages.
• Speed & Bathing Zones:
• Respect bathing strips (usually 200–300m from shore) and keep speed below 3 knots.
• Outside bathing areas, adhere to local speed limits and cross ferry lanes with caution.
• Pollution & Waste:
• Do not discharge blackwater or garbage in harbours or AMPs.
• Use marina pump-outs and recycling facilities.

Local Help and Contacts Table

• Guardia Costiera/Capitaneria di Porto: Each port has an office managing navigation and safety—save the relevant numbers before departure.
• Marina offices: Use VHF for berthing assistance; many offer 24h help, but confirm when booking.

Medical and Emergency Facilities by Port

• Pharmacies are generally open mornings and late afternoon; some operate a rotating emergency schedule.
• For serious emergencies, Salerno and Capri offer the most comprehensive facilities.

Tourist Tax by Port

Tourist tax applies in most Amalfi Coast ports, usually charged per person per night. Rates and application may vary seasonally and by municipality.

• Always check with your charter base or marina for the current rate and how it is collected. Some ports may add this to the berth fee; others collect it separately.

Pre-Departure Essentials Checklist

Typical One-Week Cost Breakdown

• Total for a typical 40ft yacht, 4 crew: €900–€2,000 for the week, excluding charter fee and extras.

Plan your Amalfi Coast sailing week with the realities in mind: short hops, early berth reservations, AMP restrictions around Punta Campanella and Li Galli, and reliable daily weather checks. With careful planning, your crew will enjoy a safe, seamless experience—without surprises.

Check berth availability for your week, confirm the latest AMP rules for your anchorages, and request a yacht with the right range and maneuverability for frequent short legs and busy marinas.