The 5 BEST Ischia Boat Tours in 2025

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Planning to visit Ischia and want to see the island by boat? Here are some of the best Ischia boat tours for your next trip!

I first visited Ischia on the advice of a friend, who told us that this little island is a favorite vacation spot for Italians. I spent about three days on the island and really enjoyed it, especially the chance to visit the Aragonese Castle of Ischia. When advising on activities, he told us to be sure to take a boat around the island because there are such incredible views from the water. 

More specifically, he suggested that we find a boat and hire then sail it ourselves. As someone who grew up in Colorado and has never driven a boat larger than a canoe, sailing on the open water near the Gulf of Naples was out of the question. I would, however, take a boat tour if I were to return!

I recently attended a wedding in Costa Rica and had the chance to take a catamaran tour, which was really fabulous! Naturally, it had me reflecting on my friend’s advice to take a boat tour around Ischia, the beautiful island off the coast of Naples. So, here are the best Ischia boat tours, according to my research. 

The 5 Best Ischia Boat Tours

From the full day boat tours that take you around the Island of Ischia to a private excursion for your whole group, there are a number of great boat tours to choose from. Here is a roundup of the best Ischian boat tours, according to reviews from other travelers!

❗️ Important: Pay close attention to any details shared by the operator, including changes to the meeting spots. I recommend that you double and triple check the instructions from the tour operator ahead of your tour, then arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. 

Most tour operators will not reschedule or refund your tour if you miss the boat’s departure! 

1. Top Overall Boat Tour Around Ischia

If you, like me, are rather intimidated by the idea of chartering your own boat around the island of Ischia – but still want to see it – this boat tour is the right choice for you. As a bonus, this tour is a favorite among locals, and previous travelers reported that nearly 90% of the other passengers were Italian. 

For lunch, you’ll get to try Ischian bruschetta, a tomato dish that is made with the uniquely shaped (and delicious) local Ischian tomatoes. Lunch is served on the boat, along with wine and champagne. Most dishes are seafood-based, including an incredible seafood pasta. 

When you’re not eating or hanging out on the boat, you’ll have the chance to go swimming and snorkeling in the coves and caves around Ischia. Snorkeling equipment is included in this tour for anyone who wants to try it. 

Note to travelers: If this tour is sold out or unavailable, there’s a very similar tour led on a motor yacht that you can book instead. It also has great reviews and includes many of the same perks, like lunch and some alcohol. You can book the Ischia Boat Service tour here.

Click Here to Book a Boat Tour Around Ischia 

2. Top Ischia Snorkel Tour

Notably, all of the tours on this list will offer a chance to snorkel in the waters around Ischia. If you want snorkeling to the main event, however, consider joining a tour that’s more focused on the biology and archeology of the area. 

This snorkeling tour will take you through underwater tunnels, natural caves, and to the site of Roman ruins from the 4th century BC. You’ll also get to see volcanic gas emissions while snorkeling. Previous travelers have reported that the guides are very safety conscious and reassuring. 

You MUST be a confident swimmer to participate in this activity. Snorkel gear is included in the cost of the tour, or you can bring your own. I have this style of snorkel mask and I love it because it’s more comfortable than the conventional style and has a wider field of vision. 

Note to travelers: The snorkeling tour is a bit cheaper than the other tours on this list, but it is only about two hours and doesn’t include any food/alcohol. A snorkel tour is a great fit for anyone who wants to escape the party vibes on some of the other boats and focus on learning about the natural world under the water around Ischia. 

Click Here to Book the Ischia Snorkeling Tour

3. Top Ischia + Procida Island Boat Tour

If you want to see a little more of the archipelago that includes Ischia, consider a tour that includes both Ischia Island and Procida Island. You’ll still get to see the important sights in Ischia like the Aragonese Castle for swimming and snorkeling, and some of its best swimming spots. 

Unlike the other tours, you’ll have a chance to get off the boat and either explore Procida for an hour on your own or take a bus tour (for an extra fee). Known for its beautiful, pastel-colored houses, Procida is like a tiny island version of Cinque Terre, a set of five fishing villages near Florence, Italy. 

The tradeoff with this tour is that you won’t actually go all of the way around Ischia, like you will on the other tours. Instead, you’ll cover most of the north side of the island, as well as the north side of Procida, then return back to the dropoff point. 

This tour includes coffee, Ischian bruschetta, lunch, fruit and sweets, unlimited wine and water, and a glass of prosecco. You’ll also have a chance to try Amari, a local Italian liqueur. The boat’s capacity is capped at 12 passengers. 

Click Here to Book a Boat Tour of Ischia + Procida Island

4. Top Private Ischia Boat Tour

I’ve been on a few private boat tours in my life, and they’ve all been really memorable and fun. Most recently, I went on a private boat outing in Costa Rica, where I had the chance to swim, snorkel, and watch the sunset while at a good friend’s wedding. 

If you’re planning a bachelorette party, a wedding, or just a trip with friends and have the budget for a private boat tour, Ischia would be an incredible place to do it. Many previous travelers said that their private boat tour was the highlight of their Italian vacation.

This private boat tour of Ischia includes pickup from the nearest private port to your hotel, water and soda, beach towels, and use of snorkeling equipment. Because it’s a private tour, you can customize it to include the stops and activities that matter to your group, like swimming, lunch on the island, or exploring hidden coves and caves. 

Click Here to Book a Private Boat Tour of Ischia

5. Top Sorrento to Ischia Boat Tour

Travelers who are staying in Sorrento but would still like to see Ischia are in luck! You can book a full day tour that includes Ischia and Procida, but leaves directly from Sorrento. This is a full day activity that lasts about 10.5 hours, so it will be tiring – I’d plan a very chill evening for when you return. 

The Sorrento to Ischia boat tour includes round trip transportation from Sorrento, a guide, appetizers, and a few alcoholic beverages. Unlike other tours on this list, it does not include lunch or snorkeling gear. If snorkeling is important to you, I would recommend that you choose another tour so that you’re not disappointed. 

You’ll have 3-4 hours to disembark and explore Ischia, which should be enough time to see the Aragonese Castle if you’re focused and take a taxi each way. Otherwise, you can stay closer to the dock and walk the shops, enjoy lunch, and/or hang out on the beach. 

Participants will also have 1-2 hours to explore Procida on their own. 

The tour ends with a final limoncello tasting, which many travelers agreed was the perfect finish to the day’s adventures. 

❗️ Note: Only book this tour if you’re staying in Sorrento and not otherwise planning to visit Ischia. The tours that start on Ischia are much cheaper because the boats don’t have to sail as far.

Click Here to Book a Sorrento to Ischia Boat Tour

What to Pack for an Ischia Boat Tour

It can be very disappointing to show up to an experience without the right gear. Not only is it annoying to not have what you need, it can also make me feel foolish if it feels like everyone else knew to bring X thing. Bleh!

Here’s my list of things you’ll need for a boat tour. Please note that this list is general, so you should also carefully read the instructions for the specific tour that you choose to join for additional items. 

Water

I would strongly recommend that you bring water on your boat tour, even if it is provided by the operator. Between the salt air and the warm sun, you’ll want to stay hydrated. 

I love having cold water, especially in warm weather, so I like to travel with a Hydro Flask insulated water bottle. They’ll keep your water cool even if you leave your bottle sitting out in the sun; even better if you can find a spot to fill it up with ice!

Seasickness Prevention (if needed)

I am, unfortunately, quite prone to motion sickness in all its forms. The best solution I’ve found is PSI bands, which work by using accupressure to relieve nausea. Importantly, these bands are ONLY preventative – meaning they won’t help you much, if at all, if you wait until you’re already feeling queasy to put them on. 

You could also consider non-drowsy Dramamine, patches that go behind your ears, or these rather silly-looking but effective motion sickness goggles.   

Bathing Suit

I’d recommend wearing a bathing suit under your clothes for any boat tour except those that specifically mention you won’t leave the boat. Many boats won’t have a separate changing area, so I’d be sure to wear your suit under your clothes. 

If you’re planning to wear a two piece bathing suit, I’d go for one that offers some extra support. Snorkeling, swimming, and sitting on the boat will be more fun if you aren’t worried about your suit slipping. 

Remember: if you have a body, you can put a bathing suit on it and enjoy your vacation. 👙 Every body is a beach body. 

Sun Hat and Sunglasses

Between the sun and the water, conditions can get very bright while on a boat tour. Be sure to protect your eyes and face by bringing a sun hat and sunglasses. Ideally, you’ll want sunglasses that provide some protection from UVA and UVB rays.

When choosing a hat, be aware that conditions can get quite windy while sailing. Consider storing big, floppy hats while the boat is sailing so that you don’t accidentally lose it into the water!

Loose Fitting Clothes

There’s a reason that most resortwear tends to be loose and flowy: it’s more comfortable while you’re sitting on a boat or on the beach. Tight fitting clothes will tend to stick to you and can restrict your movement. Opt instead for loose dresses, shorts, or skirts. 

Depending on the boat, you may need to remove your shoes while aboard. I like to wear sturdy sandals that are easy to take off quickly, if needed. 

Towel and/or Cover Up

Whenever I get on a boat, I like to bring a towel or at least a sarong in case I need it. A towel can protect you from the hot surfaces on the boat, keep you a little warmer in cold temperatures after swimming, and, of course, help you dry off. 

For budget travelers, I recommend investing in a microfiber towel – it’s one of the most useful travel accessories. They pack relatively small, are lightweight, and dry very quickly. 

Sunscreen

If you don’t want to burn to a crisp on your boat tour, I would strongly suggest that you both bring and wear sunscreen. Not only is there the sun above to worry about, but the water reflects the sun back up at you. So, the risk of a sunburn is rather high when on a boat.  

Snacks

Whether or not the boat provides snacks, I would personally pack at least a bag or chips or a granola bar just to be safe. It only takes a few minutes to grab snacks at the store, and they can save you from being hungry in the case of a miscommunication or other issue on the boat. Sitting around hungry on the water is not going to be much fun!

Alcohol

I recommend that you check with your boat tour operator before bringing any alcohol onboard. While some tour operators allow or even provide alcohol, others won’t allow it at all. As a general rule, I’d assume that any sort of activity on the boat (scuba diving, snorkeling, etc.) will preclude alcohol consumption for safety reasons. 

On the other hand, if you charter a private boat tour, it’s very likely that you’ll be allowed to bring your own alcohol. 

Preventing Seasickness 

As someone prone to getting seasicks (and other forms of motion sickness, if I’m honest) I wanted to share my favorite prevention tool: PSI bands. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I always travel with these bands, and I use them anytime I get on a bus, ferry, boat, or even the back seat of a car. 

PSI bands work by using acupressure to relieve nausea. Watch an instructional video on YouTube or carefully read the instructions to ensure you put them on correctly – they should be tight (to the point of being a little uncomfortable) without being painful. 

Naples to Ischia Ferry

The easiest way to reach Ischia is by ferry. The ferries to Ischia leave from the main port in Naples and take between 50 and 75 minutes each way, on average. Tickets prices vary based on the service you choose (and boat speed), but you can expect to pay between €14 to €25 per person per direction. 

Several companies run ferries between Naples and Ischia, so there are options throughout the day. I recommend heading to the port at least an hour before your anticipated departure because the terminal gets very busy. Don’t be too alarmed if you see massive crowds; most of those people are going to Capri, not the little island of Ischia. 

I wouldn’t expect these ferries to sell out; simply buy tickets online or from the official kiosk at the ferry terminal on the day you’re planning to depart. If you’re nervous or have an inflexible timeline (i.e. a scheduled activity), be sure to give yourself a healthy grace period before your scheduled ferry. 

The ferry boats are air conditioned and comfortable. I recommend standing on the outdoor portion of the boat, though, because the views of the Italian coastline are incredible!

Note to Travelers: When taking a boat tour, double and triple check the departure information before booking your tour and/or ferry! Boats leave from one of a few ports, and you don’t want to miss your tour because you were waiting at the wrong terminal.

Where to Stay on Ischia

For travelers who know that they want a few days on Ischia as part of their vacation, there are some really fabulous options to consider. Ischia is a wonderful spot in Italy because it’s more popular with Italian tourists, so prices are lower and locals are friendlier than the tourist hubs of Rome and Florence. 

Here are three wonderful spots to consider when booking your Ischian vacation, organized by budget. I included Casa Malo’, the adorable B&B I stayed in when I visited. I have not stayed in the other spots on the list, but I think they would be great choices, as well. 

📍 Budget Pick: Cocos Park Ischia is a gem for budget-conscious travelers. The private rooms might be no-frills, but the staff is wonderful, the entire place is clean, and a fabulous breakfast is served each morning. You’re set on a hill, so be aware that it’s a steep walk down to the beach and, of course, a climb to get back. Travelers report that the hosts speak both English and Italian. 

📍 Mid Range Pick: Casa Malo’ I stayed at Casa Malo’ when I visited Ischia on the advice of a friend. This charming little property feels tucked into the greenery around it, with peaceful views of rolling green hills from the main breakfast area. We didn’t speak Italian, so we couldn’t chat with the staff – but they were still warm and friendly to us. The location was perfect for exploring the island on foot, though we did rent a car to see more of Ischia. 

📍 Luxury Pick: Botania Relais & Spa is a lush, green oasis on Ischia that is perfect for honeymoons or other travelers seeking a bit of luxury – but without the astronomical costs you’ll find along the Amalfi Coast. The rooms are tasteful and modern, the grounds are breathtaking, and the property is only a short walk from the beach. 

FAQs: Ischia Boat Tours

Planning to book a boat tour of Ischia and still have more questions? Here are the answers to some of the top queries from other travelers. 

How long does it take to go around Ischia by boat?

Without stops, it takes about three hours to get all of the way around the island of Ischia by boat. You’ll find that most boat tours of Ischia are longer than three hours, however, to allow time to snorkel, swim, and relax on the water. 

How much time do you need in Ischia?

One day is enough time to get a sense of Ischia, but for a more relaxing visit you’ll need at least two or three days. If you just want to see Ischia and experience the castle, I’d recommend taking a day trip from Naples. For a real sense of the island pace and landscapes, three to five days is a better length of time to relax and explore. 

Can you get around Ischia without a car?

Yes, you can get around Ischia without a car, but it won’t be very easy or convenient. The best way to see and experience Ischia is to rent a car or scooter and drive around the island. However, if you’re only visiting Ischia for a day visit, you can simply use a taxi to get to the Aragonese Castle then return to the ferry port – this will be easier and more cost effective than renting a car. 

Conclusion: Ischia Boat Tours

For a unique and special experience on Ischia, taking a boat tour around the island could be the perfect addition to your itinerary. You can enjoy great views from a number of places on Ischia – most notably from the Aragonese Castle – but seeing it from the water offers a completely different perspective. 

There’s so much to see underwater around Ischia, including volcanic vents and interesting schools of fish. As a bonus, many of the boat tours offer a truly incredible lunch – and it’s included in the ticket price. 

If you decide to take a boat tour and you’re prone to getting motion sick, be sure that you prepare with either medication or nausea-relieving wristbands. There’s nothing worse than being unable to enjoy your boat ride because you feel sick!