BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Naples, Ischia and Procida by boat

Vesuvius as a backdrop, a volcanic island with thermal waters, and a colourful fishing village: the Bay of Naples seen from the water.

Less crowded than the neighbouring Amalfi Coast, the Bay of Naples nonetheless strings together three very different moods within a few hours of each other by sea, with Vesuvius looming over the whole trip.

From Naples, a lively bay

Setting off from the port of Naples or Mergellina, you first skirt the city's waterfront before choosing a direction: the bay toward Ischia and Procida, or the Sorrentine Peninsula toward Sorrento and Capri.

Ischia, the volcanic island with hot springs

The largest island in the bay, Ischia owes its terrain to volcanic activity and has hosted natural thermal springs since antiquity, some accessible from the shore. The Aragonese Castle, built on an islet connected by a causeway, is visible from far out when arriving by sea.

Procida, the smallest and most colourful

Much smaller in size, Procida stands out for its fishing harbour, Marina Corricella, with brightly painted houses stacked facing the sea — one of the most photographed sights in the Bay of Naples, and a favourite lunch stop.

What if you'd rather see Capri?

Capri is better visited from Sorrento than from Naples, in a very different register (the Faraglioni rocks, the Blue Grotto) — see our Amalfi Coast and Capri guide to compare both options before choosing your departure port.

Planning your trip

Count on €200-600/day for a RIB or motorboat, more for a sailboat or catamaran with skipper for a full day in the bay. Distances between Naples, Ischia and Procida stay short, which makes it easy to combine all three stops in a single outing on a calm day.

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Also worth reading

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• License-Free Boat Rental in France: Rules, Prices & Where to Book
• Renting with or without a skipper: how to choose