Amalfi Coast Li Galli Island Tour: A Detailed Review

So, you are dreaming of the Amalfi Coast, huh? That amazing coastline that has picture-postcard towns clinging to steep cliffs? Very, very tempting indeed. Well, a super popular way to actually experience all that beauty is by taking a boat tour. And of the boat trips that there are, the Li Galli Island tour is something that seems to come up pretty frequently. Is it really all that it’s cracked up to be? Let’s find out, alright?

What’s the Deal with Li Galli Island Anyway?

That, Li Galli, isn’t really one single island; no, no, no, it is a mini-archipelago of three islands: Gallo Lungo, La Castelluccia, and Dei Galli. Apparently, back in the day, those islands had some mythological connections with the sirens, and there were all these old Greek myths about them. Stories talk of mermaids luring sailors to their doom with tempting songs. Quite the tales they spun back then. Gallo Lungo, which happens to be the largest, had a monastery on it at one point. And there was a prison too. It certainly had a colorful past. Later on, well, private owners snapped it up, and it turned into quite a private playground. Apparently, folks like Léonide Massine, a Russian choreographer, and Rudolf Nureyev, the ballet dancer, had a house there at one time. Pretty fancy, yeah?

Booking My Tour from Maiori: What to Expect

So, when I got set on the idea of this Li Galli trip, there were many departure points you could actually choose along the Amalfi Coast. I was in Maiori, and that seemed like as good a place as any, you know? A handful of local tour operators offer this trip. The best approach? Pop into their offices along the Maiori promenade, and there you could have a bit of a chat about the itineraries, times, and what exactly is included. Mostly, they all go a similar route. What you are buying is typically a half-day excursion that sails you along the coast, giving some stellar views of towns like Amalfi and Positano, before it will stop for a swim close to Li Galli. I figured it would cost approximately 40–60 euros, that’s the range that you should anticipate, at any rate. Is lunch included? Is there supposed to be snorkeling equipment available for use? These are worth knowing beforehand.

The Boat Ride: Coastline Views and Open Water

Well, listen, this bit? This is very much the highlight of the tour. After stepping aboard, and after leaving Maiori’s harbor, you start cruising. This, you will realize very soon, is where you begin soaking in those killer views of the Amalfi Coast. It really does feel like something special. The coastline is something to behold. You see those charming villages? The houses are stacked one on top of the other? They are clinging to the cliffs? Those sheer drops down into the sea? Really, it’s unforgettable. The captain or someone in the crew very often points out places of interest. You get a little historical tidbit now and then, and sometimes just some local gossip. As you get to Amalfi and then to Positano, you understand what all the fuss is about. You see it from the water, that gives you an amazing angle for the camera. Be aware that it can get rather windy out on the open water. If the sea happens to be a little choppy, that ride could, maybe, get a bit bumpy too.

Swimming Near Li Galli: A Refreshing Stop

Listen, this is where the boat drops anchor, usually, not too far away from Li Galli Island. Most folks on board tend to be really eager to jump straight into that oh-so-tempting Tyrrhenian Sea. I am being very truthful, you really couldn’t resist. Now, the water is pretty clear and inviting, too. A very nice way to cool off. Remember, though, that there won’t always be a beach that’s easy to reach from the boat. So you might be jumping straight into the deep end here. People who aren’t super strong swimmers ought to keep that in mind. A lot of tours say that snorkeling equipment is provided, but you need to double-check before you climb aboard. Truthfully, it’s not always a ‘snorkeler’s paradise’ right there, but you can still spot a fish or two if you have your eyes peeled. What the draw really is, it isn’t the snorkeling; it’s more the unique thing of swimming with Li Galli as your backdrop. Understand?

The Return Trip and Overall Value

Eventually, after enough swimming, sunbathing on deck, and maybe knocking back a beverage, the boat then starts heading back to Maiori. It’s very similar to the outbound leg, but the perspectives you will get from the water are totally different on the way back. That really does bring things into even sharper focus. Looking back at the towns as they drop away in the distance is truly something special. After getting back to Maiori, when I actually thought about whether the tour was something that’s worthwhile, there were really two things to think about. First, this boat tour gave some wonderful views that are just totally different from seeing the Amalfi Coast from the roads, very different indeed. For those perspectives alone, well, it might just be worthwhile. The other consideration would be how much you are paying. Is that the right kind of cost for a few hours on a boat? This will rely on your own view of how expensive your overall trip is.