idleweiss

We will be in Positano in early May around the 8th. Part of our enjoyment for staying there for three days was to take boat rides to see the Amalfi coast from the water..perhaps stopping for a lunch in Amalfi visiting and walking around in Capri Blue grotto optional. We wanted to take a bus to Ravello to see the town etc. I have gone on several websights but am not able to get an answers as to when the season begins for the boats to travel. Many websites are in Italian which is perfectly understandable since it is their country but can't get English equivalent.''Would we be better off in Sorrento ? Are there more ferries going from there at this time of year. Need help as I am disappointed if we miss out on thus experience. Also what is the main dock where the boats come to. I have a back problem and have chosen a hotel that takes you down to the beach but I want to make sure it is the same beach where the main dock is. Thanks in advance for your help

kybourbon

It's often unpredictable. There have been budget cuts the last few years and it has affected the Metro del Mare service which goes to Positano (last year didn't start until mid-July). If the sea is rough, ferries don't put in at Positano.

>>> Sorrento ? Are there more ferries going from there at this time of year. <<<

Yes, year round. Ferries and hydrofoils will be running from Sorrento to Capri, no problem.

Try this site:

http://www.coopsantandrea.com/en/ser...ea/servizi.asp

If there isn't service for what you want from Positano, you can transfer to either Sorrento to Salerno. Amalfi may have more service also (not anywhere near what Sorrento has) which is closer to Positano.

>>>Also what is the main dock where the boats come to. I have a back problem and have chosen a hotel that takes you down to the beach but I want to make sure it is the same beach where the main dock is.<<<

You would have to list your hotel, but what are you going to do when you arrive by ferry at other ports. Ports are sea level, but most towns are uphill (Capri for example - funicular transport, etc.).

ekc

The CoopSantAndrea ferries start to run in April, so you will be able to take the ferry to Amalfi (and then bus up to Ravello).

The dock in Positano where the ferries leave from is right at the main beach, on the right-hand side if you are facing the water.

A_Brit_In_Ischia

Not sure that prediction has anything to do with it?

For May, you really have no need to worry... and indeed some of the AC services are already running, if not very frequently yet:

Amalfi to Positano:
http://www.navlib.it/ita/linee/Detta...ea.asp?idli=19

Positano (originating from and ending at Amalfi) to Capri:
http://www.navlib.it/ita/linee/Detta...ea.asp?idli=30

.... and here a Positano hotel's webcam has caught two boats there at 10AM this very morning...

http://www.campaniameteo.info/webcam...day/hour10.jpg

.................................................. ..........

But note that you may not be able to go eastwards any earlier than the Co-op's departure at 10:00 (with Easter so early, quite possibly that's the one moored up, in that webcam photo?)....

http://www.coopsantandrea.com/it/ser...zi_b.asp?id=11

.... due to where the boats are based, and also because most of the traffic is aimed at day-trips to Capri!

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/137183118

.................................................. .........

If Alicost does as it has in the last two years, from mid-April there'll be the same couple of runs - from Sorrento, calling at Positano on the way to Amalfi - as shown on...

http://www.pbase.com/isolaverde/image/145497402

(Can't tell you which, but some of the OTHER services on that didn't start until mid-June!)

In all then, you should have several choices - keep an eye on these:

http://www.lucibello.it/web/en/

http://www.alicost.it/content/?id=6

http://www.navlib.it/eng/linee/index.asp?idmg=5

http://www.gescab.it/linee/default.asp?idmg=2

Peter