Ponza by private water taxi

Boarding is at the Molo Musco, the main pier of Porto di Ponza where the hydrofoils arrive, or at the Banchina Nuova inside the same harbour if that suits your party better. Hotels above the port, such as the Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, run shuttles down to the harbour; your skipper confirms the exact meeting point the day before.

By fast private boat the direct crossing takes around two and a half hours. By scheduled services you would normally have to go back to the mainland (Formia or Anzio) and connect through Naples, turning a morning at sea into a full day of transfers. The private route is the only truly direct one for most of the season.

Prices are per boat, not per person, and shown as indicative 'from' rates — a transfer to Ischia from around €1,450 covers your whole party of up to about ten guests, skipper and fuel included. The final quote depends on date, schedule and any swim or photo stops you add, for example along the cliffs of Palmarola.

Ponza's harbour sits on the sheltered east coast, but the crossing to the Gulf of Naples is open water, and a strong westerly (libeccio) can raise swell along the island's west face. Your skipper monitors the forecast and the port authority's notices; if conditions are unsafe the transfer is moved earlier, later or to another day at no cost — the decision always favours comfort and safety.

Yes — that is exactly what a private boat is for on Ponza. Popular add-ons include a swim in the natural pools area of Cala Feola, an aperitivo anchorage off Frontone beach, or a slow pass along Palmarola's cliffs before setting course. Note that boats keep a respectful distance below the Chiaia di Luna cliff, as the authorities require.