SNAV

Who they are

SNAV (Società Navigazione Alta Velocità) is a Naples ferry company founded in 1958 by Carlo Rodriquez, whose Messina shipyard built the hydrofoils it first sailed. It is controlled by Gianluigi Aponte, the founder of MSC, and belongs to the same shipping group as GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). In 2015 SNAV, together with Rifim of the Lauro group, bought Caremar, the Bay of Naples public-service operator.

SNAV's portfolio spans short Bay of Naples crossings, summer island lines to the Aeolian and Pontine Islands, and a seasonal Adriatic car ferry between Ancona and Split.

Network and routes

In the Bay of Naples, SNAV runs high speed ferries all year from Naples Molo Beverello:

• Capri, about 50 minutes to Marina Grande.
• Ischia, about 55 minutes to Casamicciola Terme on the north coast (not Ischia Porto).
• Procida, about 40 minutes, and Ischia–Procida, about 15 minutes.

In season SNAV also sails from Sorrento to Capri (about 30 minutes) and from Castellammare to Capri.

The Pontine Islands line runs in summer only. In 2026 it operated from 6 June to 13 September, from Molo Beverello via Casamicciola and Ventotene to Ponza, about 3 hours in total. Ponza is one of Italy's most sought-after summer islands, and seats on this limited service sell out in July and August.

In summer SNAV also runs a fast ferry from Naples to the Aeolian Islands (Stromboli, Panarea, Salina, Vulcano and Lipari).

The Ancona–Split crossing is a seasonal car ferry for motorists travelling between Italy and Croatia. In 2026 it ran from 1 April to 4 October with up to four sailings a week, taking about 10.5 to 11.5 hours. It carries cars, campervans and motorcycles.

Fleet and on board

SNAV's Bay of Naples fleet consists of fast catamarans and hydrofoils built for speed over short distances. On-board amenities are functional. Luggage is limited to one bag of 9 kg (50×35×20 cm) on the Naples–Ischia boats; bigger bags are charged.

The Adriatic route uses a larger conventional ferry with a vehicle deck, restaurant and bar, which SNAV sells as a cruise ferry.

Booking and tips

SNAV tickets for the Bay of Naples, Aeolian and Pontine routes are best booked on the company website or at the ticket offices at Molo Beverello. Ponza and Aeolian sailings in July and August fill fast because there are only a few departures.

For Ischia, remember that SNAV lands at Casamicciola, not Ischia Porto. Pick it if your hotel is in Casamicciola or Lacco Ameno.

For Ancona–Split, book vehicle space early for summer and check the sailing days, as the route does not run daily.