Exploring Capri from the Water: A Deep Dive into the 4-Hour Boat Tour
If you’re dreaming of a day on the water around Capri’s breathtaking coastline, this 4-hour boat tour might just be the experience you’re looking for. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a well-balanced, scenic adventure. It’s perfect for those who want to see the island’s highlights without committing to a full-day outing or a private yacht.
What we love about this tour? First, it offers a relaxed pace that gives you plenty of time at each stop—no rushing here. Second, the combination of beautiful scenery, opportunities to swim in coves, and the chance to visit the famous Blue Grotto makes it a well-rounded splash of Capri’s best features. One thing to consider is the extra cost for the Blue Grotto entry, which isn’t included in the base price. But overall, this tour seems ideal for travelers seeking a leisurely, picturesque day on the sea with all the essentials.
This experience is especially suited for those who want a bit of everything—stunning views, swimming, iconic caves—without the fuss of large group tours. It’s best for people comfortable with a half-day on the water and open to a flexible schedule. If you’re traveling with friends or a small family, it offers a private, intimate way to take in Capri’s beauty.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary
- Scenic Passbys and Iconic Views
- The White Grotto
- The Green Grotto
- Marina Piccola and Casa Malaparte
- Punta Carèna Lighthouse and the Coastal Defense
- The Blue Grotto Experience
- What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t
- The Value for Money
- Who Should Book This Tour?
- Final Thoughts
- 4 Hour Boat Tour To Discover Capri
- FAQ
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Capri
- More Tours in Capri
- More Tour Reviews in Capri
- More Capri experiences we've covered
Key Points

- Flexible and relaxing 4-hour tour with plenty of time at each stop
- Includes iconic sites such as the Faraglioni rocks, White and Green Grotta, and the Blue Grotto
- Opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and snorkel in clear waters near coves like Marina Piccola
- Costly extra for Blue Grotto entrance, but optional based on the line and weather
- Expert skipper who knows the secret swimming spots and shares interesting insights
- Ideal for those who value scenic cruising over aggressive sightseeing or long boat rides
An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

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Scenic Passbys and Iconic Views
The tour kicks off with a mellow cruise past Faraglioni, Capri’s most famous rock formations. These three towering spurs—Stella, Faraglione di Mezzo, and Scopolo—are quite the photo op. Based on reviews, travelers really appreciate the opportunity to snap selfies, relax, and just soak in the view. The highlight here is the chance to see these natural monuments from the best angle, away from crowded viewpoints on land.
The White Grotto
Next, your boat will stop at the White Grotto, a high, calcareous cave with striking white stalactites hanging from its ceiling. The water’s reflection and sunlight create a mesmerizing turquoise hue—truly a sight to behold. The tour allows about 30 minutes here for swimming, sunbathing, or snorkeling, giving you a nice break from the boat’s gentle rocking. It’s a chance to feel like you’re in a secret hideaway, with some reviews praising how beautiful the water looks in this part of the coast.
The Green Grotto
Following that, you’ll visit the Green Grotto, known locally as the “Grotta Verde.” Its name comes from the distinctive green reflection caused by light bouncing off the water. It’s another chance to cool off and enjoy some underwater sights. Like the White Grotto, swimming here is encouraged, making it a favorite among those who love a quick dip in clear, inviting waters.
Marina Piccola and Casa Malaparte
The tour then takes you to Marina Piccola, a small, colorful bay with shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also a beautiful area for relaxing on the boat or walking along the shoreline to take in the vivid shades of blue and turquoise. Many reviews mention how this stop is ideal for a leisurely swim or just lounging in the sun.
Next, you’ll see Casa Malaparte, an architectural marvel perched on a cliffside. Its striking red exterior and unique design—featured in movies—make it a popular photo stop. While you won’t go inside, the view from the boat offers a fantastic perspective of this iconic house.
Punta Carèna Lighthouse and the Coastal Defense
Then, the boat passes by the Punta Carèna Lighthouse, Italy’s second tallest lighthouse, built in 1866. The surrounding cliffs and British defense walls add a historic touch to the scenic backdrop. It’s a peaceful moment to appreciate the rugged beauty of Capri’s coastline.
The Blue Grotto Experience
Finally, the highlight for many—the Blue Grotto. This sea cave is famous for the incredible blue light that fills it when sunlight passes through an underwater opening. Visitors can choose to enter on small boats, provided by local operators, for an additional €14 per person. Reviews indicate that this can be a wait, sometimes around 45 minutes, so plan accordingly. Many travelers find it well worth the wait, but if you are prone to seasickness or short on patience, you might prefer to skip it or go directly to other stops.
What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

The tour offers a tasting of homemade Limoncello, fresh water, and towels, making the experience more comfortable. The price for the whole group is around $630, which usually covers up to four people—meaning it’s quite a good deal for a private, guided boat trip around Capri.
However, keep in mind the extra costs: the Blue Grotto entry fee (€14 per person) and the additional €16 per person for the entrance ticket. These are not included in the initial price, so budget accordingly.
The tour is private, meaning only your group will be on the boat, giving you a more personalized vibe. The boat is likely to be a comfortable vessel with a knowledgeable skipper, as praised in reviews for their helpfulness and local knowledge.
The Value for Money
Considering the stunning scenery, exclusivity of a private boat, and the variety of stops, this tour offers good value. It’s a half-day experience that covers many of Capri’s most photogenic spots, with plenty of chances to swim and relax in beautiful waters. The reviews repeatedly mention how the views and the boat ride itself are the highlights, with travelers feeling they got their money’s worth.
The main consideration is the extra fees for the Blue Grotto, which many find worth it, but others may prefer to skip if they’re short on time or want to avoid the wait.
Who Should Book This Tour?
This boat trip is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water without the commitments of a full-day tour. It’s well-suited for couples, friends, or small groups who appreciate beautiful landscapes, swimming, and a flexible itinerary. Since it’s private, it’s also a good choice if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply prefer a more intimate experience.
It’s less ideal for those who prefer guided land excursions or want a more active, adventure-focused trip. Also, the extra costs for the Blue Grotto should be factored in if visiting is a priority.
Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to see Capri from a different perspective—away from crowded streets and busy land tours—this 4-hour boat experience offers a relaxed, scenic, and memorable way to explore. It’s easy to see why so many reviewers rave about the views, the swimming stops, and the knowledge of the skipper. With some planning around the extra costs and wait times for the Blue Grotto, it can be a highlight of your trip.
For travelers who want a comfortable, private outing that combines iconic sights with the freedom to swim and enjoy the sea, this tour delivers on many fronts. It’s especially suitable if you value quality over quantity and want to soak in Capri’s natural beauty from the water.
4 Hour Boat Tour To Discover Capri
“The view and ride was amazing. The scenery of Capri was breathtaking. Our skipper, Cirro, was very knowledgeable and helpful. He also knew where th…”
FAQ
Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only, making it more personalized and flexible.
How long does the Blue Grotto visit take?
You can expect around 45 minutes to visit the Blue Grotto, including wait times. Entry costs €14 per person and are not included in the tour price.
What is included in the price?
The tour includes the boat ride, a tasting of homemade Limoncello, fresh water, and towels. The main extra costs are the Blue Grotto entrance and the additional €16 per person for access.
Can I swim during the tour?
Absolutely. Stops at the White and Green Grotta, as well as Marina Piccola, are designed for swimming and snorkeling. Many reviews mention how much they enjoyed the chance to cool off in the clear waters.
How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 46 days ahead, which suggests it’s a popular experience, especially in high season.
What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Since it’s a half-day experience, mornings or early afternoons are typical. The timing also helps avoid crowds at the Blue Grotto, which is often busiest midday.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the gentle nature of a boat cruise, swimming stops, and scenic views make it suitable for most ages, provided children are comfortable on boats and in the water.
This boat trip around Capri promises some of the best views and most relaxing moments you can have on the island’s coast. With a good balance of sightseeing, swimming, and comfort, it’s likely to be a highlight of your Capri adventure.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Capri
More Tours in Capri
- Capri, Anacapri & Blue Grotto from Capri Port Private Tour
- 3 hour private boat tour on the island of Capri
- Private Tour of Capri and Anacapri
- From Capri: 3-Hour Island Boat Tour with Optional Blue Grotto
- complete tour of the island of Capri by private boat
- Sailing tour and lunch on board Sorrento and Capri
More Tour Reviews in Capri
More Capri experiences we've covered
- Capri, Anacapri & Blue Grotto from Capri Port Private Tour
- 3 hour private boat tour on the island of Capri
- Capri highlights
- Private Tour of Capri and Anacapri
- Explore Capri in 3 hours with Private Boat
- From Capri: 3-Hour Island Boat Tour with Optional Blue Grotto
- complete tour of the island of Capri by private boat
- Sailing tour and lunch on board Sorrento and Capri
- Complete Private Guided Three-Hour Tour on the Capri Coast
- Three Hour Private Guided Tour of Capri with a luxury Gozzo cabin cruiser
- Half day around Capri (4 hours)
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