From Positano: Capri Full-Day Boat Tour with Aperitif

Exploring Capri on a Private Boat from Positano: A Practical Review

If you’re dreaming of soaking up the beauty of Capri without the crowds and chaos of some group tours, a full-day private boat trip might be exactly what you need. This experience, offered from Positano, combines scenic sailing along the Amalfi Coast with a generous dose of time on the island itself. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, I’ve seen enough reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect—and who it’s perfect (or not-so-perfect) for.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it offers a luxurious, personalized way to see Capri—passing through the famous Faraglioni, exploring secret bays, and enjoying a casual aperitif on deck. Plus, the chance to visit the Blue Grotto, if you request it, adds a special touch. One thing to keep in mind is that the trip runs about 8 hours, so it’s a full day, and weather conditions can cause changes or cancellations, so flexibility is key.

This tour is especially great if you value private experiences over crowded group outings and want a tailored way to explore. It’s ideal for comfortable travelers who appreciate scenic cruising and some leisure time on the island. If you’re after a budget-friendly, quick snapshot of Capri, this might feel a bit more upscale and slower-paced than other options.

Key Points

• Private and Luxurious: Perfect for those seeking a more exclusive experience.
• Scenic Coastal Views: From the Amalfi Coast to the Faraglioni, the scenery is truly captivating.
• Flexible Stops: Includes iconic sites like the Blue Grotto (on request) and secret bays for swimming.
• Time on Capri: You get about 2 hours to explore the island at your own pace—enough for a quick stroll or a relaxed coffee.
• Weather-Dependent: The tour is only refundable if poor weather makes the trip unsafe, so keep flexible plans just in case.
• Family-Friendly? Not specifically designed for children or pregnant women, and boat safety considerations are important for certain travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Experience Looks Like

Starting Point and Setting Off

You’ll meet the crew via WhatsApp at NLG S.r.l., where your adventure begins. From there, the real magic starts as your skipper takes over, and you set off along the stunning Amalfi Coast. The ride itself is part of the charm—imagine gliding past colorful cliffside villages and rocky coves, with the sea breeze in your hair.

The Scenic Drive Along the Amalfi Coast

This part feels like living a postcard. The coastline is dotted with pastel-colored houses and dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea. It’s a cozy, scenic drive by boat, with the captain sharing legends about Li Galli Island and Punta Campanella. These stories add a layer of local flavor that makes the ride more engaging.

Passing Under the Punta Carena Lighthouse

As you cruise past this historic lighthouse, you’ll see sweeping views of the Green Grotto and the White Grotto. These natural formations are impressive, and the boat’s vantage point makes for fantastic photos. We liked the way the captain pointed out the landmarks, making the scenery feel alive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visiting the Grotta Bianca and Other Caves

The White Grotto is a highlight, with its interesting formations and clear waters. If you ask, you can also visit the Blue Grotto—a true symbol of Capri’s allure. Keep in mind that this is an optional visit, and the skipper will coordinate based on weather and time. When the Blue Grotto is open, it adds a magical glow that’s hard to match.

Admiring the Faraglioni

No trip to Capri is complete without seeing the famous Faraglioni—massive rock formations rising from the sea. Passing through them is a moment you won’t forget; the view is dramatic, and it makes for some stunning photos. Several guests noted that this was a real highlight.

Free Time on Capri

After hours of cruising, you’ll land on Capri for about 2 hours. This gives you just enough time to walk around, enjoy a coffee, or browse the boutiques in the Piazzetta—the glamorous hub loved by VIPs. It’s a quick visit, but the idea is to give you a taste of the island’s vibe without the hassle of a crowded group tour.

Return Journey and Bays for Last Swims

On the way back, your skipper will stop at bays like Crapallo and Nerano for a final swim or relax. These hidden spots are perfect for a last dip and help break up the journey.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer appreciated the personalized nature of the day, noting how the skipper shared interesting stories and adjusted routes based on sea conditions. Others loved the luxury feel and the chance to have a quieter, more exclusive experience than public boat tours. The time on the island was praised for being just right—not too rushed, not too long, giving enough space to soak in Capri’s charm.

However, some mentioned that the Blue Grotto visit depends heavily on weather, and if the sea isn’t calm, it might be skipped or rescheduled. Keep in mind that the tour is non-refundable if conditions are deemed safe but unfavorable for visiting certain sites.

The Practicalities: What to Know Before Booking

Duration and Timing

The full day lasts about 8 hours, so it’s best for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience. The starting times vary, so check availability and plan your day accordingly.

Cost and Value

While not the cheapest way to see Capri, the private nature of the tour offers significant value for those wanting a custom experience. The inclusion of snacks, seasonal fruit, and an aperitif adds a nice touch, making it feel special without a hefty surcharge.

What to Bring

Pack essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and cash. The weather can be hot, and you’ll likely want to dip into the sea, so prepare accordingly.

Restrictions and Considerations

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues due to the boat’s physical demands. The captains monitor sea conditions strictly, so if they judge the weather unsafe, the trip will be postponed or refunded.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value privacy and comfort, and are looking for a leisurely, scenic, and flexible way to explore Capri. It’s ideal if you enjoy luxury, want to avoid large crowds, and appreciate a bit of local storytelling. If you plan to spend the whole day relaxing and soaking in the views without rushing, this is a good option.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, prefer quick sightseeing, or need a tour suitable for children or those with mobility limitations, you might want to explore other options. Similarly, if the weather isn’t cooperative, be prepared for possible rescheduling.

Final Thoughts

For anyone who wants to experience Capri in style and comfort, this full-day private boat tour from Positano makes a compelling choice. The combination of scenic cruising, iconic sights like the Faraglioni, and a brief but meaningful visit to the island offers a balanced, relaxed day.

It really shines as a luxury, personalized adventure—perfect if you’re celebrating, seeking a peaceful exploration, or simply want to avoid the crowds. The journey along the Amalfi Coast is as much an attraction as the island itself, and with a good skipper guiding you, the day is bound to be memorable.

That said, patience and flexibility are important. The weather plays a big role in Capri boat trips, so have backup plans just in case. If you’re comfortable with a slower pace and enjoy beautiful scenery, this tour will surely add a special touch to your Italian seaside holiday.

FAQ

Is the Blue Grotto included in the tour?
The Blue Grotto is available on request, but visiting depends on weather conditions and the time available. It’s not guaranteed but can be arranged if possible.

How long is the time spent on Capri?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours on the island, giving you just enough time to walk around or enjoy a quick coffee.

Can I cancel the tour if the weather looks bad?
Yes, the tour is refundable if the captain deems the sea conditions unsafe on the day. Otherwise, it’s non-refundable if conditions are safe.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and cash for extras.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?
It’s not specifically designed for children and requires familiarity with boat rides and sea conditions, so consider this if traveling with young kids.

How big is the group?
It’s a private group, so you’ll be on the boat with your own party—no strangers.

What’s included in the price?
Snacks, seasonal fruit, and an aperitif are included. The tour also offers the chance to enjoy scenic views and explore Capri at your own pace.

How flexible are the timings?
You can check availability for different starting times, but remember the tour lasts about 8 hours, so plan your day accordingly.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and exclusive way to experience Capri from Positano, this private boat tour is definitely worth considering. Just keep an eye on the weather, pack smart, and enjoy the ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: