Boat Tour of the Caves on the Island of Capri

If you’re planning a trip to Capri, chances are you’re dreaming of those iconic sea caves and crystal-clear waters. The Boat Tour of the Caves on the Island of Capri offers a chance to see some of the most beautiful spots from the water, and it’s a popular choice among visitors. While I haven’t done this specific tour myself, I’ve read plenty of reviews and gathered the details to help you decide if it fits your travel style.

Two things stand out with this experience: first, the expert guide who provides interesting insights about the island’s landmarks, and second, the chance to swim in Capri’s inviting waters. That said, one thing to consider is that the Blue Grotto visit isn’t guaranteed—it depends on weather and sea conditions. This trip seems best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic, and social way to explore Capri’s coastline without spending hours on land.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor craving a leisurely overview or someone who loves a splash of adventure on the water, this tour can be a great addition to your Capri itinerary. Let’s take a closer look at what makes it tick, what to expect, and how to get the most out of it.

Key Points

• Short & Sweet: Around 2 hours, perfect for a quick yet immersive experience.
• Small Group Feel: Max 12 travelers, making it intimate and flexible.
• Highlights & Swims: Stops at iconic spots like the Faraglioni, Green Grotto, and Marina Piccola with swimming opportunities.
• Food & Drink: Limoncello tasting and snacks included—adds a local flavor.
• Weather Dependence: The Blue Grotto visit is not guaranteed due to weather conditions.
• Value for Price: At approximately $80, it’s a reasonable way to see many sights without overpaying.

What the Tour Includes and How It Works

The Boat Tour of Capri’s Caves is marketed as a roughly 2-hour journey aboard a classic Capri gozzo, a comfortable boat style that’s perfect for the sea trips around the island. The tour is led by an experienced guide eager to share stories and insights about Capri’s famous landmarks.

Pricing is around $80.67 per person, and bookings typically open about 23 days in advance. This suggests the tour is popular, and securing your spot early is a good idea if you’re set on it. The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and a limoncello tasting, adding a tasty/local touch to the experience.

The tour starts at Via Don Giobbe Ruocco, with a clear meeting point, and wraps up back where it started—no complicated logistics there.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Stop 1: White Grotta

Our journey begins at the White Grotta, one of the island’s most photographed caves. The guide will stop here briefly, giving everyone a chance to snap photos of the stalactites, which some say resemble a statue of the Virgin Mary. The cave is free to enter, so take your time capturing the scene. Reviewers note this is a quick but beautiful start to the tour.

Stop 2: Natural Arch

Next, you’ll stop to admire the Natural Arch, a stunning formation formed by the relentless forces of wind and rain. The stop is around 20 minutes, giving you a chance to marvel at how nature crafts such impressive sculptures. It’s a spot where you’ll want to have your camera ready.

Stop 3: I Faraglioni

One of the most iconic sights of Capri, the Faraglioni rocks, are up next. The boat will stop, and you’ll have about 20 minutes for a swim in the crystal-clear waters—a highlight for many. As one review enthusiastically shared, “We saw all the main sights, and the swimming opportunities were fantastic.” This is the part where you can relax, float in the water, and snap some memorable photos.

Stop 4: The Arch of Love

The tour then passes through the famous arch, called the Arch of Love. According to legend, couples who kiss beneath it will stay together for life—a romantic little story to keep in mind while enjoying the view. This segment lasts about 10 minutes, and again, it’s an excellent spot for photos.

Stop 5: Marina Piccola

After passing the Faraglioni, you’ll cruise into Marina Piccola, Capri’s most exclusive bay. Here, you’ll see some of the island’s luxury hotels, the largest yachts, and perhaps even spot some VIPs. The guide will serve an aperitif based on Caprese limoncello, which is a perfect way to toast the scenery. Reviewers mention loving the laid-back vibe here, although some note they wished for more time to soak it all in.

Stop 6: Grotta Verde

The last major stop is the Green Grotto, which gets its name from its enchanting emerald waters. It looks like a natural swimming pool—great for a final dip if weather allows. Depending on the day, there’s a chance to swim here again, which many find to be the perfect ending to the tour. Several reviews praise the guide’s friendly attitude and the stunning scenery.

What Travelers Say: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The reviews paint a largely positive picture. Many travelers loved the knowledgeable guides, often praised for their helpfulness and local insights. For instance, one reviewer noted, “Francesco made us feel very welcomed, and his recommendations were spot on.” The small group size (max 12) also comes up repeatedly as a plus—more space, easier to take photos, less chaos.

The scenery is undeniably the star here. Several reviews describe the boat ride as “gorgeous,” with “spectacular views” of the island’s coastline, caves, and rock formations. Swimming opportunities are also a consistent highlight, with many appreciating the chance to cool off in Capri’s inviting waters.

However, there are a few common complaints. Some travelers were disappointed that the Blue Grotto wasn’t included—either due to weather or sea conditions—highlighting the importance of flexibility. Others mentioned that snacks and water weren’t always provided as advertised, and a few found the narration too quiet or difficult to hear clearly.

One notably negative review pointed out that the tour was shorter than expected (1.5 hours instead of 2) and that some aspects, like the promised snacks, were missing. The overall consensus, though, remains positive, especially considering the value for the price.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This boat tour is ideal for those who want a relaxed, scenic introduction to Capri’s coastline, especially if you’re short on time or prefer smaller groups. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy swimming and picture-taking, and who appreciate local touches like limoncello tastings.

If you’re someone who values expert guides with local knowledge and loves seeing iconic sights from the water, you’ll likely enjoy this. While not all travelers get to visit the Blue Grotto (thanks to weather), the stops at the Faraglioni and Green Grotto make it worthwhile.

Not the best choice if you’re primarily after a Blue Grotto tour—though some tours do include that—so set your expectations accordingly. Also, be aware that weather can impact the experience, especially the Blue Grotto visit.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 2 hours, making it a quick but fulfilling activity.
• Price: About $80.67 per person, which offers a balanced mix of sights, swimming, and local tastings.
• Meeting Point: Via Don Giobbe Ruocco, 49, Capri. Easy to find near public transportation.
• Group size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Booking: Book about 3 weeks early, as it’s popular.
• Weather: Check the forecast—Blue Grotto visits are weather-dependent.
• What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, camera, and a good attitude.
• What’s Not Included: Snorkeling equipment isn’t provided, so plan accordingly if you want to snorkel.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For sea lovers and photography fans, this tour offers some of the best views and opportunities for swimming in Capri’s famously clear waters. The small group size and friendly guides make it a more intimate and relaxed option compared to larger, busier tours. The inclusion of snacks and limoncello adds a nice local flavor, making it feel more authentic.

That said, it’s not perfect—weather can be unpredictable, and the Blue Grotto isn’t guaranteed, which might be a letdown if that was your main goal. Still, the stops at the Faraglioni, Green Grotto, and Marina Piccola are beautiful enough to make the trip worthwhile. Plus, with the cost roughly $80, it’s a reasonable way to experience Capri from the water without breaking the bank.

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, and social way to explore the island’s coast, this boat tour delivers on many levels. Just keep your expectations flexible, especially regarding the Blue Grotto, and you’ll likely come away with some fantastic memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is primarily a boat ride with stops for swimming, it’s generally suitable for all ages. However, keep in mind the boat’s size and the need for some safety measures when swimming.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, making it an intimate experience with plenty of space on the boat.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. If the weather isn’t suitable, the tour might be canceled, and you’ll receive a full refund or a chance to reschedule.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. The tour does not include snorkeling equipment, so bring your own if you plan to snorkel.

Is the Blue Grotto visit included?
No, the Blue Grotto isn’t guaranteed due to weather and sea conditions. If you’re eager to see it, double-check with the operator beforehand.

How long does each stop last?
Stops range from 10 to 30 minutes, enough time to take photos, enjoy the scenery, or take a quick swim.

What’s the price?
Approximately $80.67 per person, including snacks, bottled water, and limoncello tasting.

What’s the duration?
Around 2 hours, a perfect quick escape to see Capri’s main coastal attractions.

Is the tour accessible?
The info provided doesn’t specify accessibility features, so if you have specific needs, it’s best to contact Discovery Capri directly.

In the end, this boat tour offers a lovely way to enjoy Capri’s stunning coastline, especially if you’re after a small-group, relaxed adventure that combines scenic views, swimming, and a taste of local flavor. Just be prepared for the weather to play a role, and you’ll be in for a memorable day on the water.