Capri tour & Blue Grotto (from Sorrento)

If you’re planning a trip to the Naples Coast and considering a day trip to Capri, this private boat tour from Sorrento might catch your eye. It promises a full day on the water with stops at iconic caves, picturesque spots, and a flexible amount of free time to wander around Capri itself. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, plenty of travelers have raved about it, and the details paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines expert-guided cruising with plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing. The fact that it’s private means you’ll avoid the crowds typical of larger group tours, and your captain’s local knowledge will help you see the best parts of the island. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that visits to the Blue Grotto are optional and depend on waiting times, which can sometimes be long. This tour feels like an excellent choice for travelers who want a blend of sightseeing, comfort, and personalized service.

This tour would suit anyone looking for a flexible, in-depth day exploring Capri by sea, especially if you’re keen on swimming, snorkeling, and seeing the island’s most photogenic spots without feeling rushed or stuck in a big group. It’s great for those who are comfortable on boats and want to customize their experience a bit—though it’s less ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer not to swim.

Key Points

• Private Experience: You get a personalized, intimate tour limited to your group, avoiding the crowds.
• Multiple Stops: The itinerary includes visits to stunning grottoes, famous rocks, and scenic points around Capri.
• Swimming & Snorkeling: Plenty of opportunities in the sea with provided equipment and stops for dips.
• Expert Captain: The guide is English-speaking, knowledgeable, and focused on making your trip memorable.
• Optional Blue Grotto: Entry is not included and depends on waiting times, which can vary.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes refreshments, insurance, and fuel, making for a stress-free day on the water.

Starting with the Basics: What to Expect

This tour offers a full-day adventure, typically lasting around 7 to 8 hours. It begins at 10:00 am, with a meet-up point in Sorrento, and ends back at the same spot. The whole experience is exclusive to your private group of up to five people, which means you can enjoy a more relaxed, flexible pace compared to larger tour groups.

The price is $848.90 per group, which roughly breaks down to about $170 per person if you’re five people sharing. While it’s not the cheapest way to visit Capri, the value lies in the personalized touch, the flexibility, and the comprehensive experience—plus, the boat comfortably fits four to five guests.

A Well-Structured Itinerary with Plenty of Highlights

The tour’s itinerary is designed to showcase Capri’s natural beauty from the water, combined with some time to explore on land.

Stop 1: Bagni Regina Giovanna

Your day kicks off with a cruise to Bagni Regina Giovanna, a local favorite. This small bay, featuring a natural waterfall along the Sorrento Coast, is a perfect spot for snapping photos or taking an initial swim. The reviews mention the joy of seeing less crowded, more authentic spots, which is a definite perk.

Stop 2: Massa Lubrense

Next, you’ll pass by a natural spring emerging from a rock—a quirky, photo-worthy stop that adds a touch of natural charm to the journey. It’s a quick visit but adds to the sense of exploring hidden gems.

Stop 3: White Grotto

Known as the largest of Capri’s grottoes, the White Grotto is a highlight that many travelers enjoy from the water, appreciating the chance to see inside a natural cave without the hassle of walking inside. It’s a quick stop but well worth it for the visual impact.

Stop 4: I Faraglioni

No trip to Capri is complete without viewing the Faraglioni Rocks. These towering natural formations, with their distinctive arch, are an iconic symbol of the island. Expect around 15 minutes here to snap photos, marvel at the size, and take in the scenery.

Stop 5: Punta Carena Lighthouse

Cruising underneath Italy’s second-oldest lighthouse, this spot offers a great photo op and a sense of the maritime history of the area. It’s another quick stop but adds depth to the tour’s scenic variety.

Stop 6: Blue Grotto (Optional)

Here’s where things get a bit variable. You can opt to hop onto a traditional rowing boat to enter the Blue Grotto for an extra €14 per person. Keep in mind, the wait can be significant, and entrance is not guaranteed—some reviews mention long lines and disappointment if the wait is too long. If you’re eager to see it, this is a fun experience, but be prepared for potential delays.

Stop 7: Grotta Verde

Considered by many as the best grotto on the tour, the Green Grotto offers stunning visuals and ample time to enjoy the scenery, often praised as a highlight. The reviews mention how breathtaking it is and how it often stands out as a favorite.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers the essentials: the captain, fuel, insurance, bottled water, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment—making it a fairly hassle-free experience. The Blue Grotto entrance fee and the Capri port fee (€100) are optional extras, so budget accordingly.

The boat is equipped for snorkeling, so bring your gear if you want to explore the waters more closely. Refreshments are provided, which helps keep everyone comfortable during the day.

The Real-World Experience: What Travelers Say

From the reviews, we see a consistent pattern of satisfied travelers praising the knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views. Many highlighted how the captain took them to less crowded spots, which made for a more relaxing experience—exactly what many of us seek.

One reviewer shared, “Yuri was an amazing guide and took us to all the good spots. I loved it because he took us to places that weren’t crowded,” emphasizing the value of a private tour. Another mentioned that their captain, Flavio, went “above and beyond,” even making lunch reservations and taking photos—adding a personalized touch.

On the downside, some noted that the Blue Grotto’s wait times can be unpredictable, and that sometimes you might not get to enter if the lines are too long. Also, the tour doesn’t include a lot of detailed verbal commentary, so if you’re looking for an in-depth narrated experience, you might find this tour more visual and less educational.

The Price Tag and Its Value

At around $850 for a private group of up to five, this tour isn’t cheap, but it offers a level of exclusivity, flexibility, and personalized service that you won’t get with larger group tours. Travelers have called it “worth the cost,” especially when considering the comfort, the ability to customize stops, and the chance to avoid crowds.

If you’re traveling as a small group or couple, it can feel like a good deal for a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing on the water. The adventure is well-organized, and the inclusion of refreshments and snorkeling gear enhances the overall value.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who value a flexible schedule, enjoy water-based activities, and want to see Capri’s natural beauty with a knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable on boats and want to customize your day—whether that involves snorkeling, sightseeing, or just relaxing in stunning surroundings.

While it’s not specifically tailored for families or travelers with mobility issues, those who enjoy small-group private outings should find it a perfect fit. If you’re after a more structured, narrated tour, this might not suit your style, but if you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized adventure, it hits the mark.

This private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances scenic beauty, personalized service, and flexible stops. It’s especially well-suited for those who want to avoid crowded tour groups and prefer a more intimate day out on the water.

The array of grotto visits, scenic views of the Faraglioni, and optional Blue Grotto entry make it a comprehensive way to explore the island’s natural wonders. The reviews suggest it’s well-organized, with friendly guides who go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable day.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, flexible, and visually stunning way to discover Capri’s coastline, this tour is definitely worth considering—just keep in mind the possibility of long wait times for the Blue Grotto and plan accordingly.

Is this a private tour? Yes, only your group will participate, offering a more personalized and relaxed experience.

What’s the duration of the tour? Expect around 7 to 8 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to Sorrento.

Does the price include entrance fees for the grottos? Entrance to the Blue Grotto costs an additional €14 per person, and the Capri port fee of €100 is also optional and not included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour? Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and there are multiple swimming stops in the sea.

Is the Blue Grotto guaranteed? No, entry depends on the waiting lines, which can vary greatly. You might find long queues or be unable to enter if it’s too busy.

What should I bring? Swimsuit, towel, sun protection, water, and your camera. The tour provides bottled water and soft drinks.

Is this tour suitable for children? While not specifically tailored for kids, it’s suitable for those comfortable on boats and who enjoy water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How do I book? You can reserve in advance, with the average booking time being about 65 days ahead. Contact details and booking links are available through the provider.

This private boat tour combines the magic of Capri’s coast with the comfort of a customized experience, making it a memorable way to see one of Italy’s most beautiful islands.