Full day on a private boat to discover Capri

Exploring Capri from the Water: A Detailed Look at the Private Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of seeing Capri in all its glory, a full-day private boat tour might just be the highlight of your trip. While the island’s famed scenery is breathtaking from land, nothing beats the feeling of cruising its shoreline, dipping into turquoise waters, and catching glimpses of its famous landmarks from the water itself. This particular tour offers a chance to do just that, with the added bonus of privacy, flexibility, and a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way.

What immediately caught our attention about this experience is its private nature—no crowded boats here, just your group and a skipper, making it ideal for those who value a more intimate and relaxed vibe. We also appreciate that it covers many iconic sights, from the striking Faraglioni rocks to the enchanting Blue Grotto, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of Capri’s coastal beauty. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that some stops, like the Blue Grotto, depend on wait times and might feel a bit rushed if the queues are long.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a personalized experience, enjoy swimming and sunbathing, and appreciate local insights. It’s particularly appealing if you’re after a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and a touch of adventure on the water.

Key Points

• Private and customizable: You get full freedom to tailor your day on the water.
• Convenient starting point: Depart just steps from Capri’s ferry dock at Marina Grande.
• Includes swimming and snorkeling: Towels, gear, and water showers on board make it easy to refresh.
• Expert local skipper: They share insights about Capri’s sights and stories along the way.
• Iconic sights from the water: See the Faraglioni, Green Grotto, Blue Grotto, and more.
• Good value for a full day: Especially considering the personalized service and inclusions.

The Experience: What to Expect from Start to Finish

This full-day tour lasts around 7 hours, giving you ample time to see and enjoy Capri without feeling rushed. The journey begins at the historic port of Marina Grande, where you’ll meet your skipper—an experienced guide who will be your captain and storyteller for the day. From there, you set off to explore the island’s stunning coastline.

Starting at Marina Grande

You’re stepping onto your private boat just a few meters from the ferry dock—convenient, no long transfers needed. The boat itself is described as comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room to relax, sunbathe, or sit in the shade under a canopy. Many reviews mention its elegance and comfort, with cushions, headrests, and sun towels provided.

Marina Piccola and Sailors’ Cave

The first major stop is at Marina Piccola, known for its peaceful vibe and beautiful waters. Here, you’ll visit the Sailors’ Cave, called the Grotta di Posillipo in some accounts, which is a lesser-known gem but no less beautiful. You’ll have about two and a half hours here—ample time to swim, snorkel, or just soak up the scenery. Reviewers rave about the local guide Giuseppe, who shows them hidden spots only locals know and makes the experience feel special.

The Iconic Faraglioni Rocks

Next, the boat passes under the arch of Faraglioni di Mezzo—a must-see for anyone visiting Capri. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, with enough time to snap photos from different angles. Passing right under the arch is a thrill, and many travelers say it’s a perfect photo opportunity. Being able to admire these famous rocks from the water offers a perspective you just can’t get from land.

The Green and White Grottos

The tour continues with visits to the Green Grotto, where the water’s vibrant green hue is caused by sunlight filtering through the rocks. It’s a quick stop, but many find the play of light mesmerizing. The White Grotto follows—formed by white limestone incrustations and stalactites—which adds a different texture and color to the landscape. Short stops, but visually striking, these caves are highlights for lovers of natural beauty.

The Natural Arch

Next, the Ponte Naturale (Natural Arch) offers a dramatic view from the sea—an impressive rock formation shaped by erosive forces. It’s a quick 15-minute stop that helps break up the day with a memorable sight.

The Blue Grotto

One of the most famous sights on Capri, the Blue Grotto, involves a change of boat to a smaller, rowed vessel. Here, you might wait a while during busy periods, as the reviews acknowledge that queues can be lengthy. The visit inside the cave is a highlight, thanks to the intense blue light created by the sunlight entering through underwater openings. Keep in mind, the admission fee of €18 isn’t included, so budget accordingly.

Villa Malaparte and Red Grotto

From outside, you’ll see Villa Malaparte, perched on a steep cliff. Its striking appearance makes it a favorite photo spot. The Red Grotto (or Coral Cave) is also on the itinerary, known for its reddish corals visible below sea level—another natural spectacle worth seeing.

Punta Carena Lighthouse

Your boat will pass by the second largest lighthouse in Italy, standing proudly at Punta Carena. It’s a fitting end to a day packed with sights, with about 15 minutes to take it in as you cruise past.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews paint a picture of satisfied clients who loved the knowledgeable skippers and the stunning scenery. Many mention the friendly guides like Giuseppe, Francesco, and Nico, highlighting their professionalism and local insights. For example, one reviewer raves, “Francesco de captain was an incredible person. Great day.” Others appreciated the comfort of the boat and the opportunity to swim and relax.

Several reviews also mention the value for money. Compared to other options, this private tour offers a more relaxed, personalized experience at a great price point—especially considering it includes towels, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and even soda.

A couple of reviewers pointed out that waiting times for the Blue Grotto can extend, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re on a tight schedule. The tour’s flexibility, however, means you can often adapt to delays or skip certain stops if needed, making it a practical choice for most travelers.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

• Duration: About 7 hours—enough time to see the key sights and relax.
• Price: $1,044.41 for up to 6 people, which breaks down to roughly $174 per person—good value for a private, curated experience.
• Departure Point: Just steps from the ferry dock at Marina Grande in Capri, making logistics simple.
• Inclusions: Towels, snorkeling gear, bottled water, soda, Bluetooth stereo, and water showers make for comfortable, enjoyable cruising.
• Additional costs: The Blue Grotto entry fee (€18 per person) isn’t included, so plan for that and any extras.
• Booking tip: Most travelers book about 8 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your preferred date.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat tour is perfect for couples, friends, or small groups who want a personalized day on the water without the chaos of larger groups. It’s well suited for those who value comfort, flexibility, and expert local insights. If you’re looking to explore Capri’s stunning coastline and iconic caves at your own pace, this tour offers a great combination of sightseeing and relaxation.

While not specifically designed for families or children, the experience’s calm, scenic nature can suit families with older kids comfortable around water. Just be mindful of the Blue Grotto’s queue if traveling with young children.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

All in all, this full-day private boat tour offers a fantastic way to experience Capri’s coast. The personalized service, combined with the chance to swim, take photos, and learn about the island from your skipper, makes it stand out from crowded group tours. The reviews suggest that travelers consistently find the experience well-organized, beautiful, and memorable.

If you’re after an authentic, relaxed, and scenic day exploring Capri from the water, and don’t mind paying a bit more for exclusivity and comfort, this tour seems like a solid choice. The fact that it covers so many major sights—plus hidden gems—means you’ll walk away with beautiful memories and plenty of photos to prove it.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people who want to see Capri’s famous caves?
Yes, it includes visits to the Green Grotto, White Grotto, and Blue Grotto. Keep in mind that the Blue Grotto involves a boat change and potential wait times, which are common during busy periods.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a private boat, towels, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, soda, a water shower, and an expert skipper who shares insights about the island.

Can I swim and snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. The tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling, with towels and gear provided. It’s a highlight for many travelers who love hitting the water.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 8 days ahead, as the tour tends to fill up quickly, especially in peak season.

How long does the Blue Grotto visit take?
The visit inside the Blue Grotto lasts roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, but this can vary depending on queues.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the calm, scenic nature makes it suitable for older children comfortable around water. Always check with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

This private boat experience in Capri promises a personalized, scenic, and relaxing day—perfect for those who want to make the most of the island’s stunning coastline without the hassle of crowded tours. If you enjoy natural beauty, local stories, and beachside swimming, this might just be one of the best ways to see Capri.