Positano: Private Boat cruise to Capri Island & Blue Grotto

Planning a trip along Italy’s Amalfi Coast? If you love the idea of exploring stunning coastlines from the water, this private boat cruise to Capri and the Blue Grotto might be right up your alley. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s a trip that delivers on both beauty and personalized service.

What truly appeals is the chance to customize your itinerary, visit iconic spots at your own pace, and enjoy the intimate feel of a private boat. The highlight for many is the chance to see the famous Faraglioni rocks and the Blue Grotto—though, as we’ll discuss, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind.

A potential consideration? The Blue Grotto entrance isn’t included in the price and can involve waiting in line, which might impact your schedule if you’re on a tight timetable. This tour suits travelers who want an elegant, flexible way to see Capri’s coast—especially those who appreciate knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

Key Points

Personalized Experience: You can customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace—great for those who want more control.

Stunning Scenery: From the Faraglioni to caves like the Green and White Grottoes, the views are hard to beat.

Expert Skipper: The captain is knowledgeable, flexible, and relaxed, adding a real-quality touch to the trip.

Additional Costs: The Blue Grotto entrance isn’t included, and there’s a dock fee of €100, so factor that into your budget.

Great Value: The tour includes non-alcoholic drinks and a glass of Prosecco, making it a nice touch for the price.

Weather & Seasickness: Weather conditions can affect the Blue Grotto visit, and seasickness remedies are recommended if you’re sensitive.

The first thing to love about this tour is its private nature. Instead of being part of a large group, you get the boat all to yourself, which makes for a far more relaxed, intimate experience. The flexibility to customize your stops around Capri—whether you want more swimming, sightseeing, or just soaking in the scenery—is a true plus.

The skipper’s expertise shines through in reviews—many travelers mention how knowledgeable, relaxed, and accommodating Francesco was. This makes a significant difference, especially when navigating complex coastlines and caves. Plus, the boat itself is comfortable, with amenities such as showers to rinse off after swimming.

For those who love scenic cruising, this is a real highlight. You’ll glide past iconic spots like the Faraglioni rocks, the marina, and the lighthouse at Punta Carena. The stops at the White Grotto, Marvelous Grotto, and Green Grotto add variety to the experience and deliver some truly remarkable sights beneath the water’s surface.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Meet & Start in Positano

Your day begins early at the Cassiopea desk on Positano’s main beach, Spiaggia Grande. The meeting is straightforward—just look for the bright orange kiosk. From there, you’ll board a private boat, starting your journey along the beautiful Sorrento coast.

Cruising Along the Coast

Once out on the water, you’re free to simply enjoy the scenery. The captain will point out notable features like the Natural Arch, which sits above a small pond formed from a collapsed cave. This part of the cruise is all about taking in the views and feeling the breeze.

Exploring Capri’s Caves

As you approach Capri, the boat slows down for several stops. The White Grotto (Grotta Bianca) and the Marvelous Grotto are both spectacular, with stalagmites and stalactites that dazzle beneath the water. The Green Grotto gets its name from the way sunlight reflects off the water, casting a greenish hue inside.

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The Famed Faraglioni Rocks

Cruising past the Faraglioni, those iconic stacks rising from the sea, is a memory you’ll want to keep. Many reviews mention how stunning these natural formations are, especially when framed against a clear blue sky.

Marina Piccola & the Lighthouse

Next, the boat heads to Marina Piccola, once a fishing village, now a tranquil spot for swimming and relaxing. The lighthouse at Punta Carena is another recognizable landmark, often featured in travel photography of Capri.

The Blue Grotto Experience

The highlight for many is the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra). Visitors can opt to purchase an entrance ticket (not included in the price) and transfer to a small rowing boat to explore inside. Be aware that queues can be long, and the visit depends heavily on weather conditions—sometimes the grotto is closed if the sea is rough.

Disembarkation at Marina Grande

The tour suggests leaving the boat at Marina Grande, the main dock. From there, you’re steps away from Capri’s charming Piazzetta, perfect for a quick coffee or some shopping. You’ll also have the chance to visit sites like Villa Jovis, Certosa, and the Gardens of Augustus, if time permits.

Returning to Positano

After exploring Capri, you’ll return to the boat for the scenic cruise back along the coast. The captain keeps an eye out for swimming spots, so be prepared for a refreshing dip if the weather allows.

What Travelers Love

The most praised aspect of this experience is the knowledge and flexibility of the skipper. One traveler raved about Francesco, mentioning how he was “amazing, knowledgeable, flexible and relaxed,” which elevated the entire day. The ability to avoid crowded lines for the Blue Grotto by simply choosing to skip it was also a hit with many, offering more time to enjoy other parts of the island.

Another favorite feature is the stunning scenery. Quotes such as “gorgeous relaxing day” and “amazing day catered to what we WANTED” speak to how well the tour’s flow matches travelers’ desires for a personalized, scenic adventure. The luxury of a private boat, with its intimate setting and the possibility to swim and relax, adds a layer of comfort not found in larger group tours.

Practical Considerations

While the experience is undoubtedly memorable, it’s essential to be aware of some logistics. The Blue Grotto entrance fee isn’t included, and queues can be long, which might eat into your sightseeing time. The dock fee of €100 also adds to the overall cost, so budget accordingly.

Weather plays a crucial role, especially for the Blue Grotto. It’s wise to check the forecast and be prepared with sunscreen, hats, and a jacket or jersey for cooler moments. Seasickness can be an issue for some, so if you’re prone, taking medication beforehand is recommended.

The tour runs for about 8 hours, so it’s a full day—be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on Capri and bring a camera, because you’ll want to capture the unforgettable views.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This cruise is perfect for travelers who value privacy and flexibility, and who want a more personalized experience than a large group tour. It’s ideal for those looking to see Capri’s highlights from the water, with the option to customize stops and avoid long lines at the Blue Grotto if they prefer.

While not specifically suited for families with very young children or those with mobility issues (given the boat’s nature and walking involved in Capri’s sites), it’s a good fit for anyone wanting a relaxed, scenic day with expert guidance. The inclusion of drinks and the chance to swim make it appealing for couples, friends, or even small groups.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re after a luxurious, flexible way to see Capri, this private boat cruise offers a fantastic blend of scenery, customization, and comfort. Its knowledgeable skipper and stunning vistas make it a memorable outing, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and have some control over your day.

The experience’s value hinges on your interest in scenic cruising, caves, and the iconic Capri landscape. The extra costs—dock fee and optional Blue Grotto ticket—should be factored into your budget, but many travelers find the personalized service and gorgeous views worth the additional spend.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, scenic beauty, and a touch of luxury. If you’re looking for a highly customizable, intimate way to explore this part of Italy, it’s a compelling choice.

FAQ

Is the Blue Grotto included in the tour price? No, the Blue Grotto entrance fee isn’t included and costs extra. You can purchase a ticket on-site if you wish to visit.

Can I skip the Blue Grotto? Yes, many travelers choose not to queue and instead enjoy the other scenic stops around Capri.

What’s the meeting point? The tour starts at the Cassiopea desk located on Positano’s main beach, Spiaggia Grande.

How long is the tour? The cruise lasts approximately 8 hours, providing plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for families? The description doesn’t specify, but since it involves boat cruising and walking around Capri, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with those activities.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, swimwear, a hat, camera, and perhaps a light jacket for cooler moments.

Are drinks included? Yes, non-alcoholic beverages and a glass of Prosecco are offered as part of the experience.

Will I get seasick? If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s advised to take preventative measures beforehand.

How do I pay for the dock fee? The €100 dock fee is paid locally, and it’s recommended to have cash or card ready.

Is this a group tour? No, it’s a private group experience, allowing for a more personalized day.

In the end, if you’re seeking a special, tailored day exploring Capri from the water, this private boat trip offers a wonderful way to do just that. With stunning scenery, expert guidance, and the flexibility to craft your ideal day, it’s an experience many travelers find well worth the investment.

You can check availability for your dates here: