Private boat tour to Capri departing from Sorrento

Thinking about exploring the stunning coast of Italy by sea? This private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri offers a personalized way to see some of the most beautiful sights along the coast, all in the comfort of a small boat with your own skipper. It’s a way to escape the crowds and enjoy a tailored experience that emphasizes relaxation, scenery, and a touch of Italian charm.

There are plenty of things to love about this trip. First, the intimate setting—with a small group or just your family—means you can enjoy the journey without the chaos of large tours or crowded buses. Second, the customizable stops and flexible schedule give you a chance to explore at your own pace, whether that’s swimming in hidden spots or wandering through Capri’s charming streets. That said, a consideration to keep in mind is the additional costs—there’s a significant fuel surcharge and a disembarkation fee that can add up, so it’s worth factoring those into your budget.

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who value privacy, comfort, and a more curated way to see Capri. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water with the freedom to choose how much time you spend onshore or at sea. It also suits those who want a mix of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and leisurely swimming stops.

Key Points

• Private experience with a dedicated skipper for personalized service
• Multiple stops including swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying local food
• Flexible itinerary with options to get off in Capri or stay at sea
• All-inclusive amenities like drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear
• Additional costs such as fuel, disembarkation fee, and optional lunch
• Duration of around 7 hours, perfect for a full day of exploration
• Small group size ensures comfort and intimacy on board
• Highly rated with consistent 5-star reviews highlighting professionalism and scenery

Setting Off from Sorrento

The tour kicks off at the Piazza Marinai d’Italia at 10:00 am. From here, you’ll hop aboard your private boat, which is handled by a professional skipper—someone who knows the coast and Capri’s hidden corners like the back of their hand. The first leg of the trip is about 40 minutes, a breezy ride along the coast that sets the tone for the day.

Traveling by boat means you’ll get an immediate sense of the stunning landscape, with the cliffs and sea stretching out around you. Many reviews mention how smooth and comfortable the ride is, with one guest praising the “excellent captain” and “smooth trip.” On board, you’ll find amenities like a toilet, fresh water shower, and diving masks—small touches that make a big difference in comfort.

Exploring the Bagni della Regina Giovanna

One of the earliest stops is the Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a site with a lot of history and a splash of scandal. This rocky inlet was a favorite getaway spot for Queen Joanna, who allegedly loved to spend time here with her lovers. Today, you’ll see ruins of the Roman villa “Villa Pollio Felice”—a sizable estate from the 1st century BC—visible from both land and sea.

This spot is great for a swim or just relaxing on the boat to admire the scenery. The reviews highlight how special this place is, with one guest remarking on the “enchanting scenery” and “remains of ancient ruins.” It’s a peaceful stop, away from the busier parts of Capri, and perfect for snapping photos or cooling off in the water.

Stop at Marina di Puolo

Next, your journey takes you to Marina di Puolo, a tiny fishing village on the way to Capri. This area, divided between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense, offers a glimpse into local life. The beach here is mainly pebbles and sand, with views of Vesuvius looming in the distance—a real postcard scene.

This stop isn’t just about scenery; it’s also a good chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the relaxed, authentic atmosphere of a seaside village. Many travelers appreciate these small, quiet spots that aren’t overrun with travelers, providing a more genuine taste of the region.

Arriving at Capri: What to Expect

When your boat reaches Capri, the options are plentiful. You’ll have the chance to disembark and explore the island, whether that’s for a meal at a seaside restaurant, shopping, or wandering through the charming streets of Capri town. Keep in mind there’s a disembarkation fee of 100 euros per boat—something to plan for if you decide to step onto the island.

If you prefer not to pay the landing fee, you can stay on the boat or visit a restaurant that offers sea access, thanks to an agreement between the municipality and local eateries. This flexibility is something many reviews highlight as a plus, allowing you to customize your experience.

Capri’s Famous Attractions

Once ashore or from the boat, you’ll get to see some of the most iconic sights Capri has to offer:

• The Blue Grotto: Entrance fee is around €18 per person, with about 60–70 minutes needed for a visit. Many reviews mention this as a must-see, with the glowing green reflections inside creating a magical atmosphere.

• The Lighthouse: Known as Italy’s second lighthouse, it offers panoramic views and a sense of magic overlooking the sea. It’s a photo-worthy spot and adds to the sense of adventure.

• The Green Grotto: Another stunning sea cave, famous for its green reflections. It’s a highlight that many visitors find breathtaking.

• The Faraglioni: The island’s signature rock formations are visible from the boat or from the land and are frequently featured in photographs and films. Several reviews talk about how they’re a symbol of Capri’s beauty and romance.

• Villa Jovis: Passing by the Roman emperor Tiberius’s former residence gives a glimpse of the island’s ancient past. From the boat, you’ll get a good view of this historic site, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your day.

Swimming and Other Stops

Throughout the tour, there are several opportunities for swimming in the crystalline waters. Many guests mention how refreshing it is to take a dip in these calm, protected spots. The boat comes equipped with snorkeling masks, so you can enjoy the underwater scenery.

The green grotto and other sea caves are not only visually stunning from the outside but also provide excellent spots for exploring beneath the surface. Several reviews rave about how the boat navigates close to grottos and rock formations, making it a fun and interesting experience, especially if you love natural scenery.

Time on Capri

You’ll have roughly an hour to explore or relax on the island—more than enough to grab a quick bite, wander, or shop. Many reviews mention how the captain and crew are flexible, making sure you get the most out of your limited time. If you’re a family, couple, or group of friends, this personalized approach can make your experience feel special.

If you choose not to disembark, you can stay at sea and enjoy the cruise, taking in the views and having a toast with Italian sparkling wine—many guests mention how memorable that moment is, sealing the day with a glass of prosecco and stunning scenery.

Return Trip to Sorrento

After your island visit, the boat heads back to Sorrento, with about 40 minutes of sailing. It’s a relaxing way to wind down, reflecting on the day’s highlights and perhaps sharing photos with your companions.

The trip concludes back at your starting point around 5:00 pm, giving you a full, satisfying day at sea. Many travelers say this time frame is perfect—long enough to enjoy the sights but not so long that you’re exhausted.

What’s Included and What Costs Extra

Your ticket covers a lot of comforts: a professional skipper, bottle of Prosecco, soft drinks, water, beer, and snorkeling masks. Onboard amenities like a toilet and fresh water shower add to the comfort.

However, be aware of the additional costs: the fuel surcharge (€300), which is a significant extra, and the disembarkation fee (€100) if you go ashore in Capri. Optional extras like lunch are not included, so plan accordingly if you want a meal.

Many reviews highlight how the crew goes out of their way to make the experience special, and the small additional costs are often seen as reasonable for a private tour of this kind.

The Real Value of the Experience

At around $951 for approximately 7 hours, this tour is not the cheapest option but offers high value for those seeking a personalized, intimate experience with flexible stops and expert guidance. The reviews frequently mention how attentive and friendly the crew is, making the day not just scenic but also fun and comfortable.

What really sets this apart is the chance to customize your day, whether that’s swimming in secluded spots, exploring Capri’s main attractions, or simply relaxing on deck with a glass of prosecco.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re traveling with a small group, family, or even as a couple, and want a day free from large crowds, this private boat trip will suit you well. It’s perfect for those who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and a bit of local charm.

But keep in mind the extra costs—if your budget is tight, you’ll want to weigh the price versus the experience. Also, if you’re keen on seeing every major Capri attraction, this tour offers plenty of options but doesn’t include entrance fees or meals unless you arrange them separately.

The Sum Up

This private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri offers an elegant, relaxed way to explore the coast and island’s highlights. With a dedicated skipper, flexible itinerary, and the chance to swim, shop, or simply enjoy the scenery, it’s a memorable way to spend a day. The highly positive reviews underline the professionalism of the crew and the stunning scenery, making it clear that many guests leave with fond memories.

It’s best suited for travelers who crave a personalized experience and are happy to pay a little extra for comfort and flexibility. If you value intimacy, scenic cruising, and a relaxed pace, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Sorrento to Capri?
The navigation time from Sorrento to Capri is about 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery before your stops.

What’s included in the tour?
Your package includes the services of a professional skipper, a bottle of Prosecco, soft drinks, water, beer, snorkeling masks, a beach towel, toilet, and a fresh water shower on board.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a fuel surcharge of €300 and a disembarkation fee of €100 per boat if you decide to get off in Capri. Optional meals are not included.

Can I visit Capri’s main attractions?
Absolutely. You can choose to disembark and explore Capri, with stops at famous sites like the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks, and Villa Jovis. The tour includes about 60–70 minutes for the grotto visit.

What if I don’t want to get off in Capri?
You can stay on the boat, enjoy the cruise, swim, and relax. The crew is flexible, and many reviews mention how enjoyable the experience is even without stepping onto the island.

How many people typically join this tour?
It’s a private experience, so only your group will participate. The boat comfortably accommodates about 12 people, making it intimate and relaxed.

What’s the best time of day to start?
The tour begins at 10:00 am, which is ideal for avoiding peak crowds and enjoying a full day at sea.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While the reviews don’t specify family-friendliness, the amenities like snorkeling gear and the calm sea suggest it’s suitable for those traveling with children, provided they’re comfortable on boats.

How do I book this experience?
You can reserve through providers like My Sorrento Holiday, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This private boat trip to Capri from Sorrento offers a personalized, scenic, and relaxing way to explore Italy’s beautiful coastline and the legendary island. With its combination of comfort, flexibility, and stunning views, it’s a tour that’s worth considering if you want an authentic experience away from the crowds.