Capri boat tour from Sorrento: Faraglioni, grottoes, swim

A full day on the water without the tour bus crowds

A private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri with a skipper, snorkeling equipment, towels and drinks included. The boat stops at the island's sea caves—the Blue, Green and White Grottoes—passes the Faraglioni rock formations, and offers multiple swimming breaks in the Gulf of Naples. You can add free time on the island to visit the Piazzetta, Gardens of Augustus or Monte Solaro, or book lunch at a local restaurant separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Capri by private boat

• Depart from main regional ports
• Sail along Amalfi coast
• Visit Blue Grotto (optional)
• Cruise past Faraglioni rocks
• Visit Gardens of Augustus
• Admire Monte Solaro views
• Visit Villa San Michele (optional)
• Explore Piazzetta di Capri
• Stop at Marina Piccola bay
• Visit Marina Grande harbor
• Explore Green Grotto
• See Villa Jovis
• Sail past White Grotto
• Admire Villa Malaparte from sea
• Pass Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling stops
• Optional free time on Capri island

The Experience

You board a private boat in Sorrento and sail toward Capri with a skipper who speaks English, Spanish or Italian. The journey crosses the Amalfi Coast, and the boat makes its first stop at the Blue Grotto—the island's most famous sea cave, where sunlight turns the water an intense blue (entry ticket is separate). From there, the route moves to the Green Grotto and the White Grotto, both accessible by boat, with time to swim and snorkel between stops. The Faraglioni, Capri's symbol of three towering rock formations rising from the sea, passes by without a formal stop but is impossible to miss.

Swimming and snorkeling happen at multiple points throughout the day. You get snorkeling gear, towels, and a choice of drinks—soft drinks, fresh tea, beer, prosecco or limoncello—plus light snacks. The boat carries a maximum of 12 people, so the experience stays intimate. If your departure is from Sorrento or Positano, you can add free time on the island itself: the Piazzetta (Capri's main square), the Gardens of Augustus with views over the Faraglioni, Monte Solaro (the island's highest point), or Villa San Michele. These island stops are optional and unguided, so you move at your own pace. Lunch at one of the local restaurants can be arranged separately and is not part of the tour rate.

The boat also passes Villa Malaparte (a striking red villa on the cliffs, now a public museum), Punta Carena Lighthouse on the western side, and Villa Jovis, the ancient residence of Emperor Tiberius. Marina Piccola and Marina Grande are scenic stops where you can rest or swim again. The full experience runs about eight hours. Life jackets and insurance are included. Bring a swimsuit and dress in smart casual; the boat operates in all weather conditions suitable for sailing.

What’s included

• Skipper guide in English, Spanish or Italian.
• snorkeling equipment and towels.
• soft drinks, fresh tea, beer, prosecco and limoncello.
• light snacks.
• life jackets.
• insurance.
• boat access to the Blue, Green and White Grottoes and Marina Piccola.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sorrento Sea Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private boat if you're starting from Sorrento or Positano and want to control your own schedule at each cave and rock formation; add island time to explore Capri's town and hiking trails on your own.

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Top questions

Can I swim and snorkel on this private Capri boat tour from Sorrento?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling gear and towels, with multiple stops for swimming in the open water and at Marina Piccola, a scenic bay facing the Faraglioni. You can also snorkel near the sea caves if conditions allow.

What are the Blue, Green and White Grottoes on Capri?

The Blue Grotto is Capri's most famous sea cave, where sunlight creates an intense blue glow in the water (entry ticket sold separately). The Green Grotto and White Grotto are also sea caves accessible by boat, known for their emerald reflections and bright rock formations shaped by the sea.

Do I get time to explore Capri town on this tour?

Free time on the island is optional and depends on your departure point. Tours from Sorrento and Positano can include unguided time to visit the Piazzetta (the main square), the Gardens of Augustus, or Monte Solaro. Tours starting from Capri itself focus on the boat experience and water stops.

What drinks and food are included on the boat?

Soft drinks, fresh tea, beer, prosecco, limoncello and light snacks are included. Lunch at a local restaurant can be arranged separately and is not part of the tour rate. Alcoholic drinks beyond what is included are available to purchase.

How many people go on this private Capri tour?

The boat holds a maximum of 12 people per booking, keeping the group small and the experience private rather than a large shared tour.

What is the Faraglioni and will I see it up close?

The Faraglioni are three towering rock formations rising from the sea and Capri's most recognizable symbol. The boat passes them closely during the tour, offering views from the water but no formal stop on the rocks themselves.