Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Tour from Sorrento with Swim & Lunch

Summary

Capri’s grottos, sea stacks and a sandwich you’ll remember

You’ll join a small group on a classic boat from Sorrento to Capri, swimming off wild cliffs and slipping into grottos lit by unreal colors. There’s time to explore Capri town or just eat gelato in the sun before cruising home with homemade limoncello and local sandwiches — all with an easygoing skipper who knows these waters by heart.

What’s the experience like?

It started with Antonio waving us onto the little wooden boat at Piano di Sorrento — he had that sun-baked look, like he’d been doing this forever. He grinned when I tripped over my flip-flop and just said “piano piano,” which I think means slow down. The air was salty and there was this faint smell of espresso from someone’s thermos. We set off along the coast, past Marina Grande where kids were already yelling at each other in Italian (I caught maybe three words), and old men sat on plastic chairs watching everything go by.

The first real surprise was how close we got to the cliffs near Bagni della Regina Giovanna — ancient ruins just hanging there above the water. Our skipper pointed out a waterfall that looked almost fake, tumbling straight into the sea. The water changed color every few minutes: green near the Green Grotto, then almost silver-blue by the White Grotto. At one point someone asked about swimming and Antonio just shrugged: “Why not?” So we jumped in. It was cold for a second, then perfect — I could hear my own heartbeat under the splashy sounds of everyone else.

I’d heard about the Blue Grotto but didn’t expect the wait (it can be long if you hit it wrong), so bring patience or snacks. When we finally ducked inside, it felt like being inside a bottle of blue light — weirdly quiet except for our guide humming something softly in Neapolitan. Afterward, we circled those Faraglioni rocks (the ones you see on postcards) and someone said you’re supposed to kiss under them for luck. My partner tried but I got distracted by a jellyfish drifting past — so much for luck.

We had hours to wander Capri itself, which is both glamorous and kind of chaotic — shopkeepers shouting over each other in the Piazzetta, tourists everywhere but also locals who clearly didn’t care about any of it. I found a tiny gelato place where they handed me a napkin before I even asked (I must’ve looked like trouble). Back on board there was homemade limoncello and a Caprese sandwich with mozzarella so fresh it squeaked between my teeth. Sunburned shoulders, tired feet, salt still on my skin — I still think about that view as we sailed back toward Sorrento in that late golden light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and island visit

• Pick-up and transfer to port
• Sail along Sorrento Coast
• Admire Marina Grande village
• See Roman villa ruins
• View natural waterfall Cascatella
• Visit Marvellous and White Grottos
• Admire Green Grotto
• Visit Blue Grotto (entrance extra)
• See Natural Arch and Villa Curzio Malaparte
• Admire Faraglioni rocks
• View Lighthouse of Punta Carena
• Stop 3-5 hours on Capri island
• Return to port and transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Capri & Blue Grotto boat tour take?

The full day trip usually lasts around 8 hours including sailing time and free time on Capri.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sorrento to Capri tour?

Yes, hotel or Airbnb pickup is included if you’re staying in Sorrento.

Can you swim during this Capri boat day trip?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling during the boat tour around Capri.

Is entry to the Blue Grotto included?

No, Blue Grotto entrance is not included; you pay on site if it’s open that day.

What food is served during the tour?

You get a Caprese sandwich (fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil) plus homemade sweet treats and drinks like wine or limoncello.

How many people are on each boat?

The semi-private tour has up to 8 guests per boat for a more relaxed experience.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed onboard.

What happens if bad weather closes the Blue Grotto?

If sea conditions close the grotto, you’ll skip it but continue with other stops; refunds or alternate dates may be offered if whole tour is cancelled due to weather.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sorrento, all sailing along both coasts with an English-speaking skipper guiding your way. There’s swimming stops around Capri’s grottos and Faraglioni rocks, plus soft drinks, beer, wine or prosecco onboard. Lunch comes as a fresh Caprese sandwich followed by homemade sweets and limoncello before heading back as evening falls.