Capri: Blue Grotto & Faraglioni Semi-Private Boat Tour

Circle Capri by boat swim at secret coves taste limoncello pause at Faraglioni

You’ll circle Capri by boat with a small group, swimming beneath Faraglioni and pausing for snacks and limoncello between stops. Entering the Blue Grotto is surreal—the silence inside stays with you long after. With friendly guides handling every detail (and plenty of food), it’s less about rushing and more about soaking up Capri’s rhythms.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri island boat tour and Blue Grotto visit

• Cruise around Capri island
• Visit the Blue Grotto cave
• Admire Faraglioni rock formations
• Sip prosecco and limoncello
• Enjoy local delicacies
• Swim and snorkel at anchor stops
• Dance to Bluetooth Hi-Fi music

The Experience

“If you want to see the real color of Capri, you have to look under the water,” our skipper Marco grinned as he handed us chilled prosecco. That was before we even left Marina Grande — already I could smell the sea and sunscreen mixing in the air. There were just ten of us on board, everyone a little shy at first, but Marco broke the ice by pointing out a fisherman waving from his tiny blue boat. “That’s Gennarino — he always waves. Some say for luck.” I tried to wave back but nearly spilled my drink (classic).

The first swim stop was near Bagni di Tiberio. The pebbles felt cool under my feet when I dipped in — honestly, colder than I expected for June. There was this faint citrus scent from someone peeling a lemon nearby (probably for limoncello later), and the water was so clear it made my toes look cartoonish. Our hostess passed around focaccia and little bites of cheese; I ate too many because I kept thinking there’d be time to swim it off. We cruised past Villa Malaparte — Marco told us about a movie filmed there but I forgot which one because right then the Faraglioni rocks came into view and everyone rushed to take photos.

I didn’t expect the Blue Grotto part to be such an ordeal — there’s this whole system where you wait your turn in small rowboats bobbing outside the cave. We waited maybe 40 minutes? Not bad, apparently. When it was finally our turn, ducking down through that tiny opening felt like sneaking into another world. Inside, it was silent except for oars tapping water and that blue light—almost unreal, like someone switched on LEDs under the sea. It lasted only a few minutes but I still think about how quiet it felt in there.

Afterwards we stopped near Cala del Rio for more swimming (I skipped this time—too full) and Marco poured homemade limoncello into plastic cups. Someone played Italian pop on the Bluetooth speaker; people started laughing louder now, sunburned and relaxed. We drifted past Punta Carena Lighthouse where the cliffs looked almost orange in late afternoon light. The day kind of blurred together after that—maybe from sun or prosecco—but I remember salt drying on my skin and feeling like we’d actually seen Capri instead of just ticking off sights.

Top questions

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

The standard tour lasts about 8 hours, though timing can vary slightly due to conditions or waiting times at attractions like the Blue Grotto.

Is swimming allowed during the Capri boat tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling around Capri’s coves such as Bagni di Tiberio or Cala del Rio.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?

If access to the Blue Grotto is closed or waiting times are too long, your tour continues around Capri with extra time at other sights—no refund is given but all other inclusions remain.

Are food and drinks included on this tour?

Yes, brunch with local specialties is served onboard along with prosecco, limoncello, beer, soda, spritzes, and water.

How many people are on each semi-private boat tour?

The group size is capped at 12 guests per boat for a relaxed experience.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear as well as beach towels are included for all guests.

Where does the tour start from in Capri?

The tour departs from Marina Grande Beach near Capri’s main port.

Is there a restroom onboard?

Yes, boats have restrooms available as well as cabins for changing or relaxing.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Grande with a skipper and hostess taking care of everything—fuel covered, stops for swimming and snorkeling with towels provided, plus brunch featuring local food specialties. Drinks flow freely: prosecco, limoncello, spritzes, beer, soda or water. There’s snorkeling gear onboard along with music via Bluetooth speakers; restrooms and cabins make things comfortable throughout your time circling Capri—even if plans shift due to weather or Blue Grotto access.