Capri Blue Grotto & Faraglioni: Small Group Boat Day Trip

Summary

Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni rocks and quiet morning waters

You’ll glide along Sorrento’s coast by boat before reaching Capri’s Blue Grotto early enough to avoid long waits. Swim near Faraglioni rocks, sip prosecco on deck with fruit in hand, and wander Capri at your own pace for three hours before returning salty-haired to Sorrento. It’s those quiet moments between stops that really stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’d heard about Capri’s crowds but honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so calm as we pulled away from Sorrento’s port that morning. The air smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen — someone on board had a pastry in hand, and our skipper Marco joked he’d trade us a swim stop for a bite. We drifted past Marina Grande, all pastel houses and fishing boats bobbing lazily. There was this old Roman villa crumbling into the cliffs — Marco pointed it out, said it was from the first century BC. I tried to picture toga-clad Romans where now there’s just wildflowers and sea spray.

The main keyword here is the Blue Grotto — everyone wants to see it, right? We got there early enough that the line was short (still had to wait a bit; apparently the sea likes to make its own plans). Inside, it’s not just blue — it’s this weird electric color that kind of glows around your legs when you look down. You have to duck low in the little rowboats to get inside. I banged my head lightly on the way in (don’t laugh), but honestly, worth it. Afterward we circled Capri itself: Faraglioni rocks looming like movie props, Green Grotto where the water turns glassy green, White Grotto with these stalactites that look like frozen waterfalls.

We stopped for swimming twice — cold at first but then perfect once you’re in. There was prosecco passed around (Marco poured with one hand while steering with the other; I still don’t know how he does that). The fruit tasted like sun. When we finally docked on Capri for three hours of free time, I wandered up to La Piazzetta and watched locals chatting over tiny coffees. It felt good not to rush anywhere for once.

By mid-afternoon we were salty-haired and sleepy as we headed back toward Sorrento. Someone fell asleep on deck with their hat over their face; I just watched the cliffs slide by and tried to memorize how everything looked in that light. Still thinking about that view now — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri boat tour and island visit

• Depart from Sorrento port
• Sail along Sorrento coastline
• Pass Marina Grande fishing village
• Pass ancient Roman villa
• Visit Blue Grotto (weather permitting)
• Pass Punta Carena lighthouse
• Visit Green Grotto
• Pass Faraglioni rocks and take photos
• Visit White Grotto
• Disembark on Capri island
• Tour Capri main square and shopping street
• Visit Augustus Gardens
• Stop for swimming
• Return to Sorrento port

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Sorrento to Capri?

The day trip lasts until around 3:15 pm, including sailing time and stops on Capri.

Is swimming included during the Capri boat tour?

Yes, there are one or two swimming stops depending on season and timing.

Does this tour include entry to the Blue Grotto?

The visit depends on sea conditions; entry is attempted early upon arrival at Capri.

How much free time do you get on Capri island?

You’ll have about three hours of free time on Capri during the day trip.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the tour?

Your day includes soft drinks, water, beer, seasonal fruit per group, and a bottle of prosecco per boat.

Is hotel pickup included in this Sorrento–Capri boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Sorrento port.

Are life jackets available on board?

Yes, each person has access to a life jacket during the trip.

Can infants join this small group boat tour?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Sorrento with a professional skipper guiding your small group along coastal sights like Marina Grande and ancient Roman ruins. You’ll have access to life jackets and scuba masks for swimming stops near Capri’s grottos and Faraglioni rocks. Drinks like soft drinks, water, beer plus fresh seasonal fruit and a bottle of prosecco are served onboard. There’s also a shower with fresh water and restroom facilities before returning by mid-afternoon.