Capri Blue Grotto boat tour: Small-group morning escape

Sail the Sorrento coast at dawn and reach Capri's Blue Grotto before the queues form

A small-group boat tour from Sorrento that departs in the early morning to reach Capri's Blue Grotto without waiting, then cruises past the Green Grotto, White Grotto and Faraglioni rocks before giving you three hours to explore the island on foot. The itinerary shifts with sea conditions and the captain's judgment, and a Blue Grotto visit depends on weather and tide. If either closes access, you get extra time on the island or a longer swimming stop instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Marina Grandepassing by
2. Baths of Queen Giovannapassing by
3. Blue Grotto1h
4. Green Grottopassing by
5. Faraglioni5m
6. White Grottopassing by
7. Via Camerelle3h

Capri boat tour and island exploration

• Depart from Sorrento port
• Sail along Sorrento coastline
• Pass Marina Grande fishing village
• Pass ancient Roman villa ruins
• Visit Blue Grotto (weather permitting)
• Pass Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Visit Green Grotto
• Stop at Faraglioni rocks for photos
• Visit White Grotto
• Disembark and explore Capri island
• Free time to visit La Piazzetta, Via Camerelle, Augustus Gardens
• Swimming stop(s) in crystal-clear waters
• Return to Sorrento port

The experience

Seven to eight hours on the water means you leave Sorrento port in the early morning and sail along the Sorrento coastline, passing Marina Grande, a working fishing village, and the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st century BC. The boat reaches Capri and heads straight to the Blue Grotto, which is the whole point of the early start: you're there before the day-trippers pile in. The grotto's entrance depends on weather and tide, so the captain makes the call on the water. If conditions close it, the time goes to the island instead or to a longer swim.

From there the boat passes the Green Grotto (formed from dolomite, Capri's oldest sedimentary rock), and the White Grotto, where white limestone walls meet the blue water and create the kind of contrast that stops you mid-sentence. You'll pass Punta Carena Lighthouse, one of Italy's oldest, and the Faraglioni rocks, where the boat pauses so you can photograph them. Two swimming stops break up the cruise, each lasting 20 to 50 minutes depending on the season and what the captain decides. The water is clear enough that masks and life jackets are on board for anyone who wants them.

Once you're on the island, you have roughly three hours to yourself. Most people head to La Piazzetta, the main square, or walk Via Camerelle for the shops, or climb into the Augustus Gardens. The boat leaves you to it: no guide herding the group through a checklist. You swim when you want, explore when you want, and meet the boat back at the port. Return to Sorrento is around 3:15 pm. A professional skipper runs the boat, and the crew brings soft drinks, water, beer, seasonal fruit and a bottle of prosecco for the group. Restrooms and an outdoor shower are on board.

What’s included

• Soft drinks, water, beer and seasonal fruit for the group.
• scuba masks and life jacket per person.
• restroom and outdoor shower on board.
• bottle of prosecco per boat.
• professional skipper guiding the route.

Options for this experience

5 options

Shared morning tour lasting 4 hoursGuide in English or Italian · 07:50Disembarkation on Capri is not part of this option. Lasts 4 hours. What's included: a stop at the Blue Grotto (the visit depends on weather and sea conditions), a boat tour around the island of Capri, and a stop for swimming.

Full-Day Private TourGuide in English or Italian · 08:00 and 09:15Lasts 8 hours with a customisable itinerary. Disembarkation is not included but is optional: it costs €100.00 for the boat to dock at the port of Capri, plus €5.00 per person.

5-Hour Afternoon TourGuide in English or Italian · Available from 1 May 2027

See 2 more options

Shared morning tour lasting a full dayGuide in English or Italian · 07:45Lasts 7 hours. What's included: a stop at the Blue Grotto, a boat tour around the island of Capri, 3 hours of free time ashore, a stop for swimming, and a return to the port of Sorrento.

Full-day tour for up to 8 guestsGuide in English or Italian · 07:45Lasts 7 hours. What's included: a stop at the Blue Grotto, a boat tour around the island of Capri, 3 hours of free time ashore, a stop for swimming, and a return to the port of Sorrento.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:45, 07:50, 08:00 and 09:15Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (3 to 9 years): free · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 34

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MBS Blu Charter Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to reach the Blue Grotto before the crowds arrive. The early start is what makes that possible. Pick the full-day option if three hours on the island feels rushed. Pick the 4-hour tour if you're short on time or arriving later in the day and want just the boat and the grottos.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years): free; Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I book a morning or afternoon departure from Sorrento?

The tour runs both ways: a 4-hour shared morning tour, a 4-hour shared afternoon tour, or a full-day option (7 to 8 hours) in the morning. Morning departures reach the Blue Grotto before crowds. Afternoon tours work if you're arriving later or prefer a different schedule.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed when we arrive?

The Blue Grotto entrance depends on weather and sea conditions, so the captain decides on the day. If it's closed, you get extra time on the island to explore or a longer swimming stop, agreed directly with the captain once you're on the water.

How much time do we spend swimming?

Two swimming stops are built into the day, each lasting 20 to 50 minutes depending on the season and the captain's plan. Masks and life jackets are supplied on board if you want them.

Is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket included?

The Blue Grotto entrance is optional and depends on your chosen option at checkout. Check your selection to confirm whether it's included or if you're paying separately.

What's included in the boat tour price?

Soft drinks, water, beer, seasonal fruit and a bottle of prosecco for the group are included. So are scuba masks, life jackets, restroom access and an outdoor shower on board. A professional skipper runs the tour.

How much free time do we get on Capri itself?

You have approximately three hours on the island after the boat tour ends. That's enough time to visit La Piazzetta, walk Via Camerelle for shopping, explore the Augustus Gardens or simply wander the streets on your own pace.