Capri & Blue Grotto Private Tour from Sorrento by Ferry

Capri’s secret corners, Blue Grotto glow and Monte Solaro views

You’ll catch a fast ferry from Sorrento to Capri with a local guide, float inside the glowing Blue Grotto (weather permitting), ride a chairlift up Monte Solaro for wild island views, and sip coffee in Capri town before heading back—all with entry fees and transport sorted for you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri Island tour and return to Sorrento

• Meet guide at Sorrento port
• Take fast ferry to Capri
• Visit Blue Grotto by small boat
• Travel to Anacapri via Mamma Mia Road
• Ride chairlift to Monte Solaro
• Explore Capri town and La Piazzetta
• Visit Augustus Garden and Faraglioni rocks
• Visit Marina Grande harbor
• Return ferry to Sorrento

The Experience

I didn’t expect the ferry from Sorrento to Capri to be so quick—or for the sea air to taste almost sweet. Our guide, Paolo, waved us over at the port with this half-grin and a “Pronti?” that made me feel like we were about to sneak into someplace special. The boat ride was loud in a good way—kids yelling, someone’s espresso sloshing on the deck. I kept squinting at the cliffs until suddenly Capri was just there, all white houses stacked like sugar cubes.

The Blue Grotto was open that day (Paolo said it’s luck—sometimes it isn’t), so we crammed into these tiny rowboats. I don’t know what I expected but ducking under that low stone arch felt like entering a secret. Inside, everything glowed blue from below, even our hands. The boatman hummed something—it echoed weirdly off the walls—and for maybe a minute nobody spoke. I still think about that color when I close my eyes.

Afterwards we zipped up winding roads in an old convertible (Paolo joked it was “vintage,” which I think meant “the radio doesn’t work”). Anacapri was quieter than I thought—old men playing cards outside a bar, lemon trees everywhere. The chairlift up Monte Solaro is slow and kind of creaky; you’re just hanging there with your feet dangling over gardens and roofs. At the top it was windy enough to steal your hat if you weren’t careful. The view… well, you can see all of Capri and out toward Sorrento—the Faraglioni rocks looked unreal from up there.

We wandered back through Capri town’s narrow lanes—stopped for coffee in La Piazzetta where everyone seemed to be watching everyone else. Paolo pointed out the Augustus Garden (I probably mispronounced it—he laughed). From there you get this postcard view of those famous rocks again. By late afternoon we were back at Marina Grande waiting for the ferry home, salty hair and tired feet but not really wanting to leave yet.

Top questions

How long does the Capri & Blue Grotto tour take?

The full day trip usually lasts around 8 hours including ferry rides and all stops on Capri.

Is pickup included for this tour?

Yes, port pickup and drop off in Sorrento are included with your booking.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed?

If weather closes the Blue Grotto, you’ll do a shared boat ride around Capri instead.

Is transportation on Capri by car or bus?

You’ll travel by convertible car if your group is up to 5 people; shuttle bus for larger groups.

Are entrance fees included in this private tour?

Yes, all entrance fees including chairlift tickets and Blue Grotto admission are covered.

Can infants or small children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed on transport options.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; let them know when booking if you have mobility needs.

Do we visit both Anacapri and Capri town?

Yes, you’ll explore both Anacapri (with Monte Solaro) and central Capri including La Piazzetta.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip fast ferry tickets between Sorrento and Capri, entry fees for the Blue Grotto (if open), chairlift admission up Monte Solaro, all island transport by convertible car or shuttle bus depending on group size, an English-speaking local guide throughout, plus port pickup and drop-off in Sorrento before heading home tired but happy.