Capri Boat Tour from Positano: Blue Grotto, Faraglioni & 4h Island Time

Summary

Swim beneath Capri’s cliffs, sip limoncello at sea, wander sunlit lanes

You’ll sail from Positano along Capri’s dramatic coast with a small group and local skipper, pausing for swims by Faraglioni and inside glowing grottos before tasting fresh limoncello on deck. Four hours free on Capri let you wander sunlit streets or just linger over espresso — it’s a day where every detail feels unhurried and quietly special.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the boat in Positano was how everyone seemed a bit giddy — maybe it was the early sun or just the promise of Capri. Our skipper, Paolo (he had that kind of weathered smile you trust instantly), handed out towels and cracked a joke about “Capri time” running slower than the mainland. The sea felt gentle that morning, almost lazy. I found myself just watching the color shift as we left the coast behind — blue turning bluer, then green near the cliffs. Someone pointed out the Faraglioni rocks coming into view; they look even bigger up close, honestly. We all scrambled for photos but ended up laughing at our windblown hair instead.

I’d been told about the Blue Grotto but didn’t expect that hush when we floated near its mouth — even Paolo lowered his voice. Inside, it’s quiet except for water lapping against the boat and that weird electric-blue glow under your feet. It’s hard to explain; you just sort of sit there blinking. Later, after a swim near one of those hidden coves (the water cold enough to make you gasp), Paolo poured prosecco and homemade limoncello into little cups. He insisted we try both — “It’s tradition!” he said — and passed around snacks that tasted like someone’s grandmother made them this morning.

We docked at Marina Grande with four hours to roam Capri town. I took the funicular up with two women from Milan who argued about which sandals were best for cobblestones (I should’ve listened). The town smells like lemon trees and espresso if you walk slow enough. I got lost trying to find Via Krupp and ended up sharing a bench with an old man feeding birds — he didn’t speak much English but nodded at my sandwich approvingly. There’s something about sitting in that bright light with nowhere urgent to be that makes you wish time would stretch out a bit longer.

By late afternoon we were back on board, salty and sun-warmed, trading stories about what we’d seen: some shopped, others hunted down gelato or peeked into tiny churches. On the ride home Paolo played old Neapolitan songs on his phone; nobody talked much — just watched Positano reappear over the water as if waking from a nap. I still think about that blue inside the grotto sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri boat tour and island visit

• Depart from Positano by boat
• Pass Marina Grande beach
• Pass Bagni di Tiberio coastline
• Pass Blue Grotto entrance
• Explore Grotta Iannarella (Heart Cave)
• Visit calm natural cove nearby
• Pass Punta Carena lighthouse
• Visit Saints Grotto cave
• Explore Green Grotto cave
• Stop at Punta Ventroso for aperitif and swim
• Pass Mermaid's Rock
• Visit Grotta dei Marinai (Sailors' Cave)
• Observe Faraglioni rock formations
• Pass Malaparte Villa
• Visit White Grotto cave
• Pass Red Grotto cave
• Pass Villa Jovis cliff
• Pass statue of the Scugnizzo
• Disembark for 4 hours free time on Capri island

Top questions

How long is the Capri boat tour from Positano?

The total duration includes travel time and free time on Capri; expect a full-day trip with around four hours on the island itself.

Is swimming or snorkeling included on this Capri boat tour?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling in calm coves around Capri; masks and fins are provided onboard.

Does this tour include Blue Grotto entry?

The boat stops at the Blue Grotto; entry depends on sea conditions and timing but is typically possible during the tour.

Are food and drinks included during the tour?

Aperitif snacks, brunch featuring local specialties, prosecco, beer, soda, water, spritzes, and homemade limoncello are all included onboard.

How many people are on each boat tour group?

This is a shared tour with a maximum group size of 12 people per departure.

Is pickup included from Positano hotels?

The tour includes assisted pickup and drop-off by private docks/piers near Positano; hotel pickup may vary depending on location.

What should I bring for this day trip to Capri?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking in Capri town (cobblestones!), sunglasses, and maybe a light jacket if it’s breezy.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If weather affects safety or quality, you’ll be offered another date or receive a full refund according to policy.

What’s included

Your day covers assisted pickup from Positano piers, all port charges and taxes, fuel costs, plus use of beach towels and snorkeling gear onboard comfortable boats with bathrooms and showers. Enjoy an aperitif with appetizers and brunch of local specialties alongside prosecco or homemade limoncello served by your skipper before returning in late afternoon — no hidden fees along the way.