Capri Boat Tour from Positano: Grottos, Faraglioni & 4-Hour City Stop

Summary

Swim beneath Capri’s cliffs, taste limoncello, wander sunlit streets

You’ll start your Capri day trip from Positano by boat—swimming in glowing grottos, tasting local limoncello on deck, then wandering through Capri town for four hours of free time. Expect laughter with your guide, fresh Caprese flavors for lunch, and views that linger long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how the air changed the second we left Positano’s little dock — sea spray mixing with sunscreen and that faint lemon scent drifting from someone’s bag (maybe mine). Our skipper, Marco, tossed us towels with a grin and cranked up some old Italian pop. I didn’t expect to laugh so much before 10am. The boat ride around Capri is honestly wild — one minute you’re gliding past those Faraglioni rocks (they look even taller in person), next you’re ducking into caves where the water glows this weird electric green. Marco pointed out the Green Grotto and told us stories about pirates hiding there. He swears he saw a dolphin once but I’m not sure if he was teasing us or not.

We stopped for a swim near the Grotta Verde — cold at first, then just right after you get over yourself. I still remember how salty my lips tasted when I climbed back up (and yeah, I swallowed some water trying to look cool). There was homemade limoncello after, which burned in a good way. Someone tried to play “Volare” on their phone but the wind kept stealing the sound away. We passed the Punta Carena lighthouse too — Marco said it’s one of Italy’s oldest. The cliffs there are so steep it almost feels unreal, like you’re looking at a painting instead of real stone.

After looping around all these coves and grottos — Blue Grotto was too busy to enter but we got close enough to see that crazy blue light inside — we finally docked at Marina Grande. Four hours on Capri felt both long and short; I wandered up to the Piazzetta with two people from our group who were obsessed with sandals (Capri sandals are apparently a thing?). Lunch was Caprese salad and espresso at this tiny place where an old man argued with his wife about tomatoes in dialect I couldn’t follow. The sun was sharp but not mean, more like it wanted you to slow down.

On the way back, everyone was quieter — tired or maybe just full of sun and salt and prosecco. Marco poured one last round of limoncello as Positano came into view again. I keep thinking about that first jump into Capri’s water; how nervous I felt for no reason at all. If you want an easy day trip to Capri from Positano with swimming, food, and time to wander on your own… well, this is exactly that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Capri boat tour and visit

• Depart from Positano by premium boat
• Pass Spiaggia Grande beach
• Pass Bagni di Tiberio coastline
• Visit Blue Grotto cave
• Explore Grotta Iannarella (Heart Cave)
• Enter calm cove with natural beauty
• Pass Punta Carena lighthouse
• Visit Saints Grotto cave
• Visit Green Grotto cave
• Relax and aperitivo at Punta Ventroso
• 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

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Positano to Capri?

The full tour lasts all day including travel time; expect several hours on the boat plus about 4 hours free time on Capri itself.

Is swimming gear provided on this Capri boat tour?

Yes, masks and fins are included for swimming or snorkeling during stops around Capri.

Are food and drinks included?

You’ll get brunch with local specialties plus an aperitif featuring prosecco and limoncello onboard.

How many people are on each boat?

The shared group size is capped at 12 guests per tour for comfort.

Does this day trip include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup; assisted boarding is provided at private docks/piers near Positano.

Can we visit the Blue Grotto during this tour?

The route passes by the Blue Grotto; entry depends on sea conditions and crowding but isn’t always possible by boat.

Is there free time to explore Capri town?

You’ll have roughly 4 hours of independent time after docking at Marina Grande in Capri.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If cancelled due to weather, you can reschedule or request a full refund—flexibility is offered by the operator.

What’s included

Your day covers assisted boarding at private docks near Positano, all fuel and port fees, beach towels plus masks and fins for swimming stops around Capri’s famous grottos. You’ll enjoy brunch with local snacks and drinks—prosecco, limoncello—onboard before spending four hours exploring Capri town at your own pace before returning by boat in late afternoon.