Capri boat tour from Positano: Caves, swim & time ashore

Boat tour around Capri's sea stacks and grottoes, then time to wander the island

A full-day boat tour from Positano to Capri with a maximum of 12 passengers, departing at 9:30 AM and returning by late afternoon. The morning is spent cruising the island's coastline (passing Marina Grande, the Baths of Queen Giovanna, and the dramatic Faraglioni rock formations) with swimming stops at the White Grotto and Green Grotto. After a boat tour of Capri's sea caves and landmarks, you disembark at Marina Grande for 3 to 4 hours to explore the Piazzetta, shops, and gardens on foot. Round-trip minivan transfers from Positano to the port at Piano di Sorrento, a light lunch with Caprese sandwich, and drinks including wine and limoncello are included. The tour operates in English, Spanish or Italian depending on your option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Marina Grandepassing by
2. Baths of Queen Giovannapassing by
3. Mitigliano Beachpassing by
4. White Grotto15m
5. Green Grotto15m
6. Faraglionipassing by
7. Natural Archpassing by
8. Piazzetta di Capri4h

Boat tour and Capri exploration

• Meet at 9:30 AM in Positano
• Travel to Piano di Sorrento port
• Boat departs along Sorrento coastline
• Pass Marina Grande fishermen’s village
• Pass Baths of Queen Giovanna
• Pass Cala di Mitigliano cove
• Boat tour around Capri island
• Visit White Grotto cave
• Visit Green Grotto cave
• Pass Villa Malaparte cliffside
• Sail through Faraglioni sea stacks
• Admire Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Pass Natural Arch rock formation
• Disembark at Marina Grande, Capri
• Explore Capri for 3-4 hours
• Enjoy included light lunch and drinks
• Cruise back to Sorrento port
• Return to Positano by minivan

The experience

The day starts at 9:30 AM at Parking Garage Mandara in Positano, where a minivan picks you up and drives to Piano di Sorrento. Once aboard the boat, the captain (an expert skipper who speaks English, Spanish or Italian), steers along the Sorrento coastline past Marina Grande, a working fishing village with colorful boats and seaside homes. You'll pass the Baths of Queen Giovanna, where Roman ruins sit above a natural pool, and Cala di Mitigliano, a cove with a freshwater waterfall dropping from the cliffs.

The boat circles Capri itself, stopping to swim in the White Grotto with its white stalactites and the Green Grotto where the water glows emerald. You'll see Villa Malaparte perched on a cliff edge, sail through the Faraglioni (the legendary sea stacks that are Capri's symbol), and pass the Punta Carena Lighthouse on the island's western tip. The Natural Arch, a rock formation that looks carved by hand, comes into view before the boat reaches Marina Grande. Throughout the cruise, a light lunch arrives: a traditional Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella and tomato, snacks, and drinks. Prosecco, beer, wine, and a final limoncello toast.

Once ashore at Marina Grande, you have 3 to 4 hours to explore Capri on your own. Most travelers head to the Piazzetta, the heart of the island's social life, to browse boutiques and artisan shops, sip limoncello or gelato at a café, or hike up to Augustus Gardens for views across the water. The Blue Grotto is not included in the boat tour due to long waiting times, but you can visit it yourself during your free time on the island if you choose. In the late afternoon, the boat departs for the return cruise to Sorrento, and your driver meets you at the port to drive back to Positano.

What’s included

• Round-trip minivan transfers from Positano to Piano di Sorrento port.
• professional English, Spanish or Italian-speaking skipper.
• light lunch with Caprese sandwich, fresh mozzarella and tomato.
• snacks during the cruise.
• water, soda, Prosecco, beer, white and red wine, plus a limoncello toast.
• swimming stops at the White Grotto and Green Grotto.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour in Spanish09:30Spanish-language full-day boat trip from Positano along the Sorrento Coast and to Capri, running on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Tour offered in English and Italian09:30English- and Italian-language full-day boat trip from Positano along the Sorrento Coast and Capri, running every day.

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 dayDeparts at 09:30Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (10 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by You Know!

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the boat experience and the freedom to explore Capri on your own: the small group size and the long stop ashore mean you get both the guided coastal views and the time to wander the Piazzetta and shops without being rushed. The fixed schedule and included transfers from Positano mean the whole day is arranged. You just show up at the garage at 9:30 AM.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

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

What exactly is the White Grotto and the Green Grotto on this tour?

The White Grotto (Grotta Bianca) is a sea cave with white stalactites and unique rock formations that you can swim in during the boat tour. The Green Grotto (Grotta Verde) is another sea cave where the water glows an intense emerald color, and you can dive in or simply watch the light play across the water.

How much free time do I get to explore Capri itself?

You have 3 to 4 hours ashore at Marina Grande to explore Capri on your own. Most travelers visit the Piazzetta, the glamorous main square, shop at local boutiques, hike to Augustus Gardens, or sit at a café. The time is yours to spend as you wish.

What's included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a traditional Caprese sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil and extra virgin olive oil, plus a selection of snacks. Drinks include water, soda, Prosecco, beer, white and red wine, and a final limoncello toast.

Does the boat tour include the Blue Grotto?

No, the Blue Grotto is not part of the boat tour because of long waiting times at the entrance. However, you can visit it yourself during your 3 to 4 hours of free time on the island if you choose to.

How many people will be on the boat?

The boat carries a maximum of 12 to 14 passengers, keeping the group small and intimate for the entire day.