Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottoes & Free Island Time

Summary

Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni rocks and local flavors by boat

You’ll start your Capri boat tour from Sorrento with hotel pickup and a small group feel — swimming near Marina Piccola, tasting Limoncello on deck, drifting past grottos and Faraglioni rocks while your skipper shares stories only locals know. After three hours exploring Capri’s winding streets at your own pace, you’ll head back salty-haired and probably smiling.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before the driver called my name outside our little hotel in Sorrento — turns out, pickup really means right at your door. We got to the marina early enough that the air still felt cool, but you could already smell sunscreen and sea salt. Our skipper, Enzo, grinned as he helped us onto the boat (he said “Attenzione!” every time someone wobbled — I think he just liked saying it). There were maybe ten of us total, which made it feel more like a day out with friends than a tour. The coastline slid by in layers of lemon trees and pastel houses until suddenly we were skimming over open water toward Capri.

I’d seen photos of the Faraglioni rocks before but seeing them up close — honestly, they look almost fake. Enzo slowed down so we could take pictures and pointed out a little arch where couples are supposed to kiss for good luck. Someone actually did it; everyone clapped. The White Grotto was next. It’s smaller than I expected but the way the sunlight bounced off those chalky walls was kind of hypnotic. Then we drifted past the Green Grotto — water glowing all weirdly green underneath us — and I caught this faint smell of wet stone and something floral I couldn’t place. Maybe jasmine? Or just my brain making things up because everything felt so new.

We stopped near Marina Piccola for a swim. I’m not usually brave with cold water but it was too tempting not to jump in. The shock woke me right up — salty, clear, almost sweet somehow. Back on board someone passed around chips and Limoncello (my first real one; burned my throat in a good way). Enzo told us about his grandmother making sandals in Anacapri when he was a kid — apparently there’s still a shop there somewhere if you wander far enough during your free time.

The island itself is busy but not overwhelming if you duck into side streets off La Piazzetta. I wandered past sandal shops and old men playing cards under striped awnings. Three hours goes fast when you’re lost in alleys that smell like espresso and sun-warmed stone. I skipped the Blue Grotto (lines looked wild) and just sat at a viewpoint above Marina Piccola instead, legs dangling over the wall with that ridiculous view below me. On the ride back to Sorrento everyone seemed quieter — tired or maybe just thinking about how weirdly perfect that mix of sunburn and saltwater feels on your skin after a day like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and Capri island visit

• Pick up from hotel in Sorrento
• Depart from Sorrento to Capri
• Visit White Grotto sea cave
• Visit Green Grotto sea cave
• Cruise past Faraglioni rock formations
• Stop at Marina Piccola for swim
• Cruise past Punta Carena lighthouse
• See Natural Arch rock formation
• Free time to explore Capri island

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Sorrento to Capri?

The full excursion lasts most of the day, including 3–4 hours of free time on Capri plus cruising along the coast and swim stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Capri boat tour?

Yes, hotel or meeting point pickup in Sorrento is included unless booked less than 24 hours before departure.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

Yes, chips, water, soft drinks, Prosecco and Limoncello tasting are included during the cruise.

Can I visit the Blue Grotto during this tour?

The standard tour doesn’t stop at Blue Grotto due to wait times but you can try visiting on your own during free time on Capri.

How many people are on each boat?

The group size is small — maximum 12 passengers per boat for a relaxed atmosphere.

Is swimming allowed during the trip?

Yes, there’s a swimming stop near Marina Piccola where you can jump into crystal-clear waters.

How much free time do we get on Capri?

You’ll have about 3–4 hours to explore Capri independently after docking.

What if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels your excursion you’ll get a full refund or be offered an alternative date.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or meeting point pickup in Sorrento, all cruising fees around Capri’s famous grottos and rock formations with an English-speaking skipper guiding you along the way; snacks like chips plus water, soft drinks, Prosecco and Limoncello tastings are served onboard; there’s also plenty of free time ashore to explore Capri before returning by boat in late afternoon.