Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottos & Limoncello

Summary

Capri’s sea caves, Faraglioni arches and a limoncello toast at sunset

You’ll cruise from Sorrento to Capri with a small group (max 12), stopping to swim in grottos like Green Grotto and passing under Faraglioni rocks. Snorkeling gear is included if you want it, drinks flow freely on board, and there’s homemade limoncello on your way back. Expect sun-warmed skin, salty air, local stories — maybe even a laugh or two that lingers after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that rock? They say it looks like the Madonna — but only if you squint,” our skipper Salvatore grinned as we drifted into the White Grotto. I’ll admit, I tried to spot it but mostly just saw glimmering white stone and a mess of shadows. The water here was so clear you could watch your own feet dangling off the side of the boat. There were twelve of us, all a little giddy to be escaping Sorrento for Capri by boat — not crammed on a ferry but actually feeling the salt spray and hearing Salvatore’s stories in between.

The Green Grotto was next. It’s funny how everyone goes quiet when the water turns that deep emerald shade — even the chatty couple from Manchester went silent for a minute. You could smell sunscreen and lemon from someone’s drink, and then suddenly we were jumping in, masks on. I’d never swum in water that color before; it felt soft somehow, almost silky against my skin. Afterward, drying off in the sun with a cold beer in hand (they had Lemon Soda too), I tried to memorize how the cliffs looked up close — all wild green tufts and pale stone.

We circled the Faraglioni rocks — those jagged peaks you always see in Capri photos — and Salvatore steered us right through the tunnel. He honked the horn for luck; apparently it’s a thing locals do. On shore later, wandering La Piazzetta with its noisy café tables and old men gesturing wildly over espresso, I realized I’d stopped checking my phone hours ago. Capri just does that to you. If you get time for the Gardens of Augustus (we did), don’t skip it — there’s this view over Marina Piccola that kind of sticks with you long after.

On our way back toward Sorrento, someone passed around homemade limoncello (Salvatore’s aunt makes it). It burned a little going down but tasted like sunshine and sugar. We all clinked plastic cups as the sky started turning pink behind us. Not everything went perfectly — I forgot my towel and got sunburned shoulders — but honestly? That just made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and Capri sightseeing

• Board boat at Sorrento Marina Piccola
• Pass ancient Roman villa remains
• Pass White Grotto cave
• Pass Faraglioni rock formations
• Visit Green Grotto cave
• Pass lighthouse with red stripes
• Free time at La Piazzetta square
• Visit Gardens of Augustus
• Enjoy panoramic island views
• Swim and snorkel stops
• Drink provided onboard
• Enjoy homemade limoncello on return

Top questions

How many people are on each Capri boat tour?

The Capri boat tour from Sorrento has a maximum of 12 guests per trip.

Are drinks included during the Capri boat trip?

Yes, drinks such as water, beer, Lemon Soda, Coca-Cola products, and homemade limoncello are included on board.

Can I swim or snorkel during this Capri day trip?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling masks are provided for guests who want them.

Is pickup included for this Capri boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start at Sorrento’s Marina Piccola private pier.

What sights will we see on this tour from Sorrento to Capri?

You’ll visit places like the Green Grotto, White Grotto, Faraglioni rocks, La Piazzetta of Capri, and Gardens of Augustus.

Is lunch provided on board?

No full lunch is provided but appetizers are served along with drinks during the tour.

Are children allowed on this Capri boat tour?

Yes; infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap during travel.

Do I need to pay extra fees when arriving?

Yes; there is a €35 fuel supplement per person plus €15 per person embark/disembark tax due at arrival.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Sorrento’s Marina Piccola private pier (no waiting in line), all drinks on board like water or homemade limoncello plus appetizers to nibble between swims. Snorkeling masks are available if you want them; there’s also a toilet onboard for comfort and life jackets for everyone before heading back at sunset toward Sorrento.