Snorkeling around Capri from Sorrento: Blue Grotto and sea caves

Cruise past three sea caves and rock tunnels, then anchor to snorkel in clear water

A small-group boat tour around Capri departing from Marina Piccola in Sorrento, with snorkeling stops, visits to the Blue Grotto and other sea caves, and free time to explore the island. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours with a maximum of 12 guests, includes snorkeling masks, drinks and appetizers on board, and a skipper who narrates the route in English or Italian. Optional Blue Grotto entry costs €18 per person and is not guaranteed due to tide and wait times. A €15 per-person local tax and €35 per-person fuel surcharge are paid at arrival.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each5 stops

1. White Grottopassing by
2. Faraglionipassing by
3. Green Grottopassing by
4. Marina Piccola30m
5. Blue Grotto30m

Boat tour and free time on Capri

• Depart from Marina Piccola, Sorrento
• Cruise along Sorrento coast
• Pass by ancient Roman villa remains
• Pass by White Grotto
• Pass by Faraglioni rock formations
• Pass by Green Grotto
• Stop at Marina Piccola for swim
• Visit Blue Grotto (weather permitting)
• Stop at Marina Grande for swim
• Enjoy 3 hours free time in Capri or Anacapri

The experience

The boat leaves Marina Piccola in Sorrento and heads toward Capri's coastline, passing the remains of a Roman villa and stopping at the White Grotto before reaching the Faraglioni: three rocky peaks that rise from the sea, one of them pierced by a tunnel about 60 meters long that the boat passes through. From there, you move to the Green Grotto, where the water shifts to an eerie green because of how light bends inside the cave. These stops give you chances to snorkel in the water around the formations, with masks provided on board.

The Blue Grotto comes next if conditions allow. It's famous for the intense blue cast the water takes from a natural light effect, but access depends on tide levels and how many boats are waiting at the entrance. The operator notes that waits can stretch long during peak season and entry is never guaranteed. If you choose to enter (€18 extra), you transfer to a smaller rowboat for the final approach through the low cave opening. If the grotto is inaccessible or you skip it, the tour continues to Marina Grande on the northern side of the island, a wide bay with calm water where swimming is often possible.

After the boat stops, you get around 3 hours free time on Capri or in Anacapri. Most people head to La Piazzetta, the main square in Capri town, or climb to the Gardens of Augustus for a 180-degree view that takes in Monte Solaro, Marina Piccola, Via Krupp, and the Faraglioni. The skipper tracks the time and calls everyone back to the boat for the return to Sorrento. On the water, soft drinks, beer, water, lemon soda, and homemade limoncello flow throughout the day, along with appetizers and snacks.

What’s included

• Snorkeling masks.
• drinks on board (water, soft drinks, beer, limoncello).
• appetizers and snacks.
• life jacket for each person.
• skipper narration in English or Italian.
• toilet on board.

Options for this experience

4 options

Shared Capri tour, 7 hoursGuide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027

Private Capri tour for a maximum of 7 peopleUp to 7 people · Guide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027Private boat, 25 feet

Private Capri tour for a maximum of 10 peopleUp to 10 people · Guide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027Private boat, 40 feet

Shared Capri and Blue Grotto tour, 7 hoursGuide in English or Italian · Available from 15 Apr 2027The Blue Grotto is the first stop

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 7h–8h, from € 125 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 12 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesNext departure: 15 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (2 to 9 years)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish 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.

Paid on site€ 10

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Excursion Boat Sorrento

Is this one for you?With a maximum of 12 guests, this tour keeps the group small enough to feel semi-private while sharing the cost and the company. It suits travelers who want to snorkel and explore Capri's sea caves without renting a private boat, and who have a full day (7 to 8 hours) to spend on the water and the island.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 9 years).

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's the difference between the Blue Grotto and the Green Grotto on this tour?

The Blue Grotto is famous for intense blue water created by a unique light effect inside the cave, but entry is optional (€18), not guaranteed, and depends on tide levels and waiting times. The Green Grotto, on the southern side of Capri, has water that appears green because of particular light effects and is included in the standard route. The boat passes through it as part of the tour.

Can I snorkel during the boat tour around Capri?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided on board and the tour includes multiple stops where you can snorkel in the water around the sea caves and rock formations, including near the Faraglioni and the Green Grotto, weather and sea conditions permitting.

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

You have around 3 hours of free time to explore Capri or Anacapri at your own pace. Most visitors spend it in La Piazzetta, the main square, or at the Gardens of Augustus, which overlook Marina Piccola and the Faraglioni.

What's included in the tour price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes snorkeling masks, a skipper, drinks (water, soft drinks, beer, limoncello), appetizers, and a life jacket for each person. A €15 per-person local tourist tax and embarkation fee, plus a €35 per-person fuel surcharge, are paid at arrival. Blue Grotto entry is optional and costs €18 per person if you choose it.

What happens if the Blue Grotto is closed when we arrive?

Access to the Blue Grotto depends on tide levels and waiting times and is never guaranteed. If it's inaccessible, the tour continues to Marina Grande on the northern side of the island, where swimming is often possible, without refund of the optional €18 entry fee if you paid it in advance.