Capri boat tour: Sea caves and Faraglioni from the water

See Capri's caves and rock formations from the water instead of fighting the Blue Grotto line

A private boat tour around Capri explores the island's sea caves, rock formations and swimming spots over roughly two and a half hours with a professional skipper and guide. You'll pass under the Faraglioni arches, enter the White Grotto and Cave of the Coral, see the Natural Arch and Villa Malaparte, and swim in the clear water with snorkeling equipment provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Marina Piccolapassing by
2. White Grottopassing by
3. Natural Archpassing by
4. Faraglioni10m

Capri boat excursion highlights

• Sail to Marina Piccola bay
• Visit the Cave of the Sailors
• Visit the White Grotto cave
• View the Natural Arch from sea
• See Villa Malaparte from sea
• See Faraglioni rock peaks closely
• Pass under Faraglione di Mezzo arch
• Enter the Cave of the Coral

The experience

The boat leaves from Marina Piccola and works around the island's perimeter, hitting the major landmarks most visitors only see from land or from crowded tour boats. You'll pass close enough to photograph the three Faraglioni rock peaks and sail under the arch of Faraglione di Mezzo: the moment most people come for. The skipper times the route to enter four caves: the White Grotto, the Cave of the Sailors, the Cave of the Coral (known for the red corals just below the surface), and skips the Blue Grotto entirely, which means no three-hour wait at the dock.

Swimming and snorkeling happen in the clearer water between stops. Snorkeling equipment, beach towels and a tasting of homemade limoncello are included. The boat carries a stereo and stays small enough that the skipper can adjust the pace if conditions change or if a particular stop deserves more time. A live guide speaks English and Italian throughout.

Villa Malaparte appears on the route: a private house built by Italian writer Curzio Malaparte on a rocky promontory that seems to rise straight from the sea. It's one of the few angles from which you can see it at all.

What’s included

• Professional skipper and live guide in English or Italian.
• snorkeling equipment and beach towels.
• bottled water and soda.
• a tasting of homemade limoncello.
• onboard stereo.

Before you book

Lasts 2h 15m, runs every day at 09:00 and 13:30, from € 140 per person, with a live guide in English and Italian, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Capri Precious

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from Marina Piccola, which you can reach by bus or a short walk from central Capri, so you don't need a car or a separate transfer to start the tour. That matters if you're staying in town or arrived by ferry without renting anything.

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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: Youth (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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 are the Faraglioni and why do so many Capri tours include them?

The Faraglioni are three massive rock peaks on Capri's southeast coast and the most photographed formation on the island. The middle peak, Faraglione di Mezzo, has a natural arch underneath it that the boat passes through, giving you a unique vantage most land-based visitors never get.

Can you actually swim during this tour, or is it just sightseeing from the boat?

You swim and snorkel at stops between the caves and landmarks. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the water around Capri is clear enough to see down several meters in most spots.

Why does this tour skip the Blue Grotto if it's the most famous cave?

The Blue Grotto requires a long wait in line at the dock and a separate small rowboat to enter, which would eat up most of the tour's time. This route visits four other sea caves instead and lets you spend the afternoon on the water rather than queuing.

How do you get to the boat if you don't have a car?

The boat departs from Marina Piccola, which is reachable by public transportation from the main town of Capri. Hotel pickup is not included, but the marina is accessible by bus and on foot from most accommodations on the island.