Capri boat tour from Sorrento: snorkel & island caves

Sail into Capri's sea caves, then spend the afternoon on the island itself.

A semi-private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri with snorkeling stops at the White Grotto, Green Grotto and Faraglioni rocks, plus 4 hours free time to explore the island on foot. The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, includes hotel pickup in the Sorrento area, and a guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian throughout the day. You swim in the open water during the cruise and can visit the Blue Grotto on your own time if you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Capri boat tour and island visit

• Pickup from Sorrento hotel
• Board semi-private boat to Capri
• Cruise around Capri island
• Visit White Grotto
• Visit Green Grotto
• See Faraglioni rocks
• View Punta Carena lighthouse
• Swim in Capri waters
• Enjoy snack and drink on board
• 4 hours free time on Capri

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point in the Sorrento area—nine locations are available, from Piano di Sorrento to Massa Lubrense—and a minivan takes you to the port. Once on board the semi-private boat, you sail directly toward Capri and begin cruising the island's coastline. The boat stays small by design: no more than 12 people, which means you move closer to the rock formations and into the caves without the crowd noise of larger tour groups.

The boat passes the Faraglioni rocks and enters the sea caves one by one. The White Grotto gets its name from white mineral deposits and stalactites that catch the light as you drift inside; the Green Grotto's color comes from the way blue water reflects off the yellowish rock walls. You'll have chances to swim in the clear water between cave visits, and the crew brings snacks and soft drinks on board so you can eat and rest on deck between stops. A restroom is available if you need it during the cruise.

After the boat tour around the island, you get 4 hours to explore Capri on foot. The skipper suggests the best spots to visit—the town center, the viewpoints, the shops—and can point you toward the Monte Solaro chairlift if you want to ride up for views across the coast. If you're interested in the Blue Grotto, you can arrange entry during this free time at your own cost; the skipper will advise on how to get there and what to expect. You return to the boat at the agreed time, and the minivan takes you back to your hotel in the Sorrento area.

What’s included

• Hotel or meeting-point pickup in the Sorrento area.
• minivan transport to and from the port.
• semi-private boat with a maximum of 12 people.
• snacks and soft drinks on board.
• restroom access.
• a guide who speaks English, Spanish or Italian.
• bottled water.

Operated by Pompei Tour Organizer S.R.L.

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided boat tour with swimming and cave access combined with 4 hours free to explore Capri on your own, rather than a fully structured itinerary or a larger group tour.

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Top questions

How much time do I actually spend swimming and in the caves on this Capri tour?

The boat cruise around Capri with cave visits and swimming takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on sea conditions and how long the skipper spends at each grotto. The remaining time—about 4 hours—is yours to spend on the island itself, either exploring the town or arranging other activities like the chairlift or the Blue Grotto.

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

The Green Grotto's color comes from the way sunlight reflects off the blue water and the yellowish rock inside the cave, creating a green glow. The White Grotto is named for the white mineral crusts and stalactites hanging from the roof and framing the entrance. Both are sea caves you sail into during the boat portion of the tour.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included in this tour, so you'll need to bring your own mask, fins and snorkel if you want to use them. The tour includes swimming stops in the clear water around Capri, but the gear itself is your responsibility.

Can I visit the Blue Grotto as part of this tour?

The Blue Grotto is not included in the boat tour itself, but you can visit it during your 4 free hours on the island if you choose. The skipper will explain how to get there and what the entry process involves, and you can arrange it independently at that time.

Where exactly do I get picked up, and what time does the tour start?

Pickup happens from your hotel or a meeting point in the Sorrento area—nine locations are available, including Sorrento, Sant'Agnello, Seiano, Meta, Montechiaro, Vico Equense, Massa Lubrense, Sant'Agata sui Due Golfi, and Piano di Sorrento. The tour lasts 8 hours total from pickup to drop-off, though the specific start time depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule.

Is the guide included, and what languages do they speak?

Yes, a skipper and guide are included throughout the day and speak English, Spanish or Italian. The guide leads the boat portion and can answer questions about the caves, the island and the best ways to spend your free time on Capri.