Capri Day Trip from Naples: Mini Cruise & Island Sights

Summary

Boat ride to Capri caves plus time to roam Anacapri streets

You’ll cross from Naples to Capri by boat with a small group, passing dramatic cliffs and sea caves before landing on the island. Explore grottos up close, hear local stories from your guide, then spend hours wandering Capri and Anacapri at your own pace — maybe tasting granita or just soaking up village life. It feels less like a checklist and more like living inside a postcard for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

We were already on the move when I realized how big Vesuvius looked from the water — honestly, it sort of loomed behind us as we left Naples. The sea was choppy in that way that makes you grip the rail and laugh at yourself for being nervous. Our guide, Marco (he joked he’s “not the famous one”), pointed out little details along the Gulf as we crossed, like which towns had the best seafood and why locals avoid certain beaches in August. I remember the salt sticking to my lips and the sound of someone’s phone playing old Italian pop songs behind me.

The boat circled Capri’s coast so close you could almost touch those pale limestone cliffs. We slid past the White Grotto first — I don’t know what I expected, but the light inside made everything look washed in silver. Then came the Green Grotto, which was quieter than I thought it’d be, just a few gasps from people seeing that color for the first time. We drifted under the Natural Arch and Marco told us about Curzio Malaparte’s villa perched above — apparently writers get all the best views.

On land, we got a map (with hand-drawn notes from Marco) and wandered off into Capri town. The Piazzetta was packed with people sipping tiny coffees or just watching each other — there’s this whole choreography to how locals gesture here, like they’re painting stories in the air. We had four hours to roam around Anacapri too; I tried a lemon granita that made my teeth ache but tasted like actual sunshine. Didn’t make it to every spot on my list but honestly, just sitting by a stone wall with that view was enough for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour and island exploration

• Pick up and transfer to port
• Cross Gulf of Naples with Vesuvius view
• Start boat tour from Marina Grande
• Enter Marvellous Grotto and White Grotto
• Visit Green Grotto
• Admire Natural Arch and Villa Malaparte
• See Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Pass Faraglioni and Arch of Love
• Tour leader provides island information
• Free time to explore Capri by land
• Depart Marina Grande in late afternoon
• Return transfer to starting point

Top questions

How long is the boat ride from Naples to Capri?

The crossing takes about one hour each way across the Gulf of Naples.

Is hotel pickup included in this Capri day trip?

The tour includes pickup and return transfer from established meeting points near your accommodation in Naples.

Are visits inside Blue Grotto part of this tour?

No, stops at Blue Grotto aren’t included due to long wait times, but you can visit during free time if you want.

How much free time do we get on Capri?

You’ll have around four hours on land to explore both Capri town and Anacapri independently.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

No lunch is provided; you’ll have free time on Capri for meals or snacks at your own pace.

Can infants join this tour? Is it stroller-friendly?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are allowed on board and throughout most of Capri.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour leader speaks Italian and English; Spanish is possible if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup near your accommodation in Naples, all transfers by boat between Naples and Capri, a guided mini cruise circling Capri’s coast with stops at grottos and famous landmarks like Faraglioni rocks, support from an English-Italian speaking guide who’ll give you tips (and sometimes jokes), plus a detailed map marked up for exploring on your own before heading back in late afternoon.