Capri Day Trip from Positano or Praiano: Grottos, Swim & Free Time

Summary

Capri’s grottos, iconic rocks and hours to wander on your own

You’ll cruise from Positano or Praiano along dramatic cliffs toward Capri with a local skipper who keeps things easygoing. Stop at grottos like White and Green, pass under Faraglioni rocks, and get several hours to wander Capri’s center on your own before swimming in clear water on your return. It’s relaxed but full — you might even forget about your phone for once.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ll find the best spot for a swim,” our skipper Marco grinned as he helped us clamber onto the boat at Spiaggia Grande in Positano. I was still shaking sand out of my shoes (should’ve just gone barefoot), but everyone seemed relaxed — maybe it was Marco’s easy way of joking with the older couple from Naples, or maybe it was just the salty air. The boat had music playing low, nothing fancy, and we set off hugging the coast toward Capri. I caught myself staring at the cliffs more than I expected; they’re not just background — they sort of loom over you in a good way.

The first real “wow” moment hit at the White Grotto. Marco slowed down so we could nose right into this pale cave — honestly, I thought it would be overhyped but there’s something about how the light bounces around inside that makes you quiet for a second. He pointed out these weird rock shapes above us (“looks like a Madonna,” he said — I didn’t see it, but nodded anyway). After that, we cruised under the Natural Arch and then those famous Faraglioni rocks — everyone took photos but I mostly remember how cool and damp the air felt as we passed underneath. It’s smaller than you’d think in person.

We docked at Marina Piccola and got four hours to explore Capri on our own (Marco gave us a meeting point and joked not to get lost shopping). Lunch was up to us — I grabbed a caprese sandwich from a tiny place where the owner barely looked up from her phone. The tomatoes tasted like actual sunshine though. Honestly, wandering around without an agenda was my favorite part; Capri is busy but if you duck down side streets, you get these pockets of quiet with lemon trees and laundry flapping overhead.

Back on board later, Marco checked if we wanted to try for the Blue Grotto — he explained sometimes you wait ages for those little rowboats to take you in (we skipped it since the line looked brutal). Instead, he steered us toward the Green Grotto where some folks jumped in for a swim; water cold enough to make me gasp but so clear you could see every pebble below. On the way back past Punta Carena lighthouse and Marina Grande’s jumble of colors, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone all day. That almost never happens.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Capri day trip from Positano or Praiano

• Meet at Positano Boats gazebo
• Depart from Positano or Praiano
• Stop at White Grotto for photos
• Pass through Natural Arch
• Pass under Faraglioni rocks
• Arrive at Marina Piccola port
• Enjoy 4 hours free time in Capri
• Return to boat and visit Green Grotto
• Pass Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Stop at Blue Grotto entrance (optional)
• Admire Marina Grande village from boat
• Swim in a beautiful bay on return
• Return to Positano or Praiano

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Positano or Praiano to Capri?

The tour departs around 9:00 am and returns later in the afternoon after several hours on Capri and stops along the coast.

Is pickup included from both Positano and Praiano?

You can join from Positano's main beach or request pickup from either Marina di Praia or La Gavitella in Praiano by informing the company in advance.

Do we stop at all three grottos—Blue, Green & White?

The boat visits White and Green Grottos when sea conditions allow; stopping at Blue Grotto depends on weather and group decision due to possible long waits.

How much free time do we get on Capri island?

You’ll have about four hours of free time after docking at Marina Piccola to explore Capri town or have lunch independently.

Is lunch included during this Capri day trip?

No, lunch is not included—you’ll have free time on Capri to eat wherever you choose.

Can infants join this small group tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during boat travel.

Are swimming stops included during the tour?

Yes—if sea conditions are good, there will be time for swimming in one of Capri’s bays suggested by your skipper.

What happens if weather is bad on our tour date?

If weather or sea conditions are unfavorable, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes soft drinks and water onboard, beach towels provided by the crew (so no need to pack one), music playing quietly as you cruise between stops, plus use of showers and toilets onboard. There’s plenty of free time to explore Capri yourself after docking at Marina Piccola before returning via scenic coastal spots—with life jackets available for adults and kids if needed.