Capri Private Boat Tour: Blue Grotto, Faraglioni & Swim Stops

Summary

Capri’s grottos, secret swims and quiet laughter on a private boat

You’ll feel Capri open up before you: swim in clear water near the Green Grotto, slip quietly past the Faraglioni sea stacks with your skipper guiding you, taste snacks and Prosecco on deck, then wander Capri’s streets at your own pace before heading home salty-haired and happy.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the way the air changed as we stepped onto the Gozzo in Sorrento — salty, but soft, like it had been filtered through lemon trees. Our skipper, Luca, grinned and handed us towels (he said “oggi mare calmo,” which I guess means calm sea today). The engine hummed under us as we left the port behind. I kept looking back at the cliffs shrinking away, thinking how different everything looked from this side of the water. There was no rush — Luca just steered us towards Capri like he’d done it a thousand times, but still seemed to enjoy every minute.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. We tried saying “Grotta Verde” properly and Luca almost dropped his espresso laughing. The water there was clearer than any pool I’ve seen — you could see straight down to little silver fish darting around our toes. We swam right off the boat (the shock of cold is still stuck in my memory), and then just floated for a while, listening to nothing but distant gulls and someone’s radio echoing from another boat. Snacks appeared out of nowhere — peaches, taralli crackers, something fizzy that tasted like summer.

The Blue Grotto was busy (it always is), so we waited our turn and watched sunlight flicker on the cave walls. After that came Marina Piccola — pastel houses stacked above sunbathers waving at us like they knew us. Passing through the Faraglioni felt almost silly-romantic; Luca winked and said couples are supposed to kiss as you go under (we did, awkwardly). Later he poured Prosecco for the ride back and pointed out some villa where a famous writer once lived — I already forgot who. It didn’t matter.

We wandered Capri’s Piazzetta for an hour or so — gelato melting too fast in my hand, shop windows full of linen shirts I couldn’t afford. The best part? No schedule hanging over us; just drifting between sea and land until we felt ready to head back. Even now when I hear seagulls at home it takes me right back there — not sure if that sounds cheesy but it’s true.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Capri island

• Depart from Sorrento, Positano, or Naples
• Meet your skipper and start navigation
• Cruise past White Grotto and Marvellous Grotto
• See Green Grotto and swim nearby
• Optional visit to Blue Grotto
• Cruise by Marina Piccola
• See and cruise through Faraglioni sea stacks
• View Villa Malaparte from the sea
• See the pink and white lighthouse
• Stop for swimming, snorkeling, and onboard snacks
• Optional disembark at Marina Grande for island visit
• Return onboard and relax with Prosecco
• Return to departure port

Top questions

How long does the Capri private boat tour last?

The tour is flexible but usually lasts a full day depending on your chosen schedule and stops.

Can I choose where to start the boat tour?

Yes, you can depart from Sorrento, Positano or Naples ports.

Is swimming included during the day trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming and snorkeling around Capri’s grottos.

What type of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses a Gozzo Fratelli Aprea 32 boat with space for up to 12 passengers.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

Yes, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks plus dry snacks are included during your cruise.

Is hotel pickup available for all departure points?

Hotel pickup is available only for hotels in Sorrento; otherwise meet your skipper directly at the port.

Can infants join this private Capri boat trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed on board.

Do we visit Capri island by land too?

You can disembark at Marina Grande in Capri for free time ashore if you wish.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if staying in Sorrento (otherwise meet your skipper at Positano or Naples port), all fuel costs covered, a professional English-speaking skipper guiding you throughout, fresh towels waiting on board after each swim stop, plus plenty of drinks—Prosecco included—and light snacks served while you relax between swims or after exploring Capri by land.