Capri: Private Boat Tour, Faraglioni & Blue Grotto Swim

Summary

Circle Capri by boat passing Faraglioni swimming grottos and quiet coves

You’ll board in Capri for a private boat tour circling the island with stops to swim by Faraglioni rocks and hidden grottos. Your guide shares stories only locals know while you sip cold drinks on deck. If tides allow, peek into the Blue Grotto or just drift quietly along Anacapri’s coves. Expect laughter, salty air, and memories that stick long after you’re back on shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour around Capri Island

• Depart from Marina Grande port
• Pass by Faraglioni rocks for photos
• See the Natural Arch from east side
• Pass along west side forts path
• Optional visit to Blue Grotto if tide allows
• Swim stop at Cala Ventroso near Monte Solaro
• Admire caves and swim in south Anacapri waters
• Pass by White Grotto with natural stalagmite

Top questions

How long is the private Capri boat tour?

The total duration is approximately 3 hours including stops and cruising around Capri.

Does this tour include entry to the Blue Grotto?

No, Blue Grotto entry is optional and costs €18 per person paid on site if conditions allow stopping.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Marina Grande port on Capri island.

Is swimming included during the Capri boat tour?

Yes, there are several opportunities to stop for swimming during the tour.

Are drinks provided on board?

Yes, bottled water and soda are included during your time on board.

Can infants join this Capri boat trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers can be brought along.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear is included during your trip around Capri.

What happens if we can’t visit the Blue Grotto?

If waiting times are too long or tides aren’t right, your guide will suggest other scenic stops instead.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Grande port in Capri with all drinks like soda and bottled water provided onboard. Snorkeling equipment is ready for use along with fresh beach towels and restroom access on deck—no need to bring much except yourself (and maybe an extra flip-flop). The local guide handles all navigation so you just relax into each swim stop or story shared as you circle Capri by sea.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at Marina Grande just as the sun was warming up the docks, and Nando was already waving us over with that easy smile. He handed me a towel (I forgot mine, classic) and said something about the sea being “perfetta” today — I could smell sunscreen and salt in the air. The engine started up, not too loud, but enough to drown out my nerves. I didn’t realize how blue the water would look from here — almost fake, honestly. As we glided away from the port, Nando pointed out Monte Solaro looming above us. He told us about his childhood swimming off these rocks; you could tell he meant it.

The first real surprise was drifting past the Faraglioni — those big stone arches you see on postcards, but up close they’re almost intimidating. Everyone got quiet for a second when we went through them (Nando honked and grinned). Then there was this moment where he asked if anyone wanted to try saying “Grotta Verde” in Italian — Li tried it and Nando laughed so hard he nearly dropped his phone. We stopped near Cala Ventroso for a swim; the water felt colder than I expected but after a minute it just felt right. There were tiny silver fish everywhere. I think I tasted salt for hours after that.

We tried for the Blue Grotto next — honestly, it’s busy and sometimes you wait ages or can’t go in if tides are wrong (Nando was upfront about this). We skipped it this time because of the line but didn’t really mind; instead, he took us along some quieter coves near Anacapri where you could hear nothing but water slapping against stone. The White Grotto was last — there’s this weird stalagmite shaped like a Madonna inside, which Nando swears brings luck if you spot her first (I didn’t). Onboard there were cold sodas and snorkel masks waiting — no fussing with tickets or anything complicated.

I still think about how quiet it got once we cut the engine near that last grotto. Just floating there under all that sun, listening to someone’s radio echoing faintly from another boat far off. It wasn’t perfect — my hair went wild from the wind and I lost one flip-flop somewhere under a seat — but somehow that made it better.