Capri Private Boat Tour from Sorrento, Positano & Naples

Summary

Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni rocks & sunlit swims by private boat

You’ll cruise from Sorrento, Positano or Naples with your own skipper guiding you around Capri’s grottos and sea stacks. Swim in clear water near hidden coves, taste local snacks with prosecco on board, and enjoy free time on Capri itself before heading back—sun-warmed skin and salt in your hair included.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that rock?” our skipper Marco grinned, steering the Gozzo out of Sorrento’s harbor. “That’s where my father taught me to swim — before I could even walk.” I liked him instantly. The morning air was salty and a little cool on my arms, but the sun was already working its way through. We’d barely left Sorrento when Marco handed us cold water (“Don’t worry, wine comes later!”) and pointed out the first pale cliffs of Capri in the distance. I kept thinking how different this felt from those big group tours — just our small group, no schedule, no loudspeakers.

The boat ride itself was…well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. There was this moment as we drifted near the Green Grotto — sunlight bouncing off the water so it looked almost fake — and Marco just laughed at me for staring with my mouth open. He cut the engine and let us jump in; honestly, I hesitated (cold!) but then you’re in and it’s like swimming in liquid glass. Later we passed under the Faraglioni sea stacks — apparently if you kiss someone as you go through you get good luck? My partner tried but mostly got seawater up his nose. Still counts.

We stopped on Capri for a bit (gelato in the Piazzetta is mandatory, right?), wandered past boutiques I couldn’t afford, then back to the boat for snacks and prosecco. Marco offered tips for lunch spots only reachable by sea — he seemed to know everyone waving from their boats or tiny docks. On the way back toward Sorrento he poured another glass (“for courage,” he joked) and pointed out a bright red villa perched above the rocks. The wind picked up a little but nobody minded; I just lay back on a towel thinking about how quiet everything felt out here compared to Naples or even Positano.

I didn’t expect to remember the smell of sunscreen mixed with lemon blossoms or how warm those towels felt after swimming — but those are the things that stuck with me most after our Capri private boat tour. If you want crowds and chaos, stay on land. If you want to hear someone’s childhood story while floating between blue caves and sun-bleached cliffs…well, maybe give Marco a call.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Capri highlights

• 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 pass through Faraglioni sea stacks
• View Villa Malaparte from the sea
• See the pink and white lighthouse
• Stop for swimming, snorkeling, and onboard snacks
• Optional island visit or lunch ashore
• Relax and sip Prosecco returning to port

Top questions

How long does the Capri private boat tour last?

The tour is flexible with timing since it’s private; you can choose your departure time and customize stops along Capri as you wish.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup is included for hotels in Sorrento; for Positano, Amalfi or Naples hotels, your skipper meets you at the port.

What kind of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses a Gozzo Jeranto 950 boat that can comfortably fit up to 12 passengers.

Are drinks and snacks provided during the tour?

Yes—snacks, fruits, bottled water, soda, red/white wine, prosecco sparkling wine and beer are included onboard.

Can we swim or snorkel during the day trip?

You’ll have several chances to stop for swimming and snorkeling around Capri’s grottos and coves.

Is there free time on Capri island itself?

Yes—there’s time to explore Capri by land if you wish: shop in boutiques or enjoy gelato in Piazzetta.

What are some highlights visited during this private boat tour?

You’ll see sights like Blue Grotto (optional), Green Grotto, White Grotto, Marina Piccola and Faraglioni sea stacks from the water.

Is this day trip suitable for families with children?

The tour is suitable for all ages—even infants can join using a pram or stroller onboard.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if staying in Sorrento (or port meeting elsewhere), an experienced English-speaking skipper guiding your private group around Capri by Gozzo Jeranto 950 boat (max 12 people), stops for swimming or snorkeling near famous grottos like Blue Grotto (if desired), plus all drinks—wine, prosecco sparkling wine, beer—snacks and fruit served onboard. Beach towels are provided too before returning comfortably to your starting point.