Capri Private Boat Tour from Sorrento with Grottos & Swim

Summary

Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni rocks and hidden coves by private boat

You’ll cruise from Sorrento to Capri by private boat with a local skipper, stopping at grottos like White and Green Grotto, swimming off hidden bays, and maybe docking for lunch in Capri town. Expect laughter with your guide, salty swims, drinks onboard—and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d seen blue water before, but leaving Sorrento’s port early that morning made me question everything. The cliffs looked almost unreal against the sunlight — sharp and a little intimidating, honestly. Our skipper, Marco (he grew up here; you can tell by the way he talks about the sea), handed us cold drinks before we even left the dock. There was this faint smell of lemons in the air — maybe it was just my sunscreen mixing with the sea breeze. Anyway, we glided past Marina Grande where fishermen were already yelling at each other in that friendly Italian way. I tried to wave but got distracted by a flash of silver fish under the hull.

The private Capri boat tour felt more like hanging out with friends than anything formal. Marco pointed out the Baths of Queen Giovanna — apparently some ancient Roman drama happened there, but he mostly joked about how cold the water is if you fall in. When we reached Capri itself, everything slowed down. We drifted into the White Grotto first; I remember ducking my head and hearing nothing but dripping water and someone’s nervous laugh (maybe mine). The stalactites looked like teeth. Then there was the Faraglioni — those huge rocks you see in every photo — but up close they’re almost too big to fit in your brain. We stopped for a swim at Marina Piccola; salt stung my eyes and I lost track of time floating on my back.

Lunch was optional — we decided to dock for it anyway (there’s a fee for that part, just so you know). The town center is busy but not overwhelming if you wander off the main streets. I tried to order “spaghetti alle vongole” in Italian; Marco laughed and corrected my accent (I’ll get it right next time). Onboard again, we sipped cold beer while passing Punta Carena lighthouse and then slipped into the Green Grotto where light bounces around in this weirdly magical way. The Blue Grotto is famous for a reason, though crowds can be wild — we skipped it this time but maybe next summer.

The whole day felt loose and easy — no rush anywhere unless we wanted it. Sometimes I still think about that moment under Faraglioni when everything went quiet except for water slapping against the boat. If you want something polished or scripted, this isn’t it; but if you want to actually feel like you’re part of this coast for a day… well, yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri

• Depart from Sorrento port
• Sail along the Sorrento coastline
• Pass by Marina Grande village
• Pass Baths of Queen Giovanna
• Arrive in Capri
• Tour Capri island by boat
• Enter the Red Grotto
• Enter the White Grotto
• Pass villa of Curzio Malaparte
• Pass the Natural Arch
• Stop at Faraglioni rocks for photos
• Swim near Marina Piccola
• Enter the Green Grotto
• Pass Punta Carena lighthouse
• Optional stop at Blue Grotto (extra fee)
• Optional disembark for lunch and city visit
• Return to Sorrento

Top questions

How long does the private Capri boat tour from Sorrento last?

The tour lasts about 7–8 hours total.

Is swimming included during the day trip?

Yes, there are several stops for swimming along Capri’s coast.

Can we visit both Blue Grotto and Green Grotto?

The itinerary includes Green Grotto; Blue Grotto is optional on request with an entrance fee paid onsite.

Are drinks or snacks provided on board?

Yes, complimentary soft drinks, water, beer and snacks are included.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but you can choose to dock in Capri for lunch at your own expense.

How many people fit on the boat?

The boats accommodate up to 5 or 6 guests per tour.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; departure is from Sorrento port.

Are life jackets available onboard?

Yes, life jackets are provided for all guests.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional English-speaking skipper who feels more like a friend than a guide, use of life jackets and scuba masks if you want them, fresh beach towels ready after each swim stop, plus complimentary soft drinks (and yes—beer), water and snacks throughout your journey along Capri’s coastline before returning to Sorrento port in late afternoon.