Capri Private Boat Tour: Grottos, Faraglioni & Limoncello Tasting

Summary

Capri’s caves, Faraglioni rocks and a limoncello toast by the sea

You’ll circle Capri by private boat with a local skipper—swimming into grottos, passing beneath Faraglioni rocks, and sipping homemade limoncello along the way. Expect laughter with your guide, fresh towels after swims, and plenty of time to just float or snorkel in clear water. It’s personal and relaxed—something you’ll probably remember every time you taste lemon again.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try steering?” our skipper asked, grinning as we left Marina Piccola. I laughed and shook my head — I could barely keep my hat from flying off in the wind, let alone drive a boat around Capri. There was just me, my partner, and Salvatore (he insisted we call him Salvo), who seemed to know every ripple of this coastline. He pointed out the Cave of the Sailors first — honestly, I’d never heard of it before — and told us stories about fishermen waiting out storms there. The air smelled faintly salty and citrusy, which I didn’t expect so far from land.

We drifted close to the White Grotto, where sunlight bounced off pale stone and made the water look almost electric blue. Salvo handed us snorkels (“Don’t worry, the jellyfish are on holiday,” he joked) and waited while we splashed around. The Green Grotto was next — darker inside, cooler too — and for a second it was just quiet except for little waves slapping against the hull. I tried to say “Grotta Verde” in Italian; Salvo laughed but gave me a thumbs up anyway.

The highlight? Passing right under the arch of Faraglione di Mezzo. It’s one thing seeing photos but another when you’re actually ducking your head as you glide underneath. We saw Villa Malaparte perched all dramatic on its cliff (Salvo called it “the loneliest house in Italy”), then cruised past Punta Carena lighthouse — apparently the second biggest in Italy though it looked almost small from out here. Somewhere between caves he poured us his family’s homemade limoncello in tiny plastic cups. Sweet, sharp, cold — I still think about that taste whenever I smell lemons now.

I didn’t realize how sun-warmed my skin had gotten until we headed back toward port. There were towels waiting for us, music playing low through Salvo’s old Bluetooth speaker. We never made it to the Blue Grotto (the line was wild), but honestly? Didn’t miss it at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour around Capri

• Sail to Marina Piccola bay
• Visit the Cave of the Sailors
• Visit the White Grotto
• Visit the Green Grotto
• View the Natural Arch from sea
• See Villa Malaparte from sea
• See Faraglioni rocks closely
• Pass under Faraglione di Mezzo arch
• Sail along west coast to lighthouse
• Enter the Cave of the Coral

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Capri private boat tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; tours depart from Capri island itself.

Do we visit the Blue Grotto on this day trip?

No, due to long wait times the Blue Grotto is skipped—but other grottos are visited instead.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the tour?

Soda/pop is included along with homemade limoncello tasting on board.

Can children or infants join this private boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the boat allows prams or strollers.

Is snorkeling equipment available during the trip?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for guests.

Will there be a guide or just a skipper?

An expert skipper serves as both captain and local guide throughout your tour.

How long does it take to see all Capri’s main sights by boat?

The full loop with stops typically fits within half a day—timing may vary slightly depending on swimming breaks.

Are towels provided after swimming?

Yes, beach towels are provided for guests on board after swimming stops.

What’s included

Your day includes an expert skipper who doubles as your guide around Capri’s coastline, use of snorkeling equipment if you want to swim into grottos or just float nearby, soft drinks plus a tasting of homemade limoncello served right on deck, fresh beach towels for drying off after swims, access to music via Bluetooth speaker if you feel like setting your own soundtrack—and even a freshwater shower before heading back ashore.