Capri Private Boat Tour: Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi with Swim Stops

Capri’s grottos and sea stacks by private boat, swim stops and island time

You’ll feel Capri unfold from your own private boat—swim in hidden coves near grottos, pass under Faraglioni’s archway (maybe share a lucky kiss), snack on local treats with prosecco in hand, and get real tips from your skipper before relaxing back toward Sorrento or Positano. It’s less about checking sights off a list than letting yourself drift into island time.

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 lighthouse at Capri's southwestern tip
• Stop for swimming, snorkeling, and onboard snacks
• Optional island visit or lunch ashore
• Relax on return with Prosecco on board

The Experience

Hands gripping the wooden rail, I watched as our skipper—Antonio, who had that sun-baked smile you only get from years at sea—untied the Gozzo Jeranto 750 and nodded for us to hop in. We’d left Sorrento behind in the early haze, still half-awake and clutching coffee. The smell of salt hit me first, then the faint sweetness of pastries someone was eating on another boat. Antonio pointed out Marina Piccola as we rounded a curve—he called it “Capri’s little secret,” though I’m pretty sure everyone knows about it now. Still felt special seeing it from this angle.

The water changed color every few minutes—deep blue near the White Grotto, almost green by the Green Grotto (honestly, I didn’t expect to want to swim but there I was, shivering but grinning). My partner tried snorkeling and came up laughing because a fish darted right past her mask. There was a moment when we drifted near the Faraglioni rocks and Antonio steered us right through that arch—he winked and said couples are supposed to kiss there for luck. We did it (awkwardly), and I’m not really superstitious but… why not? Capri private boat tour vibes are contagious like that.

Stopped for snacks—fresh fruit and those tiny crunchy taralli biscuits—and some prosecco that tasted colder than anything I’ve had in months. When we got to the Blue Grotto, there was a bit of a wait (everyone wants that electric blue light), so Antonio told stories about growing up here. He also gave us tips for lunch spots only reachable by sea; we ended up with spaghetti alle vongole at a place where the owner greeted him like family. Never thought lunch would be one of my favorite memories from a day trip to Capri from Sorrento.

I’m still thinking about how quiet it got when we cut the engine near the lighthouse—the kind of silence you can only get out at sea, broken by someone popping open another drink or jumping in for one last swim. On the way back, sunburnt and happy, Antonio poured us another glass of wine and let us just stare at the coastline sliding past. No rush anywhere. If you’re considering a Capri private boat tour with swim stops from Sorrento or Positano… well, I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Top questions

How long does the Capri private boat tour take?

The tour is flexible and customizable but usually lasts around 7-8 hours depending on your preferences.

Can you swim during this Capri boat trip?

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

Is hotel pickup included for all departure points?

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

What type of boat is used for this tour?

The tour uses a Gozzo Jeranto 750—a comfortable traditional wooden boat suitable for up to 6 passengers.

Are drinks and snacks provided on board?

Yes, snacks like fruit and taralli plus soft drinks, wine, prosecco sparkling wine and beer are included during your day trip.

Can infants join this Capri private boat tour?

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

Is it possible to visit Capri island itself during the tour?

You can choose to spend free time on Capri island or have lunch at restaurants accessible by sea; your skipper will advise you.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if staying in Sorrento (otherwise easy port meeting), all navigation around Capri’s famous sights like Blue Grotto and Faraglioni sea stacks, plenty of stops for swimming or snorkeling with towels provided, plus snacks such as fruit and taralli along with soft drinks, red or white wine, prosecco sparkling wine and beer before heading back relaxed—and maybe just a little sun-kissed—to your starting point.