Capri: Private Boat Tour with Caves, Swim & Blue Grotto

Capri’s caves and Faraglioni by private boat with swimming stops

You’ll circle Capri by private boat with a local skipper—ducking into glowing caves, swimming off pebbled beaches like Marina Piccola, passing under Faraglioni’s arches, and sipping drinks on deck. With snorkeling gear included and stories about emperors who once swam here, you’ll feel part of something timeless.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour around Capri island

• Visit the White Grotto cave
• Admire the Natural Arch from boat
• Stop for photos at Faraglioni rocks
• Pass through the Faraglioni arch
• Relax at Marina Piccola beach
• Swim in the Green Grotto cave
• See the second lighthouse of Italy
• Visit the Blue Grotto ancient pool
• View Roman emperors' villa ruins

The Experience

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull as we left Marina Grande—sharp and salty, almost like it wanted to wake me up. Our skipper, Paolo, had that sun-worn look you only get from years out here. He grinned when he saw me gawking at the cliffs; “Wait till you see Grotta Bianca,” he said, and honestly, I thought he was overselling it. But then we drifted inside and the light bounced off those white rocks so strangely—blue on stone, stone on blue—I just stood there blinking. The air smelled faintly of wet limestone and sunscreen.

We zigzagged along the coast, past that Natural Arch everyone photographs (it’s bigger than it looks in pictures), and Paolo told us how Roman emperors used to swim here. He pointed out Villa Tiberio clinging to the rocks—said Augustus loved these waters too. At one point we stopped right under the Faraglioni stacks for photos; someone tried to toss a hat through the arch and missed by a mile. There was a lot of laughing and a bit of teasing in Italian I didn’t quite catch but it felt friendly.

I lost track of time after that. We swam in Marina Piccola—the pebbles were smooth underfoot—and then again at the Green Grotto where Paolo handed out snorkels. The water there is this wild emerald color that doesn’t look real until you’re floating in it. He played old Neapolitan songs from his phone while we dried off on deck with cold drinks (Prosecco for some, orange soda for me). I tried saying “Grotta Verde” properly—got it wrong twice, which cracked him up.

The last stop was the Blue Grotto. Sunlight hit just right and everything inside glowed electric blue—I still think about that view sometimes when I close my eyes at night. We ended up sprawled on cushions, skin sticky from salt and wind, not really wanting to go back yet. Sometimes you get lucky with a day trip like this from Capri; this was one of those times.

Top questions

How long does the private Capri boat tour last?

The private boat tour around Capri lasts approximately 3 hours.

Does the tour include swimming stops?

Yes, there are swimming stops at places like Marina Piccola and the Green Grotto during the tour.

Are drinks provided on board?

Soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included during your boat trip.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

Can infants join this Capri boat tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap for safety reasons.

Will we visit the Blue Grotto?

The itinerary includes a stop at the Blue Grotto if conditions allow entry.

Is there music on board?

Yes, music is available during your private boat tour around Capri.

Are towels provided?

Towels and pillows are provided for your comfort during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Capri’s marina where your local skipper welcomes you aboard a classic island-style boat stocked with beach towels, pillows, music, sodas or Prosecco (your choice), plus snorkeling gear for swimming stops at caves or beaches—and yes, there’s even a bathroom and shower onboard before heading back ashore.