Private Boat Tour Capri: 4 hours, all the grottos

Capri’s grottoes and Faraglioni by private boat with local sailor

You’ll float around Capri’s coast with a local sailor, stopping at famous grottoes like Blue and Green Grotto (if sea conditions allow), swimming under Faraglioni rocks, and soaking up sun on a classic gozzo boat. Soft drinks, towels, and snorkel gear are included so you can just relax into island time. There’s nothing rushed about this day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Blue Grotto15m
2. Green Grotto15m
3. Natural Arch10m
4. Faraglioni10m

Private boat tour exploring Capri grottoes

• Depart from Capri Island
• Visit Blue Grotto
• Visit Green Grotto
• Visit Red Coral Grotto
• View Natural Arch from sea
• See Faraglioni rock formations
• Swim and snorkel in sea
• Relax and sunbathe on boat

The experience

The first thing I noticed was how the sea around Capri didn’t look real: almost too blue, even with the sun barely out. Our sailor, Paolo, waved us onto this old wooden gozzo (he called it “his second home”) and handed out towels like he’d known us forever. I didn’t expect the boat to smell faintly of lemon oil and salt, but it did. There were only five of us plus Paolo, so it felt more like tagging along with a friend than anything official.

I’d heard about the Blue Grotto before (you can’t really avoid it in Capri), but actually waiting our turn outside, bobbing in line with other little boats, was its own kind of fun. Paolo joked about the cave being “sometimes open, sometimes moody,” which made me laugh because yeah, apparently sea caves have moods here. When we finally ducked inside (heads low!), that electric blue glow hit me right in the chest. It’s hard to describe except that I still think about that color when I close my eyes. The Green Grotto was quieter. Paolo let us jump in for a swim there, and the water felt colder than I expected: sharp at first, then just perfect after a minute.

We drifted past the Faraglioni rocks (those jagged stone arches you see on every postcard), and honestly they’re even stranger up close. Someone on board tried to take a selfie under the arch and nearly dropped their phone (not me this time). The Natural Arch looked almost fragile from below. Birds kept circling overhead and you could hear them over the engine for a bit. We stopped again near some red coral reflections: Paolo said something about luck if you spot them but I missed it because I was busy digging through my bag for another drink.

After all that swimming and sun (and maybe too many soft drinks), we just lay back on deck as Capri slipped by in slow motion. There wasn’t any rush, Paolo never hurried us, and I liked that he knew when to be quiet or when to point out something random along the cliffs. Four hours felt both long and short at once. If I could do it again tomorrow, I would.

What’s included

• Your day includes pickup from Capri Island marina onto a traditional gozzo boat with an experienced local sailor guiding you between grottoes and landmarks.
• use of life jackets for safety.
• plenty of bottled water and soft drinks.
• fresh towels.
• snorkelling equipment ready whenever you want to swim.
• plus relaxed stops wherever your group feels like lingering along Capri’s coast before heading back ashore together.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mr. Costanzo

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the private Capri boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What attractions are included on the boat tour?

You’ll visit Blue Grotto (if open), Green Grotto, Natural Arch, Faraglioni rocks, and see Capri from the sea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkel equipment is included on board.

Are towels available during the tour?

Yes, towels are provided for all guests.

How many people can join this private boat tour?

The maximum group size is 6 guests per boat.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

Is entry to Blue Grotto guaranteed?

No. Entering depends on sea conditions and opening times: tickets are purchased at the cave entrance if open.

Are soft drinks included?

Yes, soft drinks are available throughout your cruise.