Capri: Private Boat Tour with Grottos, Faraglioni & Swimming

Summary

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

You’ll taste Capri’s salty air as you cruise past grottos and Faraglioni rocks on your private boat tour—with time for swimming in clear coves, stories from your local skipper, and a close-up visit to the Blue Grotto before heading back sun-drenched and smiling.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was how salty the air tasted when we stepped onto the boat at Marina Grande. Our skipper, Antonio, had that kind of sun-worn face you only get from years out here. He handed us cold bottles of water and grinned—“Today, Capri is yours.” I still remember the way the engine rumbled under my feet as we left the port behind. You could hear laughter echoing from other boats but ours felt quiet, just the slap of waves and Antonio humming something old in Italian.

I didn’t expect the water near Marina Piccola to look so green—almost fake, like someone dropped paint in it. We drifted into the Green Grotto and Antonio killed the engine for a minute. It was just us and this weird shimmering light bouncing off the walls. My friend tried snorkeling there (the gear was waiting in a basket), but I just dangled my feet over the side. Cold shock up my legs—woke me right up. And then he pointed out the Faraglioni rocks coming up, those stone giants everyone talks about. We actually passed under that arch; someone snapped a photo at exactly the wrong moment so half my head’s missing but whatever, it still makes me laugh.

The Blue Grotto was packed with little boats queuing up—Antonio shrugged and said “Capri life,” which made me feel better about waiting. You have to switch to these tiny rowboats to go inside (the guides joke about tourists ducking their heads or losing hats). Inside it’s dark except for this blue glow under the water—I tried taking a picture but honestly none of them do it justice. The White Grotto came after that, all strange stalactites hanging like teeth; I almost knocked my sunglasses off gawking upwards.

Somewhere along the way we passed Villa Malaparte perched on its cliff—Antonio told us stories about writers hiding out there during storms, though who knows if any of it’s true. There was soda in a cooler if you wanted it, plus towels for drying off after swimming (which I definitely needed). The lighthouse at Punta Carena looked almost lonely out on its own; seagulls wheeled around it while we floated past. By then my skin smelled like salt and sunscreen and I felt… lighter? Hard to explain. Capri does that to you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour around Capri island

• Board boat at Marina Grande port
• Visit Sailors' Cave at Marina Piccola
• Pass under Faraglioni arch for photos
• Visit Green Grotto with green water
• Visit White Grotto with limestone stalactites
• View Natural Arch from the sea
• Change boat and visit Blue Grotto inside
• See Villa Malaparte from outside
• Enter Coral Cave with red corals
• Pass by Italy's second largest lighthouse

Top questions

How long does the private boat tour of Capri last?

The typical tour covers all major sights around Capri in one day, with flexible timing depending on stops and swimming breaks.

Is swimming included during the Capri boat tour?

Yes, there are several chances to swim in coves such as near Marina Piccola or by the grottos.

Do you visit inside the Blue Grotto on this tour?

Yes, you switch to small rowing boats operated by locals for an inside visit to the Blue Grotto during your tour.

Are drinks provided on board?

Bottled water and soda are included on your private boat throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Snorkeling gear is provided for guests who want to swim during stops.

Where does the boat tour start in Capri?

The tour begins at Marina Grande, Capri’s main historic port.

Is lunch included in this private Capri boat trip?

No lunch is included but drinks like water and soda are provided; you can bring snacks if you want.

Can infants or small children join this Capri boat tour?

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

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Marina Grande port with an expert skipper guiding your route around Capri; bottled water and soda ready in a cooler; use of snorkeling equipment for swimming stops; beach towels for drying off; fresh water shower onboard; plus music via Bluetooth stereo if you want some background tunes between sights like Faraglioni, Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, White Grotto, Natural Arch, Coral Cave and more before returning relaxed to port.