Capri & Sorrento Coast: Boat Tour with Grottos & Free Time

Summary

Boat past Sorrento to Capri’s grottos and Faraglioni rocks then enjoy hours to roam the island

You’ll feel sea spray as your boat hugs Sorrento’s coast and slips into Capri’s famous grottos—Green, White, sometimes Blue if luck is on your side. Swim or snorkel off deck, then spend hours wandering Capri’s winding lanes or relaxing with local snacks. The day ends with tired smiles and salt-sticky skin as you cruise back past Faraglioni.

What’s the experience like?

There was this hollow echo of laughter bouncing off the water as we left Sorrento — I think it was from a kid on another boat, or maybe one of ours. The sun hit the cliffs just right, making that old stone arch at Queen Giovanna’s Baths look almost golden. Our guide, Marco (he had those sunglasses you only see in Italy), pointed out Massa Lubrense — said his uncle still fishes there. I could smell sunscreen and salt in the air, but also something sweet from someone’s bag. Maybe pastries? It made me hungry way before lunch.

I’d read about Capri boat daily tours but didn’t expect how green the water gets near the Green Grotto. Seriously, it’s not just a name. We drifted close enough that you could see tiny fish darting under the surface — and when I tried snorkeling (mask kept fogging up), I heard my own breathing louder than anything else. The Blue Grotto had a line of boats waiting; our skipper shrugged, “Sometimes you get lucky.” We didn’t go in — sea was rough — but honestly, floating there with everyone joking about who’d sing ‘O Sole Mio’ loudest if we did go in was its own kind of fun.

When we finally reached Capri, they gave us a few hours to explore on our own. Four hours sounds like a lot until you’re actually there and have to choose between lemon gelato or hiking up to Villa Jovis (I picked gelato — no regrets). Locals move quick here but still have time for a joke; an old man at the piazzetta teased me for my terrible Italian accent (“You sound like my cousin from Milan!”). I wandered narrow alleys lined with bougainvillea and got lost twice, which is apparently part of the experience.

On the way back past Faraglioni — those two giant rocks that look like they’re holding up the sky — someone passed around cold drinks and we all just sat quiet for a minute watching the light change on the cliffs. It wasn’t perfect weather or perfect timing, but somehow that made it better. There’s this memory now: salt on my lips, laughter echoing off stone, Capri fading behind us as we headed home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Sorrento to Capri

• Depart from Sorrento
• Stop at Queen Giovanna's beach
• Visit White Grotto
• Visit Green Grotto
• Stop near Coral cave
• Wait to visit Blue Grotto (extra cost)
• Stop at Faraglioni rocks
• Free time to explore Capri

Top questions

How long do you get to explore Capri during this tour?

You have approximately 3 to 4 hours of free time on Capri to explore at your own pace.

Is entrance to the Blue Grotto included?

No, entrance to the Blue Grotto is optional and costs €18 per person paid locally; entry depends on sea conditions and wait times.

What is included in the Capri boat daily tour?

The tour includes bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, use of snorkeling equipment, shower access onboard, life jackets, and free time in Capri.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off available?

Yes, optional hotel pickup and drop-off are available for €15 per person round trip.

Do infants or small children need special arrangements?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult's lap during parts of the journey.

Where does the boat depart from?

The main departure is from Sorrento; some options depart from Positano along a different stretch of coastline.

Are there extra fees besides booking price?

Yes—€25 per person is due at meeting point for port taxes/assistance; Blue Grotto entry is extra if chosen.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water and snacks onboard (plus some local wine or beer if you want), use of snorkeling gear so you can jump right into those clear bays near Capri’s grottos, shower facilities for rinsing off after swims, life jackets for everyone’s peace of mind, plus three to four hours free time on Capri itself—and if you want it easier getting there or back, optional hotel pickup can be arranged too.