Capri boat tour from Sorrento: swim in grottoes, 4 hours ashore

Sail past Roman ruins and three colored grottoes, then have the afternoon free on Capri itself

A small-group boat tour from Sorrento to Capri aboard a traditional gozzo with a maximum of 12 passengers, departing in the morning or afternoon depending on the option you choose. The route passes Marina Grande, the ancient Baths of Queen Giovanna, the White Grotto and the Faraglioni rocks before reaching Capri for 4 hours ashore; you can visit the island's main square, shop on Via Camerelle, swim in the sea, and optionally visit the Green Grotto and Blue Grotto depending on waiting times. A professional skipper leads the tour in English or Italian, with Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit served on board; the boat has a restroom and outdoor shower. Return to Sorrento around 4:30 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour and Capri visit

• Depart from Sorrento port
• Sail along Sorrento coastline
• Pass Marina Grande fishing village
• Pass ancient Roman villa
• Visit White Grotto
• Stop for Faraglioni photo
• Visit Green Grotto
• Pass Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Stop for swimming
• Visit Blue Grotto (optional)
• Disembark on Capri island
• Explore Capri main square and shops
• Visit Augustus Gardens
• Return to Sorrento port

The Experience

If you land in Sorrento with a free afternoon or want a full day on the water without renting a car, this tour leaves the planning to someone else. The boat departs Sorrento port and sails along the coast past Marina Grande, a working fishing village, then the Baths of Queen Giovanna — a Roman site from the 1st century BC carved into the rock. The skipper stops at the White Grotto, where stalactites and stalagmites frame an opening to the sea, and passes the Faraglioni rocks, the massive stone formations that Homer described as boulders thrown by the Cyclops. The boat holds a maximum of 12 people, so you're not jostling for space or competing for the skipper's attention.

Once you reach Capri, you disembark for 4 hours on the island itself — time enough to walk La Piazzetta (the main square), browse the shops on Via Camerelle, visit the Augustus Gardens, or take a bus or taxi up to Anacapri if you want the higher vantage point. You can also swim in the sea during this window. On the return journey, the boat passes the Lighthouse of Punta Carena and offers a chance to visit the Green Grotto, a secondary cave formed in dolomite, the oldest sedimentary rock on Capri. The Blue Grotto stop depends on waiting times — if the queue is short, you'll have the chance to enter; if not, you'll see it from the boat. Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit are served on board, and the boat has a restroom and outdoor shower.

Three options let you choose your timing: a full-day shared morning tour, a 4-hour shared morning tour, or a 4-hour shared afternoon tour. The skipper speaks English and Italian. Children can ride in a pram or stroller, and infants sit on an adult's lap. The boat returns to Sorrento around 4:30 pm.

What’s included

• Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit on board.
• scuba masks and life jackets.
• a professional skipper speaking English or Italian.
• restroom and outdoor shower on the boat.
• fuel and passage past Marina Grande, the Baths of Queen Giovanna, the White Grotto, the Faraglioni rocks, the Green Grotto and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena.
• 4 hours ashore on Capri to explore the main square, Via Camerelle and the Augustus Gardens, or to swim in the sea.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MBS Blu Charter Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the full-day morning tour if you want the longest time on Capri and the boat journey in daylight; pick a 4-hour option if you're fitting this into a shorter window and prefer either an early start or an afternoon departure. The small group size keeps the boat intimate, and the 4 hours ashore means you're not rushed through the island itself — you can swim, shop, or climb to Anacapri without watching the clock for a group departure.

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Top questions

Can I visit the Blue Grotto on this tour?

The Blue Grotto stop is included in the route, but entry depends on waiting times — if the queue is too long, you'll pass it by boat instead. The visit is not guaranteed, so plan your time on Capri accordingly and don't count on it as a must-do.

How much free time do I have on Capri itself?

You have 4 hours ashore on Capri, enough time to visit the main square, walk Via Camerelle for shopping, explore the Augustus Gardens, or take a bus or taxi to Anacapri. You can also swim during this window.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes Prosecco, beer, soft drinks and seasonal fruit on board; scuba masks and life jackets; fuel; a professional skipper; and access to a restroom and outdoor shower on the boat. The Blue Grotto entrance ticket is optional and paid separately if you choose to visit.

What is the White Grotto like?

The White Grotto is a sea cave with stalactites and stalagmites that frame the opening to the water, creating a contrast between the cave's interior and the blue of the sea. The skipper stops here so you can see it up close from the boat.

Do I need to arrange my own transport from Sorrento port?

Public transportation options are available near Sorrento port. The tour departs from and returns to Sorrento port, so you'll need to arrange your own way there and back to your hotel or accommodation.

What are the Faraglioni rocks?

The Faraglioni are three massive rock formations rising from the sea off Capri. According to Homer, they were boulders thrown by the Cyclops Polyphemus to get the attention of his father Neptune, the god of the sea. The boat stops so you can photograph them.