Sorrento & Capri: Small Group Boat Tour with Grottos & Swim

Summary

Capri day trip by boat with swimming grottos and island time

You’ll set sail from Sorrento toward Capri in a small group boat tour, passing ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs along the coast. Swim near famous Faraglioni rocks, try seasonal fruit and chilled drinks onboard, then explore Capri’s lively piazzas or quiet corners before cruising back as afternoon light hits the sea.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the dock in Sorrento because I got distracted by a dog chasing pigeons near the marina — classic me. But our skipper, Antonio, just grinned and waved us over like he’d seen it a hundred times. The boat was smaller than I pictured (in a good way), so you actually hear everyone’s voices over the engine, and you can smell the sea before you even leave port. Someone handed out cold water right away — that felt thoughtful, since it was already warming up.

We slid past Marina Grande, which looked like a postcard but with more laundry hanging out windows. Antonio pointed at some ruins up on the cliffs — Baths of Queen Giovanna — and told us a story about Roman parties there that I’m pretty sure he made up on the spot. The first stop was the White Grotto; sunlight bounced around inside like someone had left a lamp on underwater. I tried to take a photo but my phone fogged up from the salt spray. Everyone laughed when I dropped my sunglasses (don’t worry, they floated). We drifted close to the Faraglioni rocks — those ones you always see in photos — and someone jumped in for a swim right there. The water was cold enough to make you gasp.

Capri itself was busier than I expected, but we had three hours to wander. I got totally lost trying to find Via Camerelle (the fancy shopping street) and ended up eating gelato with an old man who said he’d lived here forever. He taught me how to say “grazie” properly — apparently I’d been getting it wrong all day. Back on the boat later, Antonio sliced up peaches for everyone and passed around chilled wine as we floated near Punta Carena lighthouse. I didn’t get into the Blue Grotto (the line was wild), but honestly? Floating in that green water with fruit juice dripping down my arm felt just as good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Sorrento to Capri

• Leave Sorrento port
• Sail along Sorrento coastline
• Pass Marina Grande fishing village
• Pass ancient Roman site
• Visit White Grotto
• Stop for Faraglioni photo
• Disembark on Capri island
• Explore La Piazzetta and shopping street
• Visit Augustus Gardens
• Visit Green Grotto
• Pass Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Pass Blue Grotto with visit option
• Return to Sorrento
• Disembark around 4:00 pm

Top questions

How long does the Capri boat tour from Sorrento last?

The tour departs in the morning and returns to Sorrento around 4:00 pm.

Is swimming included during the Capri day trip?

Yes, there are two stops for swimming during the boat tour near Capri.

Can you visit the Blue Grotto on this tour?

You have a chance to visit the Blue Grotto if waiting times allow; it's not guaranteed.

How much free time do you get on Capri island?

The tour includes about three hours of free time on Capri to explore at your own pace.

Are food or drinks provided on board?

Seasonal fruit, soft drinks, water, beer, and one bottle of wine per boat are included.

Is pickup included for this Sorrento to Capri tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Sorrento port.

Are snorkeling masks available during swimming stops?

Yes, scuba masks are provided for guests who want them during swim stops.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board during your day trip from Sorrento to Capri.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Sorrento with an English-speaking skipper guiding your small group along coastal sights like Marina Grande and Roman ruins. There are two swim stops with scuba masks provided if you want them, plus soft drinks, water, beer, seasonal fruit, and even a bottle of wine per boat. Onboard amenities include a restroom and fresh-water shower before returning late afternoon.