Sorrento & Capri: Small Group Boat Tour with Swim Stops

Summary

Capri day trip from Sorrento with boat swim stops and island time

You’ll drift along Sorrento’s rugged coast before swimming beneath Capri’s famous Faraglioni rocks. With four hours to explore Capri on your own — café-hopping or wandering gardens — plus hotel pickup and snacks on board, this small group tour leaves space for both adventure and quiet moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not sharp, just sort of everywhere as we waited at Massa Lubrense port. Our skipper, Antonio, called out names like a teacher on a field trip (I almost missed mine because I was distracted by the sound of someone’s sandals slapping against the dock). We were twelve, maybe thirteen if you count the little girl who kept peering over the edge. The boat felt smaller than I’d pictured but somehow that made it better — less room for pretending you’re not all in this together.

The coast slipped past in patches of lemon trees and those pale houses stacked like they might tumble into the sea. Antonio pointed out grottos — some blue-green, some dark as coffee — and slowed so we could jump in for a swim. I hesitated at first (the water looked cold), but honestly? Floating there with Faraglioni rocks looming ahead was worth every goosebump. Someone handed me a Fanta when I got back on board; tasted weirdly perfect after saltwater.

We docked at Capri and Antonio waved us off with a “see you in four hours” that sounded almost too casual for someone trusting us not to get lost. The square was busy but not overwhelming — I found myself sitting outside a café, watching locals gesture wildly over tiny cups of coffee. Tried to order in Italian; got corrected gently by an old man who smiled like he’d seen this scene a thousand times. The Gardens of Augustus were crowded but full of color, and honestly, just walking aimlessly felt right. Four hours went faster than I expected.

On the way back, sunburned and salty-haired, everyone seemed quieter. Maybe tired or just thinking about their own favorite bit (mine was still that first shock of cold water). It’s funny how a day trip to Capri from Sorrento can feel both quick and slow at once — I still think about that view from the boat sometimes, especially when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Sorrento to Capri

• Pickup from Sorrento hotel
• Board boat at Massa Lubrense port
• Cruise along coast to Capri island
• Admire Faraglioni rocks from boat
• Tour island's natural arches and grottos
• Stop for swimming and snorkeling
• Enjoy 4 hours free time on Capri
• Return to Sorrento by boat
• Drop off at Sorrento hotel

Top questions

How long is the boat tour from Sorrento to Capri?

The tour includes cruising time plus 4 hours free on Capri; exact sailing time varies depending on stops.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sorrento & Capri boat tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your accommodation is centrally located in Sorrento.

How many people are on each boat?

The semi-private boat tour has a maximum of 12 people per boat.

Are swimming stops included during the cruise?

Yes, there are stops for swimming and snorkeling at the skipper’s discretion along the route.

Do I need to pay extra landing tax in Capri?

The landing tax in Capri is not included in the tour price; you’ll pay it separately when arriving on the island.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No full lunch is included, but snacks and soft drinks are provided onboard.

Can children join this small group Capri boat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What should I bring for this day cruise?

You should bring a towel, bathing suit or shorts, and appropriate clothing for swimming or walking around Capri.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from central Sorrento hotels or meeting points, WiFi onboard so you can share photos instantly (or ignore emails), snacks and soft drinks while cruising along the coast with your skipper at the helm—plus plenty of time for swimming stops before four free hours exploring Capri at your own pace.