Sorrento to Capri: Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim & Drinks

Summary

Capri’s grottos, Faraglioni rocks and a swim in Marina Piccola

You’ll ride a small boat from Sorrento along Capri’s coastline with stops at grottos and time for swimming in Marina Piccola. Enjoy prosecco, snacks, and stories from your local guide before exploring Capri town on your own. It’s relaxed but full of little surprises — salty air, laughter, maybe even dolphins if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not seasick yet, are you?” That’s what Marco asked as we left Sorrento behind — I wasn’t, just grinning at the spray on my face. The boat was small enough that everyone sort of shuffled around to get a better look when we passed Punta Campanella. Dolphins sometimes show up there (not for us, but honestly the water was so clear it felt like they might). There was this faint smell of sunblock and salt — plus someone opened a bag of chips way too early. I laughed because I’d already finished my first prosecco before 11am. Not judging myself.

We got close to Capri’s famous Blue Grotto but there was a bit of a wait — apparently you have to hop into these tiny rowboats if you want to go inside, and it costs extra. Some people went for it; I just watched the sunlight flicker blue on the cave walls from our boat. Our guide, Lucia, told stories about pirates hiding in the Green Grotto (she swears her uncle once found old coins there). Later we stopped near Marina Piccola for swimming — water cold enough to wake you up but not freeze your bones. I floated on my back and tried not to think about anything except the sun.

The Faraglioni rocks are even bigger than they look in photos; everyone took turns getting their “movie moment” as we sailed through. Someone pointed out the Natural Arch and I almost missed it because I was distracted by a seagull stealing someone’s sandwich (classic). We had hours free in Capri town after that — enough time for lemon granita and wandering past shops where locals barely glance at tourists anymore. On the way back, quiet except for the engine hum and wind tangling everyone’s hair, Marco handed out one last round of drinks. I still think about that view over the water — kind of hard to explain why it sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour to Capri island

• Pick up from Sorrento or meet at Marina della Lobra
• Start from Marina della Lobra in Punta Campanella Marine Park
• Visit Blue Grotto by small rowing boats
• See Anacapri’s lighthouse and city views
• Visit Green Grotto cave
• Free time in Capri city center for 4 to 5 hours
• Swim and snorkel at Marina Piccola bay
• View Faraglioni rock formation
• Pass by Natural Arch
• Visit White Grotto cave
• See special historic houses in Capri
• Sail back to port and drop off at pick-up point

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Capri boat tour?

Yes, optional pickup is available from Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Sant Agnello & Piano di Sorrento.

How many people are on each boat?

The boats carry up to 12 people per group.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, prosecco, beer, soft drinks and water are included onboard.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes, there are swimming stops including at Marina Piccola with snorkeling masks provided.

Is entrance to the Blue Grotto included?

No, entrance is optional and costs €18 per person paid locally for a short rowboat visit.

How long do we spend on Capri island?

You’ll have about 4-5 hours of free time in Capri town center.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided but snacks like chips are available onboard; you can eat in Capri during free time.

Are guides fluent in English?

Guides speak English, Spanish and Italian fluently.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; service animals allowed; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes optional hotel pickup from Sorrento or nearby towns, all navigation fees around Capri by comfortable small boat with up to 12 guests, use of snorkeling masks during swim stops like Marina Piccola, unlimited soft drinks plus prosecco or beer onboard (and yes—chips), stories from your local guide throughout the journey and drop-off back at your original meeting point after returning across the bay.