5 Best Boat Tours in Capri

Do you want to spend your holidays on a beautiful magical island? The island of Capri awaits you with paradisiacal tourist destinations.
5 Best Boat Tours in Capri

More about: 5 Best Boat Tours in Capri

Among the best things to do in Capri, boat trips are definitely a highlight. They allow you to reach hidden areas, explore the landscape and swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island of Capri. The island is located in the Bay of Naples, Italy, and is easy to reach from the Amalfi Coast and other locations.

The beauty of Capri has attracted numerous tourists since Ancient Rome. Important historical figures such as Tiberius and Augustus used to relax there. Today, many celebrities also choose to spend their holidays on this small island. What are you waiting for to enjoy this experience?

1. Full-day boat trip around Capri

Capri boats| ©lhourahane
Capri boats| ©lhourahane

Taking a tour of Capri is one of the first things I recommend doing in this town. If you do it by boat, your experience will be much better as you will be able to enjoy the sea, the wind and the beautiful landscape that can be seen from a boat. The average cost of these trips is €130 and they last around eight hours.

These types of trips usually depart from the Amalfi coast to the beautiful island of Capri. They can depart specifically from Positano, Amalfi or Praiano. Any of these points allow you to reach the island in less than an hour. It is worth noting that towels, showers and music are available on the boat to enhance your experience.

On the boat, you can sail to different places that will dazzle you. You will pass by the White Grotto, Arco Naturale, Casa Malaparte and the Faraglioni rocks. Your guide will make sure to tell you all the interesting facts about these natural paradises. One of the most eagerly awaited stops is usually at Marina Piccola, where you can take a refreshing dip.

Other places you will visit on board the boat are Punta Carena and Marina Grande. During the tour, you can enjoy wines, glasses of prosecco and various appetisers. After the entertaining trip, you can return to your starting point and continue enjoying the island.

Details of interest

  • Price: around £130.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: with this excursion, you will be able to see all the most important parts of the island of Capri. It also includes snacks and drinks.
  • Disadvantages of this option: no extra activities are included.

Book a private boat trip around Capri

2. Boat tour with visit to the Blue Grotto

Blue Grotto| ©Eduardo Antonio
Blue Grotto| ©Eduardo Antonio

One of the best things to do in Capri is visit the Blue Grotto. To do so, I recommend taking a boat trip from somewhere along the Amalfi Coast to the island of Capri. Once there, you can explore the island and this beautiful sea cave. These tours last approximately eight hours and cost an average of £130.

On this type of tour, you will first pass through the fishing village of Marina Grande and an ancient Roman villa. You will then see the Faraglioni rocks, as well as the Green Grotto, the White Grotto and the Punta Carena lighthouse. These sites are undoubtedly hidden treasures in the Gulf of Naples.

After passing all these sites on the boat, you will finally stop at the Blue Grotto. This is a marine paradise and the most outstanding tourist attraction on the idyllic island of Capri. When you enter, you will notice how the water seems to be lit from below—it is a natural spectacle! Here you can swim, take the best photos and enjoy yourself to the fullest.

Depending on the time of day you decide to take this tour, you can enjoy the colours of the sky. I recommend doing it in the afternoon. This way, you can return to your starting point while admiring the varied colours of the sky reflected in the sea.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately £130.
  • Duration: around 8 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: on this trip, you can spend much more time in the Blue Grotto, swimming and enjoying the cave to the fullest.
  • Disadvantages of this option: no additional stops are included.

Book a private boat trip around Capri

3. Boat tour and snorkelling in small groups

Snorkelling day in Capri| ©Edgardo W. Olivera
Snorkelling day in Capri| ©Edgardo W. Olivera

If you like to accompany your sightseeing tours with extra activities, a boat trip around Capri with snorkelling included is the best option for you. These experiences are usually organised for small groups and cost an average of £130. The approximate duration is four hours. Dare to try a different sport on your visit to the island of Capri!

Snorkelling is a type of diving that is practised without the need to submerge yourself in the depths of the water. It is an ideal activity for those who are afraid of the depth of the sea. It is also a good option if you have never dived before, as it can be a way to familiarise yourself with the activity.

To practise this sport on the island of Capri, you must first take a boat from the Amalfi coast. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views from the boat. Your tour guide will tell you interesting facts and details about everything you see.

Finally, when you arrive in Capri, your guide will take you to one of the caves of your choice. You can choose between the Blue, White, Green or Red Grotto. All the equipment you need for the activity will be provided. At the end, you will return to your starting point and have another opportunity to enjoy the seascape.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately £150.
  • Duration: around 4 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can enjoy a fun activity led by trained staff. In addition, everything you need to take part is included in the final price.
  • Disadvantages of this option: as it is focused on snorkelling, you will not be able to see much of the island of Capri.

Book a private boat trip around Capri

4. Kayak tour of the caves and beaches of Capri

Kayak tour of Capri's caves and beaches

Kayaking in Capri| ©Trey Ratcliff
Kayaking in Capri| ©Trey Ratcliff

One of the best activities you can do in Capri is undoubtedly a kayaking tour of its caves and beaches. For these activities, you usually need to be on the island of Capri and meet up with a group of tourists and guides. The average cost is £45 and the activity lasts around two hours.

When you meet up with your group, you will be given all the equipment you need to get started. You will also hear some tips for your kayaking adventure. Don't worry, this activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. While paddling, you can learn all about the history and interesting facts that your guide will tell you.

This is an eco-friendly and environmentally conscious activity that is well worth enjoying. That's why I also recommend using sunscreen that is good for you and the planet. This way, you'll avoid pollutants and help preserve the environment, just like your kayak tour.

The kayak tour usually includes a stop that everyone looks forward to: the iconic Faraglioni rocks. This spot is ideal for taking incredible photographs. Some of these experiences include snacks and drinks for you to enjoy. You can also dive into the water and enjoy the natural paradise at the end of the kayak tour.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately £45.
  • Duration: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: kayaking is an eco-friendly sport that will help you exercise while discovering the island of Capri and its most beautiful spots.
  • Disadvantages of this option: although the experience can be adapted to all types of people, some may tire more quickly due to the effort involved. Keep this in mind if you are not very active.

Book a kayak tour around the island of Capri

5. Cruise to Capri with Happy Hour

Cruise around Capri| ©Erin Lillis
Cruise around Capri| ©Erin Lillis

Although boat trips are usually a quiet time to relax and enjoy yourself, if you like to party, a cruise with happy hour may be just the thing for you. These types of trips can be taken from the island or from a nearby point. They last an average of eight hours and cost approximately £85.

With this type of cruise, you also have the opportunity to visit different tourist sites such as the sea caves. You can even pass by the Palaeolithic Natural Arch. You will continue your tour to Casa Malaparte in Punta Massullo, a classic piece of architecture on the island. You will also be able to see the majestic Faraglioni rocks.

During the tour, you can drink your favourite spirits and sample a variety of appetisers. At some point during the tour, preferably near a beach, the party will begin. Dance and enjoy the atmosphere! You will hear great music, have fun with the other passengers, dance, swim and enjoy the beautiful sea.

This plan is ideal if you are travelling to the island of Capri in November, as it allows you to enjoy the scenery and have fun at a party without having to go swimming. Bear in mind that from this month onwards, temperatures drop, so it may not be very pleasant to swim on the colder days. After the tour and the party, you can return to the starting point.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately £100.
  • Duration: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can tour the entire island and celebrate on board a cruise with the best music, drinks, food and company.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not make specific stops at caves or tourist sites, but rather passes by them and focuses on the experience on board the cruise ship.

Book a private boat trip around Capri

Why is a boat trip around Capri recommended?

By boat around Capri| ©alex
By boat around Capri| ©alex

Boat trips around the island of Capri allow you to observe and admire a panoramic view of the entire coastline. What's more, you can easily visit the island's best beaches if you travel by boat. As these are guided experiences, you will have a narration to help you understand more about the environment you are visiting and learn about its history and curiosities.

On the other hand, these trips usually include something extra to make your experience even more enjoyable. This could be a sport such as snorkelling or kayaking. Others include snacks or a luxury lunch. With all the options available, you can choose the one that best suits your plans and preferences.

It is worth noting that only by boat or swimming is it possible to reach the most attractive places on the island. For example, the sea caves are the most popular attraction for tourists, and a guided boat tour is the best way to explore them. You always have the option of travelling by ferry and exploring on your own once you get there, but this can be a little more expensive.

Finally, keep in mind that these tours are one of the things you can do in Capri in September, as the cold winter weather has not yet reached the island at that time of year. It is best to enjoy these tours in summer or autumn, so you can enjoy the water at the beaches and sea caves.

What to see on boat trips around Capri?

Faraglioni di Pizzolungo| ©Juan Pablo Aparicio
Faraglioni di Pizzolungo| ©Juan Pablo Aparicio

The island of Capri has been nicknamed "the whim of the gods" for being an exclusive marine paradise. The island has a very small territory, just 6.3 km long and approximately 2.7 km wide. Despite its small size, you will find many tourist sites to enjoy.

With boat trips you can explore its different beaches and sea caves. This is an almost magical experience. If you manage to go snorkelling or diving, you can also explore the sea. In addition, inside the caves you can see how the sunlight reflects off the water, creating the perfect setting for taking great photographs.

On the other hand, on the island you will find a variety of historical sites such as Villa Jovis. This is an ancient imperial palace that belonged to the Roman emperor Tiberius. As you explore the island, you can visit it and admire all the luxuries that still remain. The Gardens of Augustus are another must-see. This is a beautiful green area located on a lovely street on the coast of Capri.

It's worth noting that, as this is such an exclusive island, you're likely to see a celebrity during your visit. I recommend keeping your eyes peeled to see if you spot your favourite artist.

Book a private boat trip around Capri

Below is a table comparing all the options

  • Full-day boat trip around Capri
  • Price: around £110.
  • Duration: approximately 8 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: this excursion allows you to see all the highlights of the island of Capri. It also includes snacks and drinks.
  • Disadvantages of this option: no extra activities are included.
  • Boat tour with visit to the Blue Grotto
  • Price: approximately £130.
  • Duration: around 8 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: on this trip, you can spend much more time in the Blue Grotto, swimming and enjoying the cave to the fullest.
  • Disadvantages of this option: no additional stops are included.
  • Boat tour and snorkelling in small groups
  • Price: approximately £130.
  • Duration: around 4 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can enjoy a fun activity led by trained staff. In addition, everything you need is included in the final price.
  • Disadvantages of this option: as it is focused on snorkelling, you won't get to see much of the island of Capri.
  • Kayak tour of the caves and beaches of Capri
  • Price: approximately £45.
  • Duration: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: kayaking is an eco-friendly sport that will help you get some exercise while discovering the island of Capri and its most beautiful spots.
  • Disadvantages of this option: although the experience can be adapted to all types of people, some may tire more quickly due to the effort involved. Keep this in mind if you are not very active.
  • Cruise to Capri with Happy Hour
  • Price: approximately £85.
  • Duration: around 2 hours.
  • Advantages of this option: you can tour the entire island and celebrate on board a cruise ship with the best music, drinks, food and company.
  • Disadvantages of this option: it does not make specific stops at caves or tourist sites, but rather passes by them and focuses on the experience on board the cruise.

Reviews from other travellers

4.6
· 345 Reviews
  • F
    F.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    If you are in Capri or passing through, I recommend the private boat tour. It was exciting and fun.
  • H
    H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    I highly recommend everyone to book this tour, for sure when I come to Capri to do a tour with them again will be my first thought.
  • R
    R.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    It was a very pleasant and relaxing experience that you should try.
  • L
    L.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    The tour was fantastic, accompanied by the very nice explanation of the very good guide, who was really competent and very kind; his stories were very interesting.
  • J
    J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    We spent a wonderful day: admiring the beauty and charm of the places and bathing in one of the most beautiful caves on the island.