Capri is one of Italy’s most photogenic islands, and there’s no better way to see its dramatic coastline than on a boat. Whether you’re drawn to the famous Blue Grotto, eager to visit the charming towns of Capri and Anacapri, or simply want to relax while floating past sea stacks and caves, this list offers something for all. Some tours, like the From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Optional, let you beat the crowds and enjoy swimming and snorkeling around the island’s bays. Others, such as the Full-Day Private Boat Tour, cater to those seeking exclusivity and tailored experiences. Whichever you choose, exploring Capri from the water reveals a side of the island that land-based sightseeing simply can’t match.
We particularly like the variety of options available—from half-day adventures perfect for a quick glimpse to full-day excursions that combine snorkeling, sightseeing, and local dining. If you’re staying near Sorrento, the tours departing from there (From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour) offer an excellent combination of early access and flexibility. For those who want a personalized experience, a private boat or even a full-day cruise provides the space, comfort, and freedom to customize your itinerary. Now, let’s explore each of these top-rated tours in detail.
1. From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Optional
This popular day trip from Sorrento takes you around Capri by boat, with the chance to visit the Blue Grotto if the weather and wait times permit. The tour lasts between 4 and 7.5 hours, and it’s perfect for those who want to beat the crowds by departing early. The itinerary includes stops at the Green Grotto, Grotta Bianca, and the famous Faraglioni rocks, plus time to explore Capri’s town on foot.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—you can swim or snorkel in the turquoise bays, enjoy champagne tastings, and relax on a comfortable speedboat. The Blue Grotto visit is optional but often a highlight, with guides working to minimize wait times, as seen in rave reviews. One traveler praised their guide, Roberto, for “getting us in quickly and making the experience unforgettable.” The tour is well-rated, with a 4.7/5 based on nearly 2,000 reviews, making it a reliable choice for a fun, comprehensive day at sea.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and island exploration with some flexibility and expert guidance.
2. From Pompeii/Castellammare/Vico Equense: Capri Day Cruise
Departing from multiple starting points like Pompeii, Castellammare, or Vico Equense, this full-day cruise offers a relaxed way to see Capri’s main sights. The day includes boat rides past the Faraglioni, the Verde Grotto, and Casa Malaparte, plus leisure time on the island. The tour lasts around 10 hours, which allows plenty of time to explore Capri and Anacapri on land—perfect if you want a balance of sea and foot sightseeing.
What makes this a stand-out is the detailed itinerary and the multiple stops that allow for photos and swimming. Reviewers mention how Elena, the guide, was helpful in recommending the best spots and making everyone feel comfortable. The tour’s value lies in its organized cruise combined with free time, making it suitable for travelers wanting a thorough experience without the hassle of planning each detail.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers who want scenic boat travel plus some independent exploration on land.
3. Boat Tour of the Caves on the Island of Capri
This two-hour boat tour focuses on exploring Capri’s famous caves, including the White and Green Grottos, and the iconic Faraglioni formations. You’ll travel aboard a traditional Capri gozzo, a sturdy and comfortable wooden boat, with an expert guide explaining the island’s geology and legends as you go. The tour also includes swimming time in Capri’s crystalline waters and a limoncello tasting—an authentic touch.
What makes this tour appealing is its intimate size (around 20 people), and the focus on caves and photo stops. Reviews highlight the personal attention from guides like Dino and Davide, who “made the trip fun and informative,” and the opportunity to swim in stunning waters. The tour costs about $80.67 per person, making it a reasonable choice for a quick, scenic escape.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in caves, photography, and swimming, with a relaxed pace.
4. Half Day Private Boat Tour of Capri
For a more personalized experience, this half-day private boat tour offers up to four hours of private sailing around Capri. You’ll depart directly from the Marina Grande port, with a skipper at your service. The tour includes stops at the Blue Grotto (paid separately), Grotta Verde, and the Natural Arch, along with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
What sets this apart is the ability to customize your itinerary with your skipper, which appeals to travelers seeking flexibility. Reviews rave about the “friendly, knowledgeable skipper” and the chance to enjoy Capri’s scenery at your own pace. It’s best suited for small groups or couples who want exclusivity and control over their day.
Bottom line: Perfect for private travelers or small groups wanting a tailored, relaxed cruise with plenty of swimming.
5. From Sorrento: Full-Day Boat Tour to Capri with Drinks
This full-day boat tour from Sorrento combines sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing with onboard snacks and drinks. It lasts about 8 hours, making it a great option for those with a full day available. The itinerary includes stops at the Blue Grotto, Faraglioni, and Baths of Queen Giovanna, with time allocated for self-guided exploration on land.
What makes it attractive is the inclusion of snacks, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, according to reviews. Travelers mention how “the boat was comfortable,” and the combination of sightseeing and swimming created a memorable experience. The tour also emphasizes the “Italian Dolce Vita,” making it ideal for travelers wanting a leisurely, well-rounded day.
Bottom line: It offers good value for a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation with onboard refreshments.
6. 3 hours Private Capri Boat Tour
This private 3-hour tour is a quick and intimate way to see Capri’s highlights. You’ll travel on a traditional wooden boat with a multi-language skipper, visiting the Green Grotto, Faraglioni, and Natural Arch. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but want to explore comfortably and avoid crowded group tours.
Reviewers love the “personalized attention” and how the guide Gary shared “little-known stories about the island.” The tour’s focus on key sights and swimming stops makes it perfect for couples or small groups wanting a taste of Capri from the water.
Bottom line: A compact, private experience ideal for travelers with limited time or seeking exclusivity.
7. Full day on a private boat to discover Capri
This luxury private tour (up to 6 people) offers seven hours of personalized cruising around Capri. You’ll see the Faraglioni, Blue Grotto, and other top sights, plus enjoy stops for swimming and snorkeling. The skipper provides insights on the island’s lore, and the boat includes towels, gear, and a freshwater shower.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusivity and flexibility. Reviewers like Gaetano call it “the best experience of our trip,” with the captain “very knowledgeable and relaxed.” It’s best suited for couples or small groups willing to invest in a high-end, tailored experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for privacy, customization, and a premium experience.
8. Capri : 2 Hours Private Boat from Capri
This short private boat tour offers a quick but memorable exploration of Capri’s coast. You’ll visit the Blue Grotto, Casa Malaparte, and the Green Grotto, with opportunities to swim and take photos.
Ideal for travelers in a hurry or those wanting a taste of Capri’s scenery, the boat is small—accommodating just a few people. Reviews highlight the “friendly skipper,” and the chance to see some of Capri’s most famous sights in just two hours.
Bottom line: Suited for a brief, private experience for those on a tight schedule.
9. From Sorrento: Capri Small Group Boat Tour with 8 people
This small group tour offers a more intimate experience, with only eight people aboard. It includes stops at the Faraglioni, Blue Grotto, and the Lighthouse of Punta Carena, plus three hours of free time on Capri. The review highlights “friendly guides” and “plenty of swimming opportunities,” making it suitable for those who want a relaxed, personalized day.
With a 4.8/5 rating, travelers appreciate the “friendly skipper” and the small-group atmosphere that enhances the experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a small, relaxed cruise with the chance to customize their time ashore.
10. Capri to Amalfi Coast Private Boat Excursion
For those who want to extend their trip beyond Capri, this private boat to the Amalfi Coast combines sightseeing along both coastlines. You’ll cruise past cliffs, sea caves, and vibrant villages like Positano, with stops for swimming and optional land visits.
This tour is customized, with flexible durations and destinations, making it perfect for travelers who want a bespoke experience. Reviewers love the “stunning scenery” and the ability to stop at picturesque villages. It’s a splurge but offers a unique perspective of Italy’s most iconic coastlines.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers seeking an exclusive, tailor-made day exploring the Amalfi Coast from the water.
11. Capri: Full-Day Boat Tour with Snorkeling and Aperitif
This full-day cruise with snorkeling and aperitif blends sightseeing with leisure. You’ll visit hidden caves, swim in clear waters, and enjoy Italian wine, snacks, and music onboard. The tour emphasizes relaxed exploration, with stops at beaches and the city center.
Highlights include snorkeling gear, a chance to see Capri’s lesser-known beaches, and a lively onboard atmosphere. Reviewers praise the “great combination of sightseeing and relaxation,” making it suitable for travelers who want a more laid-back day with some social fun.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who love swimming, snorkeling, and socializing while enjoying Capri’s scenery.
12. Capri Private Boat Tour from Capri (3 hours) + Blue Grotto
This short private tour combines a quick cruise with visits to Capri’s main caves, including the Blue Grotto. It’s a private, intimate experience that includes swimming stops, water, wine, and prosecco onboard.
Ideal for travelers who want a quick, luxurious experience exploring the coast and caves without spending the whole day on the water.
Bottom line: Excellent for couples or small groups seeking a brief, private adventure with cave visits.
13. Boat tour of Capri to discover Capri 4 hours
This 4-hour tour provides a balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing. You’ll explore the coast, see the Faraglioni, and visit the Salto di Tiberio. The tour allows for some spontaneous snorkeling or sunbathing, making it suitable for those who want a quick yet satisfying experience.
Travelers mention how “Enzo, the skipper, made the trip memorable,” and the small group size creates a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a flexible option for those with limited time but wanting an authentic Capri experience.
Bottom line: A well-rounded short trip suited for travelers wanting to see the highlights efficiently.
How to Choose the Best Cruise or Boat Tour in Capri
When selecting a boat tour in Capri, consider your budget, time, and interests. Want to see the Blue Grotto with minimal wait? The From Sorrento options tend to get you early in line and include swimming. Looking for exclusivity? The private tours (half-day or full-day) let you customize your day. If you prefer a social vibe with fellow travelers, small group tours or shared experiences offer good value.
Think about logistics: do you want a tour departing from Sorrento or directly from Capri? Are you interested in cave exploration, or just scenic cruising? For example, the Boat Tour of the Caves is perfect for cave lovers, while the Full Day with Snorkeling suits those who want a relaxed, social day.
Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to ensure you get your preferred time slot and boat type. Check availability ahead of time, particularly for private options or tours that include the Blue Grotto, which is often weather-dependent.
Final Thoughts
Capri offers a wide array of cruises and boat tours that cater to different interests and budgets. For a quick taste, the 2-hour private tour or the short private boat from Capri are excellent. For a more comprehensive experience, consider the full-day cruises that include time on land and onboard swimming. Private options, like the full-day private boat, provide the most flexibility and intimacy, while group tours deliver lively social atmosphere at a better price point.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on the best times and experiences. Whether you want to explore caves, relax with a glass of wine, or capture perfect photos of the coastline, Capri’s boat tours promise unforgettable memories from the water.