Private Island of Capri by Boat

Capri looks different from the water. I love how this private boat cruise lets you glide along the coast with your skipper at the helm, then pause for snorkeling and sunbathing when you choose. Captains like Ciro and Giuseppe tend to get the boat positioned close to the landmarks so the views feel personal, not just pass-by.

I also like that the route is built for real time on the water. You get stops at Grotta Verde, Grotta Rossa, Natural Arch, and I Faraglioni, with short, focused moments to look, photograph, and swim.

One thing to plan around: the famous Blue Grotto is not included on the 2-hour format, mostly because waiting lines can eat the whole schedule.

Key points before you book

• Private by design, max 6 people, so it feels calm and flexible
• Grotta Verde and Grotta Rossa stops are built into the cruise, not a separate day trip
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, so you can get in the water fast
• I Faraglioni is a highlighted stop, with time for photos and close coastal views
• Blue Grotto is skipped on the short tour, so you avoid the line, but miss that exact ticket experience
• Good weather matters, since this is a boat tour and conditions can affect timing

A private Capri cruise that actually fits your day

If Capri is on your list but your schedule is tight, this boat format is a smart shortcut. Instead of bouncing around by road and trying to time tickets, you spend most of your effort where the views are best: offshore.

This is also the kind of private tour that stays private. Your booking is capped at a small group (up to 6 people), so you are not squeezed into a big, loud crowd. In practice, that makes it easier to coordinate photos, swimming, and the pace of the day.

Getting to the meeting point and what “private” feels like onboard

You start at Piazza Angelo Ferraro, 12, 80076 Capri. The tour ends right back at the same place. That matters because it keeps your day from turning into a logistics puzzle, especially in busy Capri town.

Onboard, you should expect a straightforward setup:

• Soft drinks are included
• Snorkeling equipment is provided
• Life jackets are available on the boat
• Your skipper is at the helm and your route is guided from the water

Many people are also relieved by how clear the start is, with directions that help you find the boat without guessing. If you are prone to motion sickness, I strongly suggest you take a preventative like Dramamine before you head out, just to keep the ride from turning into an endurance test.

Your 2-hour route: fast stops with real sea views

The itinerary is short, but it is not random. It is designed to hit the classic Capri moments efficiently, with just enough time at each stop to appreciate the place before moving on.

Stop 1: Grotta Verde (Green Grotto)

Grotta Verde is famous for its sea-glow color, like the water turns into liquid green glass. You get about 10 minutes here, which is enough for a quick look and photos while the boat keeps things moving.

This stop is best if you want an immediate “wow” without spending your whole day waiting for access. The entrance is listed as free in the tour details, so you should not need to budget extra admission for this specific cave moment.

Stop 2: Grotta Rossa (Red Grotto)

Next comes Grotta Rossa, which gets its color from seaweed and natural growth. It is a different look than Grotta Verde, so the two back-to-back stops feel like a contrast lesson in how the coastline changes from one cove to the next.

You also have about 10 minutes at Grotta Rossa. That short timing is a tradeoff, but it works well for a 2-hour experience. You see it, you get the photos, and you do not burn the whole cruise on one stop.

Stop 3: Natural Arch on the east coast

The Natural Arch stop is one of those places that makes Capri feel older than everyone’s Instagram feed. Dating to the Paleolithic era, it is basically the remains of a collapsed grotto.

You get around 10 minutes here. It is not a swim-stop type of location in the tour plan, but it is still a great moment to slow down and look carefully at the rock shape. From the sea, the scale reads immediately.

Stop 4: I Faraglioni, the rock towers that define Capri

If you are picturing Capri in your head, chances are you are picturing I Faraglioni. These three rock spurs rise out of the water close to the island’s southern coast, and you get about 15 minutes here.

In practice, this is often the highlight stop for people who want the most recognizable Capri views in the least time. It is also where your skipper’s positioning makes a difference, because being closer to the rocks gives you better angles for photos and a better sense of how the cliffs meet the sea.

Passing another famous sight without stopping

There is also an iconic spot you will pass by without stopping. The details describe it as famous for its light and the legends it hides, which is a very Capri kind of theme. Even without landing time, you still get the sea-level perspective.

Snorkeling time: why the sea breaks the tie with the rest of Capri

The best part of this style of tour is what happens between “viewing” and “doing.” During your cruise, you get time to snorkel and sunbathe at your leisure.

What you should know going in:

• Snorkeling equipment is included
• Life jackets are available
• You also have free time to enjoy the water, not just watch from the boat

This is where the private format really pays off. In a big group, swimming stops can feel rushed. With a small booking, you can settle in, swim when you feel ready, and come back without a lot of frantic boat herding.

If you are bringing kids or you want a low-stress water break, this part is especially useful. And if you are not a strong swimmer, life jackets help you feel steadier while you float and enjoy the view.

Blue Grotto reality check, and how to still plan smart

Here is the key point: the Blue Grotto is not included on this 2-hour boat tour. The reason is practical, long waiting lines in front of the cave. On a short itinerary, waiting can steal the very time you came for.

That does not mean you are doing the wrong thing. In fact, skipping the line can make this tour feel more satisfying overall, because you spend the time actually on the water.

If the Blue Grotto is your top priority, you will need a different plan. But if your goal is to see the main grottos and the Faraglioni views, plus get swimming time, this route is built for that.

Price and value: when $202.65 per person makes sense

At $202.65 per person, this is not a budget excursion. But it can be good value when you compare what you get for the money.

You are paying for:

• A private experience (small group, not a packed boat)
• Guided cruising around Capri’s key coastal features
• Included snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Free soft drinks during the tour
• Multiple cave and landmark stops

In other words, the price is not just for transportation. It is also for access to the water, the timing of the route, and the included swim window.

It also helps that most travelers rate this experience highly, with people praising the captains for being friendly and for getting them close to the landmarks. Even with a few complaints about timing or attention, the overall pattern is strong: the boat portion is the point, and the day delivers that.

One extra value detail: the operator notes group discounts. So if you are traveling with friends, this can become a better deal than booking random shared Capri excursions.

Weather, sea conditions, and why timing can shift

This is a boat tour, so good weather is not optional. The operator explicitly lists that the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the day may be changed or refunded.

Also, your tour duration is approximate. A short delay or an early finish can happen with sea conditions or safety controls. One review mentioned a trip ending about 20 minutes early compared to the longer option timing, and that is consistent with how marine schedules can flex.

If you are sensitive to motion or have a tight ferry connection later, plan buffer time in Capri. Capri days move fast, and boats can be picky about conditions.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want to rethink it)

This is a great match if you:

• Want a quick, high-impact way to see Capri’s main coastal sights
• Care about snorkeling and want it included, not as an add-on
• Prefer a small-group feel and a personal skipper
• Would rather avoid the Blue Grotto line than gamble with short tour timing

It might be less ideal if you:

• Only want the Blue Grotto as the main event
• Have expectations that this will feel like a full day on the island
• Are traveling with a bigger group that wants more space on the water (the tour is capped at 6)

A few practical tips I’d use before you go

• If you get motion sickness easily, take preventative medicine before boarding. It can make the difference between fun and misery.
• Pack a swimsuit and a towel or change of clothes in a bag you can keep dry-ish. You will likely end up in the water.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. You are on the sea longer than most people expect.
• If you are coming from Positano, consider booking a 12 PM slot or later. Earlier ferries are often cancelled or delayed, and late arrival can affect whether you can join the tour.

Should you book this Private Island of Capri by Boat?

Yes, if you want the smartest Capri sightseeing from the water in a short window. This tour is especially appealing when your priorities are grottos, Faraglioni views, and included snorkeling time, and you would rather skip the Blue Grotto ticket experience than lose your schedule to waiting.

No, if your heart is set on doing the Blue Grotto as the centerpiece. This specific 2-hour format is designed around avoiding the line, which means you will miss that exact stop.

If you fit the first group, you are likely to love the balance of sea time, clear stops, and a small private feel with captains who take pride in showing Capri up close.

FAQ

How long is the Private Island of Capri by Boat tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point in Capri?

You meet at Piazza Angelo Ferraro, 12, 80076 Capri NA, Italy, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the Blue Grotto included in this tour?

No. The tour details say entering the Blue Grotto is not advisable on a 2-hour boat tour due to long waiting lines, and it is not included.

What is included onboard?

Soft drinks are included, and you get use of snorkeling equipment and life jackets. The tour also includes a local sailor and guided cruising.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase.

How many people are in a private booking?

The maximum is 6 people per booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If weather conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.