No visit to Capri Italy is complete without a tour around the island by sea, skirting the dramatically craggy coastline and taking in the shimmering caves and hidden coves.
Two options for a Capri boat tour:
Organized tour: These group tours last between 1 and 2 hours and cost about Euro 21/person
Individual tour: Rent a private boat, with or without crew
There are a number of boat tour companies with ticket booths in Marina Grande. Motoscafisti and Laser Capri two companies which offer organized tours tickets for these group tours can be purchased directly at their offices in Marina Grande. If you prefer an individual tour, we recommend booking in advance. Here is a complete listing of companies offering private boat rental with or without crew.
Organized tours are the perfect solution for visitors who have little time to spare (those on a short day trip, for example), whereas an individual tour with a private boat rental is ideal for travellers who have the time to enjoy the charms of Capri by sea at their leisure.
Sights Included in Classic Capri Boat Tours
Marina Grande
The Statue of the Scugnizzo
The Grotta del Corallo
The Grotta Bianca
The Natural Arch
Villa Malaparte
The Grotta Verde
Visiting the Blue Grotto Capri
Most organized boat tours around Capri include a stop at the famous Blue Grotto, or the Grotta Azzurra. Those who are interested in entering the cave must disembark from their tour boat and enter on one of the waiting rowboats, which are small enough to pass through the cave's mouth. Entrance tickets much be purchased separately at 15 euro per person for a short 5-minute visit.
Beyond Capri
If you have opted for an individual tour in a private boat, after your tour around the island of Capri you can opt to sail across the sea to the fishing villages along the Amalfi Coast, perhaps stopping for a refreshing dip near the Li Galli islands, lunch in one of the area's waterfront restaurants, or shopping in the elegant boutiques of Amalfi and Positano.
Our Insider Tip
If you visit Capri during the peak summer months, avoid scheduling your boat tour around the island for the middle of the day. Instead, take advantage of the relative calm by setting off first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon when you will have the seas to yourself. In high season, the waters surrounding Capri are crowded with tour boats, so if you opt to rent a private boat we strongly suggest you enlist the services of an expert crew, as well!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How can I take a boat tour of Capri?
There are three options:
How much does it cost?
- Boat rental without skipper: from €90 for two hours, max 5 passengers
- Boat rental with skipper: from €140 for two hours, max 6 passengers
- Group tour: €15/person by purchasing your ticket online
Which is the best option?
If it's in your budget, the best option is a boat rental with a skipper who can take you on a private tour of Capri by sea and show you the famous grottoes while you relax on the sundeck. The biggest difference between a private boat tour and a shared tour is that you can stop for a swim when on a private tour.
How long does it take to tour Capri by boat?
On a medium boat, it takes about an hour to sail around the entire island. If you want to take your time and stop to explore some grottoes or swim, you'll need a couple of hours. Boat rental companies offer tours with a skipper that last 3 to 4 hours so you have plenty of time to enjoy your sail and take a dip. If you love to be on the water, you can book a full-day tour and have lunch at a seaside restaurant, spend plenty of time in the water, and relax for the whole day.
Which boats are used for tours?
Organized tours use large boats that can carry up to 100 passengers. The Motoscafisti tour company, however, also uses smaller lancia boats, which are traditional wooden boats that carry up to 35 passengers. Rental companies that offer private boat tours with a skipper usually use traditional wooden gozzo boats.
What is a gozzo boat?
A gozzo is a traditional wooden boat used by fishermen in Capri and Sorrento that has a large sundeck and awning.
What do I need to bring on board?
You need to bring a swimsuit and sunblock. If you would like to visit the Blue Grotto, remember that there is often a long wait and you will be moored outside the cave under the sun, so bring a sun hat and water. Private boat tours always have an ice chest on board with water and beverages.
What is the minimum age for children for a boat tour?
There is no minimum age. Children under 3 are free on Laser Capri and Motoscafisti organized tours. We do not recommend a boat tour for children who are a few months old.
Can I bring my dog on board?
Yes, small dogs are allowed on all boats. Larger dogs are only allowed on private boats, but you must arrange for your pet in advance.