Private Island of Capri by Boat

REVIEW · CAPRI BOAT TOURS

Private Island of Capri by Boat

4.5 · 298 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $202 Operated by Mr. Costanzo · Bookable on Viator
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Capri looks better from the water. I like the private, small-group setup and how you get snorkeling and swimming time during the cruise. The one thing to keep in mind is that the 2-hour schedule skips the Blue Grotto stop, mainly to avoid long waits.

You’ll meet right in Capri at Piazza Angelo Ferraro, step aboard, and then follow your captain around the island’s most famous coastal sights. Captains you might get, like Ciro or Giuseppe, tend to focus on getting you close to the landmarks and keeping the vibe relaxed, not rushed.

Key things to know before you go

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Key things to know before you go

  • Small group (max 6): it feels like a charter, not a cattle boat.
  • Grotta Verde and Grotta Rossa: quick, color-packed stops with no added hassle noted.
  • Short, efficient sightseeing: each stop is timed so you still get sea time.
  • Snorkeling gear and life jackets included: you do not need to pack equipment.
  • Blue Grotto is not part of the 2-hour circuit: you pass by instead of waiting in line.

Capri From the Water, With a Captain at the Helm

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Capri From the Water, With a Captain at the Helm
This is one of those Capri experiences that saves you time and stress. Instead of hopping between viewpoints and waiting around, you’re cruising the coastline with your captain steering while your guide points out what you’re seeing. The payoff is big: sea cliffs, caves, and rock stacks read totally differently from a boat.

Because it is private, the route can feel more personal. You’re not trying to get everyone aligned for the next shared photo. Many people also like that the crew can help with photos, so you spend more time watching and less time chasing the perfect angle.

Price and Value for a Private Charter

At $202.65 per person for about 2 hours, this is not a bargain-basement activity. But it can still feel like good value if you compare it to what you’d pay for separate transport and individual add-ons in Capri.

A few value anchors matter here:

  • Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, so you are not paying extra on the day.
  • Soft drinks are included, and alcoholic drinks are available to purchase if you want them.
  • You get a timed route of major coastal highlights, plus actual time to swim or snorkel, not just a slow cruise past the scenery.

If you are visiting with a small group, the “private” part is where the math often works best. Reviews repeatedly mention boats that feel comfortable for the group size and a captain who keeps things moving on schedule.

Your 2-Hour (and Longer) Game Plan

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Your 2-Hour (and Longer) Game Plan
The itinerary is built for efficiency. In roughly 2 hours, you hit the core coastal highlights without turning your day into a waiting game.

Here is the flow you should expect:

  • Grotta Verde (Green Grotto): about 10 minutes
  • Grotta Rossa (Red Grotto): about 10 minutes
  • Natural Arch: about 10 minutes
  • I Faraglioni (the Faraglioni rock formations): about 15 minutes
  • You also pass by the Blue Grotto without stopping.

One practical note: the experience duration is described as approximate. That is normal at sea, where conditions and controls can tweak timing. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead, since even a short trip can feel choppy at times.

Grotta Verde and Grotta Rossa: The Color Stops That Move Fast

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Grotta Verde and Grotta Rossa: The Color Stops That Move Fast
The Green Grotto is famous for looking like liquid emerald. You are not going to get a long, museum-style explanation here. This is a “see it from the water, take photos, and move on” stop, which is exactly why it works in a short tour.

Then you head to Grotta Rossa. The sea gives it that color, and it’s one of those Capri visuals that makes the island feel almost unreal. The stop duration is short, so you get the wow factor without the time sink.

Why this matters for you: if your schedule is tight, these quick cave passes let you experience the signature Capri look without sacrificing your chance to get in the water later.

Natural Arch on the East Coast: A Quiet, Scenic Detour

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Natural Arch on the East Coast: A Quiet, Scenic Detour
Between the bigger name landmarks, the Natural Arch stop adds variety. It is described as being on the east coast and dating from a very old period, with the arch representing a collapsed grotto.

This is the kind of stop where you can slow down. Take a moment to look at how the rock shape frames the sea. It also gives you a natural break between the more intense “cave colors” and the dramatic rock spires of I Faraglioni.

The only drawback to know: with each stop timed to about 10 minutes, you should treat this as a viewpoint stop, not a long exploration.

I Faraglioni: The Capri Postcard Moment

Private Island of Capri by Boat - I Faraglioni: The Capri Postcard Moment
If Capri has a face, I Faraglioni is it. These three rock spurs rise from the sea close to the island’s southern coast, and your boat route is built to show them clearly.

You’ll typically get around 15 minutes here, which is long enough for photos and for simply staring at it for a minute like you are trying to understand how something this sharp stayed standing. Many captains are also good at photo support, so ask for a couple of shots even if you usually do not ask for help.

Practical tip: bring your phone or camera strap game. On a moving boat, the last thing you want is trying to juggle gear while everyone else is lining up a shot.

Snorkeling and Swimming Time You Can Actually Use

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Snorkeling and Swimming Time You Can Actually Use
A big reason people like this tour is that it is not just sightseeing. You have time to snorkel and sunbathe at your leisure during the ride.

What is included helps you get in the water without extra stops:

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Life jackets
  • Free soft drinks

The captain chooses where you swim, and the water and conditions matter. If you come prepared for the possibility of small swells, you will have an easier time enjoying the snorkeling instead of working yourself into discomfort.

If you are motion-sensitive, take the same kind of common-sense precautions you would for any boat day. One recurring piece of advice is to consider medication beforehand if you know you get seasick.

Blue Grotto Choice: Pass By Instead of Waiting

Private Island of Capri by Boat - Blue Grotto Choice: Pass By Instead of Waiting
Here’s the main strategic difference with the 2-hour version. The famous Blue Grotto is not included. You pass by without stopping because entering it on this kind of short itinerary would mean getting stuck in long waits.

That may be a deal-breaker if your heart is set on the Blue Grotto as your #1 must-see. But it can also be exactly what you want if you prefer more time on open water and in the sea. For many people, the grottos and the snorkeling hits the spirit of Capri better than an admission line drama.

If you want the Blue Grotto specifically, you’ll need to plan your day so you can handle the extra time that comes with it. The 2-hour boat format is designed to avoid that pressure.

Meeting Point, Timing, and Getting On Board Stress-Free

Your meeting point is Piazza Angelo Ferraro, 12, 80076 Capri NA, Italy, and the tour ends back at the same spot. That matters more than it sounds. Capri is busy, and a clear starting point keeps your day from turning into a scavenger hunt.

In practice, communication can make a big difference. Several experiences mention clear instructions by message and easy directions to the dock area. If you’re arriving from the Amalfi Coast side, timing gets important too.

One specific heads-up if you are coming from Positano: you may want a later departure, since early ferries can be canceled or delayed. Late arrival means the tour start can become a risk, and the operator cannot guarantee the experience if you miss it.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Consider Another Option)

This is a strong pick if:

  • You want Capri highlights in a short window
  • You prefer a private boat feel without booking a full day
  • You care about snorkeling time as part of the experience
  • You want a captain who can help you get close to landmarks and take photos

It may be less ideal if:

  • The Blue Grotto stop is your top priority
  • You want a long, slow exploration with lots of walking on land
  • You are counting on a very calm sea. Some reviews note rougher water on smaller boats, so it helps to be mentally flexible.

Boats are usually sized for small groups, and people often mention it feels safe. Still, if sea conditions look rough, your captain may adjust how you experience stops.

Should You Book This Private Island of Capri by Boat?

I’d book it if you want a practical, high-impact Capri day: major grottos, real sea time, and Faraglioni without spending hours on lines. The included snorkeling gear and life jackets plus free soft drinks makes it easier to stay in “vacation mode” from start to finish.

I would think twice if the Blue Grotto is the whole reason for your trip. The 2-hour format is intentionally structured to avoid that wait, which is great for many people, but not ideal if you are chasing that specific light-and-mystique moment.

If you do book, show up a little early at Piazza Angelo Ferraro, bring your best sunscreen plan, and consider motion-sickness help if you have a history of getting sick on boats. Then let your captain do the job they are hired for: getting you close, keeping you safe, and making Capri look like Capri.

FAQ

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

It’s listed at about 2 hours.

Is the Blue Grotto included?

Not on the 2-hour tour. You pass by without stopping, because entering it is not advisable for a short boat schedule due to long waiting lines.

What’s included in the price?

You get free soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a local sailor.

What’s not included?

Alcoholic drinks are not included (they are available to purchase), and lunch is not included.

How many people can be in each private booking?

There is a maximum of 6 people per booking.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.