REVIEW · BOAT TOURS IN CAPRI
Capri-Positano Private Boat Tour from Sorrento,Positano or Capri
Capri and Positano in one day is a big coastal sampler, and this private boat tour gives you the freedom to shape it around swimming, caves, views, or time ashore. You’ll cruise past the Faraglioni, stop at Grotta Verde and the White Grotto, and reach Positano’s Spiaggia Grande rather than merely looking at it from offshore.
I like the generous four hours set aside for Capri and the two hours in Positano. I also like the practical extras: towels, snorkel gear, snacks, soft drinks, beer, prosecco, limoncello, and a shower on the boat. The main catch is cost: the advertised price is about $601.79 per person, with fuel, the Blue Grotto, and a Capri port fee adding to the bill.
Key points to know
- Capri gets the largest share of the day: Plan on roughly four hours for caves, rocks, swimming, or time in Capri town.
- Positano is reached by sea: You get about two hours ashore, with drop-off at Spiaggia Grande.
- Swimming is part of the plan: Grotta Verde, Marina del Cantone, and other coastal stops offer time in the water.
- The boat is stocked for comfort: Towels, snorkel equipment, snacks, water, beer, prosecco, limoncello, and soft drinks are included.
- Extra costs matter: Fuel is €300 per booking, the Capri port fee may be €100, and the Blue Grotto costs €18 per person.
- Confirm the meeting place: Departure may be from Sorrento, Positano, or Capri, so check the exact address before setting out.
A full day between Capri and Positano

This is not a quick sightseeing cruise. It is an eight-hour private outing built around two of Italy’s most famous coastal names, with enough time to swim, stop at sea caves, and walk ashore.
The private format is the main advantage. Only your group participates, with a maximum of 12 people per booking. You can spend more time in the water if everyone wants to swim, or give that time to sightseeing and town visits instead.
That flexibility matters here. Capri and Positano are both popular, but they offer different pleasures. Capri is about dramatic rock formations, caves, gardens, shops, and the Piazzetta. Positano is about the steep town, the church, the beach, and boutique-lined streets. A fixed group excursion may push you through both. A private boat gives you more say in the rhythm.
The tour is offered in English, though the skipper guide may be multilingual. Smart-casual clothing is suggested, and you should bring or wear a swimsuit. I would treat this as a day on the water first and a town tour second.
More Boat Tours in Capri
- Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto
★ 4.8 · 3,170 reviews - Capri Blue Grotto Small-Group Boat Day Tour From Sorrento
★ 4.5 · 2,511 reviews - Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento
★ 5.0 · 2,053 reviews
Four hours around Capri’s caves and Faraglioni
Capri receives about four hours, making it the heart of the day. The island was a summer retreat for Roman emperors, and its appeal today still comes mainly from the coastline: cliffs, caves, rock arches, and clear water.
The boat visits the White Grotto, named for its pale stalactites that reflect in the water. A small Madonna is built into the rock inside the cave. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, so expect a short look rather than a long cave visit.
The Grotta Verde, or Green Grotto, is another planned stop. The boat enters the cave and pauses for about 15 minutes so you can see the green-toned water. This is also one of the places where swimming may be part of the outing, depending on conditions and the skipper’s plan.
The most famous coastal sight is the Faraglioni, three towering rock formations near Marina Piccola. One has an arch often called the Arch of Love. Local lore attached to the rocks also includes a blue lizard said to live there, though the real draw is the shape of the formations and the boat-level view.
You will want your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time photographing. The best part of seeing the Faraglioni from a private boat is the scale. From shore, they are a postcard. From the water, you can appreciate the openings, shadows, and steep rock faces.
The Blue Grotto needs an extra decision

The Blue Grotto is described as Capri’s main attraction, but visiting it is optional and costs €18 per person. The entrance fee is not included, and the boat itself does not take you inside the cave. Instead, you transfer to a small wooden rowboat for the visit.
That extra step is worth understanding before you go. The Blue Grotto is not a simple boat stop. Sea conditions, queues, and operating decisions can affect access, and you should confirm the current arrangements with the skipper on the day.
I would think of the Blue Grotto as an add-on, not the reason to book this tour. The rest of Capri’s coast already gives you the White Grotto, Grotta Verde, Faraglioni, swimming, and views. If you strongly want the Blue Grotto, budget the fee and allow for the fact that it is a separate small-boat experience.
Capri town gives you several ways to spend free time

Free time on Capri begins around the famous Piazzetta, the small central square in Capri town. From there, you can choose your own plan rather than follow one narrow route.
You might browse Via Camerelle, known for its shops, walk to the Gardens of Augustus, or consider a trip toward Mount Solaro. Marina Grande is another possible target. The Gardens of Augustus are only a short walk from the center and offer one of the island’s most attractive areas for views and plants.
The choice is useful, but four hours passes quickly. If you want a relaxed walk, a long lunch, and shopping, you may not manage every option. I would decide before arrival whether you care most about the gardens, the shops, or a general look at Capri town.
The boat portion also lets you see the island from a different angle. That is important because Capri can feel crowded and compact on land. The water gives you breathing room, even when the town streets are full.
More Boat Tours in Positano
- From Sorrento/Nerano: Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour
★ 4.6 · 2,440 reviews - From Sorrento: Positano and Amalfi Boat Trip with Transfer
★ 4.9 · 1,598 reviews - From Sorrento: Positano and Amalfi Day Cruise
★ 4.0 · 1,500 reviews - From Sorrento: Amalfi and Positano Full-Day Trip by Boat
★ 4.7 · 1,041 reviews
Positano by water, with two hours ashore

The second major stop is Positano, where you get about two hours of free time. The boat drops you at or near Spiaggia Grande, the town’s principal beach and one of its best-known sights.
This arrival is a strong part of the tour. Positano rises sharply above the waterfront, with the town climbing the slopes behind the beach. You can walk through the central streets, browse boutiques, and visit the principal church during your time ashore.
Two hours is enough for a focused visit. You can see the beach, walk into the center, visit the church, and browse some shops. It is not enough for a slow, complete exploration of every lane, especially if you stop for a full meal.
The tour information also identifies Positano as one of the most striking towns on the Amalfi Coast. That description is easy to understand once you approach from the sea. The view is not just the town itself, but the way its buildings appear stacked above the water.
If you prefer to spend the day swimming, you may find two hours ashore more than enough. If Positano is your main reason for booking, you may wish for longer. This is a combined Capri and Positano day, not a dedicated Positano walking tour.
Marina del Cantone and the story behind spaghetti alla Nerano

The route includes Marina del Cantone, an area known for restaurants and for the creation of spaghetti alla Nerano. This stop adds a food connection to an otherwise scenery-heavy day.
The supplied details do not promise a restaurant meal, so do not assume lunch is included. Drinks and snacks are provided, while any restaurant visit or full meal should be treated as a separate expense.
Marina del Cantone also fits the flow of the trip because it provides another coastal setting between the headline stops. If you are interested in regional food, ask the skipper about the local dish and the area. The tour’s private nature makes that kind of conversation possible.
Swimming, snorkelling, and time on the boat

The tour includes snorkelling equipment and towels, and swimming is encouraged. Grotta Verde is one planned water stop, while other parts of the coast may be used for a swim depending on the day’s conditions.
You also receive snacks, water, Coke, fresh tea, beer, prosecco, and limoncello. Alcoholic drinks are listed as available to purchase, yet beer, prosecco, and limoncello are also listed among the included refreshments. Because those details can appear contradictory, confirm exactly what is included before departure.
The comfort touches matter after several hours in the sun. Towels save space in your luggage, and snorkel equipment means you do not need to arrange gear separately. The boat also has a shower, a detail that proved useful for one family dealing with heat sickness and a child who was not comfortable swimming in the open sea.
That example also points to the value of a private skipper. A child can use a life jacket or floating noodle, a swimmer can take a break, and someone feeling unwell may get more patient attention than on a large shared boat. Still, open water and waves are real parts of the experience. If you are prone to motion sickness or heat sickness, prepare carefully and tell the crew early.
Alice and Captain Tommy are worth requesting

Alice and Captain Tommy received especially warm praise for their care and practical help. If they are available, I would request them when booking, while understanding that the operator may assign another skipper.
Their service style is important because a boat day can change quickly. One passenger became motion sick, another had heat sickness, and a child could not manage an ocean-level swim. The crew responded with patience, floating noodles, life jackets, a boat shower, and swimming options to help the group stay comfortable.
The same account points to a booking detail you should clarify: decide what you want to see and where you want to go before the day begins. The private format gives you choices, but it works best when your group has a rough priority list.
You should also ask about restaurant recommendations and prices. A suggested restaurant involved an extra charge that was not clear at first, so confirm costs before agreeing to a stop.
What the €300 fuel charge means for value

The advertised price is about $601.79 per person, but the €300 fuel cost is listed separately per booking. There may also be a €100 Capri Marina Grande port fee, plus the optional €18 Blue Grotto entrance per person.
That makes the final price depend heavily on group size and choices. A full group of 12 spreads the fuel charge across many people. A small group pays much more per person for the same boat day.
For a couple, this can become an expensive experience. For a larger family or group of friends, the cost may make more sense because you are buying privacy, flexibility, drinks, equipment, and a full day covering two major destinations.
I would compare the total price, not only the headline rate. Add the fuel charge, decide if Capri’s port fee applies, and include the Blue Grotto only if you want it. Also confirm the drinks policy and any restaurant charges.
The value is strongest if you care about private space and control. If your main goal is simply to reach Capri and Positano as cheaply as possible, a shared ferry or group cruise may cost less, though it will not offer the same control over swimming stops and timing.
Meeting points and weather deserve attention
The tour can begin from Sorrento, Positano, or Capri, so your exact departure point must be clear. One booking problem involved an incorrect address and a 45-minute delay because the party arrived in Sorrento for a booking made from Positano.
I would confirm the town, marina, meeting address, and start time in writing before the travel day. This is especially important if you are crossing between towns by taxi, ferry, or other public transport.
The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.
The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Still, swimming, boat movement, heat, and steps around coastal towns may not suit everyone equally. The information provided does not give detailed mobility guidance, so ask the operator if your group has specific access needs.
Who should book this Capri and Positano boat day?
I would recommend it to a group that wants a private day, enjoys swimming, and does not want to choose between Capri and Positano. Families may appreciate the flexibility, especially if a child needs breaks or water support. Friends sharing the cost can also get good value from the private arrangement.
It is a good match for people who want coastal views without spending every hour ashore. You will see famous sights, but you will also have time to sit with a drink, swim, snorkel, and watch the coast pass by.
I would be more cautious if you dislike boats, feel sick in waves, or want a detailed walking tour of either town. The day is active and exposed to sun and sea conditions. It also carries extra charges that can change the final cost.
Should you book this private boat tour?
Book it if your ideal day includes Capri’s Faraglioni, sea caves, a swim at Grotta Verde, two hours in Positano, and the freedom to adjust the pace. The strongest features are the private setting, useful onboard supplies, and the crew’s reported care when passengers need help.
Before paying, confirm four things: your exact departure town, the €300 fuel charge, the Capri port fee, and which drinks are included. Request Alice and Captain Tommy if available, and decide whether the Blue Grotto is worth its separate fee.
For a group willing to share the cost, this is a polished way to see a lot of coastline in one day. For a small party on a tight budget, the total may be hard to justify.
FAQ
How long is the Capri and Positano private boat tour?
The tour lasts about eight hours.
Where can the tour depart from?
The experience is offered from Sorrento, Positano, or Capri. Confirm your exact departure point and address before the tour.
How much time is spent on Capri?
The Capri portion is listed as approximately four hours.
How much free time is available in Positano?
You receive about two hours of free time ashore in Positano.
Is the Blue Grotto entrance included?
No. Entry is optional and costs €18 per person. You enter the cave using a small wooden boat.
Is fuel included in the advertised price?
No. A fuel cost of €300 per booking is listed separately.
What is included on the boat?
Included items are snacks, water, Coke, fresh tea, beer, prosecco, limoncello, towels, insurance, and snorkelling equipment. Confirm the drinks details before departure because alcoholic drink terms are also listed separately.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
More Boat Tours in Sorrento
- Sorrento: Coast and Capri Boat Trip with Limoncello Tasting
★ 4.4 · 2,037 reviews - From Sorrento: Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Visit
★ 4.7 · 1,759 reviews - Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottos & Light Lunch
★ 5.0 · 1,201 reviews - Small Group Boat Day Excursion to Capri Island from Sorrento
★ 4.5 · 926 reviews
New on the Sorrento list
- Vico Equense: Authentic Cooking Class at a Local’s Home★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Vico Equense: Dining Experience at a Local’s Home★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Vico Equense: Tour in the dairy “Mozzarella Experience”★ 5.0 · 19 reviews
- Private tour of Amalfi Coast★ 5.0 · 71 reviews
- Private Virtual Cooking Class from Sorrento★ 5.0 · 25 reviews
- Sorrentomaxiboat tours to Capri★ 5.0 · 63 reviews
- Private transfer from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast, or vice versa★ 5.0 · 30 reviews
- Yoga Experience – Sorrento★ 5.0 · 29 reviews
Boat Tours in Capri, compared.

Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto
Read our review →
Capri Blue Grotto Small-Group Boat Day Tour From Sorrento
Read our review →
Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento
Read our review →
Coast and Capri Boat Trip with Limoncello Tasting
Read our review →
Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottos & Light Lunch
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in



