From Amalfi: Li Galli and Capri Islands Boat Tour

Capri is best seen from the water, where its cliffs, grottoes, and Faraglioni rock stacks come together in one long, sunny day. This trip adds a stop at the protected Li Galli islands, a welcome prosecco toast, swimming time, and free hours on Capri itself.

I like the mix of active and easygoing time: you can snorkel near Punta Campanella, then sit back with music and snacks. I also like the thoughtful timing, with 2 hours and 30 minutes on Capri instead of keeping you on the boat all day. The main drawback is the price, $258.29 per person, before the €10 destination fee, and snorkeling gear is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• A traditional gozzo sets the tone: You leave Amalfi on a typical Italian coastal boat rather than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Punta Campanella comes first: The first swim stop is in a protected marine area known for clear water.
• The Faraglioni are your Capri swim backdrop: You can swim and snorkel near the rock formations that have become Capri’s symbol.
• Capri time is genuinely useful: You have 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore the island independently.
• Li Galli is the final swim stop: These private islands form a protected marine park and offer a quiet last stop before Amalfi.
• Plan for your own gear: Bring a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and snorkeling equipment if you want to use it.

Why this full-day boat trip works well from Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast is a place where the sea is part of the sightseeing. From the road, you see steep coastal slopes and postcard villages. From a boat, you get a different view: cliffs rise behind you, small coves appear at water level, and Capri’s rock formations look far more impressive than they do in a photograph.

This tour gives you a full day for that change of perspective. You meet at Molo Darsena in Amalfi at 9:30am, board a typical gozzo, and begin with a prosecco toast. The boat then follows the coast toward Capri, with stops built around swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and short periods of relaxed cruising.

I like that the day is not only a boat transfer to Capri. You get several water stops, time for music and drinks, and a land visit on the island. The schedule also avoids one common problem with boat excursions: spending every minute moving and arriving at Capri too tired to see anything.

The excursion is run in English and Italian, with a professional skipper. Alessandro, Captain Mello, and Alessandra are among the crew names associated with the experience, so you can expect a small team handling the boat, service, and organization.

9:30am at Molo Darsena in Amalfi

Your morning begins at Molo Darsena, the stated meeting point in Amalfi’s port. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way there and allow enough time to find the dock before the 9:30am departure.

The opening prosecco toast is a pleasant touch. It turns the departure into part of the experience instead of making the first minutes feel like a simple transport arrangement. Non-alcoholic drinks are also included, so you can stay refreshed even if you do not drink wine.

The boat is a gozzo, a classic Italian coastal style. The information provided does not specify the boat’s exact capacity, cabin space, or seating layout, so do not book this expecting a particular vessel size. What is clear is the character of the boat: this is intended to feel like a coastal outing, not a high-volume ferry ride.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera. The deck is the natural place to watch the coast, but it also means you will be exposed to the sun for much of the day.

Punta Campanella and the first swim

The first stop is at Punta Campanella, a protected marine park at the end of the Sorrento Peninsula. Here, you can swim in clear water and snorkel if you bring your own equipment.

This early stop is useful because it gets you into the sea before the day becomes too long. If you prefer not to swim, you can simply enjoy the view and the break from the boat’s movement. The schedule is designed to make swimming a central part of the outing, so this is not the best choice if you want a sightseeing cruise with no water activity.

You will need to supply your own snorkeling equipment. Beach towels are also not included. Pack a towel and any mask or snorkel you want to use, and choose biodegradable sunscreen as requested in the trip information.

The marine park setting adds some value to the stop. You are not just pulling into an arbitrary patch of water for a quick splash. Punta Campanella is a protected area, and the clear water is one of the reasons this part of the coast is so appealing.

Capri’s Faraglioni and the island’s grottoes

As the boat reaches Capri, the scenery becomes more dramatic. The Faraglioni are the island’s signature rock formations, rising from the sea in separate stone towers. You stop near them for more swimming and snorkeling, giving you the classic Capri view from the water.

This is likely the visual high point for many people. The Faraglioni are one of the few sights that look just as strong from a boat as they do from shore, and swimming with them nearby makes the setting feel less distant.

The route also includes Capri’s famous sea caves, including the Marvellous Grotto, White Grotto, and Green Grotto. Each has a different character, but the important practical point is that sea conditions and access can affect what you see from the boat. The Blue Grotto is not part of the scheduled boat experience because waiting there can take too much time.

If you want to visit the Blue Grotto, you can try during your free time on Capri. That is a separate choice, and you should not assume the two-and-a-half-hour land break guarantees entry. The tour intentionally leaves it out so the main group can keep to its wider route.

The decision makes sense for this particular day. A long Blue Grotto queue could consume much of your limited Capri time, leaving little room to explore the island itself. Still, if the Blue Grotto is your main Capri goal, this is not the most direct way to arrange it.

Two and a half hours to explore Capri

The boat stops for 2 hours and 30 minutes so you can explore Capri on land at your own pace. That is a valuable part of the schedule. Many boat trips show you Capri from the sea but give you no time to feel the island under your feet.

The information does not set out a guided walking route, meeting itinerary, or specific town sights. You should therefore treat this as independent time, not a guided tour. Use it to wander, stop for a drink, browse, or visit the places that interest you most, while keeping a close eye on the return time.

Two and a half hours is long enough to get a taste of Capri, but it is not unlimited. The island can feel demanding if you try to cover everything. I would keep your plan simple and leave a margin for returning to the boat. The excursion will not wait for a late return caused by an ambitious sightseeing plan.

This free time also gives you a break from the water. After swimming and sitting in the sun, some people will welcome a land stop. Others may find the shore portion too short for a serious island visit. Your choice depends on whether you want a coastal day with a Capri stop or a full Capri sightseeing day.

The return route and final stop at Li Galli

After Capri, the boat heads back toward Amalfi. The final swimming stop is at Li Galli, a group of private islands and a protected marine park. This is a fitting end to the day because it gives you one last chance to swim before returning to the port.

Li Galli is associated with the legendary sirens of Greek mythology, although this excursion is focused on the islands’ coastal setting rather than a historical presentation. You should expect a scenic marine stop, not a shore visit, since the islands are private and protected.

The crew also promises a final surprise, but the details are not specified. That keeps the moment flexible, though it means you should not book the trip for a particular promised performance or activity.

Return to Amalfi is scheduled for around 4:45pm. The listed duration is eight hours, while the stated departure and return times add up to about seven hours and 15 minutes. Allow for the published schedule to shift with conditions and the day’s exact timing rather than treating every minute as fixed.

What is included, and what you still need to pay

The price is $258.29 per person. That is a substantial cost, so the value depends on how much of the day you will use. You are paying for a professional skipper, a full coastal route, several swim stops, drinks and dry snacks, a Capri shore visit, and the convenience of returning to Amalfi by boat.

For a person who wants Capri, swimming, grotto views, and Li Galli in one day, the package can make sense. You would otherwise need to arrange transport and separate water activities yourself. The boat also gives you access to viewpoints that are difficult to get from land.

It is less appealing if you mainly want a cheap ride to Capri. In that case, the cost may feel high, especially after adding the €10 destination fee per person, paid locally. The fee is not included in the listed price.

Included items are:

• Professional skipper
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Dry snacks

Not included are:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• The €10 destination fee
• Snorkeling equipment
• Beach towels

Bring cash for the local fee and personal spending. Pack water-friendly clothing, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. The suggested biodegradable sunscreen is especially sensible in a protected marine area.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed but active day on the water. It suits people who like to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, listen to music, and still have enough time to walk around Capri.

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a long day in the sun. The schedule has several changes of scene, so you are not stuck doing one activity for eight hours.

Think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor match if you dislike boat travel, do not want to swim, or need a fully guided Capri visit with every stop planned for you.

The tour runs in English and Italian. If you need detailed commentary in another language, the provided information does not confirm that this is available.

Weather, cancellations, and planning advice

The boat trip depends on sea and weather conditions. If bad weather cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. These policies are useful when your Amalfi Coast plans may change, though they do not remove the need to watch the forecast.

For the best day, arrive ready for sun and water from the start. Wear beachwear under your clothes, keep your hat and sunglasses handy, and bring biodegradable sunscreen. A camera is worth packing, but protect it around the swim stops.

Should you book the Li Galli and Capri boat tour?

Book it if you want one carefully packed sea day that combines Capri, the Faraglioni, grottoes, several swimming stops, and Li Galli. The strongest feature is the balance between time on the water and 2 hours and 30 minutes on land. Alessandro, Captain Mello, Alessandra, and the crew add a personal touch to a day that could otherwise feel purely logistical.

Skip it if your main aim is a long, guided tour of Capri, a guaranteed Blue Grotto visit, or the lowest possible price. For everyone else, the combination of clear-water stops, coastal scenery, snacks, music, and independent island time makes this a strong choice for an active Amalfi Coast day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet the group at Molo Darsena in the port of Amalfi.

What time does the boat leave?

The stated meeting and departure time is 9:30am.

When does the tour return to Amalfi?

Return to the port is scheduled for around 4:45pm.

How long does the activity last?

The activity is listed as eight hours. The stated departure and return times may result in a shorter or slightly adjusted day, depending on conditions and timing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the Blue Grotto included?

No. The Blue Grotto is not included in the scheduled boat route because waiting there can take too long. You may try to visit it during your free time on Capri.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel.

Are beach towels included?

No. Bring your own beach towel.

What drinks and food are included?

Non-alcoholic beverages and dry snacks are included. The day begins with a welcome prosecco toast.

Is there an extra fee?

Yes. A destination fee of €10 per person is paid locally.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English and Italian.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel before the tour?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.