Blue Grotto and Capri by Private Boat Tour

If you want Capri at full speed, with your own boat and stops that actually let you swim, this private tour is the interesting option. You cruise the coast, pause at signature rock formations, and use short time windows to see caves and coves you would not reach any other way, including Blue Grotto time.

I love how this blends active water time with solid food. You get snorkeling gear and real beach moments, then you shift gears to brunch with local specialties and an aperitivo flow onboard. I also liked the human part, Andrea and Valerio come across as calm, friendly, and good at explaining what you are seeing.

One consideration: the Blue Grotto ticket costs extra, and the grotto can be closed if conditions are rough. If that happens, you still keep the rest of the loop, but you should plan for the possibility of skipping that 1-hour entry.

Quick take before you go

• A true private boat for up to 12, with your own skipper and guide time
• 17+ coastal stops, including Blue Grotto, multiple grottos, and Faraglioni photo points
• Snorkeling and swimming gear included, plus beach towels and a restroom on board
• Brunch and aperitivo onboard, with Prosecco and limoncello included
• Extra Blue Grotto ticket (not included) and a real chance the stop gets swapped if closed

Why a private Capri boat loop feels different

Capri is small, but moving around it takes time. This is the smart fix: you stay on the water, so you spend your hours on the coast instead of waiting for ferries, taxis, or long lines for views.

I also like that the tone is relaxed. You are not racing between stops for the sake of a checklist. You get frequent short breaks, then a few planned moments to swim, snack, and watch the light change on the cliffs.

And because it is private, you control the pace more than you would on big public boats. Music onboard adds to the vibe, and you can settle in without worrying about strangers crowding your space.

Getting on board: what matters in the first 15 minutes

This is run by Charter Coast Luxury, and you meet the team via assisted pickup and drop-off at private docks or piers. Once you are aboard, you are set up for comfort right away with a restroom onboard and fuel included in the package.

You will also notice the practical extras. Beach towels are provided, safety equipment is onboard, and the snorkeling plan is built into the route with floatation and snorkeling gear supplied.

One small timing note to keep in mind: the tour duration is about 3 hours including travel time, so when you are booking your day, treat it like a compact outing rather than a loose afternoon.

Marina Grande and Bagni di Tiberio, the beachy warm-up

Stop 1 is Spiaggia Marina Grande, Capri’s main harbor beach area. Expect fine sand, bright water, and an easy start where you can reset your legs after arriving.

Stop 2 is Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio. This small coastline sits under cliffs, and it has a Roman connection tied to the seaside bathing tradition of emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Even if you only have 10 minutes here, it is a good moment to appreciate how long Capri has attracted power, artists, and daydreamers.

Because these are short stops, your goal is simple. Swim if you want, grab a quick photo, and keep your energy for the grottos ahead.

Blue Grotto entry time: ticket cost and closure reality

Stop 3 is the big one, Blue Grotto. The entrance is low and narrow, and the payoff is the glowing blue light once you enter the water cave. You get 1 hour here, which is enough time to do the grotto visit without feeling like you are sprinting.

But there are two things you should plan around. First, the Blue Grotto ticket is not included and costs €18 per person. Second, the grotto can close unexpectedly due to tidal conditions or decisions by local authorities, and in that case the tour proceeds without this stop and no refunds are issued.

A real-life example shows why this matters: when Blue Grotto was closed due to rough water, the day did not fall apart. You still got a full island loop with other grottos and swimming time, and the overall tour stayed strong. Still, you should keep your mindset flexible. If you are building a trip around only that one cave, you risk disappointment.

Heart-shaped rocks and cliff coves: Cala del Rio and Cala del Tombosiello

After Blue Grotto, you move into the smaller coastline moments that make Capri feel like a series of secret corners. Stop 4 is Cala del Rio, on the Fortini road side of the island. You will also explore Grotta Iannarella, nicknamed the Heart Cave because a heart shape is carved into the rock.

Stop 5 is Cala del Tombosiello, a cove known for calm water. That makes it a nice place to get in the water without fighting heavy chop, even though your stop window is short.

The tradeoff with these stops is time. You will not have an all-day beach experience here. Think of them as “arrive, swim or look closely, grab a few photos, move on,” which is exactly why this private format works.

Punta Carena lighthouse: the quiet sunset angle

Stop 6 is Punta Carena Lighthouse, described as the second largest in Italy by lighting power and first lit in 1867. The more practical point is the setting. This area is far from mass-tour routes, so the vibe is calmer.

You also get one of the better chances to catch sunset. The lighthouse is noted as one of the few coast points on Capri where you can watch the sun set into the sea.

If your goal is photos with softer light, this is one of the moments you should not rush. Give yourself time to look up and out, not only at the water but at the way the cliffs frame the horizon.

Grotta dei Santi and Grotta Verde: quick stops, strong payoff

Stop 7 is Grotta dei Santi, named for stalactites that resemble praying saints. The cave walls create colored reflections, and the waters invite you to explore underwater while marine life is around.

Stop 8 is Grotta Verde, also known as the Cave of the Turks. The light inside is an emerald green, with stalactites and stalagmites shaping the interior. It is one of those places where even a short visit feels like you are stepping into a different world.

Because these are brief stops, come prepared for a fast rhythm. If you want the most from them, use your snorkeling or swim time efficiently, then spend the rest just watching. The light changes quickly inside caves, and you want to catch it at least once.

Punta Ventroso aperitivo plus music, then the Mermaid’s Rock

Stop 9 is Punta Ventroso, where the tour slows down for the good stuff: relax onboard to music, enjoy a rich aperitivo with dry and fresh snacks, and toast with Prosecco and limoncello. You also get a few dips here, and the adventurous can reach the shore for a closer look at the pebbles, rock, and ancient construction details.

Stop 10 is Via Marina Piccola, where you pass Mermaid’s Rock. It is tied to the Odyssey story, when sailors were tempted by myth. Even if you are not into legends, this is still a pretty stop because the rocks make a strong silhouette against the sea.

Stop 11 is Grotta Albergo dei Marinai (Sailors’ Cave). The cave is lit softly from the entrance, with maritime stories tied to fishermen and sailors who used the spot for refuge.

This stretch works well for groups because it mixes comfort and movement. You can stay onboard with snacks and drinks, or hop in for swim time, without the day feeling chaotic.

Faraglioni and Casa Malaparte: Capri’s most photographed cliffs

Stop 12 is I Faraglioni, Capri’s world-famous rock formations. You will observe the four rocks: Saetta (attached to the island), Monacone, Stella, and Scopolo. This is the prime photo moment, so plan to stop, frame, and shoot a few angles. The rocks inspired legends and artists, and the cliff lines keep looking different as you move.

Stop 13 is Casa Malaparte. The villa’s cubic, minimalist structure and red façade against the sea is the reason people recognize it instantly. It sits on a cliff with views toward the Faraglioni, and it has been used as a film set, which adds to its pop-culture gravity.

At both of these stops, the key is patience. You have short time windows, so bring your camera habits down to essentials: a wide shot first, then a couple close-ups, then be done.

White Grotta, Red Grotta, and the cliffs of Tiberius

Stop 14 is the White Grotto, with walls of white limestone. The entrance frames a deep blue sea view, and sunlight filtering through the rocks makes the interior feel dramatic even when the stop is brief.

Stop 15 is Grotta Rossa (Red Grotto), with intense red rock over turquoise water. Inside, the warm light changes your perception of color, and the crystal-clear water adds to that “how is this real” feeling.

Stop 16 is Tiberius’ Leap, near Villa Jovis, a sheer cliff about 297 meters high. The legend ties it to Roman punishment stories, with prisoners thrown off and a team of sailors beating them after they fell into the sea.

Stop 17 is the Scugnizzo statue of Capri, an icon of the island’s lively identity. It is positioned as a welcoming landmark, and it is a fun final stop because it shifts the day away from caves and cliffs and back to street-level Capri personality.

When you reach the last two stops, you are basically doing the “big view” ending. If you have any photo energy left, use it here, especially with White and Red Grottos.

Price and value: $1,253 per private group (up to 12)

At $1,253.47 per group for up to 12, the math depends entirely on how many people you pack into the booking. If you fill all 12 spots, the base price works out to roughly $104 per person, before add-ons.

The add-on that matters most is the Blue Grotto ticket (€18 per person). If you are budgeting, treat this as part of the true per-person cost. It is also why this tour is best for groups who can share the cost fairly.

Where the value really shows is the package breadth. You get skipper, hostess or steward, fuel, a live guide, safety gear, restroom onboard, water and soda, beer, Prosecco and limoncello, plus brunch with local specialties and an aperitivo with snacks. Add in beach towels, snorkeling and floatation gear, and insurance, and the tour stops feeling like “just a boat ride.” It becomes a floating all-in-day experience.

Also, private boat time costs money for a reason. You are not paying to be shuffled. You are paying to control your pace and to focus on water time where it counts.

Who should book this private Capri boat tour

This works best if you want a full Capri hit in a short window and you prefer being in the water, not only looking at it. You will enjoy the snorkeling stops, the frequent coastal “look close” pauses, and the food-and-drink rhythm onboard.

It is also a strong fit for friend groups and families who book together. Up to 12 seats means you can keep it private without pricing out the whole day.

A caution for anyone easily bothered by boats or rough seas. Bad weather can affect the experience, and Blue Grotto can close for safety or local authority reasons. The good news is that when Blue Grotto was closed due to rough conditions, the tour still delivered with other grottos and island viewpoints, guided by the team.

Should you book Blue Grotto and Capri by Private Boat Tour?

I would book this if you want Capri with fewer logistics and more time on the water, and you care about grottos, swimming, and iconic views like the Faraglioni. The strongest plus here is the full package feeling, snacks, drinks, brunch, and the guide experience that keeps the route meaningful.

I would not book this as a single-point Blue Grotto mission. If that cave is your only reason to come to Capri, plan for the extra ticket and the real chance of closure if conditions are rough.

FAQ

Is the Blue Grotto ticket included?

No. The Blue Grotto ticket costs €18 per person and is not included.

How long is the private boat tour in Capri?

It is about 3 hours, and that total duration includes travel time.

Is this really a private boat?

Yes. It is a private tour and only your group participates, with the boat all yours.

What is included for swimming or snorkeling?

You get stops for swimming and snorkeling, along with floating and snorkeling equipment, plus beach towels. Water and safety equipment are also provided.

What food and drinks are included during the tour?

You get aperitivo and brunch with local food specialties, plus water, soda or POP, beer, Prosecco, limoncello, and spritz.

What happens if Blue Grotto is closed?

Blue Grotto may be unexpectedly closed due to tidal conditions or decisions by local authorities. In that case, the tour proceeds without this stop and no refunds are issued.

What is the cancellation policy for a full refund?

You can cancel 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.