Private boat tour of the Island of Capri, Caves, Faraglioni

A Private Boat Tour of Capri, Caves, and Faraglioni: An Insider’s Look

Imagine gliding along the shimmering waters of the Amalfi Coast, your own boat carrying you past dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and legendary sea stacks. This private boat tour from Salerno offers a personalized way to discover the island of Capri, complete with visits to the famous Blue Grotto, White Cave, and Green Cave, along with a swim at the Faraglioni. Based on reviews and detailed descriptions, this experience feels like a luxury, yet it’s surprisingly good value considering the size of your group and the inclusion of many amenities.

What really makes this tour stand out? First, it’s the personalized service—you’re not just one of dozens on a crowded boat but part of an exclusive group, with your own skipper guiding you. Second, the expert knowledge of the guides shines through, with reviewers noting how well they know the coast’s hidden gems and caves. Plus, the chance to swim close to the iconic Faraglioni rocks is a memorable highlight.

However, a few considerations are worth noting. The additional cost for the Blue Grotto (an extra €18 per person) might come as a surprise, and the disembarkation fee at Capri’s port isn’t included in the base price. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you might want to plan for a meal on your own, although snacks and drinks are plentiful onboard. Still, for travelers seeking a flexible and intimate way to experience Capri’s natural beauty, this tour delivers a lot of value.

Key points / Takeaways

Personalized experience: With only your group, the tour’s flexibility and attention to detail shine—perfect for families or friends.

Knowledgeable skipper: The guides are local experts who know every cave and hidden spot, making the journey more enriching.

Multiple cave visits: From the White Cave to the Green Cave, you get a rich variety of sights that are best appreciated from the water.

Swim at the Faraglioni: A highlight for many, stopping here for a quick swim allows you to enjoy one of Capri’s most iconic sights up close.

Extra costs: The Blue Grotto is optional and costs €18 per person, with a separate disembarkation fee at Capri’s port.

Comfort and amenities: Snacks, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear are included, making for a relaxed and enjoyable day.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Salerno: A Smooth Departure

Your adventure begins with a pickup service, which makes the logistics easier, especially if you’re staying on the Amalfi Coast. The boat departs around 10:00 am and heads straight for Capri, giving you an approximately 7 to 8-hour window to explore. This timeframe allows enough time for the itinerary but keeps the day manageable.

Navigation Along the Coast: Scenic Views Before Capri

As soon as you leave Salerno, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the coastline, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of cliffs, colorful towns, and lush greenery. The skipper’s local knowledge is evident, and I’ve read that guides like “who grew up here” can point out little details that you’d never find on your own.

Arrival and Tour of Capri: Caves and Villages

Once in Capri, the boat docks at Marina Grande, where you can choose to explore the island on foot or stay on the boat. Most travelers seem to prefer staying aboard for the cave visits. The White Cave is an early highlight—its luminous whiteness and unique shape are often admired for their natural beauty. The Green Cave is equally charming, with its vivid color, and your skipper will guide you through it.

The Blue Grotto remains optional; it’s a short trip to see the famous glowing blue water, but note that it costs an extra €18 per person and involves waiting in line, especially in high season. Some reviewers mention that the guide’s local knowledge makes the trip worthwhile, even if you skip the grotto.

Swim and Relax at the Faraglioni

One of the most praised parts is stopping at the Faraglioni rocks—famous sea stacks that rise dramatically from the water. It’s a perfect spot for a quick swim or just to marvel at their natural grandeur. Expect about 30 minutes here, which is enough time to cool off and take some memorable photos.

Optional Lunch and Disembarkation

After the cave visits and swim, you’ll have the option to disembark at Marina Piccola for lunch at a local restaurant, adding a taste of Capri’s culinary delights. Alternatively, many choose to stay on the boat and enjoy snacks and drinks onboard, which are included.

Return Journey and Reflection

By around 4:00 pm, the boat heads back towards Salerno, giving you a full picture of Capri’s stunning coastline from the water. The experience wraps up with your return to the meeting point, leaving you with a wealth of memories and photos.

What Makes This Tour Special for You?

If you love the idea of customized, intimate experiences and hate crowded tour buses, this private boat tour is a great pick. The expert local guides ensure you see the best caves and spots—something that often makes the difference between just seeing a place and really experiencing it. The flexibility to swim, snorkel, and choose your stops offers a level of spontaneity you won’t get on larger group tours.

On the downside, this experience is on the pricier side—over $2,700 for a group of up to 11 means it’s best suited for those celebrating something special or traveling with friends or family who can share the cost. Still, many reviewers feel the value is justified by the personalized service, the comfort onboard, and the exclusive access to Capri’s natural wonders.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to luxury travelers seeking privacy and custom service, groups wanting a flexible schedule, or families with kids who enjoy swimming and exploring in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for those who want to experience Capri’s caves and stacks with an expert guide but without the crowds or rush of larger tours.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Day

• Book early to secure your preferred date, especially in peak season.
• Remember, the Blue Grotto costs extra and is optional, so decide if it’s worth the wait and additional expense.
• Pack a light lunch or snacks if you prefer not to buy at Capri, though onboard snacks are included.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat—the sun can be intense, especially on the water.
• Arrive early if you want to explore Capri on foot after the boat trip, or plan to relax onboard.
• Consider the disembarkation fee at Capri’s port, which is not included in the base price.

The Sum Up: Is This the Right Experience for You?

This private boat tour offers a rare blend of comfort, exclusivity, and authentic natural beauty. If you’re after a personalized, expert-guided day exploring Capri’s caves and iconic rock formations, this experience delivers in spades. It’s a superb choice for travelers who want to avoid the crowds, enjoy a flexible schedule, and have the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters near the famous Faraglioni.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the all-including amenities, private setting, and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a memorable, trouble-free day on the water. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a more intimate way to see Capri, this tour could be the highlight of your trip to Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 7 to 8 hours, with most of that time spent enjoying Capri’s caves, swimming, and sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you can opt to disembark at Capri for a meal or bring your own snacks. Onboard snacks, drinks, and towels are provided.

What does the tour include?
The package includes private transportation, snacks, beverages (including Prosecco and beer), snorkeling gear, towels, and the services of a knowledgeable skipper.

Are the caves accessible for everyone?
Most caves are visited by boat; some like the Blue Grotto require an extra ticket and may involve waiting in line.

Can I swim near the Faraglioni?
Yes, you’ll stop here for about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a quick swim and taking photos.

What if I want to visit the Blue Grotto?
It costs an extra €18 per person and requires a separate ticket. The guide can help you decide if it’s worth the additional time and cost.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring sun protection, water, and perhaps a camera. Towels and snorkeling gear are included, but you might want to pack a light jacket if it’s cooler.

This private boat tour from Salerno offers a fantastic way to see Capri close-up while enjoying the comfort and flexibility that larger group tours can’t match. Whether you’re after stunning caves, iconic sea stacks, or just a relaxing day on the water, it’s an experience worth considering.