Capri & Blue Grotto Small Group Boat Day Trip from Sorrento

Discover an Intimate Capri & Blue Grotto Boat Tour for $206

This small-group boat trip from Sorrento offers a personalized journey to explore Capri’s most famous sights in about 7 to 8 hours. With a maximum of eight passengers, you’ll enjoy the comfort of an exclusive experience led by a professional skipper. The tour includes hotel pickup, snacks and drinks, and access to multiple grottoes and landmarks, making it a great choice for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day on the water.

The highlight remains the Blue Grotto, which is included in the itinerary, weather permitting. You also get the chance to visit key spots like the Natural Arch, Villa Malaparte, and Faraglioni rocks, with plenty of free time on Capri to explore on your own. The price of $206.34 per person offers good value, especially considering the small group size and personalized service. However, keep in mind the admission ticket to the Blue Grotto costs €18 per person, payable on-site.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 8 passengers ensures personalized attention.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Sorrento, making logistics hassle-free.
• Multiple stops along the coast, including grottoes, waterfalls, and landmarks like the Natural Arch.
• Blue Grotto visit guaranteed unless closed due to weather, with an additional €18 fee payable on the spot.
• Free time of 3 to 5 hours on Capri allows flexible exploration of the island’s shops, cafes, and scenic spots.
• Optional upgrade to a private VIP excursion for those seeking an even more exclusive experience.

Small-Group Boat Adventure from Sorrento to Capri

This tour departs from the Port of Piano di Sorrento after a hotel pickup that begins about an hour before the adventure starts at 8:30 am. The small size of the boat—a traditional gozzo—lets the crew reach coastal caves and grottoes inaccessible to larger vessels, providing a more intimate view of the coastline.

By traveling on a skipper-led vessel, travelers enjoy the flexibility to stop multiple times for swimming and snorkeling, with snacks and beverages provided on board. The group size of 8 means everyone can take in the sights comfortably without feeling crowded. The tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with mobility issues, since it involves boat and land exploration.

Exploring Capri’s Coastal Landmarks by Boat

During the cruise, you’ll pass by notable coastal landmarks such as the Roman villa ruins near Bagni Regina Giovanna, the Cascatella waterfall, and the white and green grottoes. The boat’s small size lets it weave through narrow grotto entrances and explore areas that larger ships can’t access, making the experience more dynamic and immersive.

The tour features multiple swimming stops, so bringing your own snorkeling gear is advisable, as gear can be purchased for €15 for a mask and €9 for a snorkel. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks as you cruise past the Villa Malaparte, the Natural Arch, and the Punta Carena Lighthouse—each offering spectacular photo opportunities.

Visiting the Blue Grotto and Other Grottoes

The Blue Grotto remains a central focus, with the tour including a guaranteed visit unless weather conditions force closure—common in peak season, with wait times potentially up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The entrance fee of €18 is separate from the tour price and paid locally.

Along With the Blue Grotto, you’ll see the Green Grotto, White Grotto, and the Cascatella Waterfall during your cruise. The boat’s small size allows close-up views of these natural wonders, with additional time spent enjoying the scenic coastlines and iconic Faraglioni rocks.

Capri’s Land-Based Attractions and Free Exploration

After the boat tour, you’ll anchor in Capri’s Piazzetta, where you are free to explore for 3 to 5 hours. This flexible free time allows visitors to stroll through charming streets, visit cafes, shop for souvenirs, or relax on the beaches.

Your guide provides tips on how to make the most of your time, including visiting the Lighthouse of Punta Carena or grabbing a gelato while taking in scenic views. The return transfer begins in the late afternoon, bringing you back to the port of Piano di Sorrento for the hotel drop-off.

Logistics and Additional Costs

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Sorrento, with pickups starting around an hour before the 8:30 am departure. The boat trip features an English-speaking skipper, snacks, bottled water, and sodas on board.

Additional costs include the Blue Grotto entrance fee (€18), snorkeling equipment (€15 for a mask, €9 for a snorkel), and a €10 destination fee paid on-site for docking, mooring, and landing services. The tour operates in favorable weather conditions, and cancellations are possible if seas are too rough, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

The Personalized Touch and Small-Group Atmosphere

Numerous reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and friendly crew, with captains and guides being praised for their professionalism, hospitality, and storytelling. Guests appreciate the music, snacks, and drinks, which add to the fun atmosphere onboard.

Some reviewers also note that the boat ride itself is more enjoyable than land exploration and that the small group size makes for a relaxed, personal experience. The tour’s emphasis on stunning scenery, natural grottoes, and free time on Capri makes it especially popular among those looking for a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure.

Limitations and Considerations

Weather can impact the experience, especially the Blue Grotto visit—bad sea conditions often lead to closures or delays. The €18 ticket is paid separately, and waiting times may be long during peak season. It’s also worth noting that some guests found the pace rushed when weather was poor, and facilities on the boat may be limited.

While the small group size offers intimacy, it does mean that early booking is recommended, as this tour is booked, on average, 61 days in advance.

Capri & Blue Grotto Small Group Boat Tour for Authentic Experience

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to explore Capri’s natural beauty and landmarks from the water. The personalized service, combined with stops at major grottoes and the flexibility to explore Capri on land, makes it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic day without the crowds of larger tours.

The cost of $206.34 includes most amenities and provides a good balance of guided sightseeing and free time. For those wanting a more exclusive experience, an upgrade to a private VIP trip is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Sorrento for select areas.

How long is the free time in Capri?
You get between 3 to 5 hours to explore the island on your own.

What grottoes are visited?
You visit the Blue Grotto, Green Grotto, White Grotto, and see the Cascatella Waterfall.

What is the cost of the Blue Grotto entrance?
The €18 entrance fee is paid on-site and is not included in the tour price.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Yes, bringing your own gear is recommended; snorkeling equipment can be purchased for €15 (mask) and €9 (snorkel).

What if the weather causes the Blue Grotto to close?
The visit is guaranteed unless weather conditions force closure. In such cases, the tour continues with other grotto visits and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Bring swimming gear, sun protection, and cash for entrance fees and souvenirs.

How many people are in each boat?
Each boat accommodates up to eight passengers for a more intimate experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it suits most travelers, including families, but consider the boat ride’s duration and potential sea conditions.

What is the best time to book?
Booking around 61 days in advance is common, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.