A Private Boat Tour of Capri from Sorrento on a Sorrentine Gozzo: An Authentic Seafarer’s Escape
Imagine gliding along the shimmering waters of the Amalfi Coast on a classic Sorrentine Gozzo, with the sun overhead and the wind in your hair. For approximately eight hours, this private boat tour takes you from Sorrento to the legendary island of Capri, weaving through historic bays, awe-inspiring caves, and giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights — all with just your group. The cost is around $1,278 for up to 6 people, making it a true luxury that offers personalized attention with an experienced skipper.
What we love most about this experience is how close you get to the hidden corners of Capri and the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of some of its most iconic spots like the Blue Grotto. Plus, the inclusion of prosecco and beer makes the journey feel like a celebration from start to finish. The only potential drawback? If you’re eager to go inside the Blue Grotto, you’ll need to budget an extra €14 and wait for the right weather.
This tour is perfect for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic seafaring adventures over crowded group tours. If you’re traveling with friends or family and want to experience Capri from a unique vantage point while enjoying the serenity of the sea, this could be your ideal day.
Key Points
- Private & Personalized: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored experience.
- Authentic Experience: Sail on a traditional Sorrentine Gozzo, not a large commercial boat.
- Multiple Stops & Sights: From natural bays and waterfalls to famed caves and iconic rocks.
- Flexible Time on Capri: Several hours to explore the town, enjoy lunch, or relax.
- All-Inclusive Comfort: Drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and restroom onboard.
- Cost & Value: For the price, you get a full day of sights and relaxation with a professional skipper.
The Journey Begins: What to Expect
Starting your day in Sorrento, you’ll board a traditional Gozzo, a boat rich in local maritime character. The boat comfortably fits up to 6 guests, making it an intimate affair that encourages relaxation and conversation. As you cruise along the coast, your skipper will share insights about the area’s history and geography, setting the tone for a memorable day.
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Stop 1: Bagni Regina Giovanna
Your first stop is the natural bay of Bagni Regina Giovanna, where you’ll see the ruins of a Roman villa. The scenery here is a striking blend of ancient history and natural beauty, with the remains perched dramatically above the water. Expect about 10 minutes here — just enough to take photos and breathe in the history. The admission is free, making this a perfect quick glimpse into Italy’s storied past.
Stop 2: Massa Lubrense & Cascatella
Next, your boat will glide past Massa Lubrense, a charming town with sweeping views. The highlight here is the Cascatella, a natural waterfall that feeds directly into the sea. If you’re feeling brave and strong, you can take a cold shower under the waterfall — an invigorating experience that will wake up your senses. It’s a 20-minute stop with no entry fee, just a fun, natural refreshment.
Stop 3: Grotta Rossa
Then, you’ll encounter the Red Grotto, renowned for the Red Coral that adorns its interior. The grotto is a colorful highlight, with the sea eroding red-hued rock formations into striking sculptures. Expect about 30 minutes here, giving you enough time to admire the vibrant scenery and snap some photos of the vivid red walls.
Stop 4: White Grotto
The White Grotto is equally mesmerizing. Its white limestone formations have been carved by the sea into shapes reminiscent of religious icons — notably a Madonna sculpture. The white coloration and natural sculptures make this stop a photographer’s paradise. Again, around 30 minutes allows for sightseeing and some quiet meditation in this ethereal setting.
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Stop 5: Swim in Capri’s Blue Waters
After exploring the caves, you’ll get a dedicated 30-minute swim in the famous waters of Capri. Bring your swimsuit and snorkel gear (included in your package), and prepare to float in a sea so clear you can see the rocks below. Many travelers rave about how peaceful and refreshing this stop is amid the stunning surroundings.
Stop 6: I Faraglioni
Next, the boat will cruise close to I Faraglioni, the towering rocks that symbolize Capri. These natural stacks have featured in many postcards and movies. This is a prime photo opportunity, with enough time to capture the iconic silhouette against the sky.
Stop 7: Blue Grotto (Optional)
The Blue Grotto is undoubtedly Capri’s most famous attraction, with its surreal, glowing blue water. The entrance fee is €14, and you’ll need to take a small rowboat inside — if weather permits. Your skipper can help coordinate, but the experience is weather-dependent. Expect around 40 minutes here, including waiting time.
Stop 8: Piazzetta & Town Exploration
Finally, you’ll have 2 to 4 hours on land in Capri’s lively Piazzetta, the perfect spot for lunch, people-watching, or wandering through the charming Via Krupp, Giardini di Augusto, and Via Tragara. These streets are filled with boutique shops, cafes, and incredible vistas, making for a leisurely and scenic exploration.
Authentic Experiences & Authentic Views
Based on reviews, one of the biggest highlights of this tour is the knowledgeable and friendly skipper, who makes the journey both informative and relaxed. As one traveler put it, “Carmine made our day unforgettable,” emphasizing that the personal touch enhances the experience. The boat’s traditional style, combined with prosecco and beer, creates a festive yet intimate atmosphere.
Travelers also love the chance to swim in secluded spots and see Capri from a different perspective — away from crowded boat tours. The stops at the caves are described as “stunning” and “beautiful,” with some reviewers mentioning the beauty of the sea sculptures and the vibrant colors inside the grottos.
The inclusion of snorkeling gear, towels, and onboard restrooms adds practicality and comfort, ensuring you can relax without hassle. The lunch hour on Capri offers sufficient time to enjoy authentic Italian food, often in scenic settings, making this tour not just sightseeing but a taste of local life.
Is This Tour Worth Its Price?
At roughly $1,278 for six people, you’re paying for a private, customizable day on the water. Compared to large group tours, this private experience offers greater flexibility, less time spent in lines or crowds, and the chance to tailor your stops. When you consider the all-inclusive drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the personalized attention from your skipper, the value becomes clearer.
Keep in mind, the Blue Grotto entrance fee and Capri landing fee are extra, but these are minor costs compared to the overall experience. The full-day itinerary balances sightseeing, swimming, and exploring at your own pace — ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, bespoke adventure rather than a hurried group tour.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is best suited for small groups or families who want to avoid crowded boat tours and enjoy a more intimate, authentic adventure. It’s ideal if you enjoy comfort, flexibility, and discovering Capri’s hidden corners by sea. If you’re excited about swimming in pristine waters, visiting caves, and taking pictures of iconic rocks, this private tour will deliver.
However, if your main goal is to see the Blue Grotto inside or explore Capri’s town fully, you should budget extra time and money, and perhaps consider combining this tour with additional land-based activities.
Practical Information & Tips
- Duration: 8 hours, giving plenty of time for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing.
- Price: Around $1,277.60 for up to 6 people, including drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and fuel.
- Extras: Blue Grotto tickets (~€14) and Capri landing fees are not included.
- Best Time: Confirmed weather is essential, especially for the Blue Grotto; rainy or windy days may cause cancellations or changes.
- Booking: With free cancellation up to 24 hours, you can plan with some flexibility.
- Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific needs.
- Departure Point: Sorrento, Italy, easily accessible via public transportation.
Final Thoughts
A private boat trip on a Sorrentine Gozzo from Sorrento to Capri offers a luxurious, personalized, and authentic way to experience one of Italy’s most famous sights. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, natural caves, and the thrill of swimming in clear waters — all with the comfort of your own small group.
This tour suits travelers who want a more intimate experience away from crowded boat tours, appreciate local maritime charm, and love flexibility. It’s ideal for those looking to combine sightseeing with leisure, capturing the essence of Capri from the water while enjoying the company of friends or family.
If you’re ready to sail the Amalfi Coast in style, with a knowledgeable skipper guiding the way, this private boat tour is a memorable way to see Capri in a relaxed, authentic manner.
FAQ
Is this tour private? Yes, it is a private experience with only your group aboard, providing a more personalized and flexible trip.
How long does the entire tour last? The full experience is approximately 8 hours, including stops, swimming, and time on land in Capri.
What is included in the price? The price covers the boat, a professional skipper, snorkeling equipment, towels, onboard restroom, fuel, and soft drinks including prosecco and beer.
Are there extra fees I should be aware of? Yes, the Blue Grotto entrance fee (~€14) and the Capri landing fee are not included.
Can we swim during the tour? Absolutely. There are designated swimming stops, and snorkeling gear is provided.
Is the Blue Grotto accessible? The Blue Grotto can be visited if weather conditions permit. The ticket is €14, and the visit duration is about 40 minutes, including waiting time.
What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How much time do we get in Capri? You’ll have between 2 to 4 hours to explore the island, enjoy lunch, or relax on your own.
Who is this tour best for? It’s ideal for small groups, families, or couples wanting a relaxed, authentic, and scenic day on the sea with plenty of freedom to tailor the experience.
This private boat tour of Capri from Sorrento promises a blend of comfort, adventure, and intimacy. It’s a perfect way to see the island’s highlights from the water, enjoy delicious drinks, and unwind in style — all while discovering some of Italy’s most beautiful coastal scenery.
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