Exploring Capri from Sorrento by Boat: A Day of Beauty, Bites, and Beautiful Views
When thinking about Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri naturally comes to mind. This full-day guided boat tour from Sorrento offers a seamless way to enjoy the highlights of Capri without the hassle of planning. At $161.64 per person, you’ll spend about 9 hours exploring the coast, wandering charming streets, and soaking in spectacular scenery. The tour includes pick-up service, making your day even more convenient.
What we love most about this experience is how it combines scenic boat rides with guided walks in Anacapri and Capri’s famous Piazzetta. The included limoncello tasting and visits to Giardini di Augusto and Mount Solaro add authentic touches that make this trip special. A second highlight is the flexible afternoon, where you can choose between shopping, swimming, or taking a boat trip around the island’s limestone caves.
One potential downside is that the Blue Grotto isn’t part of this tour, which might disappoint some travelers hoping to see that iconic sea cave. Also, from reviews, it’s clear that finding space at the beaches and changing clothes can be tricky in July’s busy season. Still, for most, the balance of guided highlights and leisure time makes this a worthwhile day out.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, cultural walks, and authentic local experiences like limoncello tasting. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule, eager to see both land and sea, and value well-organized excursions with knowledgeable guides, this trip hits many of those marks.
Key Points
- Beautiful scenery along the Sorrento Coast and around Capri, with expert narration.
- Authentic experiences such as limoncello tasting in shops and guided walks through Anacapri and Capri’s Piazzetta.
- Flexible afternoon options: shop, swim, or take a boat tour of the coast’s limestone caves.
- All-inclusive highlights: entrance to Giardini di Augusto and a guided tour of Anacapri.
- Hassle-free logistics: pickup from designated points and seamless transfer to the port.
- Potential crowding at beaches and during busy summer months, so plan accordingly.
A Full Review: What You Need to Know
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Sorrento
The Itinerary and Its Charm
The day begins early with pickup from designated points in Sorrento or Naples, simplifying the logistics of reaching the port. Once aboard the boat, the scenic crossing along the Sorrento Coast offers views of Vesuvius and the Mediterranean, setting the tone for a day of natural beauty. The boat ride itself is quite enjoyable, with assistants providing commentary, so you get a sense of the landscape and history.
The first stop is Anacapri, a peaceful town perched above Capri’s bustling main town. With a guided walking tour, you’ll have a chance to explore its charming streets, historic sites, and local shops. A highlight here is the visit to Giardini di Augusto, a lush garden with stunning vistas of the Faraglioni and the coast below. The ticket for this is included, making it easy to enjoy without extra cost. We love that they suggest taking the chairlift up to Mount Solaro — the highest point on the island — for panoramic views, a must-do for photography lovers.
Next, there’s time to visit Capri’s Piazzetta, the iconic square lined with cafes. Here, a limoncello tasting awaits, offering a taste of Sicily’s famous lemon liqueur. The shops around the Piazzetta are perfect for picking up souvenirs or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.
In the afternoon, your options diversify. Many choose to continue exploring the island by land, browsing shops or swimming at local beaches — but the real highlight is the optional boat tour around Capri’s limestone caves, including the Marvellous Grotto, White Grotto, and Green Grotto. This boat excursion is a chance to see the rugged coast and its unique formations, with many reviews praising the beautiful scenery.
Authentic Experiences and Local Flavors
One of the best aspects of this tour is the limoncello tasting. Multiple reviews praise the experience, emphasizing its authenticity. You’ll visit shops where local producers demonstrate how the lemon liqueur is made, giving you a chance to sample and purchase this regional specialty.
The guided walks in both Anacapri and Capri’s Piazzetta are led by local guides, adding depth and local color to the experience. The tour’s inclusion of entrance to Giardini di Augusto ensures that you get to enjoy some of Capri’s most beautiful botanical gardens, with views that photograph wonderfully.
The Flexibility and Practicalities
With leisure time built into the schedule, you can opt to shop, dine, or swim. The afternoon options make this a flexible trip, catering to different interests. If you’re looking to relax on a beach, be aware that space can be limited in July, and changing clothes might be a challenge, as one review notes. The return trip departs around 5:25 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the island without feeling rushed.
The Price and Its Value
At $161.64 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. It includes transportation, guides, entrance fees, and tasting experiences. The convenience of pickup and drop-off, combined with the guided elements, makes it attractive, especially for those unfamiliar with Capri’s logistics. However, the landing fee in Capri (€5 per person) isn’t included in the price, adding a small extra expense.
Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Sorrento we've examined
- Pompeii Express Guided Tour by Train from Sorrento
- Guided Day Tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum with Light Lunch
- Guided Day Hike on the Path of the Gods with Sorrento Transfer
- Scenic Amalfi Coast Drive: Guided Shared Day Trip from Sorrento
- Guided tour of Pompeii and Herculaneum and winery stop
- Guided Tour of Herculaneum with Lunch and Ticket Included
Considerations from Reviews
While most reviews are positive, some travelers find the crowds and logistics challenging. One reviewer mentioned that finding space at the beaches was difficult, and the heat in July can be intense. Another gave a low rating, citing dissatisfaction with the overall organization, although they praised guide Gus on Capri.
Who is This Tour Best For?
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and leisure. It suits those who enjoy scenic boat rides, authentic local tastings, and easy access to Capri’s famous sights. If you’re comfortable with a busy day that includes walking, shopping, and a boat trip, this is a great pick.
However, if you’re seeking a more relaxed, beach-focused experience or prefer to visit the Blue Grotto, you might want to consider other options. The tour’s limited time on land and the crowd factors in July could also be considerations.
The Sum Up
This full-day boat tour to Capri from Sorrento delivers a lively, scenic, and culturally rich experience. It offers a good balance of guided sightseeing, local flavor, and free time. The inclusion of limoncello tasting, garden visits, and the chance to walk through Capri’s Piazzetta make it a well-rounded option.
For travelers seeking a convenient way to see Capri’s highlights without the stress of planning, this tour offers value and authentic moments — especially if you appreciate beautiful views, local tastes, and a lively atmosphere. Keep in mind the summer crowds and plan accordingly, but overall, it’s a day that will leave you with plenty of memorable sights and flavors.
FAQ
Is transportation included from my hotel?
No, the tour features pick-up from designated points in Sorrento and Naples, so you’ll need to meet at those locations, but the service is convenient and organized.
How long is the boat ride along the coast?
The crossing along the Sorrento Coast takes enough time to enjoy the scenery and learn about the area from guides, but exact duration isn’t specified — expect a relaxed, scenic cruise.
What are the main stops on land?
You’ll visit Anacapri, including Giardini di Augusto and possibly Mount Solaro, and Capri’s iconic Piazzetta, with plenty of free time for shopping, dining, or swimming.
Is the Blue Grotto part of this tour?
No, the Blue Grotto isn’t included, but you’ll see other caves like the Marvellous Grotto and Green Grotto if you take the optional boat tour.
How much does the Capri landing fee cost?
It’s €5 per person, payable at the site, and isn’t included in the tour price.
Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are authorized and provide commentary during the trip, with some reviews praising the guide Gus for his helpfulness.
Can I customize my afternoon?
Yes, you can choose to continue exploring, shop, swim, or join the boat tour of the caves — the schedule is flexible.
What is the best time to book this tour?
Most travelers book about 6 days in advance, especially during the busy summer months, to secure a spot.
This Capri day trip from Sorrento offers a lively, scenic, and tasty slice of Italy’s famed island life, perfect for those ready to explore both land and sea in one memorable day.
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Sorrento
- Private Amalfi Coast Tour in a Apreamare 38ft DIAMOND Boat
- Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento on a Gozzo 25ft boat
- Capri & Positano Private Tour – Premium 28 ft boat
- Capri Private Boat Tour from Sorrento, Positano or Naples – Yacht Klase 50
- Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Private Boat Tour & Blue Grotto
- Amalfi Coast Tour by Boat (Late departure)
More Tours in Sorrento
- Skip the line Private tour of Pompeii from Sorrento
- Private Amalfi Coast Tour in a Apreamare 38ft DIAMOND Boat
- Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento on a Gozzo 25ft boat
- Capri & Positano Private Tour – Premium 28 ft boat
- Pompeii Private Tour from Sorrento Entrance fees included
- Full-Day Private Capri, Anacapri & Blue Grotto Tour from Sorrento
More Tour Reviews in Sorrento
- Private Sunset Experience With aperitif and music
- Scooter Rental to Visit Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Positano and More
- Skip the line Private tour of Pompeii from Sorrento
- Private Amalfi Coast Tour in a Apreamare 38ft DIAMOND Boat
- Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento on a Gozzo 25ft boat
- Shared Shuttle Service from Sorrento to Rome
More Sorrento experiences we've covered
- Full-Day Guided Boat Tour to Capri from Sorrento with Limoncello
- Skip the line Private tour of Pompeii from Sorrento
- Private Amalfi Coast Tour in a Apreamare 38ft DIAMOND Boat
- Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento on a Gozzo 25ft boat
- Shared Shuttle Service from Sorrento to Rome
- Capri & Positano Private Tour – Premium 28 ft boat
- Pompeii Private Tour from Sorrento Entrance fees included
- Full-Day Private Capri, Anacapri & Blue Grotto Tour from Sorrento
- Transfer Naples airport/station to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii
- Positano Bike Tour
- Capri Private Boat Tour from Sorrento, Positano or Naples – Yacht Klase 50
- Sorrento: Exclusive Capri Private Boat Tour & Blue Grotto