Capri looks different from the water. This private boat day from Positano is built around water-only access to Faraglioni, Li Galli, and the White Grotto, with your skipper talking you through the coastline.

I love the time you get to swim and snorkel where the skipper picks the spots, with snorkeling masks, towels, and life jackets provided. I also like the onboard basics that make a long day easier: snacks and drinks, a toilet on board, and a fresh-water shower.

One thing to consider: Blue Grotto tickets cost extra, and the final bill can rise with added port and fuel charges on top of the base group price.

Key things to know before you go

• Private pace for up to 10 people, so you’re not stuck with a cattle-car schedule
• Faraglioni + Li Galli + White Grotta are all reachable only by boat
• Snorkeling gear, towels, drinks, snacks, and shower are included—big comfort win
• Blue Grotto is an upgrade, visited for about 30 minutes on small rowing boats
• Marina Piccola is the longer stop (around 3 hours) on the sunnier side of Capri

A private Capri day from Positano: what you gain by going by boat

If you want Capri without the usual “line, crowd, repeat” routine, this private boat format is the real point. From Positano, you get a full day focused on the coastline sights you can’t really replicate from shore—because the best angles are at sea level.

What I like most is the way the day is organized around natural features, not just photo stops. You’ll spend time around Li Galli and the White Grotto, then work your way toward the big iconic rocks: the Faraglioni. And along the way, your skipper gives commentary as you go, which helps the geography click fast.

Timing and meeting at Positano Spiaggia around 10:00

The tour starts at Positano Spiaggia at 10:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point. The duration is about 8 hours, which feels like a sweet spot for seeing a lot while still having genuine time to swim.

You also get a mobile ticket, and you’ll have confirmation at booking time. The meeting area is near public transportation, which is handy if you’re coming in from elsewhere on the Amalfi Coast and don’t want to worry too much about logistics before your boat time.

With a private group capped at 10 people, you should also expect a more “your day” rhythm. The skipper can adjust the flow—especially around swim time—without having to please a larger crowd.

Punta Campanella kickoff: the view that sets the mood

Before Capri proper, you’ll make a stop at Punta Campanella, the extreme tip of the Sorrento peninsula. The description is simple but powerful: in front of it there’s mostly sea and the island of Capri.

This is a good mental reset moment. You go from coastline towns to open water, and suddenly Capri stops feeling like a distant postcard. It’s also a natural way to start the day—less frantic than jumping straight into the most famous rocks.

Li Galli’s tiny archipelago stop (and why 20 minutes works)

Next up is Li Galli, a small archipelago between Capri and Positano. It’s one of those places where the scale surprises you: it’s not a huge island chain, but the water around it feels special—part of the reason people come to this stretch in the first place.

You’ll have about 20 minutes here. For a place like Li Galli, that’s usually enough time to enjoy the sightlines and get oriented without draining the whole day. The value of the stop isn’t only what you see from the boat; it’s also how it breaks up the day so you don’t feel like you’re only “traveling” from one famous landmark to the next.

White Grotta: a cave detail you notice more from the water

The White Grotta gets its name from the color of the rock. What makes this stop interesting is the way the cave formation is explained: stalactites in the upper part formed from atmospheric effects and sea erosion, and inside you may spot a natural sculpture that resembles a Madonna.

That last bit matters. From shore, it can be hard to tell what you’re looking at. From a boat, your vantage point changes everything—your brain starts matching forms and shadows because you’re closer and moving.

Like the other “reach it by sea” sights, the benefit here is access. You’re not standing at a distance hoping the view lines up. You’re seeing the cave in the context of the coastline it cuts into.

One note: it’s listed as free admission, so you’re not paying an extra entry ticket for this specific cave experience.

Faraglioni: the rocks, the underpass, and the kind of scale photos miss

Then you hit I Faraglioni, the towering sea stacks around Capri that rise about 100 meters from the water. Erosion—by the sea and atmospheric agents—created these rocks over time, and the result is dramatic even before you hear any explanation.

The standout feature is the central stack and its natural underpass. The tour description notes that the underpass allows you to pass comfortably by boat. That’s a big deal for a few reasons:

• You get movement through the “frame,” not just a stop for pictures.
• Your perspective changes quickly as the boat approaches and goes through.
• It feels more like a nautical experience than a viewing one.

Admission here is free, which keeps the Faraglioni portion of the day straightforward.

Marina Piccola for the longer sit-and-snap shots (about 3 hours)

Marina Piccola is your longer stop, at around 3 hours. It faces the southern side of Capri, which means it has exposure to sun throughout the year. Even if you’re not tracking sunlight like a meteorologist, you’ll likely notice the light feels more “awake” than on the darker, north-facing sides of the island.

At the center of this area is Scoglio delle Sirene, a rocky terrace that projects into the sea. The description also points out that this area supports establishments and restaurants with a breathtaking view—so this is where you can slow down and simply enjoy the setting.

This is also where the “private” part of the tour shows up in practice. With your own boat group, you can spend more or less time around the water’s edge depending on how your day is going—especially if you’re eager to swim again or you just want to take it slow.

Punta Carena Lighthouse: structure, history, and a second stop worth it

Next is Punta Carena Lighthouse. You’ll see an octagonal masonry tower with a lantern and gallery, sitting above a two-story building for the farista (the lighthouse keeper).

It’s noted as the second-largest lighthouse in Italy, and the naming connects to brightness. The description gives a maximum range of 25 miles, and it was built in the second half of the 1800s.

What you’re really getting here is variety. By this point you’ve seen caves and sea stacks; the lighthouse brings structure and human scale into the scenery. It’s also a calmer kind of sight—less about dramatic shapes at close range and more about how the coastline is managed and guided for ships.

Admission is listed as free for this stop as well.

Blue Grotto upgrade: what changes when you pay extra

The Blue Grotto is the one big “optional upgrade” most people plan around. It’s a natural cave about 60 meters long and roughly 25 meters wide. The entrance is described as about two meters wide and one meter high, which hints at why visits require small boats.

To go in, you transfer to small rowing boats that can hold up to 4 people. The famous blue color is explained as light from the sun entering through a rock opening under the entrance, then coloring the cave.

The visit time is about 30 minutes, and Blue Grotto admission is not included. There’s an upgrade option for Blue Grotto tickets at an additional cost. If this is your top priority, I’d treat the upgrade as part of your trip’s core plan rather than a last-minute maybe.

What’s provided onboard: towels, snacks, snorkeling, and shower

This tour is built around comfort for a full day at sea, not just sightseeing.

Included onboard items:

• Skipper
• Beach towels
• Snacks (appetizers) and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment (snorkeling masks/gear)
• Life jacket per person
• Toilet on board
• Fresh water shower on board

That shower is worth paying attention to. After time in saltwater, it makes the end of the day feel much more civilized. The included towels also mean you can rinse, dry off, and head back without scrambling for supplies.

Snorkeling gear being provided is another practical win. You don’t need to rent equipment at the last minute, and you can spend your energy on choosing the right moment to swim.

The tour also emphasizes personalization and that the swim spots are chosen for your group. In real terms, that usually means you can move at a pace that fits your comfort level—go for a quick swim, or linger longer when conditions feel right.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for a private boat

The headline price is $1,628.99 per group (up to 10 people), with the tour typically booked about 42 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling with a full group of 10, the base cost works out to about $163 per person before extras.

Then comes the part people miss until checkout: add-ons that affect the final total.

• Fuel surcharge: 400.00 EUR per booking, payable on arrival
• Port of Capri embarkation/disembarkation fee: 100 EUR, marked optional
• Tourist tax: 5 EUR per person, in case of disembarkation on the island
• GST is listed, but the only specific tax amount provided is the 5 EUR tourist tax tied to disembarking

So is it good value? For the right group, yes—especially if you’d otherwise be paying for separate boat transfers, cave access attempts, or multiple small-group excursions. You’re buying a private day designed around water-only access, plus convenience items that would cost time and money on your own.

If you’re traveling as a smaller group (say 2–4 people), the per-person math can feel less attractive. In that case, you should decide if the Blue Grotto upgrade and the full-day private pacing justify the cost for your style of travel.

Who this private Capri coast tour fits best

This tour makes the most sense if you want:

• A private day with a small group (max 10)
• Coastline access by boat to places like Li Galli, the White Grotto, and the Faraglioni
• A comfortable full-day setup with towels, snacks, drinks, a toilet, and a shower
• Time at Marina Piccola long enough to actually enjoy it, not just pass by

It’s also a strong fit if your group includes people who want different speeds. The private format helps because you’re not forced into the same walking pace as everyone else.

If you only want Capri as a quick photo stop, or you’re strictly budget-focused and don’t want add-ons, you might feel the cost more sharply—especially after the fuel surcharge and potential port and tourist fees.

Should you book this private Capri boat tour?

I’d book it if Capri from the water is the main event for your trip, and if you like a day plan that mixes famous landmarks with real water time. The included snorkeling setup, towels, snacks, drinks, and onboard shower add real value, not just marketing.

I’d think twice if Blue Grotto is a must-have and you’d rather avoid extra ticket costs, or if your group size is small enough that the per-person price starts to sting after surcharges. In that case, you can still enjoy Capri, but you may want a less “private-first” option.

If you do book, plan for weather to matter. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Positano Spiaggia, Italy and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the private boat tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

How many people can be on the boat?

The boat’s maximum capacity is 10 people.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

What’s included for snorkeling and swimming?

You get snorkeling equipment, plus beach towels and life jackets per person. There’s also a fresh water shower on board.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes snacks (appetizers) and drinks.

Is the Blue Grotto included?

Blue Grotto admission is not included. You can upgrade to include Blue Grotto tickets at an additional cost.

Are there extra fees besides the base price?

Yes. A fuel surcharge of 400.00 EUR per booking is payable on arrival. There may also be a 100 EUR port of Capri embarkation/disembarkation fee (optional), and a 5 EUR tourist tax per person if you disembark on the island.

What’s the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.