Capri's coast is best experienced from the water. You can cruise past Faraglioni, see the island's caves and choose between a short tour and several hours with swimming stops. This guide explains how to choose your boat, departure point and trip length, and what to check before you hire.
Capri lies in the Bay of Naples and is known for its dramatic coastline of sea stacks, small bays and caves. From the water, you can see places that may be difficult to experience from the island's roads and paths. A trip around the island offers the chance to see both the popular south coast and the more exposed stretches of coastline to the north.
It is worth distinguishing between a sightseeing trip where you stay on board and a private trip with time to swim or go ashore. The first is ideal if you want to see the sights in a short time. The second gives you more time to enjoy being on the water. Get confirmation of which stops are actually included in the offer.
Faraglioni are Capri's three famous rock formations off the south coast. Many boat trips pass them and continue along the bay at Marina Piccola, where you can see the rocks from a different angle. On a longer trip, the route may also include Grotta Bianca, Grotta Verde and the lighthouse at Punta Carena.
You cannot assume that every trip goes all the way around the island. A short trip may focus on Faraglioni and part of the south coast, while a longer circuit also takes in the north coast. Cruising close to rocks or into a bay depends on wind, waves, boat traffic and local rules. The skipper decides what is safe on the day.
Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto, has a very low entrance, and visitors can normally only enter in the special small rowing boats that depart from the entrance. You cannot go straight into the cave in an ordinary private motorboat. Access is closed when there are waves or strong winds, even on sunny days.
A visit therefore cannot be guaranteed in advance. There may be a queue, and admission to the cave itself is paid for separately. Capri.com states that standard boat trips do not automatically include the admission ticket. If the cave is a highlight for you, choose a trip that allows time to try to visit, and have an alternative plan in case the entrance is closed.
Marina Grande on Capri is the island's main harbour. Ferries from places including Naples and Sorrento arrive here, and many boat trips around the island depart from the harbour area. Marina Piccola, by contrast, lies on Capri's south side and is primarily a bay with beaches and views of Faraglioni. Smaller boats are also available to hire in the area.
Be aware that Sorrento on the mainland also has a harbour called Marina Piccola. A trip to Capri may start on the island itself, in Sorrento, Naples or another harbour. This difference affects the trip's duration and price. Always ask the hire company to specify the meeting point, including the exact harbour and quay.
A shared sightseeing trip is often the simplest option if you want to see the coast and Faraglioni without planning the details yourself. It normally follows a fixed route and timetable, and you share the boat with other guests. A private boat trip can offer more flexibility over swimming stops, how long you stay and which places your group wants to prioritise, but the arrangement depends on the individual hire company.
Check whether the price is per person or for the whole boat. If you are travelling as a group, the price difference between a shared and a private trip may be smaller than it first appears. However, a private boat does not mean unrestricted access to every bay and cave. Local restrictions and the skipper's judgement still apply.
If you only have a short time on Capri, a sightseeing trip of around one to two hours can give you a feel for the coast and its best-known views. Capri.com describes both short trips and longer private excursions. If you want swimming stops, the chance to see caves or time to relax on board, a longer trip is a better choice.
Half a day allows for a smaller number of stops without rushing. A full day may suit you if you want to combine several swimming stops, lunch and possibly some time ashore. Check whether the stated duration runs from departure to return, and whether transport from the mainland is included in that time. A trip from Sorrento is not directly comparable to a sightseeing trip starting in Capri's own harbour.
The traditional Italian gozzo is commonly used for coastal trips around the island and can be a good choice for a leisurely trip with views and swimming stops. There are also open motorboats, larger motor yachts and other boats with different layouts. Your choice should depend on the number of people and how long you want to spend on board.
Look for shade, seating, a toilet, access to the water and a cabin if needed. For children or guests who are not used to being at sea, a shorter trip and comfortable seating are often more important than high speed. Also ask about the skipper and safety equipment. The boat's name or size alone does not tell you how well it suits your group.
A sightseeing trip on a shared boat is typically sold per guest, while a private trip is often priced for the whole boat and a set number of hours. The total price depends on the boat, season, duration and departure point. Compare offers on the same basis rather than choosing the lowest advertised price.
Ask about the skipper, fuel, towels, drinks, any harbour fees and charges at specific attractions. At the Blue Grotto, admission to the cave itself is normally paid for separately. If you want to go ashore on Capri, check for possible berthing fees and how long the boat is allowed to wait. Also clarify the arrangements for cancellation in bad weather and any deposit.
On HejBoat, you can browse current boat listings and send an enquiry directly to the hire company. Availability can change, and a boat offering trips around Capri is not necessarily based on the island itself. Check both the destination and the actual departure harbour before choosing.
Provide the date, number of guests, preferred time slot and whether you want a short sightseeing trip or a longer private trip with swimming stops. Ask for the total price and which costs are extra. An enquiry on HejBoat is not a reservation. Availability, payment and other terms are agreed directly with the hire company.
Checked on 30 October 2026. Capri.com on boat trips, boat types and sights on a trip around the island: https://www.capri.com/en/l/capri-boat-tour . Capri.com on the Blue Grotto, special rowing boats, tickets and weather conditions: https://www.capri.com/en/e/la-grotta-azzurra . About the main harbour, Marina Grande: https://www.capri.com/en/e/marina-grande . About the bay of Marina Piccola on the south coast: https://www.capri.com/en/e/marina-piccola . Check current rules, prices, swimming options and weather before departure.
Image source: Alex Braga, Faraglioni on Capri, Unsplash. Original photograph: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-boat-traveling-past-two-large-rocks-in-the-ocean-v6srnv8E_eU . Licence for commercial use: https://unsplash.com/license .
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