REVIEW · CAPRI
Boat Tour of the Caves on the Island of Capri
Book on Viator →Operated by Discovery Capri · Bookable on Viator
Capri by boat feels like cheating time. In about two hours, you get a fast, scenic loop of signature caves and rock formations from the sea, plus photo stops and a swim break. I love that the experience runs with a small group (max 12) and includes a little onboard treat package, like limoncello tasting and caprese cake.
One thing to consider: the day’s route depends on sea and weather conditions. If your schedule is tight, it helps to keep a little breathing room for a slower start or a shorter swim window.
In This Review
- Key Highlights at a Glance
- Two Hours, Five Stops, and a Small-Boat Pace That Makes Sense
- Getting There: The Meeting Point and Why Early Arrival Helps
- Stop 1: White Grotta and the Stalactite Photo Moment
- Stop 2: Natural Arch and the Sea-Erosion Story
- Stop 3: I Faraglioni for Clear-Water Views and a Real Swim
- Stop 4: Marina Piccola, Yachts, and a Caprese Limoncello Aperitif
- Stop 5: Grotta Verde and That Emerald-Green Water Look
- What’s Included On Board: Snacks, Water, Cake, and Limoncello
- Price and Value: Why This Tour Can Be a Smart Choice
- Who This Tour Suits (and Who Might Want to Pick Something Else)
- Common Friction Points to Plan For
- Should You Book This Capri Cave Boat Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the boat tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do I get snorkeling equipment?
- What cave stops are visited?
- Where do I meet the tour?
- What if the weather is bad?
Key Highlights at a Glance

- Small group vibe (max 12) for easier time at the stops and a calmer boat feel
- Cave combo: White Grotta, plus Grotta Verde with its emerald-green water
- Swim time at I Faraglioni in clear water, with photo chances while you’re floating
- Limoncello aperitif plus snacks and bottled water on board
- Short photo stops that still let you capture the iconic shapes and colors
Two Hours, Five Stops, and a Small-Boat Pace That Makes Sense
This is a classic Capri “see it all fast” outing: about two hours on the water with five named stops along the coast. The small group size (maximum 12) matters more than it sounds. On a bigger boat, you often spend your time fighting for sightlines and trying to hear over engine noise. Here, you usually get a more relaxed flow between lookouts and swim time.
The price is about $72.41 per person, which puts it in the mid-range for Capri boat tours. What helps the value is that you’re not just sightseeing from one spot. You’re getting multiple coastal stops, a swim, and included food-and-drink. In other words, this isn’t only for photos. It’s also for an on-water “break” from Capri’s crowds.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Capri.
Getting There: The Meeting Point and Why Early Arrival Helps

You meet at Via Don Giobbe Ruocco, 49, 80076 Capri. The tour ends back at the same place. It’s also listed as near public transportation, which is helpful because Capri’s roads and parking can be awkward.
You’ll use a mobile ticket, and English is offered. A simple but important tip: go a bit early and confirm you’re in the right spot before your boarding time. Even when everything is correct, docks can be confusing because multiple boats run similar routes in the same area.
Another practical note from real-life expectations: on-board routines can move fast at the pier. Bring your swimsuit-ready clothes strategy. If you wear swimwear underneath, you’ll be glad when the captain calls time for the water.
Stop 1: White Grotta and the Stalactite Photo Moment

The first stop is the White Grotta, one of Capri’s most famous caves. You’ll enter the cave and get a short pause to take some photos. The description highlights a stalactite that looks like a statue of the Virgin Mary, which is the kind of detail that turns a quick stop into a “wow, I get it” moment.
The big advantage here is timing. You’re not rushing in and out while half the boat is still figuring out where to stand. This stop is designed as a brief photo-and-look window: a few minutes that can work great if you’re traveling with a mix of interests (views for the camera people, but also something genuinely “Capri” for everyone else).
A consideration: because it’s short, you’ll want to be ready with your camera settings before you go in. If you’re slow to find the right angle, the window can slip by.
Stop 2: Natural Arch and the Sea-Erosion Story

Next up is the Natural Arch, shaped by erosion from wind and rain. This isn’t a long stop, and that’s okay. The value is that you get one more iconic coastline feature, viewed from a moving boat that keeps things lively.
If you like nature shapes, this is the kind of stop that helps you connect the dots: Capri isn’t random cliffs. It’s rock sculpted over time by weather and sea action. It’s also a quick stretch break after the first cave moment.
The possible drawback: if you’re expecting a “wandering time” stop on land, don’t. This is a sea-view stop. It’s best for quick appreciation and photos, not lingering.
Stop 3: I Faraglioni for Clear-Water Views and a Real Swim

Then you reach I Faraglioni, the famous stack rocks that define Capri’s coastline. This is one of the tour’s main highlights because you get a swim stop in clear water, with about 20 minutes to cool off.
This is where many people feel the tour pays for itself. Seeing Faraglioni from the sea is already great. Adding a swim turns it into an experience, not just a sightseeing checklist. You’ll also have a chance for snapshots while you’re in the water or right before you jump in.
One practical tip from how people plan their bodies for Capri: water and boat movement can vary through the day. If you’re prone to sea-sickness, earlier in the day can feel steadier. And if you know your limits, take motion seriously and don’t wait until you feel bad.
Also, a clear note from the tour details: snorkeling equipment is not included. The swim is about getting into the water and enjoying it. If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear or plan another activity that provides it.
Stop 4: Marina Piccola, Yachts, and a Caprese Limoncello Aperitif

After I Faraglioni, you pass into the area of Marina Piccola, described as one of Capri’s more exclusive bays. You’ll admire the hotels and see some of the largest yachts in the world as you glide through.
What I like about this stop is that it changes the mood. You’re not just watching caves and rock shapes. You’re also seeing the modern face of Capri: luxury waterfront, big boats at anchor, and that “yes, this is a famous place” feeling that’s hard to replicate from a viewpoint on land.
Then comes a small extra that makes the stop memorable: an aperitif based on Caprese limoncello produced by the operator, with an onboard caprese cake as part of the included food set. The combo works because it’s casual and timed right after time on the water.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to sit down and reset, this is your moment. If you’re mostly there for swimming and caves, this is a “look and taste” stop, not a long pause.
Stop 5: Grotta Verde and That Emerald-Green Water Look

The final cave stop is Grotta Verde. It’s famous for its emerald-green color, described like a natural water pool. Expect a cave visit with another short photo chance atmosphere, plus the possibility of a second bathroom stop depending on the day.
This is the cave stop that’s most likely to feel different from White Grotta. White Grotta leans into dramatic rock-and-shape photo moments. Grotta Verde is more about color and the way light plays off the water. If you like seeing the same kind of place (a cave) in a totally different mood, this is a good pairing.
One consideration: since the second swim depends on conditions, don’t treat it as guaranteed. If you’re trying to plan around it, plan your swimsuit and hope for the best, rather than counting on extra minutes.
What’s Included On Board: Snacks, Water, Cake, and Limoncello

The included set is one of the reasons this tour fits well into a half-day on Capri without feeling like you’re spending extra time hunting food.
You get:
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Limoncello tasting
- Caprese cake
I like that this is practical. Capri is beautiful, but it can be pricey and time-consuming once you’re hungry. Here, you’re covered for basic snacking and hydration, and you get the local-flavored moment with limoncello.
One small real-world note to keep in mind: onboard music and atmosphere may vary depending on what’s working that day. So if you care a lot about music, treat that as a nice extra, not a core part of the plan.
Price and Value: Why This Tour Can Be a Smart Choice
At $72.41 for about two hours, you’re paying for four things at once:
1) multiple iconic sea views
2) cave time (not just passing by)
3) a swim opportunity
4) included food and limoncello tasting
That’s why this can feel like good value compared with shorter tours that spend less time at the stops. People who prefer not to feel rushed often like a two-hour rhythm better than a tight one-hour version.
It’s also a good fit if you’re visiting Capri for a day and your time on the island is limited. You’ll see several headline features from the water without having to cram multiple separate land activities.
That said, it’s not sold as a ultra-luxury private yacht experience. If you’re chasing top-tier service polish, you might find it more straightforward than fancy. The payoff is that you still get the core Capri sights plus time in the water.
Who This Tour Suits (and Who Might Want to Pick Something Else)
This tour works best for:
- couples who want a highlight day with a swim
- people who like small groups and easier movement on board
- visitors who want caves and rock formations without long transport or multiple tickets
It can also work for families. The boat is small, and the stops are short enough to keep attention moving. Just remember that swimming is part of the experience, so everyone should be comfortable with water time.
If you hate motion on boats or you’re not interested in swimming at all, you might decide to skip this one. This experience is clearly designed around being on the water and getting into it.
Common Friction Points to Plan For
A few things can make or break the experience on a busy island like Capri.
1) Don’t rely on dock signage. If you’re walking the pier, know your meeting address and check you’re at the correct operator location before boarding.
2) Be ready for schedule tightness. Boats generally depart on time, and you’ll be treated like part of a group once you’re there. If you’re connecting from a ferry or another timed activity, build in buffer time.
3) Routes can shift with conditions. If sea state is rough or weather changes, you might see fewer cave stops than the “ideal list.” The best approach is to treat the itinerary as the plan, then focus on the big on-water highlights you’ll still get.
4) Swim prep matters. Pack towels and a change of clothes if you can. And even if you don’t snorkel, having a swim-ready setup will help you make the most of the Faraglioni water time.
Should You Book This Capri Cave Boat Tour?
I think it’s worth booking if you want Capri’s top sights in a tight window and you care about doing at least one swim in clear sea water. The small-group cap, the cave stops (White Grotta plus Grotta Verde), and the included limoncello tasting with cake make it feel like a complete outing, not a “ride and wave” experience.
Skip it or consider an alternative if:
- you have zero flexibility and absolutely must be back at a strict time
- you don’t want swimming time on the schedule
- you’re expecting snorkeling gear or a very high-end service style
If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’ll probably appreciate how much you pack into two hours, while still getting that calmer, less-crowded boat feel.
FAQ
How long is the boat tour?
It runs for about 2 hours.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes snacks, bottled water, limoncello tasting, and caprese cake.
Do I get snorkeling equipment?
No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.
What cave stops are visited?
The tour includes White Grotta and Grotta Verde.
Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is Via Don Giobbe Ruocco, 49, 80076 Capri NA, Italy.
What if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

























