Capri looks different from a boat.

This private 3-hour Capri cruise is built for slow sightseeing: you circle the island and get close to the Faraglioni and the grottos, with real time to enjoy the sea (not just point-and-stare). I love the way this feels personal and unhurried because it’s just your group, and I love the frequent chances to cool off with swimming breaks. One thing to consider: the famous Blue Grotto stop is optional, and if you want to go inside you’ll pay extra and deal with long waiting times.

I also like that the captain, Ciro Aliperta, keeps things smooth—clear communication and easy boarding at the docks. I’d plan your day with the expectation that some grottos are included, but the Blue Grotto entrance fee is not, so your timing and budget depend on whether you choose that extra stop.

Key takeaways

• Private group time for up to 6, so you control the pace more than on shared boats
• Grottos + Faraglioni in one tight 3-hour loop, without the hassle of hopping ferries
• Multiple swim opportunities, including a dedicated stop at Marina Piccola
• Snorkeling gear and bottled water included, but no scuba equipment
• Blue Grotto is optional (extra fee and potentially long waits)
• Mobile ticket makes check-in simpler on the day

The appeal of a private 3-hour Capri boat cruise

Capri’s coastline is dramatic in a way you can’t fully recreate on land. On this tour, you get the best angles from the water: the famous rock stacks near the Faraglioni, the caves with shifting colors, and the shoreline marinas that look almost unreal when you’re gliding past them.

Because it’s private (your group only, up to 6 people), it’s also more relaxed than the usual “line up and follow the leader” style. You’re not stuck watching other people’s schedule. You can spend a little longer at a swim spot or take a few extra minutes to look at the cliffs without feeling rushed.

And the timing matters. Three hours is long enough to feel like you did something meaningful, but short enough to still enjoy Capri afterward—coffee in town, a stroll near the port, or an evening meal without having your whole day swallowed by the water.

Meeting Ciro Aliperta at the docks: where to go, where you end

This tour runs between two dock areas on Capri. You start at the taxi parking area on Via Cristoforo Colombo (Posteggio dei taxi), address 7, 80076 Capri. The actual boarding is at Pier 21 at the docks, so I’d plan to arrive early enough to get from the meeting point to the pier calmly.

At the end, you return to Capri’s coastline at Molo Banchinella (Unoil – servizio nautico). The transfer is part of the experience, so you’re not stuck figuring out how to get yourself back across town.

Two small practical notes that help:

• Bring your phone with the mobile ticket ready.
• Take your cues from the captain on timing at the dock—this kind of tour moves with the sea and the schedule.

The 3-hour route: grottos and Faraglioni in a smart sequence

The tour is designed as a circuit around the island, hitting the most photogenic and iconic stretches. Expect a mix of brief sightseeing stops and cruising time—enough to see the highlights clearly, without burning the whole window sitting in one place.

Here’s what you’re looking for as you go:

Faraglioni stop: the rock formations you came for

One of your first key moments is the stop at I Faraglioni, the towering sea stacks that define Capri’s skyline. It’s listed as about 10 minutes with admission ticket included. In practice, this is enough time to orient yourself, grab a few photos, and then get back to the boat while the water is still doing its thing—calm, moving, and framing the rocks.

I like this because it sets the tone fast. You’re not waiting an hour to see the headline attraction.

Marina Piccola swim break: time to actually get in the water

You also get a dedicated stop at Spiaggia di Marina Piccola, about 15 minutes, and it’s free. This is the kind of stop that makes a boat tour feel worth it rather than just scenic.

Marina Piccola is a beach inlet vibe—more sheltered than you might expect from the open sea. You’ll have enough time to rinse off, float, and enjoy the water without feeling like you have to rush.

Grotta Verde: a cave visit that’s built into the schedule

Then there’s Grotta Verde, about 10 minutes, with an admission ticket included. The star here is the cave’s color effect—when light hits just right, the water and walls can look like they’re glowing.

This is also a good “value” stop because you’re not deciding on the spot whether it’s worth it. It’s already part of the plan.

The rest of the circumnavigation: White Grotto, lighthouse, and more

As you circle, you’ll pass by the other big names on Capri’s coast: the White Grotto, Marina Piccola area viewpoints, Cala del Rio, and the Lighthouse stretch. The overview also mentions the coral cave, so you’ll likely see the coastline in a way that connects these spots into one coherent loop instead of a checklist.

The benefit of the route design is that you get a broad sense of how Capri sits in the sea—cliffs, coves, and access points—without doing multiple transport changes.

Swimming and snorkeling: included gear, real break time

The big practical win here is that the tour is built around being on the water, not just watching it. Swimming is part of the plan, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment plus bottled water.

No scuba is included. If you’re thinking about going deeper with certified diving, you’ll need a different setup.

What to expect during swim stops

The tour includes opportunities for swimming, including the 15-minute Marina Piccola break. The captain also has the flexibility to work with how your group is doing in the moment, and the overall vibe is “relax, then go back to sightseeing.”

I’d treat the swim time as a chance to reset: quick swim, snorkel, and enjoy the light on the rocks. If you’re prone to cold or you’re not sure you’ll want to snorkel, you can still use the breaks just to cool off and watch from the boat.

Gear and comfort

Snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to pack it. I’d still plan to bring basics like a swimsuit, a towel (even if you think you might be set—better safe than sorry), and something simple to keep your belongings dry.

Blue Grotto decision: optional, extra €14, and plan for waiting

The Blue Grotto is the one major “choose-your-own-adventure” stop. The stop itself is optional, and if you want to go inside, it costs 14 euros per person. The important part: waiting times can be long.

This matters because you only have about three hours total on the water. If you’re the type who hates lines, you might feel better skipping the grotto entrance and using the time for swimming or extra time at the other caves.

If you do want Blue Grotto, I suggest you go in expecting a trade-off: the experience can be memorable, but you’re also accepting queuing time as part of the day. It’s not the kind of stop you can treat as quick.

Price and value: $580.54 for up to 6 people

The price is $580.54 per group, up to 6 people. That’s where this tour can become a great value—because you’re paying for a private boat, not per person.

A quick way to think about it:

• If you fill all 6 seats, your per-person cost drops a lot versus a solo or couple booking.
• If it’s just 2 or 3 people, it can feel pricey, so you’d want to be confident you’ll actually use the snorkeling and the multiple swim stops.

Also consider what’s included: snorkeling equipment and bottled water, plus ticketed access for certain grottos and stops. The big “not included” cost to remember is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket, along with alcohol, snacks, and scuba.

So the value equation comes down to this: are you traveling with enough people (or planning to) to make a private group boat make sense, and will you actually enjoy water time rather than just sightseeing?

What’s included and what you should bring (or buy)

Here’s the clean split:

Included

• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Swimming time as part of the itinerary
• Admission tickets listed for key cave/rock stops (like Grotta Verde and the Faraglioni area stop)

Not included

• Alcoholic beverages
• Scuba equipment
• Snacks
• Blue Grotto entrance ticket (14 euros per person if you choose it)

A practical tip: plan food and drinks around the boat schedule. Since snacks and alcohol aren’t included, I’d pick up what you want before boarding so you’re not stuck figuring it out on the fly.

Timing, weather, and keeping your day flexible

This experience depends on good weather. If the tour gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s a big deal on Capri because conditions can change quickly. If you’re building your schedule, give yourself some flexibility around when you want to do the cruise.

There’s also a confirmation timeline: you should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Who this tour is best for

This is the right fit if you want:

• A relaxed private experience with a group up to 6
• Water time, including swimming and snorkeling
• A smooth island loop that hits the standout sights without turning into an all-day production

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re trying to keep every stop strictly fast and line-free, because the Blue Grotto can involve long waiting times
• You’re looking for scuba diving (that’s not included)

If you’re traveling as a couple and you want the flexibility of private time, it can still work well—just weigh the cost per person. Families of three can also be a good match if you value the ease of having one boat and one captain handling the routing.

Should you book this private Capri relaxation boat tour?

I’d book it if you want Capri’s big coastal icons—Faraglioni, grottos, and the color-play of the caves—without spending your whole day switching between transport and tours. The private format and built-in swim breaks make it feel like more than a scenic ride.

I’d pause and think twice if Blue Grotto is your top priority but you hate waiting. Since the Blue Grotto entrance isn’t included and the queues can be long, you’ll need to decide in advance if you want to pay extra and trade time.

Overall, this is a strong choice when you want a private, relaxing, water-focused Capri experience led by Ciro Aliperta, with snorkeling gear ready and the island’s shoreline delivered in one clean 3-hour loop.

FAQ

How many people are on the private tour?

It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. The group size is up to 6 people.

How long is the Capri boat tour?

The duration is approximately 3 hours.

What sights are included on the tour around Capri?

The tour circles the island and includes stops and viewing for highlights such as the Green Grotto, White Grotto, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, Cala del Rio, the lighthouse, and the option for the Blue Grotto.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming opportunities, including a stop at Marina Piccola for swimming.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Scuba equipment is not included.

Is the Blue Grotto ticket included?

No. The Blue Grotto stop is optional, and the entrance ticket is not included. The ticket is 14 euros per person.

Where do we meet and board the boat?

You start at the taxi parking area on Via Cristoforo Colombo 7, 80076 Capri. Boarding is at the docks in Pier 21. The tour ends at Molo Banchinella (Unoil – servizio nautico).

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.