Our Experience Exploring Capri By Private Boat Charter

Last Updated on April 29, 2025 by Charlotte

The island of Capri is glamorous: with its cliffside villas, glowing sea caves, and sparkling turquoise water, it feels like it was made to be admired from the sea. While most visitors stick to the town’s steep alleyways and upscale boutiques, Capri’s most unforgettable views are waiting just offshore, and best discovered by boat. On our recent trip, we decided to skip the crowded ferries and charter a private boat for a few hours. What followed was part salty adventure, part sun-drenched daydream: a ride through the iconic Faraglioni rocks, swims in aquamarine coves, sea caves that glowed electric blue, and most memorably, a boat captain who blasted Mamma Mia while steering us safely through the waves of an incoming tempest. In this post, I’ll share what it’s really like to explore Capri by private boat, what we loved (and what surprised us), plus practical tips on how to charter a boat yourself, whether you’re splurging or booking the most budget-friendly option.

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Our Capri Boat Adventure: Salt Air, Sea Caves, and ABBA

Capri is a lustrous island off the coast of Naples, its cliffs rising dramatically from the sea like something out of a dream. While much of it can be explored on foot, the island’s most dazzling features: hidden coves, sea caves, and sheer rock arches that are only accessible by boat.

We had booked the budget option: a private tour on a traditional, no-frills wooden boat. So imagine our surprise when we checked in at Marina Grande and were told we’d been upgraded for free. Apparently, all the daytrippers who had booked the larger, more luxurious speedboats had canceled due to the approaching storm.

Just kidding! We were upgraded, yes, but alas, not to a yacht.

All Aboard the Gozzo Boat

We met our captain on the docks: a burly local who looked exactly like the archetype of a seasoned sailor. As he pointed to a map of the island to go over the day’s itinerary, the sound of ABBA’s Mamma Mia blasted from the boat’s speakers. This was a hilarious contrast to his gruff demeanor, but somehow, it set the perfect tone. Sunshine, salt air, and pop music echoing off the cliffs? Vibes were high.

As we exited the harbor, the water shifted from gentle ripples to rolling swells, like a salty roller coaster ride. I love sitting on the bow and riding the waves, and I was especially thankful for the boat upgrade.

It’s much more fun to lounge on plush white-leather cushions than to bounce around on a stiff wooden bench. Due to the storm, we’d need to stick to the calmer side of the island, but thankfully, we’d still get to see the star of the show: the iconic Faraglioni rocks.

The Grotta Bianca

Our first stop was the Grotta Bianca, or “White Grotto, a small sea cave with long limestone stalactites hanging from the ceiling like icicles. I imagined bats tucked somewhere in the shadows, though they were probably asleep during the day. Inside, it was quiet and dim and had that distinctive cave smell.

The Faraglioni

As we rounded the island, the waves calmed and the ride grew smoother. We joined a slow-moving procession of boats all cruising toward the Faraglioni. To my surprise, we actually got to ride right through the stone arch of one! I held my breath as we glided beneath it, limestone cliffs towering on either side.

A Swim in Turquoise Waters

We dropped anchor near the shoreline, where the water turned a vivid aquamarine. It was the perfect spot for a swim.

I swear the sea is saltier near Capri than at home in Hawaii. It’s so easy to float on your back and let the sun warm your face. The water was cool but silky, with little splashes echoing across the bay as other daytrippers dove in and laughed.

After our swim, we climbed back aboard and discovered, much to our delight, that the boat had a freshwater shower. We rinsed off the salt, sipped cold drinks, indulged in sweet fruits, and stretched out in the shade beneath the canopy while the breeze dried our skin. The sun beat down gently, and the scent of the sea lingered on our towels and hair.

The Green Grotto

One of our final stops was the Green Grotto, a sea cave where the water shimmered with streaks of emerald light, glowing beneath the stone ceiling like something enchanted. We couldn’t visit the famous Blue Grotto that day as the swell made it too dangerous to enter, but I didn’t feel like we missed out. The Green Grotto felt wild and untouched, and we had it nearly to ourselves.

The Return to Marina Grande

Having had our fill of sightseeing, we turned back toward Marina Grande in anticipation of lunch. Though only a few hours had passed, the waves had grown dramatically. What had been gentle swells earlier were now rolling like small mountains.

Our captain asked us to move off the bow to the safer seats in back, and we rode the waves like a roller coaster, surfing down their faces and rising over their crests. In some ways, the stormy sea foreshadowed the next day’s weather, but in that moment, we were delirious with delight: sun on our faces, salt on our skin, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

A Pizza Lunch

Back at the harbor, our captain thanked us and walked us over to his friend’s restaurant. At Bar Corallo, we shared a margherita pizza with a charred crust, creamy mozzarella, and sweet tomato sauce, one of the best I had on the island.

How to Charter a Boat on Capri

We booked our boat tour through Capri Boat Service, which operates out of Marina Grande. While we had chosen the most affordable private option, we were upgraded to a beautiful Jeranto 7.50 Classic Gozzo, a boat that typically cruises between Capri and the Amalfi Coast. It felt like a lucky stroke of timing, and the more luxurious boat made the whole experience even more special.

Boat Charter Tour Options & What to Expect

Private boat charters typically last 2 to 4 hours, with longer tours including time for swimming, cave visits, and snacks or drinks onboard. Many captains are happy to tailor the route depending on sea conditions and your preferences.

You can choose between:

• Traditional wooden boats (Gozzo-style or Lancia) $ – classic, charming, and perfect for a slow cruise
• Luxury Gozzo $$-$$$ – the classic Sorrento gozzo with a large sundeck
• Speedboats $$$ – sleeker and faster, with more shade and often better seating
• Luxury yachts $$$-$$$$– Very photogenic (and often includes extras like prosecco and fruit)

We ended up on the Jeranto 7.50 Classic Gozzo, a beautifully crafted wooden boat with white leather cushions, a freshwater shower, and a shaded canopy, far more elegant than we’d expected from the “budget” tier. It was a dream to ride on and perfect for a leisurely half-day cruise.

How Much Does a Capri Boat Charter Cost?

Prices vary based on boat type, duration, and season, but here are some general price ranges:

• Private Budget Traditional Wooden Boat (2 hours): ~€140–€200
• Private Mid-range Gozzo or Speedboat (2–3 hours): ~€250–€400
• Private Luxury Boats and Yachts (3–4 hours+): €500 and up

If you’re looking to save money on this activity, there are also a number of group tours that run out of Marina Grande from ~€26 per person.

When’s the Best Time to Charter a Boat on Capri?

Private boat tours are typically available from April through October, with the peak season being June to August. During shoulder months like May and September, you’ll often find calmer crowds, slightly lower prices, and still-warm weather, an ideal time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed vibe. Boat tours may be limited or unavailable during the winter months due to rough seas and fewer tourists.

What to Bring on Your Capri Boat Charter

• Swimsuit (you’ll want to swim!)
• Sunscreen & hat – even with shade, the sun reflects off the water
• Camera or phone – for the famous Faraglioni photo op
• Dramamine or motion bands if you’re prone to seasickness
• Cash – in case you want to tip your captain or grab lunch nearby afterward

Why We Chose a Private Tour Over a Group Tour

There are plenty of group boat tours around Capri, and they’re usually cheaper. But we wanted something more personal, and quieter. With a private tour, we could avoid the crowds, set our own pace, and linger at the places that felt special (like that one magical cove with nobody else around). It also meant we didn’t have to rush through photo ops or squeeze in next to strangers on a bench.

If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or family, a private boat can actually be pretty cost-effective when split among a few people, and it makes the whole experience feel more special.

Dreaming of Capri? Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a solo adventure, or just craving turquoise water and limestone cliffs, a private boat tour is the best way to experience the island. Got questions? Drop them in the comments. I’m happy to help!