Exclusive tour from Sorrento: the review
Usually included
- Skipper and guide on board
- Snorkelling masks provided
- Drinks on board: prosecco, water, beer and soft drinks
- Landing tax in Capri
- Entry to the Blue Grotto, if selected when booking
- Limoncello tasting on the return journey
Not included or not guaranteed
- The Blue Grotto option if you don’t select it beforehand
- What you do and eat during your four hours of free time on the island
- Grotto opening, which depends on sea and tide conditions
- Returning independently: you sail back, disembark at Massa Lubrense
What the day looks like
You set off early from the port, hugging the coast until you reach the Marciano waterfall, then cross over. Those who’ve chosen the option enter the Blue Grotto, spending roughly half an hour between queuing and the rowboat ride inside. Next, there’s a twenty-minute photo stop at the Faraglioni, ten minutes at the Green Grotto, half an hour for a swim with masks, and then disembarkation: four hours of free time on the island. The return trip takes about an hour and ends in Massa Lubrense, not Sorrento—so if you’ve got a train or transfer to catch, factor that in.
The group is limited to twelve people, so it’s not a private boat: if that’s what you’re after, check out the private options. On board, Italian, English and Spanish are spoken, which is also why some explanations are repeated.
What passengers say
The name that comes up most often is that of the guides. Kylie, from Canada, sums it up in one line: «Fantastic. One of the best tours of the whole trip; Antonio and the captain were both incredible.» Douglas, from the UK, adds the practical observation that matters most: «Early start, but it’s worth getting to Capri before the crowds. Our guide Antonio was excellent, with a wealth of information.» Jake, from Australia, describes Fabrizio as «the best guide I’ve ever had», with «the perfect balance of safety, information, humour and warmth».
The early wake-up is the real trade-off: if you book thinking you’ll sleep until nine, you’ll find yourself outside your hotel in the dark. In return, you arrive at the grotto and the Piazzetta before the ten o’clock ferries.
Who it’s for
For those staying between Sorrento and Massa Lubrense who want both a sea circuit and half a day ashore, without having to organise ferries. It’s also ideal for anyone keen on the Blue Grotto: it’s the only one of the six where entry can be included in the booking instead of paid at the dock. Not for those already on the island, anyone who can’t handle five to eight hours of sun and sea, or those looking for the most budget-friendly option: this is the priciest of the six, as we explain in how much it costs.
What works best
- Exceptionally high rating from a huge number of reviews: 4.8 out of 5,215
- Landing tax already included—one less thing to think about at the dock
- Blue Grotto selectable at booking
- Around four hours of free time in Capri, not just a quick stop
- Pickup from numerous locations across the Sorrento area
What to know beforehand
- Very early start: if you’re staying far away, you’ll be up before dawn
- Five to eight hours at sea: too long for young children or anyone prone to seasickness
- Disembarkation at Massa Lubrense, not Sorrento
- Up to twelve people: it’s not a private outing
- If the sea isn’t calm, the grotto stays closed and the option is off the table
Choose the Blue Grotto option when you book, not on board: anyone who changes their mind on the boat ends up queuing for half the morning like everyone else, paying for the rowing-boat entry
Dates and availability
Alternatives
The day with lunch on board has the same rating with a smaller group; if you’re already on Capri, the island caves tour is all you need
Maximum 8 peopleSorrento: Capri boat tour with Blue Grotto, swim stop and lunch
Up to 12 peopleCapri: full-day small-group boat tour
Free time on the islandFrom Sorrento: small-group Capri tour with Blue Grotto and free time
Frequently asked questions
How long does the exclusive tour actually last?
Between five and eight hours, depending on the option and pickup point: that includes the crossing, the circuit, half an hour for a swim, and roughly four hours of free time on the island. The full breakdown of timings is in how long the tour lasts
Is entry to the Blue Grotto included?
Only if you select that option when booking: it’s the only one of the six tours where it can be. Still, if the sea is rough or the tide is high, the grotto won’t open, as we explain in this page
Where does it start and where does it end?
Pickup is available at many points across the Sorrento area and Massa Lubrense; the final drop-off is in Massa Lubrense. If you need to catch transport immediately afterwards, keep this in mind: see how to get to Capri.
Is it suitable for children?
It depends on their age: five to eight hours on a boat is a long time, and there’s only one swimming stop. Shorter departures and seasickness remedies are covered in boating with children and seasickness on board.