Capri looks different from the water. This private boat tour from Positano lets you skip the crowded ferry scene and move at your pace between the Amalfi Coast cliffs and the island of Capri. You can also steer your own day with swim stops, time to explore Capri by land, and provided snorkeling gear for the clear-water break.

I especially like two things: the private 36-foot boat setup (your group stays together and doesn’t get packed in like public cruises), and the fact that you get the practical extras included—snacks, drinks, towels, and shower—so your day feels low-stress from morning to return. The icing on the cake is that the captains know where to anchor for a real swim, not just a quick pass-by.

One consideration: the Blue Grotto is an extra paid entrance, and the wait can run up to about an hour. That can affect how smooth your schedule feels that day, especially if you’re trying to fit in everything in Capri and on the water.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private boat for up to 12 with your own captain and crew, instead of ferry crowds
• I Faraglioni views as you head from the Amalfi side toward Capri
• Blue Grotto is optional but timed, with entrance fee extra and possible waiting
• Capri time is flexible: Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, and optional Mt. Solaro chairlift
• Snorkeling at Punta Campanella in a protected marine area with clear water
• Included comfort items: towels, shower, snacks, and drinks plus snorkeling equipment

Private Capri by boat: skipping crowds and buying time

This is one of those days where the route matters as much as the destination. Instead of stacking onto shared transport, you start on a chartered 36-foot (11-meter) boat that’s reserved only for you and your group (up to 12). That one change is huge on the Amalfi Coast, where crowds can turn a scenic morning into a line-and-wait exercise.

You’ll depart from Positano harbor at 9:30 am, and the boat day runs about 7 hours. The overall flow is designed for big views in motion, anchored swim stops, and a real chunk of time on Capri—without rushing you off the deck the second you get comfortable.

It’s also a smart pick if you care about pacing. The tour doesn’t read like a checklist. It reads like: go see the coast, pick what you want to do on Capri, then come back with a calmer finish.

Where you meet in Positano (and why it makes a difference)

Your start point is Via del Brigantino, 1, 84017 Positano SA, Italy. Check-in is tied to the Blue Star Boat Tours booth area, and the listed check-in time is about 10 minutes. After that, you board and your captain runs the day.

Two nice details help here. First, you don’t rely on a hotel pickup. That can be a plus when pickup logistics get messy on the Amalfi slope. Second, the tour is flexible about departure points: if you choose Praiano or Amalfi, you’ll get alternative departure details before the tour. That matters if you’re staying outside Positano and don’t want to backtrack.

Also, the day is offered in English, and you’ll receive a mobile ticket. For most people, that means fewer last-minute hassles.

From I Faraglioni to the Blue Grotto: what’s included, what costs extra

As you pull away, you glide past the famous rock formations of I Faraglioni. These jagged stacks are one of those sights that look unreal from a distance, and even better when you approach by boat. You’ll also head toward Capri’s Blue Grotto, which is known for its glowing blue interior.

Here’s the key part: Blue Grotto entrance is not included. The tour notes an extra entrance fee around €15 per person, and another listing shows €16.00 per person. The wait can be up to about an hour, and the time window shown for the Blue Grotto stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, though waiting depends on the day.

If you’re the type who likes to plan, build in buffer time for that stop. A long line doesn’t reflect the quality of the boat tour; it reflects how popular the cave is. The private format helps you because you’re not stuck with the same kind of crowded boarding situation as public tours, but it doesn’t change the reality that the grotto has limited capacity.

If you do go in, it’s a classic Capri moment. If you skip, you still get a full day of Capri and swimming, because the tour isn’t only about the cave.

Capri by land: Gardens of Augustus, Villa San Michele, and Mt. Solaro

After reconvening with the captain, you’ll spend a few hours with free time in Capri. This is where the tour shifts from boat sightseeing to island exploring.

You’ll have the chance to focus on standout Capri landmarks such as the Gardens of Augustus and Villa San Michele. You’re also set up to add the optional chairlift to Mt. Solaro for panoramic ocean views. Food and activities on Capri are at your own expense, so think of this as flexible time to choose what you care about most rather than a guided march through the same spots.

This part is valuable for two reasons.

1) Capri is best when you can match the day to your energy. If you want viewpoints, you can do that. If you want slower wandering, you can do that too.

2) It keeps the boat day from feeling like you’re paying premium money only to sit through someone else’s schedule.

Practical note: Capri time is free time, not a guided tour. If you want structured guidance while walking around, you may want to rely on your own maps or prep before you go.

Nerano lunch option and then back to the water

One of the ways captains make this day feel personal is by where you eat. Several experiences from this operator include a stop in the fishing village of Nerano for lunch, with local seafood options. One restaurant that came up is Maria Grazia, described as being started in 1901 by a grandmother who fed fishermen, and still run by family generations.

I’d treat that as a possible, not a guarantee, because lunch in Nerano is typically a route-based choice. But it’s a solid signal that the experience is built around more than sightseeing. You’re likely to get a chance to swap tourist lunches for something local, especially if you like eating where people actually work.

After lunch time, the day continues with more cruising and swimming before returning toward Positano in the early evening.

Snorkeling at Punta Campanella: clear water and protected species

The final act is the water break at Punta Campanella marine park. This is where you get the included swim and snorkeling time in a protected area, with crystal-clear water and tropical fish you can see while snorkeling.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and towels are on board. The tour also lists a shower, which sounds small until you’ve spent hours on saltwater and you just want to feel human again on the ride back.

This section is a big reason the private format feels worth it. Shared boats often have a short, rushed window in the water. Here, the day is structured to let you actually swim and enjoy the marine park area.

Comfort and on-board details you will care about

A lot of Amalfi boat tours are “nice views” tours. This one tries to be an actual day you can relax on.

You get:

• Snacks and beverages during the day
• Toweling and shower for rinse-off comfort
• Snorkeling equipment so you don’t have to pack gear
• A boat that’s described as spacious enough that groups are spread out, not squeezed into one corner

The atmosphere often comes down to the captain. Names that have been credited include Gianfranco, Andrea, Roberto, Francesco, Antonio, and Hermes. The consistent theme is that they’re informative and also attentive about making sure you’re comfortable while still allowing real time at anchor.

If you’re traveling with family, this matters. A private boat day is easier when the staff can manage the group without turning everything into a tight schedule.

Price and value: when this private boat feels fair

The price is listed at $2,297.81 per group, up to 12 people. That sounds high until you translate it into what you’re actually buying.

You’re paying for:

• A private boat (not a shared cruise)
• A full Amalfi-to-Capri-to-swim day that includes on-board snacks, drinks, towels, shower, and snorkeling gear
• Built-in flexibility for where you spend time on Capri by land
• The local boat advantage: positioning and knowing where to stop for swim-quality water

To judge value, I’d do this quick math in your head: if you’re booking as 12, the per-person cost drops sharply. If you’re booking for fewer people, you’ll feel the premium more.

Also watch the extras. Blue Grotto entrance is extra, and you may see additional landing and facility fees noted as part of the booking cost. The data you get at checkout should clarify what’s included in your final total, but plan on some costs outside the base price for cave entry and any Capri spending.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This tour is best for:

• Groups that want privacy and don’t want to fight for position on shared boats
• People who want real swim time with snorkeling gear included
• Travelers who like the idea of Capri time, but don’t want to over-plan every minute

It may not be for you if:

• You have sea sickness issues (it’s explicitly not recommended for that)
• You hate any chance of extra waiting (Blue Grotto lines can run up to about an hour)
• You want everything included on Capri, because food and activities there are at your own expense

If you’re a couple or a small group, you can still make it work. Just check the per-person value in your group size, and decide if the private format is the core reason you’re booking.

Should you book this private Capri boat tour?

I’d book it if you want Capri without the overcrowded ferry feeling and you’re serious about spending time at water-level. The combination of a private 36-foot boat, included snacks, drinks, towels, shower, and included snorkeling gear makes the day feel like a proper outing, not just a scenic ride.

Skip or reconsider if Blue Grotto is your only goal and waiting would stress you out. Also, if motion sickness is a concern, take that warning seriously.

If you’re ready to spend for privacy and swimming, this is a strong choice for a memorable Amalfi Coast day.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Capri private boat tour?

It runs about 7 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30 am.

How many people can be on the private boat?

It’s up to 12 people per group.

Where do we meet for a tour from Positano?

The meeting point is Via del Brigantino, 1, 84017 Positano SA, Italy.

Can we depart from Praiano or Amalfi instead of Positano?

Yes. If you choose Praiano or Amalfi as your departure point, you’ll receive alternative departure information before the tour.

Is the Blue Grotto entrance included?

No. Blue Grotto entrance is not included, and there is an extra entrance fee per person.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are drinks, snacks, and towels included?

Yes. Beverages and snacks are included, and towels are provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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