Capri looks different at speed. A private half-day on an Itama 38 (12 m) speedboat keeps the day moving and puts the island’s best sights right in front of you. I like how the trip mixes quick photo stops with moments to slow down and enjoy the water, plus a skipper who helps you feel at ease on and off the boat. One catch: Blue Grotto entry is not included, and in busy season the wait can be over an hour.

You’ll spend about four hours at sea with a group capped at six, which makes it feel more personal than the big-boat shuffle. Bottled water, soda/pop, beer, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom are on board, so you’re not trying to solve basic needs between stops. It runs with a mobile ticket, which is one less thing to manage in Capri.

Meet at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 34, then return to Porto Turistico di CapriMarina di Caterola (Capri Marina). You’ll get confirmation within 48 hours depending on availability, and the whole thing depends on good weather—so keep your schedule flexible.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Itama 38 power, small-group feel: a 12 m speedboat with up to 6 people
• Short stop format: about 10–15 minutes per viewpoint and grotto
• Swim-ready moments: anchor time on the quieter side to get in the water
• Big-ticket sightseeing, small time cost: Capri icons plus lesser-known coasts
• Onboard comfort: restroom, bottled water, soda/pop, beer, and snorkeling gear
• Plan for Blue Grotto timing: entry not included and lines can be long

An Itama 38 half-day circuit: what you actually see in four hours

This is the kind of Capri tour that works when you don’t want to spend the entire day ferrying around. You’re on a fast, stable-feeling boat (Itama 38, 12 m) and you’re seeing the island from the sea, not from a crowded bus stop. The pace is brisk, but not frantic, because the stops are built for quick looks and photos before you move on.

You’ll cover a lot of coastline in about four hours: dramatic rock formations, multiple grottoes, a famous villa viewpoint, and a lighthouse. It’s a smart way to get a real sense of Capri’s geography—how the cliffs rise straight out of the water and how the island’s “faces” change from cove to cove.

The value here is not that every stop lasts forever. It’s that you see the variety: limestone caves, sea stacks, beaches and villas, then the famous Blue Grotto with its big-time reputation. If you’re the type who likes to know what you’re looking at, the skipper’s commentary can turn even a brief stop into something that sticks.

One practical consideration: since each stop is short, you need to be ready to hop on and off quickly and keep your eyes up. If you like slow sightseeing with long walks, this is still a great trip, but you’ll likely wish you had more time at the most famous places—especially the Blue Grotto area.

Boarding at Capri Marina: logistics that matter for a smooth day

The meeting point is Via Cristoforo Colombo, 34, 80076 Capri NA, Italy. The tour ends at Porto Turistico di CapriMarina di Caterola, 80073 Capri NA, at Capri Marina. Both are in the Capri harbor zone, which is handy because you’re not crossing the island just to get to the boat.

You’ll have a mobile ticket, and that’s one of those small details that quietly helps when you’re in a busy tourist spot. You won’t be digging for paper or trying to interpret directions on the fly. Also, this is a private tour, meaning only your group participates, which generally makes boarding and the flow of the ride feel calmer.

A restroom on board is a genuine quality-of-life win, especially on a half-day. Bottled water, soda/pop, and beer are included, so you’re not rationing sips between stops. Snorkeling equipment is also included, and that matters because Capri’s water can be the best part of the scenery if you actually get in it.

One more reality check: the tour requires good weather. If the sea is rough, the operator may reschedule or offer a full refund. So pick dates that still leave you options for Plan B if nature has other ideas.

Stop-by-stop: grottos, cliffs, villas, and the postcard moments

This itinerary is built around Capri’s classic geometry—limestone, vertical cliffs, and sea-level views that you just can’t replicate from land. Each stop is short (often around 10 minutes), so think of the day as a greatest-hits ride with a few chances to step out and reset your eyes.

White Grotta: limestone color and the Wonder cave vibe

Your first stop is the White Grotta, named for the color of the limestone walls. Plan on about 10 minutes here. Above it is the Wonderful Cave, known for stalactites and stalagmites, and even if you’re mostly viewing from the sea, the limestone formations set the tone for the whole trip.

This is a great early stop because it gets you oriented fast. You learn what the island’s rocks look like up close, and you start connecting the future scenery to what you’ve already seen.

Villa Malaparte (Capo Massullo): a design landmark from the water

Next is Villa Malaparte, on the promontory of Capo Massullo. It was built at the end of the 1930s at the behest of writer Curzio Malaparte. You’ll have about 10 minutes, and admission isn’t included.

Even if you’re not going inside, the water viewpoint is the point. This is one of those places that makes you understand why people talk about Capri’s style—bold, cliffside, and unmistakably human-made against a raw natural backdrop.

I Faraglioni: the symbol you came for

Then you hit I Faraglioni, Capri’s most famous sea stacks. They’re the postcard rocks everyone recognizes, and the stop is about 10 minutes with admission free. This is the photo moment, but it’s also a good chance to appreciate how high and close the stacks are to open water.

Tip: treat this stop like a quick camera sprint. Get your best angle, then spend a minute just looking without the lens. The scale hits harder when you stop trying to frame it.

Spiaggia di Marina Piccola: the southern-coast mood

Stop four is Spiaggia di Marina Piccola, on the southern side of the island. You get about 15 minutes, and it’s admission free. This area is known for exclusive beach resorts and private villas rising from the shore.

From the boat, you get a sense of how the coastline bends and where you’d want to wander if you had a full day. It’s also a good “reset” stop: the visuals shift from rocks and grotto walls into a more relaxed coastal scene.

Grotta Verde: water color and the 600-meter cliff effect

Grotta Verde is next, about 15 minutes with admission free. The Green Grotto sits at the base of a cliff around 600 meters high, and the name comes from the color of the water.

The color change is why this stop is popular. Even when you’re not going inside for long, the surrounding cliff and the sea-level viewpoint make the water look different than it does elsewhere around the island.

Punta Carena Lighthouse: a historic landmark by sea

You’ll also pass Punta Carena Lighthouse, with about 15 minutes here. It’s described as the second most important lighthouse in Italy after the Lanterna in Genoa, and it began construction in 1862, coming into operation in 1867. Admission is free.

This one often surprises people in a good way because it feels less like a tourist trap and more like a working landmark. You get a sense of Capri’s relationship to navigation and weather. It’s also a nice break from caves—more open horizon, more steady views.

Blue Grotto: the big reputation stop with extra planning

Stop seven is the Blue Grotto, and this is the headliner. It’s about 30 minutes on the schedule, but admission is not included. The cave gets its name from the refraction of light inside, and it was used in Roman times as a nymphaeum.

Here’s the key planning detail: in high season, the wait for entry can last more than an hour. That means the real time cost of this stop can be longer than the “30 minutes” slot suggests. If the Blue Grotto is your top priority, build in patience and don’t treat the schedule like a strict promise.

Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio: Roman remains by the waterline

Finally, you’ll finish at Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio. This is about 10 minutes with admission free. These are the remains of an ancient Roman villa built by Emperor Augustus in the first century A.D.

This stop gives your day a different flavor: less cave color, more archaeology-by-the-sea. It’s not always the most famous item on Capri lists, which is exactly why it works well as a late-day finale.

Blue Grotto timing and ticket math: what to expect and how to manage it

The Blue Grotto is listed as not included, which matters for both budget and time. You’ll want to have your mindset set that this stop may take longer in practice because of queues. When the water is calm and the cave is open, it’s usually worth the effort—just don’t assume you’ll walk in instantly.

From a decision standpoint, I recommend treating the Blue Grotto as an experience you plan around, not just another stop. If you show up during peak hours, you could be waiting a while even though your tour includes a fixed block of time on the itinerary.

Price-wise, think of the tour fee as covering the speedboat, the crew time, the onboard drinks, snorkeling gear, and the route itself. The Blue Grotto entry fee is the separate layer you add on top if you want to go inside.

If you’re traveling with people who don’t love waiting in lines, you should still consider this tour for the other grottos and the Faraglioni viewpoint. But you may want to agree in advance on what you’ll do if the Blue Grotto line grows.

Snorkeling and swimming: turning the boat day into water time

One of the best reasons to choose a speedboat route around Capri is that you can actually use the water, not just look at it. You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, and the itinerary includes multiple water-focused spots. Even when you don’t snorkel the entire time, having gear ready means you can jump in when conditions look good.

The overall vibe from the guide side matters here. On boats like this, the skipper’s job is not only steering between sights, but also helping you get in and out smoothly and safely. If you care about swim time, prioritize operators whose crews are comfortable dropping anchor and letting people enjoy the sea for a bit.

This trip’s structure supports that. You’ll see a mix of grotto areas and coastline, then you get the chance to enjoy the water during the anchored moments. For me, that’s where the trip stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like a Capri day.

Pack for wet potential if you have it in your travel kit. Capri boat days are usually the kind where you end up with water on you, even if you only dip a hand or a shoulder.

Price and value: is $1,364.85 per group worth it?

The price is $1,364.85 per group for up to 6 people. On paper, that sounds like a lot until you break it down. If you fill the boat, it works out to roughly $228 per person for a half-day around Capri by motorboat with included drinks, snorkeling gear, and a restroom.

What makes it feel like good value is that it’s private and timed for efficiency. You’re not waiting around for a larger group schedule, and you’re not paying for transportation between scattered viewing points. The boat handles the distance, and the itinerary keeps you from spending too much time stuck at any one place.

It’s also a solid choice if your group wants variety. In a few hours you get grottos like White and Green, the sea stacks at Faraglioni, a view of Villa Malaparte, and lighthouse scenery at Punta Carena, plus a Roman-villa coast stop. If you were trying to build that from ferries and separate tours, you’d spend more time coordinating and often lose the seamless flow.

The tradeoff is the Blue Grotto entry. Since that’s not included, you should treat it as an add-on cost and time factor. If Blue Grotto inside is a must for your group, factor that into your planning.

Who this Capri boat trip fits best

This is a great match if you want Capri’s highlights without committing to a full-day tour. It’s especially good for small groups who like to move efficiently and still have space to breathe between stops.

It also suits travelers who appreciate a guided approach with a quick narrative. When the skipper shares context on what you’re seeing, even a 10-minute viewpoint feels more meaningful than a random photo stop.

You may find this works well for most travelers because it’s structured and not overly long. But keep in mind you’re on a speedboat with multiple boarding moments. If you’re very sensitive to boat motion, it’s worth thinking about your comfort level with sea travel, even when conditions are good.

Should you book this Itama 38 half-day around Capri?

I’d book it if your goal is a fast, high-impact Capri orientation from the water. The mix of grotto stops, Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Punta Carena creates a rounded picture of the island, and the included drinks plus snorkeling gear make it feel like more than just sightseeing.

I’d hesitate if your party hates line delays or wants long time on land at one specific attraction. The Blue Grotto is the biggest wildcard because tickets aren’t included and the wait can be long in peak season. If you can handle that uncertainty, the rest of the itinerary is well paced for a half-day.

Bottom line: if you want Capri by sea with a small-group feel, this tour has the right ingredients—speedboat comfort, real variety, and enough swim time to make the day memorable.

FAQ

How long is the Half day around Capri by Itama 38 speedboat?

It’s approximately 4 hours.

How many people can be in a group?

This is a private tour/activity for only your group, with up to 6 people.

Where do we meet, and where does the tour end?

Meet at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 34, 80076 Capri NA, Italy. The tour ends at Porto Turistico di CapriMarina di Caterola, 80073 Capri NA, at Capri Marina.

What’s included on board?

Included are bottled water, soda/pop, beer, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board.

Is the Blue Grotto ticket included?

No. Blue Grotto admission tickets are not included.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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