Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride

REVIEW · CAPRI

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride

  • 4.55 reviews
  • 6 hours (approx.)
  • From $696.98
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Operated by Raphael Tours & Events · Bookable on Viator

Capri can feel like a circus of buses and boats. This version keeps things organized with a mix of private car time and guided stops, plus a shared boat ride around the island. You’re also in position for the Blue Grotto and the cliff views people come for.

I especially like two things about this tour. First: the combo of a private convertible-car scenic drive and the calmer pacing of set photo stops means you’re not just herded from spot to spot. Second: you get the “wow” sequence—boat caves and Faraglioni, then chairlift views from Monte Solaro, then the Giardini di Augusto viewpoints.

One thing to consider is that your day depends on conditions. The Blue Grotto stop is only if the tide works, and the shared boat ride can feel rough if the sea is choppy.

In This Review

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

  • Convertible-car cliff drive after you meet your guide at Marina Grande
  • Blue Grotto entry depends on tide, so plan for a maybe
  • Shared boat ride covers caves plus Faraglioni rock formations
  • Chairlift to Monte Solaro is included, with views from the island’s highest point
  • Giardini di Augusto tickets are included, with a Bay of Salerno view

Salerno to Capri: you’ll start with ferry decisions

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Salerno to Capri: you’ll start with ferry decisions
This is a day trip built around a simple idea: you handle the ferry from Salerno, the tour handles the rest. To start from Salerno, you’ll buy your own round-trip fast ferry ticket at Salerno Marino (own expense). Then you’ll catch the hydrofoil that gets you to Capri with enough time to meet the guide.

Your timing guidance is specific: catch the hydrofoil from Amalfi at 08:55 or from Positano at 09:15, and buy your ferry tickets in advance. That matters because Capri schedules can get tight, and you don’t want to spend your morning sprinting between docks.

When you arrive at Marina Grande (Capri), you meet your guide at the ferry gate. From there, you’re not waiting around—your day moves into transport on the island with a private convertible car or a minibus on Capri.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Capri

Why this structure is good for your day

You get a clear division of labor. You do the one thing you can’t outsource easily (ferry), and the tour does the island connections (car, chairlift tickets, garden tickets). For a 6-hour day, that’s a big deal.

Marina Grande: the calm start at Capri’s main port

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Marina Grande: the calm start at Capri’s main port
Your first stop is Marina Grande, the main port in Capri. You’ll arrive here from Amalfi or Positano by ferry and meet your local guide. This part is short—about 30 minutes—but it helps you reset your bearings right away.

There’s a practical benefit to starting at Marina Grande instead of jumping straight into the high streets of Capri. You get the quick orientation moment before you start moving up and down the island.

Also note: once you end later, you return to Marina Grande for the ferry ride back. So you’ll see this area twice—early for meet-up, late for a smooth exit.

Shared boat ride: caves, Faraglioni, and the reality of sea conditions

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Shared boat ride: caves, Faraglioni, and the reality of sea conditions
One of the biggest “Capri in one hit” moments is the shared boat ride—about 1 hour—around the island. This is where you’ll see famous caves like the White and Green Caves and the iconic Faraglioni rock formations.

This part is included, and it’s a key value driver: you’re paying for an island experience that would be harder to DIY in a tight schedule. You also get that classic sea-level perspective that you can’t fully recreate from viewpoints.

Now for the part you should plan for: this ride is shared, and it’s still a boat on open water. One experience can be magical; another can be tiring if the sea is rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring what you use at home and take it early.

A heads-up on language support

The tour description covers a professional local guide, but the shared boat segment may not always feel like a fully guided, bilingual commentary. If you care a lot about understanding every stop, keep expectations flexible and use your time to enjoy the scenery over “lecture mode.”

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Capri

The scenic drive on Mamma Mia Road: the land view you don’t want to miss

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - The scenic drive on Mamma Mia Road: the land view you don’t want to miss
After the boat portion, you’ll switch to land transport. The itinerary highlights a gorgeous drive along the cliffside road often referred to as Mamma Mia Road—the one with sea views that look staged for postcards.

You travel in a private convertible car (up to 5 people) or a minibus on Capri, depending on your group setup. This is the kind of transport that changes how you experience an island. You don’t just “arrive.” You see things along the way.

Why this drive is more than scenery

Capri’s routes can be confusing. A guided car transfer reduces that friction and keeps you on a schedule that still leaves time for viewpoints. It’s especially helpful if you want the island feel without spending your day navigating steep roads, tight turns, and parking headaches.

Blue Grotto: the tide decides if you go inside

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Blue Grotto: the tide decides if you go inside
The Blue Grotto stop is one of the main attractions on this route, but entry is not guaranteed. The plan is to stop if the conditions allow and to walk into the sea cave if it’s not high tide.

Here’s what makes it special: sunlight passes through an underwater opening and reflects through the seawater, creating that iconic blue illumination inside the cavern.

How to plan for the maybe

If the tide isn’t right, you may still get the viewpoint experience, but you might miss the walk-in moment. That’s not a failure. It’s how the grotto works. If you’re traveling with limited flexibility, just accept that nature runs the schedule here.

Anacapri break: shops, square time, and lunch at your pace

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Anacapri break: shops, square time, and lunch at your pace
Next you head to Anacapri, the island’s second-largest center. It’s known for a different vibe than Capri town—more local craft shops and typical foods to try, without feeling as tightly packed as the main square area.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. This is your breathing space: use it for a relaxed wander, small shopping stops, and deciding how hungry you are.

Lunch is own expense. The tour gives you time to choose your own meal, which I like because it lets you match the food to your budget. If you want a view while you eat, this is the moment to look around and pick a spot that feels right.

Optional “choose your mood” energy

The day is structured so you can handle both the Anacapri walk-around time and the higher viewpoints. In practice, that means you should keep movement efficient—don’t spend your whole hour deep in one store unless you’re okay arriving later for photos.

Monte Solaro by chairlift: the view that feels earned

Private tour of Capri & Anacapri with Scenic Shared Boat Ride - Monte Solaro by chairlift: the view that feels earned
From Anacapri, you’ll ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island. This is included (admission tickets are part of the tour), and the stop is about 1 hour total.

The big payoff here is the panoramic view. You’re up above the island rooftops, looking out over the sea with a wider sense of space than you get at street level.

Practical tip: time your walking

Once you’re at the top, don’t try to do everything at once. Pick your key viewpoints, take photos, and then enjoy the slower “nothing to do but look” part. Capri’s charm isn’t just the sights—it’s the pace you give yourself to absorb them.

Piazetta di Capri and the Augustus Gardens: two kinds of charm

After Monte Solaro, the itinerary brings you back toward the main “Capri postcard” areas.

Piazzetta di Capri: the square moment

You’ll head to Piazetta di Capri, the island’s main square, for about 1 hour. This is where people slow down. You’ll likely see a mix of cafes, strolling, and that classic Capri energy.

This part is a walking tour, and it’s a good place to pick up small souvenirs or just sit for a quick rest if your legs are tired.

Giardini di Augusto: views with actual ticket value

Then you’ll visit Giardini di Augusto (Augustus Gardens). Tickets are included, and you’ll spend about 1 hour here.

The key detail is the viewpoint. The gardens offer a breathtaking look out toward the Bay of Salerno. If you want a “Capri from above” angle that pairs nicely with Monte Solaro, this is where it lands.

One smart move: if you’re the type who hates standing in long lines, the gardens being included means you’re not figuring out logistics on your own. And from real-world experience with this style of tour, a well-connected guide can sometimes help with smoother access at the grotto and chairlift—but don’t count on it as a guarantee.

Marina Grande again: wrap-up and getting back to the ferry

At the end of the tour, you return to Marina Grande for about 30 minutes. This window is meant for last-minute browsing, a beach breather, and then hopping on your ferry back to the Amalfi Coast at your preferred time.

That flexible ferry timing is useful. If you like a buffer in your day, you can pick a slightly later departure. If you want to get back and relax sooner, you’ve got the option.

Know your walking level

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness. Capri includes stairs, slopes, and uneven walking—especially around squares and gardens. If you’re comfortable with uphill strolls, you’ll likely be fine.

Price and value: what $696.98 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $696.98 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement Capri outing. The value comes from the mix of included transport and paid entries, not from squeezing in the cheapest option.

Here’s what you’re paying for:

  • A professional local guide
  • Private convertible car transport on the island (with a minibus substitute depending on group size)
  • A shared boat ride around the island (including caves and Faraglioni coverage)
  • Chairlift admission
  • Augustus Gardens admission

What you’re not getting:

  • Ferry tickets (round-trip fast ferry to Capri/from Salerno are your responsibility)
  • Hotel pickup/drop-off
  • Food and drinks (lunch at Anacapri is own expense)

So the true “all-in” cost depends on your ferry and what you do for lunch. But if you want a structured day that strings together the island’s top experiences with fewer headaches, the price starts to make sense.

When this price feels worth it

  • You want private car time plus guided stops, without spending your day planning transfers.
  • You’re traveling in a group where paying for a guide and transport is less painful than piecing it together yourself.
  • You care about hitting the big three: sea sights, Monte Solaro views, and Augustus Gardens.

Weather, tide, and sea sickness: the three variables you can’t ignore

This itinerary has “nature switches.” Two are spelled out:

  • Blue Grotto access depends on tide.
  • The sea for the shared boat ride can be rough.

If the sea is rolling, the boat experience can shift from scenic to stressful fast. One practical takeaway: bring motion sickness remedies and keep your expectations flexible. If you’re on the fence, it’s worth thinking about how you handle choppy water at home.

Also, if you’re hoping for smooth, line-free sightseeing, remember that access can still vary by day. Even with a good local guide, weather and crowd patterns influence the flow.

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

This tour is a strong fit if you want a guided “best-of Capri” day with minimal logistics stress. It’s especially suited to couples and small groups who appreciate scheduled stops and don’t want to argue with buses, schedules, and ticket offices all day.

It might be less ideal if:

  • You get sick easily on boats.
  • You’re traveling only for the inside-the-grotto moment and can’t tolerate a “tide says no” outcome.
  • You expect full English commentary during every shared-boat moment.

Should you book this Capri & Anacapri day trip?

I’d book it if you want a well-shaped day that hits the island’s major highlights: cliffside views by car, the sea caves and Faraglioni from the water, a high viewpoint on Monte Solaro, and the Giardini di Augusto ticketed garden experience.

I’d hesitate if you’re worried about boat discomfort or if you’re traveling during a period when you expect rough seas. This tour can be spectacular on a calm day—but it has less control over the sea and tide than a land-based tour would.

If you do book, do one simple thing: plan your ferry early, pack for motion on the water, and keep your schedule flexible in your head for the Blue Grotto timing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Marina Grande, Capri NA, Italy and ends back at the same meeting point at Marina Grande.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Is the Blue Grotto stop guaranteed?

No. The Blue Grotto stop and entry depend on whether the tide permits it and whether it’s not high tide.

Do I need to buy ferry tickets?

Yes. You must purchase your own round-trip fast ferry tickets (from Salerno Marino) as they are not included.

What transportation is used on Capri?

You’ll travel by private convertible car (for up to 5 people) or a minibus on Capri.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Anacapri is own expense.

Are tickets for the chairlift and gardens included?

Yes. Chairlift admission and Augustus Gardens admission are included.

Is this tour fully private?

It’s a private tour/activity (only your group participates), but it does include a shared boat ride around the island.

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

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