REVIEW · CAPRI
Private Island of Capri by Boat
Book on Viator →Operated by Mr. Costanzo · Bookable on Viator
There’s something about cruising Capri’s coastline that clicks right away, and this private boat plan is built for quick, wow-worthy stops with a skipper at the helm. I love the way you get close enough for real views of the grottos and the snorkeling + sunbathing time (with gear and life jackets provided), and I love how the captain narration can turn rocks into stories—like the friendly, pro energy people often mention with skippers such as Ciro or Giuseppe. One drawback to plan around: the Blue Grotto isn’t included on the 2-hour option, since the cave line eats too much time.
On a typical 2-hour schedule, you’re not just passing landmarks—you’re actually doing a mini circuit of the island’s famous coast. You’ll cruise along the sights, stop where you can swim, and return to the same meeting point without the stress of bouncing between ferries and overcrowded platforms.
The biggest “consideration” for your comfort is sea conditions. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring something like Dramamine beforehand, since smaller boats can feel the swells more.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Private Island of Capri by Boat: how the 2-hour format feels
- Meeting at Piazza Angelo Ferraro: the fastest way to start smoothly
- The mini route: Grotta Verde, Grotta Rossa, Natural Arch, Faraglioni
- Grotta Verde (Green Grotto): the emerald color moment
- Grotta Rossa (Red Grotto): color from something you can’t see
- Natural Arch: a Paleolithic-era remnant
- I Faraglioni: the rock spires that look like movie props
- Blue Grotto expectations: what you’re getting (and not getting) on 2 hours
- Snorkeling and sunbathing: included gear, real comfort tips
- Price and value: what $202.65 really buys you
- Who should book this Capri boat tour?
- Should you book Mr. Costanzo’s Private Island of Capri by Boat?
- FAQ
- How long is the Private Island of Capri boat tour?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is the Blue Grotto included on this 2-hour tour?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- How many people can be on a booking?
- Is free cancellation available?
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Private for up to 6 people: your group stays together, so the pace is less rushed.
- Grotta Verde + Grotta Rossa: short, timed stops that still let you take in the color magic.
- Natural Arch on the east coast: a prehistoric-looking remnant you can view without hiking.
- I Faraglioni viewpoints: iconic rock spires photographed from the sea (often with an easy photo moment).
- Snorkeling gear and life jackets included: you can jump in when the captain finds a good spot.
- Free soft drinks onboard: alcohol is extra, but non-alcohol options are covered.
Private Island of Capri by Boat: how the 2-hour format feels
Capri is one of those places that looks best when you’re not stuck on land. From a boat, you get the island’s angles—the cliff faces, the sea caves, and those famous rocks—without the “where do we go next?” scramble. This private setup helps because you’re not sharing the experience with strangers from five different time slots.
The value of the 2-hour duration is that it works even if you only have a slice of time. You’re not trying to “win Capri” in a day; you’re selecting the parts that photograph well and feel special when they’re viewed from the water.
Also, the tour is explicitly private, with a maximum of 6 people per booking. That matters in practice. Smaller groups tend to make it easier for the captain to position the boat, manage time at each stop, and give you breathing room when it’s time to swim.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Capri.
Meeting at Piazza Angelo Ferraro: the fastest way to start smoothly

The meeting point is Piazza Angelo Ferraro, 12, 80076 Capri NA, Italy, and the tour ends right back there. That “same start and finish” setup removes a lot of stress, because you don’t have to plan a second pickup or figure out transit back later.
A practical tip: arrive a touch early. One smart pre-boarding idea from real-day experience is grabbing a cappuccino or a quick snack nearby so you don’t start rushed, especially if you’re squeezing this between ferries, buses, or a busy Capri afternoon.
Because the tour is near public transportation, you won’t feel trapped if your timing is a little off—just aim to be on time. The tour window is approximate and can shift slightly based on sea conditions or control delays, so building in a buffer is your best friend.
The mini route: Grotta Verde, Grotta Rossa, Natural Arch, Faraglioni

This is a structured circuit, but it doesn’t feel like a checklist you can’t enjoy. Each stop is short, typically around 10–15 minutes, which means your time stays focused on sight quality and photo angles rather than long waiting.
Grotta Verde (Green Grotto): the emerald color moment
Grotta Verde is where people’s expectations start to change. The Green Grotto is famous for its glowing, emerald-like look, and the wow factor is visible even with a brief stop. You’ll get a sense of why the color is so talked about—light hits the water and stone in a way that makes it feel almost liquid.
A benefit of doing it by boat on a short tour: you’re not stuck pacing around for hours. You see the highlight, you take in the color, and you move on while the sea mood is still calm and photogenic.
Grotta Rossa (Red Grotto): color from something you can’t see
Grotta Rossa gets its striking color thanks to seaweed. That’s one of those details that makes the whole sight click—this isn’t just a dramatic set piece, it’s a living system shaping what you see. It also makes your brain pay attention to texture and shadows, not just color.
Because the stop is about quick appreciation, don’t overplan what you’ll do. Treat it like: look, photograph, soak in the color, then get back ready for the next landmark.
Natural Arch: a Paleolithic-era remnant
On the east coast, the Natural Arch is a different kind of beauty. It’s described as dating from the Paleolithic age, and it’s essentially the remains of a collapsed grotto. From the water, that collapse reads clearly—like you’re looking at the aftermath of something ancient, not a constructed viewpoint.
If you like “how is this even still here?” moments, this is often the one that sticks in your mind after the bright cave colors fade from memory.
I Faraglioni: the rock spires that look like movie props
Then you hit I Faraglioni, Capri’s signature rock formations: three spurs rising out of the sea near the island’s southern coast. Even if you think you already know what they look like from photos, the scale hits differently from the water.
This stop is usually about views and photo opportunities. The best part is that you’re not just looking from far away. You’re positioned so you can frame those spires with sea and coastline in the same shot.
One more reality check: Faraglioni is photogenic, but timing matters. If the sea is choppy, expect a captain to prioritize safe positioning over getting every angle. That doesn’t reduce the experience—it just changes what “best photo” means.
Blue Grotto expectations: what you’re getting (and not getting) on 2 hours

The Blue Grotto is famous, but this tour comes with a built-in tradeoff: entering it isn’t included on the 2-hour boat plan. The reason is simple—long waiting lines for the cave can swallow the limited time you have.
Instead, you’ll pass by without stopping for entry. If your Blue Grotto priority is huge, you’ll want to plan a separate Blue Grotto visit when you have more time and patience. For many people, that ends up being the better strategy anyway, since it prevents your boat tour from becoming a long, frustrating wait game.
There’s a second angle to this too: passing by still gives you the “famous place” feeling without turning your entire tour into a queue. You still get the grottos you’re scheduled for, plus the sea time.
Snorkeling and sunbathing: included gear, real comfort tips

One of the best parts of this experience is that it’s not all sightseeing. You get time for swimming and snorkeling during the tour window, plus snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. That’s a practical win because Capri’s best moments often happen when you’re in the water and letting the coastline drift past you.
Here’s what to expect in day-to-day terms:
- The captain helps decide when and where to swim based on conditions.
- You can snorkel at your own pace once you’re in the stop area.
- You can also just relax and sunbathe if you’re not feeling like staying underwater the whole time.
If you’re sensitive to motion, plan for it early. One of the most common comfort tips is taking Dramamine in advance if you get seasick easily. And if you’re traveling with kids or non-swimmers, the life jackets help, but still ask yourself how comfortable your group is in open-water conditions.
Also note that free drinks are onboard—soft drinks are included, while alcoholic drinks are available to purchase. If you’re hoping to make it feel extra celebratory, budget for alcohol separately.
Price and value: what $202.65 really buys you

At about $202.65 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. But it also isn’t “pay extra for nothing.” You’re paying for a private experience, a captain-led route that hits the island’s standout coastlines, and the included basics that would cost you separately otherwise: snorkeling equipment and life jackets, plus free soft drinks.
The value is strongest if your time in Capri is limited. In that situation, you avoid the whiplash of switching plans—especially since the tour is designed around a tight, meaningful circuit.
It’s also a decent deal compared with cobbling together separate paid activities (boat + swim gear + time on the water) when you’re already doing a short trip. If you had to hire a private boat without snorkeling time or included gear, you’d usually lose the convenience.
Where the math can soften: if you’re the type who expects the Blue Grotto entry as part of a 2-hour plan. Since it’s not included here, you may want to book a different Blue Grotto plan for full satisfaction.
And one more “value” note: the tour is set for a maximum group size of 6 per booking. If you have a larger group, this might mean you’ll feel a tighter boat space experience than you’d like, especially in rougher sea conditions. If that’s your situation, you might prefer a bigger-boat option elsewhere.
Who should book this Capri boat tour?

This is a great fit if:
- You want a private way to see Capri without getting lost in logistics.
- You’re short on time and want to hit multiple iconic stops in one go.
- You’d like a swim break, not just a “drive-by” sightseeing cruise.
- You value onboard comfort items like life jackets and snorkeling gear without extra rentals.
It’s less ideal if:
- The Blue Grotto is your one must-do and you only have 2 hours total. This plan avoids the cave entry because of the line.
- You get very anxious about choppy water. Small boats can feel it more, so bring motion sickness support if you need it.
Overall, I think it’s best for couples, small groups of friends, families with kids old enough to swim (or who can use life jackets comfortably), and anyone who wants Capri to feel personal instead of crowded.
Should you book Mr. Costanzo’s Private Island of Capri by Boat?

If your goal is to see Capri’s coastline the way it’s meant to be seen—by water—with stops that actually matter and a real swim/snorkel moment—then yes, I’d book it. The included snorkeling gear and life jackets, the free soft drinks, and the tight 2-hour structure are a strong mix for limited time.
But if the Blue Grotto entry is non-negotiable for you, don’t force it into this 2-hour plan. Treat this tour as the “Capri from the sea” highlight package, then plan Blue Grotto separately when you have the time.
One last piece of practical advice: pick a time slot that makes sense for your arrival. If you’re coming from Positano, aim for a 12 PM slot or later, since early ferries can be cancelled or delayed, and late arrivals can prevent you from joining the tour.
FAQ
How long is the Private Island of Capri boat tour?
The tour is about 2 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Piazza Angelo Ferraro, 12, 80076 Capri NA, Italy and ends back at the same meeting point.
Is the Blue Grotto included on this 2-hour tour?
No. Entering the Blue Grotto isn’t included on the 2-hour boat tour due to long waiting lines, and you pass by without stopping.
What’s included in the price?
Included are free soft drinks, a local sailor, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not included, but they are available to purchase.
How many people can be on a booking?
There’s a maximum of 6 people per booking.
Is free cancellation available?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.




















