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6 BEST Capri Boat Tours from Positano (selected by an Italian)

Capri is one of the most popular day trips from Positano, and for good reason. The island is just about an hour away by boat, and it offers a mix of dramatic scenery, clear water, famous landmarks, and plenty to do in a single day.

In my opinion, the best way to visit Capri from Positano is by boat. You get to enjoy the coastline along the way, cruise around the island, stop for a swim, and in most cases still have free time to explore Capri on land.

To help you choose quickly, I’ve rounded up the best Capri boat tours from Positano, from classic small-group trips to semi-private and private experiences.

Aerial view of small boats floating over bright blue and turquoise waters near Capri

Why trust me? I’m Italian, born and raised in Bologna, and I’ve visited Capri multiple times. I’ve also spent the last 10+ years helping travelers plan trips in Italy, so I know what makes a boat tour actually worth booking.

I usually book tours through Viator and GetYourGuide because they offer reliable operators and flexible cancellation policies. Most boat tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Best Capri Boat Tours from Positano: Quick Picks

Short on time? These are the Capri boat tours from Positano I recommend most:

Tour Best for Book
Small-Group Boat Tour to Capri Island from Positano
Full day · Small-group boat tour
Best overall Check availability
Capri: Full-Day Boat Tour
Full day · Shared boat tour
Best alternative group tour Check availability
Capri Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks
Full day · Shared boat tour
Best for snorkeling & swimming stops Check availability
Capri Semi-Private Boat Tour with City Visit
Full day · Semi-private boat tour
Best premium experience Check availability
Private Capri Boat Tour Top Seller
Full day · Private tour
Best for smaller private groups Check availability
Capri Private Boat Tour from Positano
Full day · Private tour
Best for larger private groups Check availability

OUR PICK: The Best Capri Boat Tour from Positano

Duration: Full day
Type: Small-group boat tour
Best for: Travelers who want a balanced Capri day trip with boat sightseeing, swimming stops, and free time on the island

In my opinion, the Small-Group Boat Tour to Capri Island from Positano is the best option for most travelers. It offers the full Capri experience in one day, without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

You’ll leave from Positano and cruise along the coast before reaching Capri, where the boat circles the island so you can admire some of its most famous sights from the water. Depending on conditions, you may see grottoes, the Faraglioni rocks, and other natural landmarks, with time to stop for a swim in the clear water.

One of the reasons I like this tour so much is that it also includes free time on Capri (check out my guide to the best things to do in Capri), so you’re not just staying on the boat all day. You can explore Capri Town or Anacapri, enjoy lunch, do a bit of shopping, or simply soak up the atmosphere before returning to Positano.

Because it’s a small-group experience, it feels a lot more relaxed than some of the larger boat tours. You get a better overall experience on board, while still keeping the price far below a private trip.

Why this is the best tour

It’s the most balanced option if you’re staying in Positano. You get a scenic boat ride, swimming stops, a cruise around Capri, and time to explore the island on your own, all in one day. It’s also a small-group tour, which makes the experience feel more enjoyable and less hectic.

Pros

  • Small group, so it doesn’t feel crowded
  • Includes both boat time and free time in Capri
  • Easy departure directly from Positano

Cons

  • Still a shared tour
  • Limited time on Capri compared to visiting independently

Read what the reviews say:

“An unforgettable day! We had a fantastic captain and skipper. Fun music, stunning views and met great people. A day we will not forget. Highly recommend.”

Catherine_K – Read more reviews

This tour includes transfers, a boat trip around Capri, swimming stops, snacks, drinks, and free time on the island. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Shared Capri Boat Tours from Positano

Capri: Full-Day Boat Tour

Duration: Full day
Type: Shared boat tour
Best for: Travelers who want a classic Capri boat trip with free time on the island

If you’re looking for a classic Capri: Full-Day Boat Tour, this is one of the best alternatives to my top pick. It includes a scenic cruise to Capri, a tour around the island by boat, and free time to explore on your own once you arrive.

Along the way, you’ll see some of Capri’s most famous natural sights from the water, including the Faraglioni rocks, the Natural Arch, and the White Grotto. There’s also a swimming stop at Marina Piccola, and you may have the option to visit the Blue Grotto if sea conditions allow.

After some time on land to wander around Capri, you’ll head back by boat with snacks and a glass of Prosecco. It’s a solid all-round option if you want the classic Capri experience without splurging on a private trip.

Pros

  • Cruise around Capri and see the island from the water
  • Includes free time to explore Capri on your own
  • Great value for a full-day boat trip

Cons

  • Shared tour, so it feels less intimate than a small-group or private trip
  • Blue Grotto visit depends on sea conditions and queues

This tour includes a boat trip, snacks, soft drinks, Prosecco, towels, and free time on Capri. ➥ BOOK HERE

Capri Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks

Duration: Full day
Type: Shared boat tour
Best for: Travelers who want more swimming and snorkeling during the day

If spending more time in the water sounds like your kind of day, this Capri Boat Tour with Snorkeling & Drinks is a great pick. It follows the classic Capri boat trip formula, but the experience is a bit more focused on swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the sea.

You’ll cruise from Positano toward Capri, admire the island’s dramatic coastline from the boat, and stop in beautiful spots where you can jump into the water. If you enjoy being active rather than just sitting onboard all day, this tour has a more playful feel.

You’ll still get time to enjoy Capri itself, but the real appeal here is the boat experience. The included drinks are a nice touch too, especially on the ride back when everyone is salty, tired, and happy.

Pros

  • Better choice if you want snorkeling and swimming stops
  • Fun, active alternative to a standard sightseeing cruise
  • Drinks included onboard

Cons

  • Less ideal if your main goal is maximizing time on Capri itself
  • Shared format, so still not as exclusive as semi-private or private tours

This tour includes a boat trip, snorkeling gear, drinks, and swimming stops around Capri. ➥ BOOK HERE

Premium Capri Boat Tour from Positano (Semi-Private)

If you want something a bit more exclusive than a standard group tour but don’t want to pay for a fully private boat, a semi-private Capri boat tour is a great middle ground. These tours usually have fewer people onboard, a more relaxed atmosphere, and a slightly more curated experience.

The Capri Semi-Private Boat Tour with City Visit is the best option in this category. It keeps the same core experience, cruising around Capri, swimming stops, and time on the island, but with a smaller group and a more comfortable setup.

It’s a good choice if you care about space, comfort, and overall vibe. You’ll still share the boat, but it won’t feel crowded, and the experience tends to be smoother and more enjoyable overall.

Pros

  • Smaller group than standard tours
  • More comfortable and relaxed experience
  • Great balance between price and exclusivity

Cons

  • More expensive than regular group tours
  • Still not fully private

This tour includes a semi-private boat, swimming stops, and free time on Capri. ➥ BOOK HERE

Private Capri Boat Tours from Positano

If you’re looking for a more exclusive experience, a private Capri boat tour is the way to go. You’ll have the boat entirely to yourself, a flexible itinerary, and the freedom to spend as much time as you want swimming, sightseeing, or relaxing.

Private tours are obviously more expensive, but they can be a great value if you’re traveling with a group and want a more personalized day on the water.

Private Capri Boat Tour – Local Gems and Prosecco (Top Seller)

Duration: Full day
Type: Private boat tour
Best for: Small groups looking for a flexible and personalized Capri experience

This Private Capri Boat Tour (Top Seller) is a great option if you want a fully customizable day. You’ll cruise along the coast and around Capri, with the freedom to stop wherever you like for swimming or photos.

Because it’s private, the experience feels much more relaxed. You won’t have to stick to a fixed schedule, and you can adjust the pace depending on what you enjoy most, whether that’s swimming, sightseeing, or simply relaxing on the boat.

Pros

  • Fully private experience
  • Flexible itinerary and pace
  • Great option for small groups

Cons

  • More expensive than shared tours

This tour includes a private boat, skipper, fuel, and stops around Capri. ➥ BOOK HERE

Capri Private Boat Tour from Positano for Larger Groups

Duration: Full day
Type: Private boat tour
Best for: Larger groups who want a private experience departing directly from Positano

The Capri Private Boat Tour from Positano is ideal if you’re staying in Positano and want the convenience of departing directly from town. It’s also better suited for slightly larger groups.

You’ll follow a similar route around Capri, with stops for swimming and sightseeing, but everything is tailored to your preferences. It’s a great option if you want to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a more exclusive day on the water.

Pros

  • Private experience with flexible itinerary
  • Departs directly from Positano
  • Works well for larger groups

Cons

  • Higher price point
  • May be excessive for small groups or couples

This tour includes a private boat, skipper, and customizable stops around Capri. ➥ BOOK HERE

Is a Capri Boat Tour from Positano Worth It?

In my opinion, yes. A Capri boat tour from Positano is one of the best ways to experience the island and the coastline in a single day.

You get to see the famous Faraglioni, swim in crystal clear water, and enjoy views of the Amalfi Coast that you simply can’t get from land. It’s also far less stressful than trying to piece together ferries, taxis, and timings on your own.

If you’re short on time or want a more relaxed experience, a boat tour is absolutely worth it. The only downside is the price, but for most people, it ends up being one of the highlights of their trip.

If you’re still deciding how to plan your day, I’ve written a full guide on how to plan a day trip to Capri, including ferry options and what to do on the island.

FAQs About Capri Boat Tours from Positano

How long is a Capri boat tour from Positano?

Most tours last between 7 and 8 hours. Some shorter options exist, but full-day tours are the most common and give you enough time to enjoy both the boat ride and Capri itself.

Do these tours include time on Capri?

Yes, most tours include free time on the island, usually a couple of hours. Keep in mind that some experiences focus more on swimming and coastal views, so always check the itinerary.

What’s included in a Capri boat trip?

Typically, tours include boat, skipper, fuel, drinks, and stops for swimming. Some also include snacks or snorkeling gear. Entrance fees, like the Blue Grotto, are usually not included.

Is a private Capri boat tour worth it?

If you’re traveling with a group or want a more flexible and relaxed experience, a private tour can be worth the cost. For couples or solo travelers, a small-group or semi-private option is usually a better value.

Still not sure which one to choose? If you want the best mix of value, experience, and reviews, I recommend going with the top pick. It’s the one most travelers end up loving.

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.