The classic island circuit covers around 17 km of coastline and takes about 90 minutes without stops.

Departure is from Marina Grande harbor, the main arrival point for all ferries and hydrofoils coming to the island. From here, boats head clockwise along the eastern coast.

The first landmarks are the Salto di Tiberio headland, where the ruins of Villa Jovis are visible high on the rock above, and the Grotta Bianca — also known as the Grotta Meravigliosa — named for the light reflections it creates inside. Past the headland, the route follows the southern coast, passing in front of Villa Malaparte, the iconic red house built by writer Curzio Malaparte on the promontory of Capo Masullo.

Next come the Faraglioni: three rock stacks rising up to 109 meters out of the sea, with a natural arch carved through the middle.

The best moment for a photo with the Faraglioni as a backdrop is just after passing them, when the boat reaches the area off Marina Piccola.

Continuing along the southern coast, you reach the bay of Marina Piccola. Many tours include a swimming and snorkeling stop here: the water is shallow and clear, with rocks and small fish visible beneath the surface. We recommend bringing a mask and snorkel, especially if you're booking a private tour with open stops.

The western side of the island, part of the municipality of Anacapri, is defined by tall, vertical cliffs. You'll pass the Grotta Verde, with its emerald-green reflections, and reach the Punta Carena Lighthouse — the westernmost point of the island. Just past the lighthouse are Cala di Limmo and Cala del Rio, two secluded coves ideal for an additional swimming stop.

The return route passes the entrance to the Grotta Azzurra, where some tours stop for a visit (see the dedicated section below). The last landmark before returning to port is the Bagni di Tiberio, where the remains of Emperor Tiberius's seafront villa are still visible.

Along this stretch, you'll have clear views of the Gulf of Naples, with Mount Vesuvius on one side and the Sorrento Peninsula on the other.

The Grotta Azzurra is not included in the cost of any boat tour: the entrance fee is paid separately on-site, purchased aboard a small floating ticket boat positioned at the cave entrance. The current admission price is €18 per person.

Visits are only possible when the sea is calm: even moderate waves cause the entrance to close, since the opening in the rock is just 80 cm high and access becomes unsafe. Before joining a tour that includes a Grotta Azzurra stop, check the sea conditions: on this page you can see in real time whether the entrance is open or closed.

Important note: the line to enter can be long in peak season — sometimes up to two hours — and the visit inside lasts only a few minutes. If the Grotta Azzurra is your main priority, book a dedicated tour rather than a full island circuit with an optional stop. Budget group tours only include the Grotta Azzurra stop if the wait is under 30 minutes — in high season, that almost never happens.

On a group tour, you share the boat with other travelers. In Capri, groups can get large: during peak season from June through August, it's common to have 50–80 people on board. Prices start at €25 per person for a two-hour circuit departing from Capri. Small-group tours are a different story — these depart from Capri, Sorrento, and Positano with around 12 passengers per boat, a more flexible pace, and swimming stops included. Tours departing from the mainland also typically allow time ashore.

On a private tour, the boat is entirely yours. You decide where to stop and for how long, whether to pass through the Faraglioni arch (conditions permitting), and whether to visit the Grotta Azzurra on the day. Prices start at €200 for two hours, regardless of the number of people: if you're a group of four or six, the per-person cost gets much closer to a group tour — with far more flexibility. A full-day gozzo rental with skipper starts at around €400.

Our Recommendations

Traveling solo or as a couple on a budget: a 2-hour group tour departing from Capri.
Family or group of 4 or more: a private tour is often better value per person and considerably more comfortable.
Couple looking for a more personal experience: a private tour of 3–4 hours, ideally in the afternoon for softer light and better photos.
Departing from Sorrento or Positano and want to include Capri: a small-group day tour (max 12 people) is the most convenient option.

Group tour tickets departing from Capri can be purchased directly at the harbor on the day, but booking online saves a few euros and guarantees your spot. In July and August, demand is high and spots on smaller boats (small-group tours) often sell out weeks in advance.

Private boats should always be booked ahead of time: during peak season, especially on weekends, we recommend booking as early as possible.

All tours include free cancellation in case of bad weather: if sea conditions make navigation unsafe, refunds are automatic. Keep in mind that moderate wind and swell won't cancel a tour but may make the experience less comfortable — something to consider if you're prone to seasickness.