REVIEW · SORRENTO
Sorrento: Capri and Blue Grotto Yacht Tour with Snorkeling
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Lubrense Boats · Bookable on GetYourGuide
A Capri boat night feels like a cheat code—more light, less pressure, and cooler water views. I like how the tour mixes cave sightseeing with actual swim time, plus a 2-hour Capri city break where you can move at your own pace. The big thing to know: it’s not ideal if you have a back issue, and you’ll want to plan for extra entry fees for the Blue Grotto.
This is a late-afternoon departure that comes back by moonlight, so you get the dramatic coastline when the sun is lower. I also like that the small group stays limited to 12 people, which usually means less time stuck waiting and more time enjoying the water.
There are a couple of “watch your budget” items up front: the Blue Grotto entrance fee and a Capri landing tax aren’t included, so your final total may be higher than the headline price.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth circling on your map
- Why this late-afternoon Capri yacht loop hits different
- From Sorrento to Capri: the cruise portions that set the mood
- Anacapri and Capri city center: two very different flavors
- The cave route: Blue Grotto, White Grotta, Green Grotto, and the Natural Arch
- Blue Grotto: the headline moment (with an extra fee)
- White Grotta: the contrast stop
- Arco Naturale: a quick wow from the water
- Green Grotto: the light-and-shadow effect
- Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Punta Carena Lighthouse viewpoints
- Faraglioni: photos from the right angle
- Marina Piccola: for swimming and snorkeling time
- Punta Carena Lighthouse: coastal passing views
- Snorkeling masks, drinks, and the onboard pace (no long dead time)
- Price and add-on fees: what you’ll really spend
- Who this tour suits best (and who should skip)
- Should you book this Sorrento to Capri Blue Grotto yacht tour?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Sorrento to Capri yacht tour?
- Is pickup included?
- What’s included in the price?
- What extra fees should I expect for Capri and the Blue Grotto?
- What caves and viewpoints are part of the itinerary?
- Is snorkeling time included?
- Is this tour wheelchair-friendly or suitable for people with back problems?
Key highlights worth circling on your map

- A small group (12 people max) for a calmer pace on a busy island
- Snorkeling and swim masks included, plus beer, prosecco, water, soft drinks, and chips
- Blue Grotto + White Grotta + Green Grotto stops with guided context
- Faraglioni rock viewing plus time near Marina Piccola for swimming and snorkeling
- Capri city center time (about 2 hours) for photos and your own wandering
Why this late-afternoon Capri yacht loop hits different

Capri looks good in any weather, but the timing here matters. You leave the Sorrento area in the late afternoon and return by moonlight, which helps you avoid the harshest daytime glare and gives you that soft evening color on the cliffs and sea.
You’re also not stuck doing one long “bus ride” day. This is built around boat cruising with multiple water-and-coast stops. That’s what makes it feel efficient: you spend your time where the views live—in motion, and then in brief, meaningful pauses.
The tour is run by Lubrense Boats, and it’s guided live in English, Italian, and Spanish. With a live guide, you’re not just looking at rocks and caves—you’re getting explanations while you’re actually nearby to see the effects.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sorrento.
From Sorrento to Capri: the cruise portions that set the mood

The day begins with pickup from a choice of locations around the Sorrento/Massa Lubrense area—places like Sorrento, Sant’Agnello, Termini, Priora, and Massa Lubrense are listed among the options. After pickup, you start with a short boat cruise (about 30 minutes) from the Sorrento area.
Then comes the longer crossing/approach phase: there’s a Capri boat cruise segment (about 1 hour). Think of this as your “get your bearings” stretch. You’ll be viewing the island’s coastline from the water before you spend time on land, which makes your later stops feel more connected.
One small practical note: pickup time is shared the day before via WhatsApp/text/email. The provider says the vehicle can wait up to 5 minutes if you’re delayed, so I’d treat the pickup window seriously. On the water schedule, minutes add up.
Anacapri and Capri city center: two very different flavors

After the early cruising, the route includes a short Anacapri visit (about 20 minutes). That’s not enough time to do everything people dream about in Anacapri, but it’s enough for a quick change of scenery and a look at the island from a different angle than the main port area.
The real land-time block is about 2 hours in Capri city center. This is the part you’ll appreciate if you like choosing your own pace. In that window, you can:
- get photos of the Faraglioni rock formations (the famous stacks that you’ll also see from the water)
- take in the area on your own terms, rather than being whisked from one stop to another
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants both: this is your balance. The morning-to-evening boat motion gives you the big-picture coastline, while the city break lets you do human-scale strolling and shopping (or just people-watching—Capri is good at that).
The cave route: Blue Grotto, White Grotta, Green Grotto, and the Natural Arch

This tour’s identity is its cave sequence. You don’t just stop at one grotto; you move through several, and the guide explains what you’re seeing so it feels more than a drive-by photo stop.
Blue Grotto: the headline moment (with an extra fee)
The Blue Grotto is the famous one—known for its light effects. The tour includes learning about its history and how it works, which is useful because the wow-factor isn’t random. That said, the Blue Grotto entrance fee is not included (listed as €18 per person).
So here’s the real value question: are you booking the tour because you want the caves experience? If yes, budget that additional €18 and you’re aligned. If you only care about Faraglioni and general coastline time, you might decide the cave fees are more than you need.
White Grotta: the contrast stop
Next, you’ll visit the White Grotta, described as a natural place where everything looks white. Even if you’ve seen photos before, this stop tends to feel different because the effect depends on what’s bouncing around in the water and the cave conditions. It’s short (about 10 minutes for one of the grotto visits is listed later for Green Grotto), so you’ll want to move quickly with your camera settings and trust your eyes too.
Arco Naturale: a quick wow from the water
You also stop to admire Arco Naturale (Natural Arch). This is a great “imagination” stop. When you’re looking at a natural arch from the water, it’s easier to appreciate scale—your brain can measure it against the boat and coastline.
The stop time listed for Arco Naturale is around 10 minutes, so it’s not a long hike or anything. It’s a look-fast-and-absorb moment.
Green Grotto: the light-and-shadow effect
Later, you visit the Green Grotto, where a mix of light and shadows can make the water turn green. This again is about conditions and timing more than “turning a crank.” The Green Grotto visit is listed as about 10 minutes, which makes it a grab-and-go highlight.
Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Punta Carena Lighthouse viewpoints

Some places on Capri are best seen from specific vantage points, and this route is built around those.
Faraglioni: photos from the right angle
You’ll pass by or stop to see Faraglioni with a listed visit time around 10 minutes. From the water, those rock stacks don’t just look tall—they look dramatic, like they’re carved for postcards. The city-center time also lines up with getting your own photos on foot near viewpoints.
Marina Piccola: for swimming and snorkeling time
One of the most practical parts of this tour is Marina Piccola. The tour specifically calls out swimming and snorkeling here. That matters because it’s not just “look at water.” It’s actually water time with included masks.
If you like the idea of a “yacht tour” but you also want to do something active in the sea, this stop is the payoff.
Punta Carena Lighthouse: coastal passing views
The itinerary includes passing Punta Carena Lighthouse, plus Anacapri’s beach areas as you cruise around. Even without a long stop, passing these landmarks from the water is valuable because they frame the island’s coastline like a moving photo gallery.
Snorkeling masks, drinks, and the onboard pace (no long dead time)
The tour includes snorkeling masks and swim masks (the info lists both snorkeling masks and diving masks, but functionally this is your underwater gear). It’s a nice touch that you don’t have to bring your own, especially if you’re traveling light.
Food and drinks are also built in:
- water
- soft drinks
- beer and prosecco
- chips
And you’re dealing with a timeframe that stays active: cruise segments, cave stops, and a couple of land breaks, rather than a full day of waiting around.
One consideration: this is a boat day with multiple short stops. If you hate doing “quick looks” and want long stretches in the same place, the pacing might feel a bit brisk. That said, for most people, the short stops are what keep the day from turning into one long, slow slideshow.
Also, smoking isn’t allowed on the tour. You’re out on the water; keep it clean.
Price and add-on fees: what you’ll really spend

The listed price is $143.48 per person for a 5–6 hour experience. That’s a fair starting point because you’re paying for:
- a yacht boat trip
- a live guide
- included snorkeling gear
- drinks (beer, prosecco, soft drinks, water)
- snacks (chips)
But your final number can rise due to two specific items called out as not included:
- Capri landing tax and destination fee: €10 per person
- Blue Grotto entrance fee: €18 per person
And there’s pickup/drop-off pricing noted as €10–15 per person.
So the value math is pretty clear:
- If you want the Blue Grotto, the add-on fees are part of the deal and you’re still likely getting a better package than paying individual boat + cave access separately.
- If you only want the scenery and don’t care about Blue Grotto specifically, you may want to compare against a simpler coastline boat tour—because those two fees are the biggest “surprise” costs.
Bottom line: this feels most worth it when you’re motivated by the whole circuit—grottoes + Faraglioni + real swim/snorkel time.
Who this tour suits best (and who should skip)
This is a strong fit for people who:
- want a small-group day (max 12)
- enjoy water time more than long land tours
- like guided context while still getting free time in Capri city center
- can handle short stops and quick photo windows
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users and it’s not suitable for people with back problems. Also, infants must sit on laps, which is good to know if you’re traveling with a baby.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you might find boat time challenging—this information doesn’t address that directly, so you’ll want to judge based on your own history.
Should you book this Sorrento to Capri Blue Grotto yacht tour?

I’d book it if you want Capri’s “greatest hits” in one organized loop: cruise the coastline, see Faraglioni, swim near Marina Piccola, and get the Blue Grotto (plus White and Green grottos). The evening return gives the day a calmer feel, and the included drinks and snorkeling masks make it feel like more than just a sightseeing ride.
I’d think twice if you hate paying extra on the day or if you’re hoping for long, slow time in one place. Cave stops are short by nature, and the pacing is designed to cover multiple highlights rather than linger.
If you’re planning your first Capri visit and want a straightforward way to see the water side of the island, this tour’s format is a good bet—especially with the small group size and the real swim/snorkel time built into the route.
FAQ
What is the duration of the Sorrento to Capri yacht tour?
The tour lasts about 5–6 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll need to check availability for the specific departure you want.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is included, and the pickup time is shared the day before the tour via WhatsApp, text message, or email. The instructions say to arrive at the pickup point about 10 minutes early, and the bus can wait up to 5 minutes if you’re delayed.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a tour guide, the yacht boat trip, snorkeling masks, water and soft drinks, beer and prosecco, and chips.
What extra fees should I expect for Capri and the Blue Grotto?
You’ll need to budget for the Capri landing tax and destination fee (€10 per person), plus the Blue Grotto entrance fee (€18 per person). Pickup/drop-off is listed as an additional €10–15 per person.
What caves and viewpoints are part of the itinerary?
You’ll visit the Blue Grotto and also stop at the White Grotta and Green Grotto. The itinerary also includes Arco Naturale and views around Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, and Punta Carena Lighthouse.
Is snorkeling time included?
Yes. The tour includes snorkeling and swim masks, and it includes swimming and snorkeling time at Marina Piccola and other cruise stops.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly or suitable for people with back problems?
It’s not suitable for wheelchair users. It’s also not suitable for people with back problems.
























