CAVE BOAT TOURS IN ITALY
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 cave boat tours in Italy justify the slot, priced and timed, with the stairs, the temperature and the wet bits stated plainly.
From Marina Grande, cruise Capri’s rugged coast with an English or Italian speaking crew, passing the Faraglioni, Casa Malaparte, White and Green Grottos, and Punta Carena Lighthouse. Blue Grotto access costs extra and can involve a wait of up to two hours.
“It was a nice experience. The guide was funny and entertaining.”
Set out from Cala Ponte Marina on a two-hour speedboat ride past Polignano a Mare’s cliffs, beaches, monuments, and sea caves. Guides such as Giuseppe, Claudio, and Mattia add local stories, music, wine, and snacks. You’ll also get time for a swim, weather permitting.
“The cruise was perfect. Our guide Giuseppe was very kind and funny, a great story-teller. The views were stunning, so was the weather. Definitely recommend this tour in Poligniano a Mare for a visit if you come to Bari. The pictures look unreal.”
Join a small group of up to 12 on a Capri cruise from Sorrento. Guides such as Fabrizio, Emmanuel, Antonio, and Federico share local facts, serve drinks and limoncello, and stop for swimming, snorkeling, grottoes, and the Faraglioni. Add the Blue Grotto if conditions allow.
“Lovely day on the boat - super helpful host and lovely experience!”
Sail from Sorrento to Capri in a 12-person boat with a skipper such as Flavio, Agatha, or Enrico. Visit the Blue Grotto early, cruise past Capri’s famous caves and Faraglioni, enjoy drinks and fruit, then spend three hours on the island before swimming back toward Sorrento.
“We enjoyed our tour and had fun. Alessandro was very outgoing and got everybody together and engage. At the end of the tour, I felt Uneasy for the fact that he pull me to the side and recommended me to tip more than what I already Had given him. I was Always taught to be grateful and thus why I gave this a 4 star.”
From Marina Grande, your captain circles Capri’s dramatic coast, points out the Faraglioni, Casa Malaparte, sea caves, and Punta Carena, then stops at the Blue Grotto. The €18 rowboat entry is optional, and waits or rough water can prevent access.
“Great guide. Beautiful views. Love that he took time to take everyone’s photos!!”
From Sorrento, you’ll cruise Capri’s coast in a traditional gozzo with up to eight people, stopping at grottoes, swimming spots, and the Faraglioni. Guides such as Luca, Anna, Francisco, and Francesca add history and local tips. Capri time is self-guided, while Blue Grotto entry costs extra.
“Great day out, fun tour guides and good group size. Was nice to have personal time in each location.”
Cruise from San Vito past Grotta Azzurra, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and other coastal caves. Your Italian or English speaking crew adds local stories, music, a Prosecco aperitif, and a possible swim stop. Small group and private options are available.
“the communication was excellent beforehand. the guys even offered to take us back to the train station as it had started to rain. would absolutely recommend”
This small-group boat tour takes you from Sorrento around Capri with an English or Italian guide, stops for swimming and snorkeling, and a chance to enter the Blue Grotto. Guides such as Lucio, Agatha, and Raffaella are known for lively commentary and personal attention. Bring cash for the Capri fee and grotto ticket.
“So much fun! Lucio made the day. Lots of laughs, jokes and information. Sights we went to on the way were amazing, including the music played to accompany this site.”
Join a small group of up to 10 on the Dorino boat for a 1.5-hour cruise past Polignano a Mare’s famous caves, Lama Monachile, Grotta Palazzese, and Cala Port’Alga. Guides such as Nicolas, Valerio, and Enzo add humor and local stories, with a swim stop, snorkeling mask, Prosecco, and Apulian taralli included.
“Funny, friendly guide, nice prosecco break at the end of trip!”
Cruise from Sorrento to Capri in a small group of up to 12, stopping at coastal coves, sea caves, the Faraglioni, and swimming spots. You get a Caprese sandwich, snacks, drinks, and 3 to 4 hours on Capri. Guides such as Francesco, Rosella, and Yana add local color.
“It's a small group tour, therefore a small boat. The water between Sorrento and Capri is generally not smooth. Having said that, I'm slightly susceptible to feeding the fish on this type of trip. No worries this time, some ginger pills with breakfast and all good. It fit our timeline for seeing the highlights, but I would suggest an earlier morning ferry ride over, smoother and less costly, and spend time at your leisure exploring. Our guide Francisco was highly enthusiastic, very engaging and knowledgeable, giving us a multitude of tidbits along the way. Open bar is always a plus. A wonderful daytrip, highly recommend it.”
Take a 90-minute boat ride from San Vito along Polignano a Mare’s dramatic coast. Expect sea caves, swim stops, snorkeling gear, music, local commentary, and a small Prosecco aperitivo with taralli. Captains including Christian, Nicholas, Nicolas, and Valerio may lead the trip.
“What a fantastic experience, our family of four loved this boat trip. A great tour guide and easy to book. If your thinking of booking just do it, your on a boat off the coast of Italy sipping Prosecco !!”
Join HP Travel at Marina Grande for a two-hour small-group cruise around Capri. Your bilingual crew, including captains such as Roberto, Alex, or Vincenzo, takes you past major coastal sights, into several grottos, and to a swimming stop, with snacks, drinks, and limoncello included.
“Our boat trip was fantastic! The boat was nice and clean, and Alex is a great captain. Despite the waves being a bit rough, Alex ensured we were comfortable throughout the journey. Though we had never shared a boat with a group of other people before, it felt very spacious and enjoyable. The captain took pictures of each of us and showed us the best parts of the island. We also had a 20-minute swimming time. Definitely worth the price!”
Spend 90 minutes cruising around Ortigia with Captain Mirko or another local crew member. See Maniace Castle, the Aretusa Fountain, sea caves, forts, and the Umbertino Bridge, then stop for a swim with masks and fresh water provided.
“We had a great tour with Captain Mirko. He was knowledgeable and funny. We were able to stop and swim which was great since it was super hot! Great way to see a little of the island!”
Cruise around Ortigia with an English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking skipper. Pass under Umbertino Bridge, view Arethusa Spring and Maniace Castle, enter sea caves, stop to swim and snorkel, and enjoy seasonal fruit, juice, and prosecco. Guides such as Michelangelo, Gaetano, Salvo, and Gianni are known for adding plenty of personality.
“I liked every moment of this trip. Our guide was extremely friendly, we had a really good time. The water, caves and swimming were all perfect. I absolutely recommend this activity for every age group. He spoke English which was a big help, moreover I think all of the people on that boat became a little community at the end of the trip. We got fruits, drinks and equipments. I will come back if I come to Sicily next time. Thank you for everything!”
In 90 minutes, cruise from outside A Surgiva around Ortigia with an English or Italian skipper. See the Umbertino Bridge, Maniace Castle, Fonte Aretusa, and coastal caves, then swim with provided masks before fruit, prosecco, soft drinks, and music.
“Our tour guide Davide was extremely friendly and a great tour guide. Water, fruit, prosecco, and other soft drinks were provided as described. The Ortigia coastline was beautiful and you do a complete lap around the island. The boat goes into a few small caves and we found a calm spot to swim for a few minutes as well. Snorkels are provided for those interested, but it’s not a big part of the trip. Great value for the money. Grazie!”
By boat, by ladder, by staircase or on a rope.
