Welcome to the enchanting island of Capri. While Capri is known for being a luxury travel destination, a trip here doesn’t have to break the bank! In this blog post, we are going to share how to rent a boat and explore the island of Capri without a tour.
Located just off the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy, Capri is a picturesque island that is a magnet for travellers seeking an escape into natural beauty. Its crystal-clear waters, iconic cliffs, and charming villages make it a must-visit spot.
If exploring this captivating island at your own pace and away from the bustling crowds sounds like your kind of trip, this post is for you!
Today we will take you on self guided boat tour in Capri . This journey not only immerses you in the exquisiteness of the area but also allows you to save some euros while steering clear of the crowds.
Why a boat, you ask? Well, because when it comes to experiencing this tiny Italian island, the best adventures unfold on the waves. Join us as we unveil the wonders of Capri, share insider tips on navigating yourself around and help you create your own adventure.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Getting to Capri
The most popular way to arrive in Capri is via ferry from Naples, Amalfi, or Sorento. There are several scheduled each day and it is the most budget friendly option. It is also possible to book a private boat transfer from Sorento to Capri, but this will be much more expensive.
Accommodation in Capri
Accommodation in Capri varies from room rentals on Airbnb to 5-star resorts and extravagant villas. Capri Town is a very popular choice for first time visitors as you are within walking distance to the marina, shopping and restaurants.
We stayed in Anacapri and LOVED it! It was quieter, less expensive and less touristy. With that being said, it does mean a taxi ride upon arrival and more walking/buses to get around the island.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Renting a Boat in Capri
A boat tour in Capri is a very common way to see the island. What is not so common, however, is renting a boat without a driver. While there are several options for a group or private tour with a skip, there is only one company in Capri that allows you to rent a boat and drive it on your own.
They are called Capri Blue Boats and are located in Marina Piccola. We walked here from our hotel in AnaCapri which took approximately 1 hour. You could also take a taxi or rent a scooter to get here.
In 2023, their prices were:
- €100 for 2 hours
- €130 for 3 hours
- €160 for 4 hours
- €200 for the entire day
If you are weary of driving your own boat, you can also rent a boat with a skip here. Just keep in mind it will be more expensive. We would highly recommend booking your boat online in advance to ensure there is one available when you arrive.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Boat Tour in Capri: All the Best Stops!
If possible, get started on your self guided Capri boat tour as early as possible to avoid the crowds. As the day goes on, the water gets busier and busier. It is also a good idea to pack drinking water, food, and a bottle of wine to enjoy out on the boat. Other things you will need are a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit.
The entire coastline around Capri is breathtaking, but there are a few stops that you don’t want to miss during your time here. Here are the ones that we would recommend.
Faraglioni
From Marina Piccola, we took off counter clockwise around the island towards Faraglioni. These three rock formations, which rise up out of the ocean, are a quintessential picture of Capri. The scenery here is incredible and there is even an opening in one of the towers large enough to boat through!
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Grotta Bianca
Next, we continued up the coast to Grotta Bianca. This sea cave gets its name from the white incrustations on both sides, and clusters of white stalactites hanging from the roof. The water here is a stunning blue green colour. You may have to wait to enter depending on how many boats are in the area. We took this opportunity to jump in for a swim.
Arco Naturale
From here, you also have a view of the Arco Naturale. This arch, the remains of a collapsed grotto, is fascinating to see from the ocean. It is also possible to hike here from Capri Town if you want a closer view. That hike is about 4 km with 170m of elevation gain.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Marina Grande
If you wanted to continue around the entire island, you would cruise by Marina Grande next. This is the main port of Capri with colourful shops and bustling atmosphere. It is possible to dock your boat and walk around for a while, however it is quite busy at this port and you have to pay a fee to park.
We would recommend wandering Marina Grande at a different time as it is where you will be arriving and departing from Capri.
Grotta Azzurra (AKA The Blue Grotto)
Continuing counter clockwise, you will reach the Grotta Azzurra next. This is without a doubt the most famous area in Capri. It is possible to arrive here via boat, but you will have to drop your anchor and transfer into a tour boat to enter the grotto. The fee in 2023 was €18 per person, cash only.
While many people choose to visit, we did not.
Because of The Blue Grotto’s popularity, it is expensive and extremely crowded. When we asked people what they thought after their tour, we heard a lot of”busy, overrated, and only 5 minutes inside”. In our opinion, the other grottos around the island are much more appealing because they are not full of tourists.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
Faro Punta Carena
Next, you will come to Faro Punta Carena, an active lighthouse on the southwest tip of Capri. It was so calm and quiet when we arrived that it was one of our favourite places around the island to swim. This would also be an excellent place to watch the sun set.
Grotta Verde
The south coast on your way back to Marina Piccola is absolutely stunning and here we stopped at Grotta Verde. Unlike The Blue Grotto, swimming is not prohibited here and the water is an astonishing colour! Hop in for a swim and soak up the coast before returning back to the marina.
For access to our entire 86-page Italy Travel Guide, click here!
We hope you enjoy your time in Italy. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comment below with your favourite stop on this self guided boat tour in Capri. We would love to hear from you!
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