Capri Shared Boat Trip Review: See Capri’s Coast From Sorrento

So, you’re thinking about hopping on a shared boat tour to Capri from Sorrento? Maybe it’s because you’ve heard whispers of enchanting grottos, snapshots of azure waters so radiant they seem almost unreal, or just you have this urge to peek into the lives of the fashionable jet setters who like to hang out there? Whatever has drawn you in, setting sail to Capri is almost a must when you are visiting the Amalfi Coast. I took this very trip and here I want to give you some personal insights to think about when deciding if this type of day trip fits in with your travel dreams.

Why Pick a Shared Boat Tour to Capri?

I think there are a few things that make a shared boat trip kind of interesting when you consider day trips. For one thing, it’s probably the option that you’ll find fits well within a travel budget. Also, it can be more social compared to going it alone, like your very own floating cocktail party. So, what is the alternative? Well, you might charter your own boat. Now, that’s an experience that comes with a substantially larger price tag. Otherwise, it is also easy enough to hop on a public ferry. Though, I have found ferries get very crowded, and they often stick to a schedule that doesn’t leave much room for spontaneity, I find. The charm of a boat tour is that it offers a nice middle ground – a chance to experience Capri from the sea, at a reasonable price, with a touch more freedom than the public transport.

Setting Sail From Sorrento: What to Expect

The experience sort of starts well before the boat even leaves the harbor, I suppose. Getting to the departure point down in Sorrento’s harbor is almost a bit of an adventure in itself. The harbor kind of sits down below the main town, and it’s reachable by foot if you are okay with quite a steep walk down (and back up!). Otherwise, that is, you can grab a bus from the main square.

Once at the harbor, you’ll usually find a flurry of activity – so many people milling around waiting for their respective tours to begin. Check in is usually straightforward enough, you just need to find your tour operator. And then, finally, you set sail! The anticipation as Sorrento slowly fades into the background is rather wonderful. Usually, that is, the boat cruises along the coastline, giving you those initial postcard-worthy views of the Sorrentine Peninsula.

Cruising the Capri Coastline: Grottoes, Coves, and Photo Ops

This is clearly what you came for, right? The Capri coastline is just magnificent. I mean, the tour typically snakes its way around the island, and you usually get up close and personal with so many geological formations. Think natural arches, sheer cliffs, and the grottos, like, you know, the famed Blue Grotto. Though, I think entry to the Blue Grotto often comes with an extra fee and a potential wait, something to be aware of, I feel. Smaller, less hyped-up grottos are no less appealing though and offer the same crystalline water. Actually, there are little coves you see along the way, perfect for a quick swim. So remember to bring your swimsuit!

Oh, and it isn’t just natural wonders you see, that is. Capri also is home to some extravagant villas clinging to the cliffs, each one seemingly trying to outdo the other in lavishness. Anyway, the tour guides will often point out points of interest, and sprinkle in little bits of Capri history.

Time Ashore: Exploring Capri on Foot

Shared boat tours do typically include a chunk of free time ashore in Capri. This is your opportunity to scratch beneath the surface and see what the town is like, so to speak. I will say Capri is divided into two main towns: Capri and Anacapri. Capri, that is, is where the main harbor is, along with all the designer shops and quite pricey restaurants. Anacapri, even though, is up higher and generally more low-key. So you might consider how to spend your limited time. Some like to grab lunch with a view, while others dash off to see the Gardens of Augustus, for example, or take the chairlift up to Monte Solaro for panoramic views. So basically the time on the island passes pretty fast, so plan out what sounds interesting to you.

Lunch on Board: Is it Worth it?

Some boat tours offer the option to include lunch on board, it seems. This often consists of a simple pasta dish, maybe with seafood, along with drinks such as water and wine. Now, I think it’s a convenient option, in some respects. It means that is, you don’t need to waste any precious time ashore trying to find a restaurant. Plus, I mean, eating on a boat, with the sea breeze, is sort of appealing. But really the quality of the lunch can really vary. I would recommend you might be better off packing your own picnic or planning a meal ashore, unless the tour operator has excellent reviews for its onboard catering.

The Crowd Factor: Is a Shared Tour Too Packed?

I think shared tours can vary a great deal. Like, they range from smaller boats that hold a dozen people to larger ones with, you know, quite a few more than that. A fuller boat probably means it’s less easy to find that perfect spot for photos. It might feel a bit less intimate. Still, bigger boats are typically more stable, plus that mean there’s maybe more of a party atmosphere as people mingle. Smaller tours will naturally give a more tailored experience. So basically when booking, find out the size of the boat. Also, read some reviews to see if others felt it was overcrowded. Now, if crowds are something you aren’t fond of, consider tours during the shoulder season (spring or fall) when there are fewer people visiting.

What to Bring: Essentials for Your Capri Boat Trip

Here’s a quick list of stuff that will almost definitely make your Capri boat tour more delightful:

• Sunscreen: Like, you’ll probably spend a large part of the day baking in the sun, so you’ll want to slather on a whole lot of protection.
• Hat and Sunglasses: To basically shield your face and eyes from the glaring sun.
• Swimsuit and Towel: Should you feel like taking a dip in those irresistible waters.
• Camera: Like, to capture all the gorgeous moments (and to make everyone back home super envious).
• Cash: For incidentals, or perhaps the Blue Grotto entry, or even a refreshing gelato in Capri town.
• Comfortable Shoes: You know, if you want to explore Capri town, cobblestone streets are tricky in flip-flops, I always think.

Is a Capri Shared Boat Tour from Sorrento Worth It? My Take

So, is it actually worth it, this tour? I’d say almost definitely, yeah! If you want to get out on the water. Also, if you only have a single day to see Capri, a shared boat tour gives a good overview of the island’s stunning coastline. Okay, so there might be crowds to battle, and maybe not a large amount of time ashore. Yet, I find, the overall experience of gliding through turquoise waters, staring up at dramatic cliffs, and peeking into hidden coves, is worth the investment.

Think carefully about what you’re hoping to get from the experience, and weigh the pros and cons against your preferences and budget. Like, no matter what you decide, Capri is basically a beautiful island that will create lasting memories.