Capri and Positano look different from the water. This private boat day from Sorrento is built for long sea views, swim stops, and flexible time on land—so you’re not stuck in a rushed bus line. You’ll cruise past the rock giants of the Faraglioni, the lighthouse at Punta Carena, and the cliffside edges of Capri before continuing to the Amalfi Coast and finishing in Positano.

I like that the experience is truly private for your group (up to 10), with a skipper on hand and the ability to tailor the pacing. I also like the “on-water first” approach: you get time to swim and snorkel, plus guided sightlines of caves and historic villas from the sea. One thing to consider: good weather is required, and the sea can affect how comfortable you feel during swim-and-sightseeing stops.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Private day on a Raffaelli Shamal 40 with your own skipper and your group only
• Caves and landmarks from the water: White/Green/Blue cave scenery, Natural Arch, Faraglioni, Punta Carena
• Real water time for swimming and snorkeling, plus a stop at Marina Piccola
• Land time that’s yours to use: Capri center (Piazzetta and shops) and a Positano walk
• Drinks and snacks included aboard (wine, Prosecco, limoncello, water, soda, plus fruit/snacks)
• Blue Grotto ticket not included if you want to enter—plan for it separately

A Private Raffaelli Shamal 40 Day Trip: What You Really Get for the Money

This is priced at $3,472.81 per group (up to 10) for about 7 hours. That’s not cheap—no sugarcoating. But it’s the right kind of expensive if you’re trying to buy time and flexibility instead of checking boxes.

With a private boat, you’re not sharing the deck with strangers who suddenly decide they hate boats, or kids who want to sprint at the exact moment the sea gets a little bouncy. Your skipper drives the day, and you get multiple opportunities to get into the water, not just one quick stop. For many groups, that makes the price feel more like a “group charter” than a pricey tour ticket.

One practical way to judge value: compare what you get included. You’ll have the skipper, fuel, towels, snorkeling gear, and drinks (wine, Prosecco, limoncello, beer, soda, water), plus snacks/fruit during the day. Then the coast itself does the heavy lifting: Capri’s cliffs and caves, the Faraglioni, and Positano’s vertical streets are the main event, and you’re seeing them from the angle most people only get from photos.

Getting From Your Hotel to the Port in Sorrento

The day starts with convenience. You get a round-trip pick-up from your hotel to the port area. The tour also includes a free shuttle that meets you near where public transport is available, taking you to the embarkation port.

That matters because Sorrento is hilly and crowded at peak hours. A smooth transfer helps you show up less frazzled, which is exactly what you want before you spend the next few hours out on the water.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which makes check-in simpler than hunting down paperwork in a waterfront crowd. This is the kind of detail that doesn’t feel exciting—until it saves you time.

Capri by Boat: Caves, Natural Arch, Faraglioni, and Punta Carena

Capri is where a private boat pays off. From the sea, you can actually read the coastline—where the cliffs drop, where the rock shapes frame open water, and where the light hits the stone.

You’ll start the Capri portion with a short stop at White Grotta. It’s brief (around 5 minutes), and it’s set up more for the experience of seeing the cave from the water than for a long visit. Next comes the Natural Arch (also described as a paleolithic formation), where you’ll spend about 5 minutes looking at a rock feature shaped by time and weather.

Then the boat lines up for the Faraglioni—the three famous rock stacks that locals give names to. You’ll get about 10 minutes for this viewpoint segment. The neat part here is that you’re not just snapping the standard photo; you’re getting a sense of the “set” of islands and rocks that define Capri’s sea face.

After that, you’ll reach Punta Carena Lighthouse, with about 5 minutes in that area. It’s one of the most important lights on the island, and the stop is all about the perspective. The cliffs and the open sea make it feel bigger than you expect from shore.

Why these short stops work

You might wonder why these cave-and-rock segments are not longer. In a private format, short stops can be a smart trade. You keep momentum, you stay on schedule, and you save the longer blocks for swimming and for time on land where you can actually walk.

Marina Piccola Swim Time and the Capri “From the Water” Tour Feeling

After the headline landmarks, the itinerary shifts into “get wet” mode. You’ll stop at Spiaggia di Marina Piccola for about 30 minutes. This is a seaside area known for restaurants right on the water. In practical terms, it’s an easy place to hop in for a swim and try snorkeling.

This part is valuable because it’s not just sightseeing. You’re out in clear water, with snorkeling equipment provided, and you can switch from looking to experiencing. If you like the idea of Capri being more than a view—if you want the island to feel physical—this is the moment.

A small detail I appreciate: you’re not forced into a tight schedule that leaves no recovery time between stops. Thirty minutes is long enough to swim, float, and reset.

Capri on Your Terms: Free Time for the Piazzetta and Streets

Capri Island time is about 1 hour 30 minutes. This isn’t a guided walking tour with every corner micromanaged. Instead, you’re given room to explore at your own pace—starting from the heart of Capri’s vibe: the Piazzetta, plus shops and famous streets.

This land block is where you switch from “sea photography” to “real Capri.” It’s also where the experience becomes more than scenery. You can grab a snack, browse, and just soak up how vertical and compact Capri feels.

I like this structure because it respects two different travel styles:

• If you want photos and viewpoints, you get that from the boat.
• If you want strolling and street life, you get that on the island.

If you prefer to stay mostly on the boat, the tour is set up so you can choose how much walking you do.

On the Way to Positano: Li Galli Islands Sea Time

The Amalfi Coast portion starts after Capri. Along the route, you’ll stop at the Li Galli Islands for an unforgettable sea break. The idea here is simple: more water time, more open horizon, and another chance for a swim in a dramatic setting.

Even if you don’t go far with snorkeling at every stop, the Li Galli segment keeps the day from turning into a “boat photo line.” It adds variety between Capri’s iconic rocks and Positano’s cliffside town.

Positano Time: Walk the Narrow Streets and Boutique Rows

Positano is the endgame for many people. You’ll arrive with about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore. The town is developed vertically, which means streets stack up like steps—steep, charming, and very walkable once you accept that you’ll be climbing.

This stop is for the classic Positano experience: narrow streets packed with boutiques and handicraft shops. It’s also where you can slow down for photos that look impossible from anywhere else—because Positano is built for that kind of perspective.

If your group likes atmosphere over checklists, Positano is the right choice. You’re not just seeing a coastline—you’re seeing how people live on it.

What’s Included Aboard (and What You’ll Pay Separately)

This tour includes a strong set of onboard perks, which is where a private day can feel less “just transportation” and more like a hosted experience.

Included

• Skipper
• Fuel
• Round-trip pick-up (hotel/closest meeting point to port)
• Towels
• Drinks including water, soda/PopCoke, lemonsoda, beer, white or red wine, Prosecco, and limoncello
• Snacks/fresh fruit at the discretion of the customer
• Snorkeling equipment
• VAT as required by Italian law

Not included (plan ahead)

• Destination fees: docking/mooring/landing fees
• Admission fees, including the Blue Grotto entrance ticket if you want to go in

That last point is important. The day is designed around famous caves, but the Blue Grotto is specifically called out as separate. If entering the Blue Grotto matters to you, budget time and money for it—otherwise you’ll only experience the cave from the water.

The People Make It: Skipper Style and Group Comfort

Two names came up in excellent fashion: Francesco and Nando. The tone from their work is consistent—friendly, responsive, and willing to adapt to what a group wants to do.

That matters most when you’re traveling with mixed ages or mixed energy. One group example included seniors and even small grandchildren. In a private setting, that kind of mix can work well because the pace and stop lengths are easier to manage than on larger shared tours.

I also like the basic vibe described: staff explanations, good hospitality, and a boat that stays clean and well set up. When you’re spending the day on a boat, these aren’t tiny details. They affect how relaxed you feel while you’re switching between sun, shade, and water.

Weather and Sea Conditions: Your One Real Variable

This experience requires good weather. That’s not just fine print—it’s the difference between a smooth cruising day and one where you feel more motion.

At least one day on record included rougher water, which can happen in this region. If you’re someone who feels motion quickly, it’s worth keeping that in mind because the itinerary includes multiple water stops where you’ll be in and around open sea.

The good news: the stops are scheduled with short sightseeing segments and set swim windows, so you’re not forced to be “on” constantly. You can adjust your comfort level stop by stop.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private day with a skipper and your group only
• A route that hits Capri’s must-see sea sights plus a real stop in Positano
• Plenty of swimming and snorkeling time, not just viewing
• More comfort than a crowded boat or bus day

It also makes sense for families with a range of ages because your time on land can be adjusted, and you can choose how much walking you do.

It might be less ideal if:

• You want a long, structured walking tour with minimal boat time.
• You’re mainly interested in indoor attractions and don’t care about the sea views.
• You’re on a strict budget and want to avoid separate fees like docking/landing charges and the Blue Grotto ticket.

Should You Book This Sorrento to Capri and Positano Private Boat Tour?

I’d book it if your travel style is “experience the coast from the water” and you want the day to feel custom without effort. The combination of iconic Capri sights, real water time with snorkeling gear provided, and Positano’s town stop makes it feel like a complete day, not a series of quick photo breaks.

If your top priority is entering the Blue Grotto, make sure you’re ready for the extra entrance ticket cost. And if you know you’re sensitive to sea motion, consider that the day depends on weather.

For groups up to 10, especially families or friend groups who want flexibility, this is the kind of private day that turns the Amalfi Coast into something you’ll actually remember—not just a list of places you visited.

FAQ

How many people can be in the private group?

The tour is private and priced per group for up to 10 people.

How long is the boat tour from Sorrento to Capri and Positano?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. There is round-trip pick-up from your hotel (or the closest meeting point) to the port, with a free shuttle waiting to take you to the embarkation port.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and snacks are included on board?

Drinks included are water, soda/PopCoke, lemon soda, beer, white or red wine, Prosecco, and limoncello. Snacks and fresh fruit are also included at the discretion of the customer.

Are destination fees or admission tickets included?

No. Admission fees and destination fees (including docking/ mooring/ landing fees) are not included.

Is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket included?

No. The Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not included.