Quaint villages, scenic viewpoints and a whole lot of magical sea grottoes await explorers who voyage to the shores of Capri. The natural landmarks are second to none, and swimming in the glittering Mediterranean Sea is a must.

Day trips to Capri from Sorrento are a popular way to visit this glamorous island. Combine a boat tour along the coast with sightseeing in the Old Town for a quintessential Italian adventure.

Here's all you need to know about Capri, one of the most exciting day trips from Sorrento.

How to get to Capri from Sorrento?

The island of Capri sits out in the Bay of Naples, in Italy’s Campania region. The only way to reach Capri is by boat, either using the public ferries or taking a guided tour. Luckily, both are readily available from Sorrento.

From Sorrento to Capri by public ferry

The journey to Capri from Sorrento takes around half an hour on a public ferry. The boats depart from the Port of Sorrento, with regular crossings throughout the day.

The earliest ferry from Sorrento leaves at 7:30 AM, while the last boat back from Capri sets off at 6:30 PM. It’s best to buy tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.

Guided tour to Capri from Sorrento

Leave the logistics to the professionals by booking a guided Capri day tour. This is the easiest way to visit the island for a hassle-free experience. You’ll be collected from your Sorrento hotel in the morning and returned in the evening for door-to-door service.

These trips last a full day, so you know you’ll be getting your money’s worth. Both shared group excursions and private tours are available, depending on your preference and budget.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your Capri day trip from Sorrento usually begins with a pickup from your hotel. You’ll then have a short transfer by minivan down to either the port or marina, where your boat will be waiting.

After a short briefing, it’s time for the adventure to commence. Soak up the views of Sorrento as you cruise around the bay – look out for Regina Giovanna Baths and the ancient Roman Villa Pollio.

Then it’s out into open water for the crossing to Capri, which can be a little rough in windy conditions. In about 20 minutes you’ll arrive at the island where sea grottoes and rock stacks vie for your attention.

Enjoy a boat tour around Capri, checking out the natural landmarks and caves along the way. Seeing the lighthouse at Punta Carena is a photo-worthy moment. There are usually stops for swimming and snorkeling, while on some excursions, you can enter the famous Blue Grotto.

Next up is some land-based sightseeing, either on your own or with a guide, depending on your tour. You’ll have a few hours to tick off the main attractions and explore Capri Old Town. Lunch can be purchased in one of the local restaurants.

In the late afternoon, you will return by boat to Sorrento, arriving back at your hotel in time for dinner.

What kind of tours are available to go to Capri?

There’s a fair amount of choice when it comes to booking a Capri day trip from Sorrento. Most operators offer a boat ride around the island, as well as time to explore the top attractions on shore.

Small group tours to Capri are the most popular option, but private charters are also available. The itineraries are similar, but exclusive excursions offer more flexibility. All trips last a full day.

Guided group tour to Capri from Sorrento

These small group tours to Capri offer great value for travelers keeping an eye on their budget. Participant numbers are limited as you’ll be journeying by boat, so the experience remains intimate.

You’ll explore the coastal waters with a knowledgeable local skipper, stopping at key tourist sites along the way. Then there’s free time to explore the island itself. When booking an excursion to Capri, check what’s included, as this can vary among providers.

Fishing day tour to Capri from Sorrento

These Capri day trips put a different slant on proceedings, with fishing being the main focus of the tour. Once you’ve arrived in the waters around the island, it’s time to cast that line. Beginners will be given instructions and professional equipment is available for those with more experience.

After the fishing session, you’ll continue around Capri, checking out the hidden gems along the coast. You’ll also have the chance to swim or snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Lunch is enjoyed on board before returning to Sorrento in the evening.

If anyone in your group doesn’t want to fish, they can be dropped off on Capri with free time to explore at leisure. These are group trips with a maximum of 15 participants on each boat.

Day trip to Capri from Sorrento with limoncello tasting

There’s only one thing that could make your boat tour to Capri island even more enjoyable, namely limoncello. This distinctive liqueur is produced on the Sorrentine Peninsula and is one of Italy’s most famous after-dinner drinks.

You’ll enjoy the usual coastal landforms and island sightseeing, just with a bonus limoncello tasting session on board the boat. It’s the perfect way to end the day.

Sunset boat tour to Capri from Sorrento

Ramp up the romance with a sunset cruise around Capri. These full-day trips are timed to take in the sunset for a colorful finale to your visit. They depart later in the afternoon, at around 4 PM, to make the most of the evening.

You’ll have time to stop on the island for sightseeing, shopping and dining, before heading back to the boat. As dusk descends, you’ll sail along the rugged coast, sipping wine and enjoying the scenery. Watch as the sun sinks behind the horizon, flooding the sea with oranges and golds.

You’ll arrive back in Sorrento at around 11.30 PM.

Private day trip to Capri from Sorrento

Up the luxury with a private day tour to Capri. You’ll be traveling on a comfortable yacht, with just you and your friends on board. The itinerary is customizable, so if you want to spend longer at certain spots, just ask.

An island guide is often included, giving you a personal tour of the town and beyond. You’ll have a bit of leisure time too, for a laid-back day out. This is a great way to explore away from the crowds, with all transport logistics taken care of.

How much does a day trip to Capri from Sorrento cost?

The Capri boat tour with limoncello tasting costs just €60 per person, with free time for sightseeing included in the itinerary. You’ll receive a complimentary map of the island and some locally produced limoncello. Transfers from selected Sorrento hotels are also covered in the price.

Prices for Capri day tours from Sorrento start at €110 per person, including hotel transfers, snacks and sodas. Some operators also offer complimentary snorkeling gear.

The Capri fishing tour costs €110 per participant on a small group basis. All fishing gear is provided, as well as lunch, wine and snorkeling equipment.

Capri sunset boat tours are €130 per person with snacks and alcoholic beverages included. Hotel pickups are not offered, so you will need to make your own way to the departure point in the Port of Sorrento. Snorkels and masks can be rented for €24 if required.

Private day trips to Capri from Sorrento start at €650 for up to five passengers on a small motor yacht. The price includes alcoholic drinks, snacks, towels, snorkel equipment and hotel transfers. There is a €100 landing fee to pay for groups wanting to disembark in Capri.

Unless otherwise stated, the Capri landing fee is not included in the tour price. You will need to pay this in cash on arrival – it costs between €2.50 and €5 per person, depending on the operator.

If you would like to enter the Blue Grotto, this will cost €14 per passenger and is not usually covered in the trip package price. Cash is required for these payments.

What will you see and do?

There’s so much to see in Capri that you could spend a week here and still have things to tick off the list. However, Capri day trips show you the island’s highlights, giving a great overview of what’s on offer. Natural landmarks, historical streets and luxury shopping are all on the agenda.

Sea grottoes

One of the most anticipated attractions on a day tour to Capri from Sorrento is the Blue Grotto. At certain times of day, this enchanting sea cave is awash with blue light, caused by the sun’s rays reflecting off the limestone walls.

There are several other caves to explore on your boat trip around Capri. The Green Grotto is a favorite, where algae and sunlight combine to create another eerie yet beautiful inlet. A white grotto and the iconic Faraglioni Rocks complete this stunning collection of natural landmarks.

Capri Old Town

Glitzy Capri is the focus of most land-based island excursions. Home to historic buildings and designer boutiques, the town is a settlement of contrasts. Don’t miss the Augustus Gardens, which offer spectacular floral blooms and panoramic views.

Head to Piazza Umberto I to soak up the social scene in Capri’s historic heart. This small square is a great place for people-watching and sipping coffee at one of the charming cafés. It’s worth popping into the Church of Santo Stefano while you’re there.

Monte Solaro

A chairlift ride from Anacapri takes you up the sweeping slopes of Monte Solaro, the highest point on Capri. You can hike if you prefer, but it’ll take you an hour to reach the summit.

From the peak, you’ll be treated to far-reaching views out across the island and beyond. On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Keep an eye out for the statue of Emperor Augustus at the 19th-century fort.

Villa Jovis

Perched dramatically up on the Capri cliffs, the ruined Villa Jovis was once the residence of Roman Emperor Tiberius. The villa is split over several terraces, to overcome the difficulties of building on such a steep slope.

The views from here are sublime, and it’s one of the best vantage points for photos on the island.

When is the best time to visit Capri?

The best time for a jaunt to Capri is during the summer, when it’s warm enough to swim in the sea. Land-based explorations come into their own when it’s sunny, so visiting the island between June and August is recommended.

Want to avoid the crowds? Then come to Capri in late spring or early fall to enjoy views without the hordes. Just don’t expect to be able to take a dip in the sea.

Boat tours to Capri are not usually available over winter because the water is too rough for cave visits.

Are there any tours to Capri from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:

Travel tips

Day trips to Capri are popular and can sell out in summer, so plan ahead and book your tickets in advance.
You’ll be spending quite a bit of time on the water, with much of your tour focused on exploring the island by boat. The water can be choppy so you may want to take medication if you’re prone to motion sickness.
Pack swimwear, sunscreen and a towel if you want to go for a dip during your Capri excursion. Sunglasses and a hat are also a good idea, as well as water to stay hydrated during summer.

Capri: Day Trips and Tours from Sorrento