Capri looks different at speed. This half-day Itama 38 cruise lets you bounce from cove to landmark, with grottos, iconic rocks, and sea views in about four hours. I love the way a private boat keeps the pace easy and the scenery constant, and I also like the practical touch of snorkeling gear and onboard drinks.

What makes this route especially fun is how much of the island’s coast you get to see without playing the guess-wait-repeat game. You get short stops for photos and views, plus a longer Blue Grotto window when timing allows. One thing to weigh: the Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not included, and in peak season the wait can stretch beyond an hour.

Itama 38 Speedboat: The Real Payoff Is the Sea-Level Views

A Capri cruise is never just transport. It’s your angle on the island, and that angle changes every few minutes when you’re moving over the water.

This trip is built around an Itama 38 motorboat, about 12 meters long. That’s big enough to feel stable, but still fast and nimble. You’ll be seeing the limestone from the sea, not from a terrace view that’s already “flattened” by distance.

The vibe also tends to feel like a small crew day. This is a private tour for your group (up to 6), so you’re not stuck in a crowd flow. That matters on Capri, where “everyone goes to the same place at the same time” can get old fast.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and What’s Extra)

This tour costs $1,364.85 per group, up to 6 people. If you fill the boat, that’s roughly $227 per person—still not cheap, but you are buying a private speedboat experience, not just a seat on a shared vessel.

What you get for that price is practical: bottled water, soda/pop, beer and alcoholic beverages, restroom on board, and snorkeling equipment. In other words, you’re not scrambling for drinks or gear while you’re out on the water.

The main extra cost is the Blue Grotto entrance ticket, which is not included. Plan for that ahead, especially if you’re traveling in high season. If you’re the type who hates waiting, factor in that Blue Grotto time can run long depending on conditions and entry lines.

Meeting Point to Dock Finish: A Simple Half-Day Plan

You start at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 34, 80076 Capri (NA), Italy. You’ll finish at Porto Turistico di Capri / Marina di Caterola, 80073 Capri (NA), Italy.

That end point matters more than you might think. Make sure you’re not assuming you’ll be dropped back at the exact same spot as departure. Capri is compact, but different marinas still mean different walking and taxi/transfer options.

You also get a mobile ticket, which is the kind of small thing that saves time. Confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and the experience requires good weather.

If bad weather cancels the outing, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. And if you’re planning around a tight itinerary, note that cancellation is free up to 24 hours before start time.

The Route at a Glance: How the Stops Build the Best Sea Story

This is a “see a lot, but don’t rush” itinerary. Most stops are about 10 minutes, with a few longer moments for grottos and beaches. That quick cadence is exactly right on Capri because the water views keep paying you back.

Here’s the order you’ll follow:

• White Grotta
• Villa Malaparte
• I Faraglioni
• Spiaggia di Marina Piccola
• Grotta Verde
• Punta Carena Lighthouse
• Blue Grotto
• Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio

A small note on expectations: some spots are mainly for a look from the boat. You’ll want to keep your camera handy, because the best photos happen fast—especially around the Faraglioni and grottos.

Stop 1: White Grotta (10 Minutes) and the Limestone Color Trick

The White Grotta gets its name from the pale color of the limestone walls. From the water, you’ll notice how the rock texture looks almost chalky, like it’s been lit from inside.

This stop is short, but it’s a good warm-up. It tells you what to pay attention to on the rest of the route: color, shape, and the way light changes when you’re at sea level.

Possible snag: if you’re expecting a long swim session here, you might be disappointed. This is about viewing and photos, not a full “time in the grotto.”

Stop 2: Villa Malaparte (10 Minutes) — Architecture Built on a Cliff

Next comes Villa Malaparte, a striking twentieth-century home on the promontory of Capo Massullo, built in the late 1930s at the request of writer Curzio Malaparte.

The point here isn’t “architecture museum time.” It’s the contrast: modern design sitting on volcanic-feeling rock that drops hard into the sea. You’ll be looking at it from a distance that makes you appreciate the dramatic siting.

One practical upside: because the stop is quick, you’re less likely to feel stuck waiting for the boat to reposition. Capri is slow when you’re walking—boats keep you moving.

Stop 3: I Faraglioni (10 Minutes) — Capri’s Signature Rocks

Then you hit the iconic I Faraglioni—the sea stacks that basically define Capri on postcards. Even if you’ve seen photos before, being close to them is different.

This is the best spot for your souvenir photo moment, because the rocks frame the background like a built-in photo set. Watch for the angle of the stacks against the waterline; that’s what makes your pictures look like Capri instead of just “some rock.”

Quick tip: take your shots early in the approach, then enjoy the view without constantly checking your camera settings. Short stops reward a calm, ready stance.

Stop 4: Marina Piccola Coast (15 Minutes) — Beaches and Private-Villa Energy

You’ll cruise by Spiaggia di Marina Piccola, on the southern side of the island. This area mixes beach life with higher-end private villas and resort-style coastline.

The value of this stop is perspective. Instead of only focusing on the famous rocks and grottos, you get to see what the coast feels like when it’s not just landmarks. It’s where Capri looks like a living, inhabited place—still beautiful, but more “coastline neighborhood” than “movie set.”

This stop runs a bit longer than some of the others. That extra time helps you actually look around, not just glance and snap.

Stop 5: Grotta Verde (15 Minutes) — Green Water, Cliff Base Location

The Grotta Verde is at the base of a cliff about 600 meters high. It gets its name from the green tint of the water, a color effect caused by how light filters in.

This is where the boat route really earns its keep. Seeing grottos from the outside doesn’t replace going inside, but it gives you the “why” behind the look. You’ll understand the color effect is about light and water, not some random paint job.

Again, manage expectations: this stop is for viewing. For anyone hoping for a full grotto entrance experience here, the itinerary doesn’t indicate that.

Stop 6: Punta Carena Lighthouse (15 Minutes) — A Practical Landmark With Real Scale

Next is Punta Carena Lighthouse, described as the second most important lighthouse in Italy after the Lanterna in Genoa. Construction began in 1862 and it came into operation in 1867.

A lighthouse stop might sound “less glamorous,” but it’s actually a good reset. Lighthouses help you orient yourself in a way grottos and rocks don’t. You can feel the sea’s scale and understand why navigators cared this much.

This is also a chance to stretch your legs a little while still staying on the “sea-view” track of the day.

Stop 7: Blue Grotto (30 Minutes) — The One Ticket You Need to Plan For

The Blue Grotto is the star, famous for the light refraction that creates its signature blue glow. The site was also used in Roman times as a nymphaeum, which adds a layer of time depth to what you’re seeing.

Here’s the key practical reality: the Blue Grotto entrance ticket is not included, and in high season the wait to enter can last more than an hour.

Your itinerary gives you about 30 minutes at the stop, so how this plays out depends on your timing and current line length. If the queue is long, the “30 minutes” might feel like less once you factor in boarding, entry, and exiting.

If you’re booked for the Blue Grotto, I’d treat it as a priority but not a guarantee. If the lines are crushing, the boat route still gives you plenty of stunning sea views even without the interior experience.

Stop 8: Bagni di Tiberio (10 Minutes) — Roman Remains From Augustus’ Era

You finish with Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio, described as the remains of an ancient Roman villa built by Emperor Augustus in the first century A.D.

This is a nice final note because it grounds the day in more than just scenic beauty. When you see Roman remains from the sea, you get a sense of how long people have valued this coastline and how the sea itself shaped daily life.

It’s also short, so don’t expect a long stop for reading tablets. Think of it as a last look with a historical flavor.

Onboard Experience: Drinks, Snorkeling Gear, and a Crew That Keeps It Easy

The included onboard setup is straightforward and useful. You get bottled water, soda/pop, and beer plus alcoholic beverages. You also have snorkeling equipment available, plus a restroom on board.

That combination makes the trip feel like more than just “look at things from the boat.” If the skipper anchors and conditions work out, you’ll have an opportunity to get in the water and use the snorkeling gear rather than just carrying it around.

From firsthand accounts, the captains often bring the trip to life with local storytelling and smooth handling. Names that come up include Giovanni and Antonio, both praised for being helpful with boarding and for knowing good spots. If you end up with a guide like that, you’ll likely feel less like a passive passenger and more like you’re being guided through a smart route.

One consideration: alcohol is included. I’m not saying to avoid it—just be sensible. If you’re planning to swim or snorkel, keep the drinks light.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Pace)

This half-day private boat is a great match if you:

• want the best of Capri’s coastline without spending your whole day commuting
• like photography, especially around the Faraglioni and grottos
• prefer a smaller group day over crowded schedules
• enjoy a guided feel with someone who knows the stops

It might be less perfect if you hate timing pressure. The Blue Grotto ticket is extra, and line length can eat into your time at that stop.

If you’re traveling with kids, the boat duration is short enough that it can work. But since no life-jacket or age rules are listed here, I’d follow the crew’s guidance on what’s safe and comfortable for your group.

Practical Advice Before You Go

Capri can be sunny, breezy, and bright off the water. Bring sunglasses and sun protection even if the air feels mild.

If you want the Blue Grotto interior, plan your day with patience. The itinerary gives you a set stop time, but your actual experience depends on how fast entries are moving.

Also, think about how you’ll get from the end dock at Marina di Caterola to wherever you’re staying. A short taxi or walk plan in advance can save time and stress.

Should You Book the Itama 38 Half-Day Around Capri?

I’d book this if your ideal Capri day looks like sea-level views, iconic landmarks, and short stops that don’t drag. The value improves when you fill the boat, and the included drinks plus snorkeling gear make it feel like a full experience rather than a basic sightseeing cruise.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re depending on the Blue Grotto entrance as the main reason for your trip. The ticket isn’t included, and the wait can stretch longer in peak season, which can reduce how much time you really have there.

If you want a balanced Capri day—pretty, efficient, and fun—this Itama 38 route is a strong bet.

FAQ

Is the Blue Grotto ticket included?

No. Blue Grotto entrance tickets are not included, so you’ll need to plan for that extra cost. The itinerary notes that waits can last more than an hour in high season.

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What’s the group size?

This is a private tour/activity, with only your group participating. It’s up to 6 people per group.

What does the tour include?

Included items are bottled water, soda/pop, beer and alcoholic beverages, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You meet at Via Cristoforo Colombo, 34, 80076 Capri (NA), Italy. The tour ends at Porto Turistico di Capri / Marina di Caterola, 80073 Capri (NA), Italy.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

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