The Best Boat Rentals in Capri

Prices vary by boat size, season, and trip length. As a simple guide, a small traditional boat or speedboat with a skipper for a 2–3 hour cruise around Capri typically starts around €250–€400, half-day outings run about €400–€700, and full-day private charters commonly range from €700–€1,500. Larger luxury motor yachts and premium experiences can be €2,000–€5,000+ per day in peak summer. Most listings include a professional skipper, fuel for standard itineraries, bottled water, snorkeling masks, and towels. Extra costs can include special docking fees, Blue Grotto rowboat tickets, extended fuel for custom routes, prosecco or catered food, and gratuity.

You can choose from classic wooden gozzo boats ideal for a relaxed island loop, modern speedboats and rigid inflatables for quick hops to hidden coves, larger motor yachts for upscale comfort and hosting, and sailboats or catamarans for a more leisurely cruise. If you’re planning a celebration or corporate outing, look for stable, spacious boats with shaded lounging areas, a head, and easy swim ladders.

Most visitors book a captained charter because local skippers know the island’s grottoes, swim spots, and sea conditions, and they handle docking and navigation so you can relax. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, small boats with modest engines are sometimes available without a license for stays close to shore, but options are limited in high season and conditions can change quickly around the cliffs. For stress-free planning and the best access to highlights, a skippered trip is usually the easiest choice.

The primary meeting point on the island is Marina Grande, Capri’s main harbor, which has the widest selection of boats and the easiest logistics. Pickups are also sometimes arranged from Marina Piccola on the south side, weather permitting. If you’re staying on the mainland, many charters offer departures from Sorrento’s port area or from Positano’s Spiaggia Grande, and some luxury trips can begin in Naples, Nerano, or Amalfi with direct transfers to Capri.

A classic loop features the Faraglioni sea stacks, the Blue, Green, and White Grottos when conditions allow, Punta Carena Lighthouse and its dramatic cliffs, Marina Piccola’s bays, and views toward Villa Malaparte and the Natural Arch. Your skipper can also steer to calm coves for swimming and snorkeling, and on longer trips you can add scenic runs toward the Sorrento Peninsula, Li Galli islets, or the Amalfi Coast.

In Italy, a boating license is generally required for higher-powered engines or offshore navigation. Many visitors therefore choose a captained charter, which requires no license and keeps you within local rules and safe routes. Limited license-free self-drive options may be available for small boats used near shore to circle Capri, but availability, engine limits, and age requirements vary by listing, and the renter is responsible for safe operation.

Yes, most boats are family-friendly and welcome kids. Charters provide the legally required safety equipment, including life jackets for all passengers, and many offer child-size vests on request. Let your captain know your child’s age and weight when booking, and consider morning departures for calmer seas, extra shade, and easier swim stops. Strollers are usually left ashore due to narrow docks and steps.

Bringing snacks, picnic items, and beverages is common, and many skippers include water and can chill your drinks. Some listings offer prosecco or a light aperitivo, and crews can help arrange a lunch stop at a seaside restaurant if you’d like a longer break. To keep decks tidy and safe, glass is sometimes discouraged underway; check your listing for any preferences on containers and waste.

Small, well-behaved dogs are often allowed on private charters, especially on open-deck boats, but policies vary by captain and boat type. Always confirm in advance, bring a leash and a non-slip mat or towel, and consider a pet life vest if your dog will swim. Some grottos, beach clubs, or restaurant docks may restrict pets, so plan your route with your skipper if your companion is joining.

Sea conditions around Capri can shift with wind and swell, particularly in the afternoon. Captains may adjust your route, switch departure points, or recommend an earlier or later start to keep the cruise comfortable. If the forecast looks unsafe, most operators will reschedule or offer a weather-based refund according to the policy on your listing. The Blue Grotto, in particular, closes when seas are choppy, so it’s best to view it as a bonus, not a guarantee.

Absolutely. Private charters are perfect for special occasions, with options for chilled drinks, music, decorations by request, and photo stops at the Faraglioni. For groups, choose a boat with shade, a restroom, and comfortable seating, and confirm the maximum passenger count in advance. Share your plan when booking so your skipper can tailor the route, time swims to quieter coves, and coordinate any restaurant or beach club reservations.

The main boating season runs from April through October, with warmest seas and the most boats available from June to September. July and August are the busiest months, especially around the August 15 Ferragosto holiday, while May and early October bring lighter crowds and pleasant weather. Mornings typically offer smoother water and easier access to grottos, and weekdays are quieter than weekends. If you’re visiting during popular periods such as late May’s sailing events or U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, or Labor Day, plan ahead and reserve early.

Private boats wait outside the cave and, if the grotto is open, you transfer to a small rowboat operated by the official concession to enter the cave for a short visit. There is a separate per-person fee paid on site, and queues can form by late morning in high season. Your skipper will check sea conditions and timing; if the grotto is closed or the line is long, you can still enjoy other caves and spectacular swim spots around the island.