Boat trip from Positano to Capri

Take whatever ferry/jetboat works with your timetable. You can find schedules here (these will be updated and expanded throughout the spring):

http://www.positano.com/en/ferry-schedule?from=positano&to=capri

Make careful note of when the last boat leaves the island as it tends to be relatively early, and you don't want to miss it.

The amount of time you want to spend on the island depend on what you want to do and how much of it you want to explore but I'd say a full day. You can find ideas here:

http://www.capri.com

Even though the "Sights and Activities" page touts a lot of tours, you do not need them: the island can be self-explored.

I'd take the walk/hike up to the ruins of Villa Jovis, and the little bus up to Anacapri for the chairlift up to the top of Mt Solaro. You can return the way you came or choose to hike down the mountain vis the Phoenician Steps on foot. Hike the Pizzolungo, and check out the Gardens of Augustus. Wander around the shops in Anacapri. Lots to do...

Blue Grotto: the info is on the website but we skipped it entirely during our two-day stay. If anything falls into the "tourist trap" category, it's that one, IMHO. It's pricey for the very few minutes you get to spend in the thing itself, and the boats can't even access it if the seas are too rough. They've been reported to get right up to it and then abort the trip without refunding tickets. People also report being pressured for tips. I would check reviews and decide for yourself but we preferred escaping the bulk of the masses (the piazzas/shops and easy overlooks will be very busy) who do that one by heading off where more of those don't go.

Choose a sunny day for your trip: it wouldn't be very enjoyable in the rain. Have fun!

Thanks. So you recommend taking the ferry rather than arranging for a private boat for the day?

I'd suggest the Ferry rather than a private boat, as it will be much less expensive. When you walk down to the concrete dock, you'll pass ticket booths where you can buy your return tickets. The boats usually nudge up to the dock bow first, and drop a ramp for passengers to board.

You'll arrive in Capri at Marina Grande, and will then have to get up to the main part of town using the Funicular. As the previous reply mentioned, be sure to note the departure time of the last boat back to Positano. One word of caution - in the late afternoon, the queues for the Funicular down to the harbour can be long. If you think you might not get to the marina in time for your return boat, take a Taxi from the main part of town.

You may find this helpful - http://www.capri.com/en/getting-around#

So you recommend taking the ferry rather than arranging for a private
boat for the day?

What Ken said! :O)

You do not need a private boat to get to Capri. The seas are rough most of the time, you want to be on a large ferry. That said, I wouldn't waste time going to the Blue Grotto...it will take up more than 1/2 of your " day trip" as previous poster noted, ferries leave Capri EARLY about 5pm I think to go back to the mainland. I highly recommend being ALL THE WAY down in the ferry port/Marina Grande at least a half hour before your boat departs. There are 3 main parts to Capri, the Marina Grande...get outta there ASAP and take the Funicular up to " Capri Town" enjoy the views and head up to AnaCapri by taxi if they take 5 (I think they do and it saves time!) the bus will be a long wait, is a crush and same on the way back. Have a quick lunch, or pick up sandwiches, shop, walk around see the sites, Majollica tiled church or Villa San Michele ( great views and snack bar good spot if you skip MT. Solaro chairlift, views are nearly as good and saves time!)...or if you want to thrill the kids the chair lift...there is a snack bar up there. Personally, I liked Villa San Michele better than chair lift,( it will be interesting for kids too) if only time for ONE due to the shady areas, architecture and views to the the Villa San M....the chair lift ride itself is fun and the views are great but the LINE to go up and return may take too long for your day trip. I have been to Capri five times and NEVER went to the Blue Grotto. No regrets, the rest of it is too beautiful for me to waste time getting off a ferry, taking another boat then hopping into a tiny boat for a 3 minute ride...no matter how " glorious" the refected light is it takes 2 hours plus of your time!

We did a day trip from Praiano. The boat stopped in Positano and we were off to Capri. We passed by the grottos and travel around the island, stopped a couple times for a dip in the water. That was all we were looking for.

I would recommend this company: http://www.escursioniluomoeilmare.it/. Laid back ride and very nice staff