We'd like to visit Capri while in Positano this summer. For four of us, the round-trip ferry is just under $200, while a full-day boat tour (with four hours free to explore the island) is $400.
Other than price, any advantages or disadvantages to choosing one over the other? I've read that the ferry might be more comfortable on choppy seas than the smaller tour boats -- how much of a difference is it really?
On a day tour (not RS), we took the ferry boat and it was approximately an hour or two ride and was excellent. It left us plenty of time to also see Anacapri. Why not take the round trip ferry and use the difference to explore Capri, Anacapri and take the chair lift to the top - the views are amazing!
There’s certainly nothing wrong at all with taking the ferry. In addition to that, there’s a boat tour around the island that I found very enjoyable. It sounds like that is included in this price? In that sense, a private boat tour sounds intriguing, especially if you’re trying to accommodate a group. There’s value in convenience. In the end, I probably didn’t spend much more than 4-5 hours exploring Capri town and Anacapri. I don’t feel like that’s too limited a window. Just make a beeline up to Anacapri and chairlift up to Monte Solaro. I think that’s the only “can’t miss” experience on Capri.
Four hours is a laughably small amount of time to actually explore a big place, mostly pedestrianized, like Capri. If you care mostly about ocean breezes and water views, maybe the boat trip is good idea. Note that your $400 boat cannot enter the Blue Grotto, that is a separate expense and use of hours, subject to waiting lines, tide and weather ...
The ferry is a pleasant ride and the enjoyment is on the island not on the boat so I would not pay double for the tour which I imagine gives you a better view of the island from the water by touring around it ; but gives you less time on land.
For a one day trip I would want as much time on the island as possible.
Minor caution ; if the waves are even a wee bit rough nothing docks in Positano so a Sorrento-Capri ferry would run but not the Positano-Capri one. Not sure how likely but it happened to me, also same thing with the Blue Grotto any slightly above normal waves and that closes.
We took the Mondo tour to Capri 2 weeks ago for 90 euros per person. I felt it was well worth it. Nice to have a smaller group of people, attentive crew supplying us with unlimited beverages including soft drinks, beer, wine (prosecco on the return trip was a nice touch). The ride was quite comfortable - not choppy. Lovely sandwiches in a restaurant at the marina were also included. We were able to go in the Blue Grotto without a long wait. Admittedly, the 4 hours on the island only allows for scratching the surface, but we did enjoy riding the chairlift up from Anacapri and feasting our eyes on the fabulous views. After the time on Capri we circled the island, and were taken to the emerald and white grottos, which was a treat. Very enjoyable day. Have fun!
Thank you all! Still deciding but this info definitely helps. I do realize you can't exactly see all of Capri in a day, but a day is what we have. I appreciate all the input!
