Has anyone been to Capri in late October? I have heard that the waters are pretty choppy during the fall (Oct/Nov) and taking the ferry/hydrofoil from Sorrento or Naples is pretty rough. I love boats but rough/choppy water - not so much!
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
I hope this doesn't scare you from going, but want you to be prepared. I once took a boat from Naples to Capri in October. I never get seasick and this was the closest that I have ever felt. The boat was small and enclosed (no deck to escape to) and smoking was allowed in the seating area so there was tons of smoke. The sea was rough and the engine kept cutting out. I was with 4 friends. We were virtually silent the whole way focusing on the horizon. We all were relieved to get off the boat in Capri but nervous about the trip back. On the way back, we took a much larger boat to Sorrento and it was no problem. My advice is find out if there are larger more stable boats and take some dramamine before you get on.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16616 posts
Hi Denise - we just got back from there and took the hydrofoil from Naples to Capri, and another from Sorrento to Positano and back. Sort of rough seas both days and my stomach (which is touchy anyway) was feeling it! What saved me on the Naples/Capri hydrofoil was being able to go outside - either on the top deck or covered rear deck of the boat. I felt MUCH better outside!
Unfortunately, that wasn't an option on the Sorrento/Positano vessel as it was a state-run ferry and no one is allowed to ride outside on those. At least it was only a 1/2 hr. trip and a big enough boat to minimalized some of the motion, once it got moving. In fact, both boats seemed to roll the worst while docked and loading so stay outside in the fresh air as long as possible and that will really help!!
Capri is lovely so take some Dramamine and go - you'll be so glad you did!!!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16616 posts
Oops, forgot one thing.... Per Virginia's mention of smoking, that's not a problem as smoking isn't allowed inside the hydrofoils, state ferrys, bars, restaurants, public buildings, etc. anymore.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5865 posts
Glad to hear the smoking is now forbidden! My "bad" experience was more than 10 years ago.
I do agree with Kathy that it is worth the trip.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL
4 posts
Thanks ladies! I will bring extra dramamine and take the hydrofoil! Leaving in 13 days and can't wait! (it's my first trip to Italy)
Posted by
Summerland , BC, British Co, Canada
3 posts
We were in Sorrento/Capri the 2-7 of October and the weather was fabulous except for 1 day. Mild rollers only.
Posted by
Hendersonvlle, NC
486 posts
Sorrento to Capri on 12 October was fine.
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
55 posts
Just returned and had overcast skies and rain on Capri Oct 25. Unable to see Blue Grotto or chair lift due to weather. Maybe see how your weather is before spending 25 E round trip Sorrento/Capri. Jet boats run from Naples and Sorrento (35 min). Choppy waters. (No boats or ferry now to Almalfi coast..summer only.) Have fun!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
712 posts
When my mom and I went on a cruise a few years ago we got a patch from the doctor for sea sickness. You wear it behind your ear. When we were in Dingle Ireland a few years back and took a ferry boat my husband and I both got seasick. We had not brought anything for it. An English dog, my husband, and myself were the only ones having a problem. It turns out the others had take a med called "Sea Legs" which is I guess like out dramine. So either take the dramine from home or talk to your doctor about the patch. I love Capri and hope to return there someday.