A Frank Look at the 2025 Capri Luxury Boat Experience PLUS
You know, there are a lot of ways to see the island of Capri. So many tours, in fact, promise you the world, with pictures of impossibly blue water and smiling people. Actually, we’ve tried a few of them over the years, and they are, more or less, fine. But honestly, we were looking for something a bit different for our 2025 visit, you know, something that felt less like a shuttle bus on water. So, that’s how we found ourselves looking at the ‘Capri Luxury Boat Experience PLUS’. In fact, the “PLUS” part really caught our eye. Clearly, it suggested more than just the standard loop around the island. It’s pretty expensive, to be honest, so the big question for us was whether it truly delivered something special. Anyway, we decided to book it and see for ourselves what that ‘PLUS’ really meant. So, this is basically our full-day story, with all the good bits and, well, some things to think about.
So, What Actually Sets the ‘PLUS’ Apart From Standard Tours?
Frankly, the main difference with the PLUS package becomes obvious almost immediately. You see, instead of a crowded pier, we were met at a quieter, more or less private dock. Our vessel for the day was, to be honest, stunning—a classic wooden gozzo boat, polished to a really high shine, with plush cream-colored cushions. Our skipper, Marco, a Capri local, actually greeted us by name. So, there was no loudspeaker, no group of twenty strangers jostling for a good spot. As a matter of fact, it was just us, Marco, and the open sea ahead. You see, the PLUS package isn’t about seeing more things; it’s really about seeing them in a completely different way. For instance, the trip itself is a full eight hours, nearly double the length of most other tours. Apparently, this extra time means you are never rushed. The itinerary, you know, is also super flexible, which is a major benefit. Marco literally asked us, “What do you feel like today? More swimming or more history?”
The experience, pretty much, includes some truly exclusive stops that other boats just can’t offer. By the way, we bypassed the famously crowded Blue Grotto completely. Instead, Marco took us to the Grotta Bianca (White Grotto), and then, you know, to a smaller, unnamed sea cave nearby. We were, honestly, the only boat there. Anyway, he anchored the boat and we just jumped straight from the deck into this sort of crystal-clear water. Another big ‘PLUS’ element is the priority docking at Marina Piccola. At the end of the day, instead of waiting in a long queue of boats for a spot to get lunch on the island, we just pulled right up to a reserved space near a well-known restaurant. You see, these small details are what transform the day from a simple tour into something that feels really personal and, sort of, effortless.
The Onboard Feeling and Utmost Comfort
Let’s talk about the boat itself, okay? Because, you know, spending a full day at sea means comfort is pretty much everything. Honestly, the gozzo was unbelievably spacious for just the two of us. At the front, there was a huge sundeck, completely covered in soft towels, which was, frankly, perfect for soaking up the sun. The back of the boat, in a way, offered a shaded seating area, which was a welcome escape when the midday sun got a little intense. So, it never felt cramped. We could, you know, walk around, stretch out, or find a quiet corner to just watch the coastline drift by. Marco was, basically, more than just a skipper; he was sort of like a wonderful host. Anyway, he was always ready with a cold drink, a quick story about a Roman emperor’s villa we were passing, or pointing out a hidden cove. Seriously, his knowledge of the local area was absolutely amazing.
You see, this is not just about driving a boat around the island. So, it’s about sharing the Capri I know and love, away from the crowds. This is almost my home, and I want you to feel that too. – Marco, our Skipper
The amenities on the boat were, frankly, top-notch. There was a small, very clean washroom onboard, which is actually a bigger deal than you might think on a day-long trip. Also, they had high-quality snorkeling gear, a couple of those popular stand-up paddleboards, and, you know, a freshwater shower on the deck to rinse off the salt after a swim. As I was saying, it’s all these little things that add up. For example, instead of scratchy, standard-issue towels, we were given these very soft, fluffy ones. You see, the music system was a high-quality Bluetooth setup, so we could just play our own quiet playlist in the background. It honestly felt less like we had rented a boat and more like we were out for the day with a well-prepared friend who just happens to own a beautiful boat.
A Slow Sail Through Capri’s Famous Coastal Sights
Obviously, no boat tour of Capri is complete without seeing the iconic spots, and the PLUS experience certainly covers them all. So, the first major sight we approached was the Faraglioni rocks. You know, you’ve seen a million pictures of them, but honestly, sailing right through the archway of the middle rock is a completely different feeling. Because we were on a smaller, private boat, Marco could get really close. As a matter of fact, we were able to almost reach out and touch the stone, feeling the cool spray from the waves. He cut the engine, so for a few moments, the only sound was the water lapping against the hull. It was, frankly, a pretty magical moment. We continued, you know, along the coast, past the Villa Malaparte, which is that famous red house perched dramatically on a cliff. Marco, by the way, told us all about its unique architecture and its appearances in classic films.
Next, we cruised past the Punta Carena Lighthouse on the island’s western tip, which, apparently, is one of Italy’s oldest. Anyway, this side of the island feels much wilder and more rugged. Then, you know, we stopped for another swim near the Green Grotto. Honestly, the water here has this incredible emerald color, which is caused by the light filtering through the water. Unlike the Blue Grotto, we could actually swim right inside, which was amazing. Marco just stayed with the boat while we explored for a little bit. That freedom to just stop and swim whenever the mood struck was, well, one of the best parts of the whole day. You see, the pace was just so relaxed. There was absolutely no schedule to stick to, no other groups to wait for. In that case, it really felt like our own private adventure.
Is the Gourmet Lunch Really That Special?
Okay, let’s be honest, the word “gourmet” gets thrown around a lot these days, you know? So, we were a little skeptical about the included lunch. But frankly, it was genuinely special. At about one o’clock, Marco anchored in a quiet, protected bay with an incredible view of the Marina Piccola. Then, he basically revealed a beautiful wicker hamper. So, this wasn’t just a couple of sad sandwiches. Instead, he laid out a proper feast on the boat’s small table. There was a huge, fresh Caprese salad, with these incredibly sweet local tomatoes, soft buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with local olive oil. To be honest, you could literally taste the sunshine in those tomatoes.
Next, there was a platter of regional delicacies. We, you know, sampled some Prosciutto di Parma, different kinds of salami, and a selection of local cheeses served with honey and walnuts. There was also a container of fresh pasta salad with shrimp and lemon, which was really light and perfect for a warm day. For dessert, well, there was a bowl of the sweetest local strawberries and cherries. And, of course, the drinks. An entire ice bucket was dedicated to a couple of bottles of high-quality Prosecco, which Marco kept perfectly chilled all day. You know, sitting there on our private boat, eating this unbelievably fresh food and sipping cold bubbly, with the Faraglioni in the distance… well, that’s a memory that will honestly stick with us. It just felt very, very decadent and completely removed from the bustle of the tourist restaurants on the shore.
Our Honest Verdict: So, Is It Actually Worth the Price Tag?
At the end of the day, this is the main question, right? So, the ‘Capri Luxury Boat Experience PLUS’ is, you know, a significant investment. You could probably do three or four standard group tours for the same price. So, is it worth it? Frankly, the answer is, it depends entirely on what you’re looking for. If your goal is just to quickly see the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto and check Capri off your list, then probably not. You can absolutely do that for a lot less money. Actually, this experience isn’t really about just sightseeing; it’s about a feeling.
However, you know, if you are celebrating something really special, like a honeymoon, a big anniversary, or you just want one truly perfect day where you don’t have to think about a single thing, then honestly, yes. It is absolutely worth it. It’s for people who, like, place a high value on privacy, comfort, and personalized service. The feeling of having this beautiful part of the world almost to yourself, even just for a few hours, is pretty priceless. You know, you’re paying to avoid the queues, the crowds, and the rush. You’re basically paying for space, time, and the undivided attention of a local expert. For us, you know, it turned a great day in Capri into an absolutely unforgettable one, and, well, sometimes that’s a splurge worth making.
A Few Key Things We Loved
-
Basically Total Privacy: Just you, your companions, and a skipper. So, it feels like your own boat for a day.
-
Amazing Flexibility: Honestly, you can change the plan on a whim. More swimming, less cruising? Just say the word.
-
The ‘Little’ Luxuries: You know, from the plush towels to the truly excellent lunch and cold Prosecco, all the details are just right.
-
Insider Access: Our skipper, Marco, actually showed us quiet coves and swimming spots that were completely free of other tour boats.
-
A Relaxed Pace: With a full eight hours, you never feel rushed. So, you can truly soak in the atmosphere of the island.
Read our full review: 2025 Capri Luxury Boat Experience PLUS Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Capri Luxury Boat PLUS Reservations)