Reviewed · CAPRI BOAT TOURS

CAPRI – DIY Day Trip Package – BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch

★ 4.5 · 49 reviews From $131 Operated by Capri Day Tour · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

This Capri DIY day trip is interesting because it lines up the big moving parts for you, then lets you set the pace once you’re on the island. I like the built-in mix of boat and land transport, so you spend less time solving transit puzzles. I also like the included traditional 3-course lunch in Anacapri. The one catch to plan around is that the Blue Grotto rowboat entrance is an extra paid add-on, and weather can affect what the boat tour is able to do.

A lot of the value here comes from timing. You’re not stuck on a rigid group clock, but you still have anchored stops, like the chairlift to Mount Solaro and your return by funicular from Capri center to Marina Grande.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants the highlights of Capri without turning the day into a frantic sprint, this is a smart way to use limited time. Just be realistic: Capri is busy, and you will want to start early and keep an eye on last rides.

Key Things You’ll Like About This Capri Day Trip Package

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Key Things You’ll Like About This Capri Day Trip Package

  • A DIY-style day flow with anchored transport, so you can move at your own tempo
  • Blue Grotto access via boat tour, with the grotto entry fee paid separately
  • Mount Solaro by chairlift with a full hour for views and photo stops
  • Anacapri 3-course lunch at La Giara, built into the middle of the day
  • Return built in using the Capri funicular down to Marina Grande
  • Air-conditioned transport on the bus segments between Marina Grande and Anacapri

Price and What You Actually Get for $131

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Price and What You Actually Get for $131
At $131.26 per person, this package is best understood as a bundle of transportation plus a sit-down meal. You’re paying for the boat tour, the bus rides, the chairlift, the funicular ride, and your 3-course lunch. That’s the backbone of the day, and it’s what makes it feel like less work and more scenery.

What’s not included is important: ferry travel to and from Capri is on you. Also, Blue Grotto entry is extra. The tour data lists a Blue Grotto rowboat entrance ticket cost of 14€ per person. In the real world, that fee can change by season and day, and you may see higher pricing like 18€.

So, the true cost depends on whether you have a chance to do the Blue Grotto rowboat entrance after the boat tour. If you do get in, the package can feel like strong value because you’re paying once for most of the transport plus a proper lunch. If the grotto is off the table due to conditions, you still get chairlift views, boat cruising around the island, and time in both Anacapri and Capri center.

The duration is listed as about 6 to 8 hours. In Capri terms, that’s a solid amount of time if you start early and don’t get lost in the shopping lanes.

More Capri boat trips to compare:

Where the Day Starts: Marina Grande, Molo Numero 0, and Ticket Pickup

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Where the Day Starts: Marina Grande, Molo Numero 0, and Ticket Pickup
Your meeting point is Motoscafisti di Capri at Molo Numero 0, Porto di, 80073 Marina Grande. You pick up your package tickets right after you disembark on Capri.

From there, you board the first available boat tour of the island. That detail matters. It means you’re not choosing a specific boat departure like a hard-timed guided group. Instead, you’re set up to grab the next available option once you arrive and collect your vouchers.

The activity hours listed for the ticket pickup point are 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM (for the 2025 season dates shown). Practically, that’s your hint to plan an early arrival on Capri if you want the smoothest day. Late starts compress everything, especially your lunch window and return timing.

Also, this is a private activity for your group only. That can reduce waiting around for your own seating, and it usually makes the day feel more relaxed, even though you’re still riding common transportation.

The Boat Tour at Motoscafisti di Capri, Blue Grotto Included But Not Always Accessible

Stop 1 is where the day’s “wow” begins. After claiming your tickets at Motoscafisti di Capri (Pier N. 0), you board a boat tour that includes a stop by the Blue Grotto area.

The boat segment is about 2 hours 15 minutes, and it’s your best move for taking in Capri’s coastline without walking uphill all day. The big reality check: Blue Grotto rowboat entrance is extra, and whether you can do it depends on conditions like wind and water chop.

If waters are too rough, you might not be able to wait for or enter the grotto. In that case, you are not paying for the grotto entrance unless you actually get the chance to do it. That’s a small but meaningful comfort, because you still get the island cruise experience.

How to use this part of the day:

  • Treat the boat as your “ring the island” moment.
  • Once you see how the day is trending, decide if you’re up for Blue Grotto waiting and extra cost.
  • Keep your lunch and chairlift plans in mind. Blue Grotto time can expand, especially if there’s a wait.

Anacapri by Private Bus: Staiano Autotrasporti and the Value of Changing Viewpoints

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Anacapri by Private Bus: Staiano Autotrasporti and the Value of Changing Viewpoints
Stop 2 moves you by private bus from Marina Grande toward Anacapri. The pickup point is a few meters after Pier 23. The ride is listed as 25 minutes.

This bus stop is a big reason this package works for DIY travelers. Capri’s main towns are separated by steep terrain, so swapping locations by transport saves energy for sightseeing instead of climbing your way there with a sore back and no photos.

Anacapri is also where the day tends to feel a little more spacious and local. It’s not the same vibe as Capri center. The transition is part of the charm, and the bus ride is the tool that makes it easy.

More day trips from Sorrento to compare:

Lunch at La Giara: A 3-Course Reset in the Middle of the Day

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Lunch at La Giara: A 3-Course Reset in the Middle of the Day
Stop 3 is lunch, and it’s not a tiny snack. You get a 3-course Italian lunch at La Giara Restaurant in Anacapri, with about 1 hour allotted.

This is one of the most praised parts of the day because it turns your midday into a real break. Capri can wear you out with hills and crowds, so a scheduled meal stop is actually a benefit, even if you like free time.

What to watch for:

  • This lunch block can take around 1 to 1.5 hours in practice. The itinerary lists 1 hour, but meals can run long when you’re served courses at a relaxed Italian pace.
  • If you arrive late, it becomes harder to fit in everything after lunch, especially the chairlift and time in Capri center.

If you’re the type who usually skips lunch while sightseeing, this is the moment to try a different style. A proper meal means you can enjoy the chairlift views and the historic center without feeling rushed or cranky.

If La Giara happens to be closed for a day, a swap to another restaurant owned by the same company is sometimes possible, based on how the package has been handled in the past. Still, don’t count on that. Have flexibility in your expectations.

Mount Solaro by Chairlift From Piazza della Pace: The Best Payoff for Your Time

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Mount Solaro by Chairlift From Piazza della Pace: The Best Payoff for Your Time
Stop 4 is the chairlift ride to Mount Solaro, leaving from Piazza della Pace. It’s listed as about 1 hour with admission included.

This is a highlight for good reason. The chairlift gives you elevated views quickly, without the slow climb of walking up steep paths. Even if you’re not chasing Instagram shots, the top feels like a panorama break from the town lanes below.

How to make the most of it:

  • Plan to reach the area before you feel rushed. The chairlift experience is simple, but queues and lines happen.
  • Once up top, take your time. You want at least a few moments where you stop walking and just look.
  • Don’t plan to sprint immediately after. Give yourself a short reset so you enjoy the descent and don’t feel late for the rest of the island.

If you’re prioritizing one “big scenery” moment, mount Solaro is it.

Capri Center and La Piazzetta Free Time: Where DIY Timing Helps

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Capri Center and La Piazzetta Free Time: Where DIY Timing Helps
Stop 5 returns you by bus from Anacapri back to Capri center, about 10 minutes. Then you get free time in the historic center at La Piazzetta.

This is where your DIY-style advantage really shows. You’re not locked into a guided script, so you can choose what fits your energy level:

  • If you want people-watching and classic views, you can linger around the piazzetta.
  • If you want quick shopping, this is your slot.
  • If crowds feel overwhelming, you can duck into small lanes and enjoy the slower moments.

The key is to use this time intentionally. It’s tempting to wander, especially in Capri, but every minute you spend here impacts your ability to get back to Marina Grande in time for your ferry.

Some days, the timing works perfectly. Other days, lines build up, and you’ll want to keep the return plan in your head.

Capri Funicular to Marina Grande: Easy, But Don’t Treat It Like a Forever Train

CAPRI - DIY Day Trip Package - BoatTour, BlueGrotto,Bus&Lunch - Capri Funicular to Marina Grande: Easy, But Don’t Treat It Like a Forever Train
Stop 6 is the Capri funicular ride. It’s about 4 minutes, and the departures run every 15 minutes from Capri center down to Marina Grande port.

This leg is included, which is a huge relief because it removes one of the more annoying logistics problems. Capri is steep. The funicular is how you get back down without hauling yourself downhill.

The practical advice is simple:

  • Plan to be near the funicular station early enough that you still have options if the next departures are crowded.
  • If you’re tight on time, don’t gamble on the last ride. The schedule is frequent, but you can still lose momentum if you arrive at the last moment.

Also, note that the funicular can be crowded. That’s not a reason to skip it, just a reason to keep your patience for close quarters.

How the Whole Day Feels: A Realistic Pace That Still Leaves Room to Breathe

This package is built around a middle-heavy day. Boat cruise in the morning, lunch in Anacapri, chairlift views mid-day, then historic center time before you descend by funicular.

In a good scenario, it feels like you see the major parts of Capri without feeling like a time-card worker. In a rough scenario, the day can tighten, especially if:

  • Blue Grotto access requires extra waiting.
  • The lunch timing runs long.
  • Crowds hit the funicular or chairlift at the same time.

The best strategy is to start early on Capri. If you do, you give yourself enough flexibility to handle delays without abandoning the chairlift or cutting your center time too short.

The other smart move: decide your priorities before you get on the island. If your top goal is Blue Grotto entry, be ready for extra waiting. If your top goal is panoramic views, make sure the chairlift stays a priority and treat Blue Grotto as a bonus when conditions allow.

Who This Tour Best Fits (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This works especially well for:

  • People on a tight schedule who still want a classic Capri mix, boat views, Anacapri atmosphere, and a high viewpoint.
  • Travelers who like structure but want freedom once they are moving between areas.
  • Groups that want everything lined up in advance, with transport and tickets handled.

It may be less ideal for:

  • Anyone who wants an all-day wandering plan with no transport anchors. This is DIY, but it still has fixed components you’ll be using.
  • Travelers who dislike crowds at transport hubs, since the funicular can pack in peak times.
  • People who are arriving very late to Capri, because the chairlift and lunch timing can get squeezed.

If you want a calm, slow Capri day with long, unplanned breaks, you might feel rushed with the anchored lunch and return. If you want the best use of limited time, this package is a strong match.

Practical Tips to Avoid Common Capri Day Friction

These are the things that keep the day smooth:

  • Start early once you’re on Capri. The ticket pickup hours run until 1:00 PM, and the rest of your day depends on stacking activities sensibly.
  • Keep Blue Grotto as a flexible target. You pay separately for the rowboat entrance, and conditions can affect whether you get the chance.
  • Use lunch as your energy reset. A real sit-down meal helps you enjoy the chairlift and center instead of rushing through them.
  • When you’re back in Capri center, head toward the funicular without long detours. The funicular runs about every 15 minutes, but late arrivals can still feel stressful.
  • At ticket pickup, be ready to collect your vouchers at the port area before boarding the boat.

Also, your transportation segments are air-conditioned on the bus parts. That’s not glamorous, but it matters on warm days.

Should You Book This Capri DIY Day Trip Package?

I think you should book it if you want a smart, time-efficient Capri day that hits the classics without turning logistics into your main activity. The chairlift to Mount Solaro and the included lunch are the big “this is why I’m paying” pieces. The boat tour gives you coastline views, and the bus routing saves your legs for sightseeing instead of steep walking.

Skip it or rethink it if you are planning to spend your whole day wandering without a return plan, or if you know you’re extremely sensitive to crowds at the funicular. Also, if Blue Grotto entry is the only thing you care about, go in with flexibility, because conditions can change what’s possible.

If you’re like most people visiting Capri for the first time, this is a strong way to buy time back, keep your own pace where it counts, and still leave the island with the feeling that you actually saw it.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Capri DIY day trip?

The day trip runs about 6 to 8 hours.

Does the package include ferry tickets to Capri?

No. Ferry to and from Capri is not included.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the boat tour, bus transport, chairlift to Mount Solaro, funicular ride from Capri center to Marina Grande, air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch.

Is the Blue Grotto included?

A boat tour stop by the Blue Grotto area is included, but the Blue Grotto rowboat entrance ticket is not included. The extra entrance ticket is listed at 14€ per person.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Motoscafisti di Capri at Molo Numero 0, Porto di, 80073 Marina Grande NA, Italy.

What time does the ticket pickup point operate?

For 04/01/2025 to 10/26/2025, ticket pickup hours are listed as Monday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

How do I get to Anacapri from Marina Grande?

You take the private bus to Anacapri from Marina Grande near Pier 23, after disembarking and collecting your package tickets.

What does lunch include, and where is it served?

Lunch is a 3-course Italian meal at La Giara Restaurant in Anacapri.

How often does the funicular run?

The Capri funicular departures run every 15 minutes from Capri center to Marina Grande port.

Is this tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

More like this

Capri Boat Tours, compared.

The full Capri Boat Tours list →
Island Boat Trip with Grottos
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 4,923 reviews· from $28

Island Boat Trip with Grottos

Read our review →
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 3,170 reviews· from $143

Exclusive Capri Boat Tour and Optional Blue Grotto

Read our review →
Capri Blue Grotto Small-Group Boat Day Tour From Sorrento
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 2,511 reviews· from $131

Capri Blue Grotto Small-Group Boat Day Tour From Sorrento

Read our review →
Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop
★★★★★★★★★★4.1· 2,071 reviews· from $28

Island Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Stop

Read our review →
Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,053 reviews· from $216

Capri & Blue Grotto Semi Private Boat Day Trip from Sorrento

Read our review →
Coast and Capri Boat Trip with Limoncello Tasting
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 2,037 reviews· from $81

Coast and Capri Boat Trip with Limoncello Tasting

Read our review →
Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Visit
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,759 reviews· from $141

Capri Boat Tour with Blue Grotto Visit

Read our review →
Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottos & Light Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,201 reviews· from $143

Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento: Swim, Grottos & Light Lunch

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Explore the Bay of Naples

Every kind of day the peninsula does, and the best of each.