Capri Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Capri

Capri is a tiny island that casts an enormous shadow. Just 6 kilometres long and less than 3 kilometres wide, it rises from the Bay of Naples like a block of sculpted limestone, its sheer cliffs dropping into water so blue it looks artificially saturated. The Romans built palaces here – Emperor Tiberius ruled the entire Roman Empire from Villa Jovis on the eastern headland for the last decade of his life. Since then, Capri has never stopped attracting people who appreciate beauty, privacy and a certain theatrical grandeur: Axel Munthe built his cliff-edge Villa San Michele in the 1890s; Gracie Fields made it her home; Jackie Kennedy ordered custom sandals from Canfora on Via Camerelle; and today’s visitors include everyone from tech founders to film stars, drawn by the same combination of natural drama and effortless glamour that has defined the island for two millennia.

From a yacht, Capri is at its most spectacular. The approach from the north reveals Marina Grande’s colourful harbour framed by limestone cliffs; rounding the eastern headland, the three Faraglioni rock stacks – rising up to 109 metres from the sea – appear like sentinels guarding the southern shore. The Blue Grotto, entered through a metre-high opening in the cliff face, turns sunlight into liquid sapphire inside a cathedral-sized cavern. And Marina Piccola, the sheltered southern bay below the Augustus Gardens, offers some of the clearest swimming water in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Your crew handles the tender transfers, the restaurant bookings and the Blue Grotto timing, and you simply enjoy an island that has been perfecting the art of the good life for 2,000 years.

Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Capri fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Capri

The Blue Grotto: A Natural Wonder Accessible Only by Boat

The Grotta Azzurra is Capri’s most famous attraction and one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena in the Mediterranean. The cave extends 60 metres into the cliff, 25 metres wide, with an entrance barely 2 metres wide and 1 metre high at low tide. Visitors enter lying flat in four-person rowing boats, pulled through by oarsmen using chains fixed to the cave walls. Inside, sunlight entering through an underwater cavity refracts upward, turning the water an electric, almost supernatural blue that illuminates the entire cavern from below. The effect is best in the morning, when the sun angle is optimal – arrive between 9 and 11 a.m. for the most vivid light and the shortest wait.

The Faraglioni: Three Iconic Sea Stacks

Capri’s three limestone sea stacks are among the most photographed rock formations in Europe. Stella, the innermost, rises 109 metres and connects to the island by a narrow isthmus. Faraglione di Mezzo, the middle stack at 82 metres, features a natural arch 56 metres long and 15 metres high – large enough to cruise through by tender, a rite of passage for every Capri visitor. Scopolo, the outermost at 106 metres, is home to the endemic blue lizard (Podarcis sicula coerulea), found nowhere else on earth. Seen from the sea at sunset, with the evening light catching the limestone faces, the Faraglioni are unforgettable.

Two Thousand Years of Imperial and Artistic Heritage

Capri’s cultural pedigree is extraordinary for an island of just 10 square kilometres. Villa Jovis, Emperor Tiberius’s palace on the eastern headland, covers roughly 25,000 square metres of cliff-edge terraces at 330 metres elevation – the best preserved of his twelve Capri villas, from which he governed Rome for 11 years (27–37 AD). The Gardens of Augustus, originally laid out by the German industrialist Friedrich Alfred Krupp in the early 1900s, offer panoramic views of the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola from a terraced clifftop. Villa San Michele in Anacapri, built by Swedish physician Axel Munthe from 1896, houses Roman sculptures and 17th-century furniture above a terrace that looks out across the entire Bay of Naples to Vesuvius. The island’s artistic pull has never faded.

Michelin-Starred Dining Above the Sea

For an island of 14,000 residents, Capri’s dining scene punches remarkably high. L’Olivo at the Capri Palace Jumeirah in Anacapri holds two Michelin stars – Chef Andrea Migliaccio’s blue lobster ravioli and Mediterranean tasting menus are served in an elegant dining room with views across the bay. Il Riccio, also at the Capri Palace, holds one Michelin star and occupies a dramatic position on the cliff above the Blue Grotto, accessible by a stone staircase cut into the rock – the seafood lunch here, with waves crashing below, is one of the great dining experiences in southern Italy. Beyond the Michelin stars, Capri’s trattorias serve the island’s own dishes: ravioli capresi (stuffed with local caciotta cheese and marjoram), insalata caprese (which originated here, of course – mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil in its purest form), and torta caprese (a dense, flourless chocolate-and-almond cake that has been the island’s signature dessert for generations).

Glamorous Shopping and the Piazzetta

The Piazzetta – officially Piazza Umberto I, but nobody calls it that – is the heart of Capri town: a tiny square surrounded by café tables where you can spend an entire afternoon watching the passing parade over a Campari spritz. From here, Via Camerelle leads to more than 200 metres of luxury boutiques: Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana and Pucci all have outposts. But the most famous Capri purchase has always been handmade sandals. Canfora (founded 1946) makes custom leather sandals to your specification in roughly an hour – Jackie Kennedy was a loyal customer, and the tradition continues with new designs and the same artisan methods.

Key Destinations Near Capri

• The Blue Grotto – Capri’s legendary sea cave on the north-west coast. Enter through a metre-high opening aboard a four-person rowing boat and emerge into a cavern of electric blue water lit from below by refracted sunlight. Best visited 9–11 a.m. when light conditions are optimal.

• The Faraglioni – Three limestone sea stacks off Capri’s south-east coast: Stella (109 m), Faraglione di Mezzo (82 m, with its 56-metre natural arch), and Scopolo (106 m). Pass through the arch by tender for the quintessential Capri experience.

• Marina Piccola – Capri’s sheltered southern bay, tucked beneath the cliffs below the Augustus Gardens. Crystal-clear water over a mix of sand and pebbles, with beach clubs and restaurants along the shore. The main swimming and anchoring spot on the island’s calmer southern side.

• Villa Jovis – Emperor Tiberius’s cliff-edge palace on Capri’s eastern headland, covering 25,000 m² at 330 metres elevation. A 45-minute walk from Capri town through shaded lanes, rewarded with the most dramatic Roman ruins in the Bay of Naples and panoramic views in every direction.

• Anacapri and Monte Solaro – The quieter upper town of the island, home to Villa San Michele, the Capri Palace Jumeirah (L’Olivo and Il Riccio restaurants), and the chairlift to Monte Solaro – Capri’s highest point at 589 metres, with a 360-degree panorama encompassing the Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast. The 12-minute chairlift ride is an attraction in itself.

• Punta Carena Lighthouse – Capri’s south-western tip, where a lighthouse marks a rocky bathing area popular with locals. The rocks are flat enough to sunbathe on, the water is deep and clear, and the sunset here – the lighthouse silhouetted against the western sky – is among Capri’s best.

• Li Galli Islands – Three private islets less than 4 nautical miles west of Capri, associated with Homer’s Sirens and once owned by Rudolf Nureyev. Crystal-clear water over rocky reef, excellent snorkelling, and a postcard setting. A natural day-charter pairing with Capri.

Best Time to Charter in Capri

Peak Season: July and August

The warmest months (28–35°C / 82–95°F) with sea temperatures at 25–26°C. Capri is at its most glamorous and most crowded: the Piazzetta buzzes from morning to midnight, the Blue Grotto queues can stretch to an hour, and Marina Grande fills with day-tripper boats by late morning. Charter rates are at their highest, but the energy and the social scene are unmatched. Book by February for the best yachts, and have your crew time Blue Grotto visits for early morning.

Shoulder Season: May–June and September–October

Warm and sunny (22–28°C / 72–82°F), with noticeably fewer visitors and a more relaxed pace. The sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming from late May onward (22–26°C). September is the insider pick: golden light, quiet anchorages, warm sea, and charter rates 15–25% below peak. The Piazzetta empties enough to snag a table without waiting, and the Blue Grotto is often accessible with no queue at all.

Early and Late Season: April and November

Mild days (17–22°C), cool evenings and a beautifully quiet island. Many restaurants and shops remain open, but the crowds are gone. The Blue Grotto may be closed more often due to sea conditions, but Villa Jovis, the Augustus Gardens and Monte Solaro are at their most peaceful. April brings wildflowers and clear skies; November offers atmospheric mists and soft pricing.

Signature Experiences

• Enter the Blue Grotto – Lie flat in a rowing boat, duck through the metre-high entrance, and emerge into a cavern of electric blue water. Your yacht anchors nearby while your crew arranges the transfer. Visit between 9 and 11 a.m. for the most vivid light.
• Pass Through the Faraglioni Arch – Cruise through the 56-metre natural arch of Faraglione di Mezzo by tender. Local tradition holds that couples who kiss while passing through will be together forever. The limestone walls tower 82 metres above you.
• Sunset Cocktails at the Augustus Gardens – Take the tender to Marina Piccola and walk up to the Augustus Gardens for the classic Capri panorama: the Faraglioni catching the last light, Marina Piccola’s turquoise bay below, and the evening sky shifting from gold to violet.
• Monte Solaro by Chairlift – Ride the single-seat chairlift from Anacapri to Capri’s 589-metre summit (12 minutes). The 360-degree panorama at the top – Naples, Vesuvius, Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, and the open Tyrrhenian – is the finest view on the island. Pair it with lunch at Il Riccio on the way down.
• Custom Sandals at Canfora – Visit Capri’s most famous sandal-maker (founded 1946, Jackie Kennedy’s favourite) on Via Camerelle. Choose your leather, your style and your buckles, and collect your bespoke pair in roughly an hour. A Capri tradition since the post-war boom.
• Circumnavigate Capri by Yacht – A full circuit of the island by yacht (roughly 17 km) reveals sea caves, hidden grottoes (the Green Grotto, the White Grotto), the towering cliffs of the southern coast, and the Faraglioni from every angle. Your captain knows the anchorages and the timing.

Yacht Types Available

Motor Yachts (55’–99’)

The ideal choice for Capri, where the compact cruising ground and short passages (Capri to Positano is 12 nautical miles, Capri to Sorrento 9 nautical miles) mean you maximise time exploring rather than transiting. Crewed motor yachts in this range sleep 6–8 guests with a crew of 3–5. Weekly rates start from around $40,000–$65,000 depending on season.

Superyachts (100’+)

Capri’s harbour can accommodate yachts up to 60 metres alongside, with larger vessels anchoring off Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. A superyacht provides the space and service to match one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous islands. Weekly rates start from $90,000–$175,000 on MYBA terms.

Luxury Catamarans (55’+)

Catamarans offer stability for the open-water crossings in the Bay of Naples and generous deck space for enjoying Capri’s scenery. Their shallow draft allows close-in anchoring at Marina Piccola and the island’s smaller coves. Weekly rates start from approximately $35,000–$47,000 for a crewed 60’ catamaran.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I visit the Blue Grotto on a yacht charter?

Your yacht anchors near the Blue Grotto’s entrance on Capri’s north-west coast, and your crew arranges a transfer to one of the traditional four-person rowing boats (the only vessels permitted inside the cave). You lie flat in the boat as the oarsman pulls you through the metre-high entrance, then sit up inside the cavern as the water glows electric blue beneath you. The cave is 60 metres long and 25 metres wide. Visit between 9 and 11 a.m. for the strongest light effect. The Grotto is weather-dependent and closes when seas are rough – your captain monitors conditions and adjusts the itinerary accordingly.

How far is Capri from Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast?

Capri sits roughly 17 nautical miles from Naples (about an hour at cruising speed), 9 nautical miles from Sorrento (30–40 minutes), and 12 nautical miles from Positano (40–50 minutes). These short passages make Capri a natural addition to any Amalfi Coast or Bay of Naples charter. Most guests spend one or two full days on Capri before continuing along the coast.

Is Capri suitable for families?

Very much so. Marina Piccola’s sheltered bay and clear, calm water is safe for young swimmers. The chairlift to Monte Solaro is an adventure children love. The tender ride through the Faraglioni arch, the Blue Grotto’s magical blue water, and Capri’s narrow lanes (largely car-free in the town centre) all appeal to families. Your crew provides age-appropriate activities and kid-friendly menus.

What are the best restaurants on Capri?

L’Olivo at the Capri Palace Jumeirah holds two Michelin stars for refined Mediterranean cuisine. Il Riccio (one Michelin star) serves exceptional seafood on a cliff terrace above the Blue Grotto. For a more casual but equally memorable meal, Da Luigi ai Faraglioni offers beachfront dining directly beneath the rock stacks, and Lo Smeraldo on the Piazzetta is the classic people-watching spot with reliable Caprese cooking. Your crew will book the best tables in advance.

Can I combine Capri with other destinations?

Capri is the natural centrepiece of any Bay of Naples or Amalfi Coast charter. A 3-day itinerary might combine Capri with Positano and the Li Galli islands. A 5-day route adds Ischia and Procida. A full week extends to the Amalfi Coast proper (Amalfi, Ravello, Nerano). The short distances between all of these destinations – nothing is more than 27 nautical miles away – make combining effortless.