Capri in a Day: Swim Stops, Lunches & Hidden Coves

Capri is one of the best islands in Europe to explore by boat.

While the town itself gets crowded during summer, the coastline around the island is where Capri really becomes special. Hidden caves, crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs and beach clubs only properly experienced from the sea.

A full day charter around Capri allows you to experience the island at a completely different pace.

Best Departure Time

11am departures work best for Capri day charters.

This gives enough time to explore the coastline before lunch while avoiding the busiest morning arrival traffic around the island.

Swim Stops Worth Knowing

Marina Piccola - One of Capri's most famous swimming areas with beautiful water and incredible views back towards the Faraglioni.

The Green Grotto - Less crowded than the Blue Grotto and often a much better swim stop for guests wanting clearer water and fewer boats.

Faraglioni Rocks - One of Capri's most iconic boating locations. Most guests stop here for photos and swimming beneath the cliffs.

Punta Carena - Located on the quieter western side of the island, this area feels calmer and more relaxed than the busier southern coastline.

Best Lunch Spots by Boat

La Fontelina - La Fontelina is a Capri institution. Sitting directly on the rocks beneath the Faraglioni, it's one of the most iconic lunch spots on the Amalfi Coast and perfectly suited for arriving by boat. The blue and white umbrellas have become instantly recognisable over the years and the setting beneath the Faraglioni rocks is classic Capri. You really can't visit Capri without either stopping here for lunch or at least swimming out front.

Il Riccio - Located right by the Blue Grotto, this Michelin starred beach club and restaurant combines luxury with classic southern Italian seafood. Perfect for guests wanting a more elevated lunch. The dessert room here is iconic and very much part of the experience.

Bagni Tiberio - Bagni Tiberio is one of Capri's more relaxed and local feeling beach clubs, located on a quieter stretch of water near Marina Grande. The atmosphere feels far more understated than some of Capri's larger scene driven spots. Come here for fresh seafood, clear water and long lunches that feel genuinely classic Capri. Perfect if you want a slower, more authentic beach club day by the sea.

Hidden Coves & Captain Tips

Some of Capri's best swimming spots are the smaller coves only accessible by boat.

Good captains will usually avoid the busiest sections around Marina Grande during peak afternoon hours and instead focus on hidden western coves, quieter anchor points, and better water conditions depending on wind direction.

Flexibility is key because conditions around Capri can change quickly throughout the day.

Sunset Cruising Around Capri

Late afternoon is one of the best times to cruise around the island.

The water becomes calmer, day crowds begin leaving and the light around the cliffs changes completely. Perfect timing for drinks onboard before heading back towards the Amalfi Coast.