Li Galli Islands and Capri Small Group Boat Tour from Amalfi

Capri from a small boat changes everything. This small-group Amalfi cruise pairs classic sea views with real water time, plus an on-island stretch to explore Capri at your own pace.

I especially like the swim-focused stops in protected waters like Punta Campanella and the final Li Galli area, with snacks and water kept simple and easy. I also like the feel of the day, from the welcome prosecco toast to friendly hosting I noticed in crews led by Lucia, Alessandra, and Tony.

One thing to think about: Capri can be crowded, and you do not get a lot of time once you factor in the trek up, heat, and popular lift lines. If your main goal is a long, gear-heavy snorkeling session or a full Blue Grotto plan, this tour may not match your expectations.

Key things to know before you go

• Gozzo boat comfort for a small group with a sundeck, timed for stops where you can actually get in the water
• Protected-water swimming at Punta Campanella and Li Galli, with Capri-famous sights like the Faraglioni along the way
• About 2.5 to 3 hours on Capri so you can shop, eat, and move around, but you need a plan
• Snorkeling time, but no gear provided, so bring your own or plan to do light snorkeling with what you have
• Blue Grotto is not part of this route, so you will need to handle it separately if you want it

A small-group gozzo boat day that earns its keep

If you are tired of bus schedules and ticket lines before you even reach the water, this tour feels like a reset button. You start in Amalfi and spend most of the day on a traditional wooden gozzo with a sundeck, then slow down at a few places where swimming makes sense.

The whole day is built around pacing. You are not just being driven past the coastline. You are stopping, getting wet, then continuing, which is why the itinerary feels far more satisfying than a “view only” boat cruise.

Where you meet in Amalfi, and what happens right away

You meet your skipper at 9:40am at the Port of Amalfi, at Molo Darsena (the meeting point listed as Cruise and Snorkel Amalfi Coast – Amalfi Boat Tours). It is close to Piazza Flavio Gioia, so if you are wandering around the main square, you are in the right mental zone.

From there, the vibe kicks in quickly. You get a welcome prosecco toast and board the gozzo. Even if you are not a big drinker, that first pour is a nice way to break the morning stiffness before you head out along the Amalfi Coast.

Practical note: the tour is described as English offered. Still, some captains may stick mostly to Italian while the assistant handles the narration. If you care about commentary, lean into the assistant for questions and details.

Punta Campanella swim stop: where the water earns attention

The first stop is Area Marina Protetta Punta Campanella, a marine protected area where the water is the main event. You get in, swim, and float around while the boat stays positioned for an easy re-board.

This is the kind of stop you will remember when you look back at the day. Capri is famous, sure, but protected waters off the mainland are often less crowded, and the swim time feels like it belongs in a short list of “best moments” from your whole trip.

In terms of what to expect, the stop is brief by design. You are not meant to turn it into a half-day beach picnic. Think quick dip, swim around, then enjoy the sea views again from the deck.

Capri’s Faraglioni: photos, plus another water moment

Next you reach Capri and the I Faraglioni area. This is when the coastline turns cinematic. The rock formations are the postcard shape, but seeing them from the water is the real payoff.

You also get another chance to swim and snorkel near the rocks. One key thing: snorkeling gear is not included, so come prepared. If you have your own mask and snorkel, bring them. If you do not, you might still enjoy light snorkeling, but you should not count on a full gear setup being provided.

Time on Capri: about 2.5 to 3 hours to do what matters

After the sea stops, you land at Capri and get roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to explore at your own pace. That timing is the make-or-break part of the day.

Here is how to think about it. In that window, you can do one solid loop and one simple treat. You probably cannot do everything people list online. You can shop a bit, grab gelato, and find a viewpoint, but you need to choose your priorities fast once you step off the boat.

A smart approach is to have a two-option plan based on crowds. When it is hot, the practical plan wins. Some crew guidance and common-sense tips you will hear on the island include using a taxi across the island instead of relying on buses, especially if you want to reach lunch spots and keep your time intact.

Also, the lift or chair lift lines can eat time. Funicular access can involve waits, and a longer queue can quietly shrink your exploration time. If you care about taking the lift, build that into your pacing decision immediately after you get off the boat.

Li Galli: the quiet protected finale (and the surprise)

The last portion brings you back toward Amalfi via Li Galli, a set of private islets in a marine protected area. This is the calmer ending most people hope for, and it fits the rhythm of the day.

You get one more swim stop here, typically around the area near the islets. Even if you are tired after Capri, the water time helps reset you for the return trip.

Crews also prepare a surprise during the return segment. Depending on the day and group, that can mean extra treats beyond the snacks. Many people mention a finish that leans into local flavors like limoncello, which feels like a fun closer after hours on the water.

What you actually get for the price, plus the small extra fee

At $252.76 per person, you are paying for a small-group boat day that includes captain-led navigation, staff support, planned swim stops, and simple onboard extras. In practical terms, you are covering the part of the Amalfi Coast that is hard to DIY: the timing, the positioning at specific water spots, and the smooth transitions between sea and island.

Onboard inclusions:

• Professional skipper and on-board assistant
• 2 bottles of water per person
• Welcome prosecco toast
• Snacks

Not included:

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages beyond the welcome toast
• Snorkeling equipment

There is also a destination fee of €5.00 per person for docking, mooring, and landing services. It is small, but it matters for true cost comparisons.

If you compare this to doing it on your own with ferries, the value question becomes simple:

• If you want convenience plus multiple swim stops without organizing boats and stops, this pays off.
• If you mainly want long island time and you are fine with less swimming, a ferry can stretch your Capri hours.

Snorkeling expectations: swim time is real, gear is not

The tour is framed as a Capri and swimming experience with snorkeling opportunities. The main difference between a great day and a disappointing day often comes down to gear expectations.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. So if you want to snorkel more than a quick peek, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. If you show up without them, you can still enjoy the swim stops and the crystal-clear moments around the rocks, but you should not expect a full guided snorkeling program with provided gear.

Also, there have been mixed reports about how long snorkeling actually lasts versus quick jump-in moments. That is why I call this swim-forward. If you want snorkeling as your headline, confirm what is realistic for the water conditions on your day and plan your mindset accordingly.

Boat comfort and the crew vibe that makes it feel easy

This is not a huge public boat tour. The group is listed as max 12 travelers (and sometimes described as 12 to 14 in general terms), so you are not lost in a crowd.

People often mention that the boat feels comfortable and not cramped for that size. You will likely share space with other passengers, but the sundeck is part of the charm, and you are not constantly jostling for the best view.

The crew energy seems to be a major reason for the high scores. Names that came up include Lucia, Alessandra, Tony, Giovanni, Desi, Marco, and Elena. What you can take from those mentions is consistent: the staff tends to communicate well, keep the group on track, and help with practical timing so you do not miss re-board windows.

One caution from past experiences: on some days the motor noise can make it hard to hear narration, and a few comments mention smoking by the skipper. Neither is something you should plan around, but it can affect your comfort if you are sensitive to sound or smoke.

Practical tips that will save your time in Capri

Capri eats time if you walk without a plan. Use these ideas to keep your 2.5 to 3 hours from slipping away.

• Decide your Capri direction fast. Once you disembark, pick either a town center wandering plan or a viewpoint lunch plan. Doing both usually means sprinting in heat.
• Plan for chair lift or funicular queues if they matter to you. A long line can turn a simple stop into a time sink.
• Use taxis strategically if you want to cross to the other side without losing hours to transfers. People specifically recommend taxis over buses when timing is tight.
• Keep your swim gear mindset simple. If you snorkel, bring your own gear. If not, still pack swim basics so you can enjoy each water stop comfortably.
• Bring a small plan for food. Lunch is not included, and island prices can surprise you. If you want to avoid a frantic scramble, have one place in mind when you get there.

Who this tour is best for

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• Amalfi Coast views plus actual swimming in multiple places
• A small-group day that feels relaxed rather than rushed
• A good balance of sea time and island time (not just one or the other)

It is also a great option for couples, friends, and small families who want a shared day on the water without the hassle of arranging everything themselves.

If your top priority is the Blue Grotto, you should read carefully. This tour does not include the Blue Grotto stop because of the long waiting time. You can still visit it on your own during your free time on Capri, but that requires you to manage tickets and your schedule.

Should you book the Amalfi to Capri and Li Galli small boat tour?

Book it if you want your day to feel like a true sea trip, not just a ferry ride with a sightseeing checklist. The mix of protected-water swimming, stops near famous rock formations, and a manageable chunk of time on Capri adds up to a day that feels worth paying for.

I would pass or look for another option if:

• Blue Grotto is your must-see and you want it built into the schedule with no self-planning
• You expect snorkeling gear and long guided snorkeling time
• You already know you will feel stressed by crowds and short island time

If you go in with the right mindset, you get exactly what the day promises: classic Capri from the water, real swims in the sea, and an easy return to Amalfi that lets you close the trip with a smile.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:40am. You meet at the Port of Amalfi, at the Cruise and Snorkel Amalfi Coast – Amalfi Boat Tours meeting point near Molo Darsena, 84011 Amalfi SA, Italy.

How long is the tour, and when do we return to Amalfi?

The duration is about 7 hours. The return to the port of Amalfi is scheduled for 4:45 PM.

How much does the tour cost, and is there an extra destination fee?

The tour price is $252.76 per person. A destination fee of €5.00 per person is not included.

What’s included in the price?

You get a professional skipper and on-board assistant, snacks, 2 bottles of water per person, and a welcome prosecco toast.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

How much time do we have on Capri?

You get about 2 hours and 30 minutes on Capri, with the overall island stop described as around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Are we stopping at the Blue Grotto?

No. This tour does not include a stop to the Blue Grotto due to long waiting time. You can visit the Blue Grotto on your own during your free time on Capri.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The tour depends on favorable weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.