What to wear on a Capri boat tour

Dress for a boat, then pack for a town. You will be on deck for hours with swim stops, so swimwear under something light, a cover-up, sun protection and flat shoes that grip a wet deck. Then remember the other half of the day: three to four hours ashore in a place with steep streets and churches that expect covered shoulders and knees. Bring a layer even in summer — one reviewer’s crew ended up lending coats to passengers who were cold on the water.

On deckSwimwear and a cover-up

ShoesFlat, grippy, no heels

SunHat, glasses, sunscreen

LayerYes, even in August

AshoreShoulders and knees covered

Time ashore3–4 h

On the water

Swimwear on underneath, because the swim stops come when the water allows rather than on a schedule, and changing on a moving boat is nobody’s favourite activity. Flat shoes with grip: decks get wet, and you may be stepping between boats if you go into the Blue Grotto. Sun is stronger on the water than on land, and there is not much shade on a small boat. A wind layer earns its space in the bag on any month of the year; Anne’s review of a cold, wet day is the one I think of, with the guides lending coats to people who had not brought one. Snorkelling gear is provided where snorkelling is part of the day, and the tour built around it is reviewed at the snorkelling boat review.

Ashore

The island is steep and the streets are hard underfoot, so whatever you wear needs to work walking uphill. If you plan to go inside a church, cover shoulders and knees; a light scarf or a long cover-up solves it without a second outfit. Season changes the calculation more than people expect, and the month-by-month version is on the best time to visit.

Insider tip

One dry bag, or a plastic bag inside your tote, for a phone and a towel. Spray comes over the bow on the run round to Punta Carena and it does not ask first.

Check the snorkelling boat

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Frequently asked questions

What should I wear on a boat tour to Capri?

Swimwear under something light, a cover-up, sun protection and flat shoes with grip. Add a wind layer whatever the month — it is cooler on the water than on the quay.

What shoes should I wear in Capri?

Flat and grippy. Decks are wet and the island is steep, so heels are a poor choice on both halves of the day.

Is there a dress code on Capri?

For churches, covered shoulders and knees, which a scarf or a long cover-up handles. Otherwise dress for walking uphill — what you will be walking to is on what to see on Capri.