Tom and Rita Wilson were doing the dinghy thing Friday off the island of Capri while their pals, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, were not too far maxing and relaxing on the deck of the Rising Sun ... David Geffen's 454-foot luxury yacht.

Looks like someone needs a better travel agent, right?

Not really. Yes, the Springsteens are kicking it in the lap of luxury -- but, Tom and Rita were on an excursion ... exploring Capri's famous Blue Grotto, where only dinghys can go.

Yes, Tom's gonna need a much bigger boat, which is why we're betting he'll rendezvous with Bruce and co. aboard Geffen's Rising Sun. He's a frequent guest.

#thelife