Blue Grotto in Capri | Info, Timetable, Best Daily Tours 2024

Capri, Destinations, Experiences, List

by Giuseppe Morvillo

Planning a visit to Capri in 2024? The Blue Grotto is an absolute must-see. Picture the water shimmering with blue hues inside the dark cave, accompanied by rowers singing Neapolitan songs—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that will become a cherished tale for years to come. Explore the best Capri boat tours and find a comprehensive guide of useful information for first-time visitors to Capri here.

by Giuseppe Morvillo
Planning a visit to Capri in 2024? The Blue Grotto is an absolute must-see. Picture the water shimmering with blue hues inside the dark cave, accompanied by rowers singing Neapolitan songs—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that will become a cherished tale for years to come. Explore the best Capri boat tours and find a comprehensive guide of useful information for first-time visitors to Capri here.

The Blue Grotto in Capri, Grotta Azzurra 

A Complete Guide and the Best Ways to Experience the Island of Capri by Sea

Capri’s most famous attraction, the Blue Grotto (the Grotta Azzurra), is visited by three thousands visitors every day and it is easy to see the reason: no trip to the Island of Capri is complete without seeing the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto or the Grotta Azzurra is the most famous of all Capri’s sights: it owes its name to the blue colour of the water, the result of light refraction. The blue glow of the water is produced by sunlight incoming from below a rock lip near the cave entrance that only protrudes into the water from the top by a few feet.

The blue grotto is a natural sea cave that is roughly 60 feet deep, 180 feet long and 75 feet wide.

To help travellers organizing their visit to the Blue Grotto, find here the most frequently travel questions from our readers and guests who want to know details, suggestions and local recommendation on visiting the Blue Grotto: from opening/closing time to ticket fares, from best boat tours to Capri island to how to get inside. Read all the info below and contact us directly if you want to know more, we are available any time!

Capri Blue Grotto Tour

The Blue Grotto in Capri – All you need to know

Top 10 Things you Must Know before visiting the Blue Grotto in Capri

How to visit the Blue Grotto?

To get inside the Blue Grotto there are only 2 ways:

By Sea: traveling by boat or ferry, depending on where you are staying.

  • From Sorrento you can take a semiprivate or private boat tour that includes stop at the Blue Grotto or you can take the ferry that leaves from Sorrento harbour to Capri, and then take another boat that brings you at the Blue Grotto.
  • From the Amalfi Coast you can take a semiprivate or private boat tour that includes stop at the Blue Grotto or you can take the ferry that leaves from Positano/ Amalfi to Capri, and then take another boat that brings you at the Blue Grotto.
  • From Capri  you can take a semiprivate or private boat tour that includes stop at the Blue Grotto.

By Land: Take the bus from Marina Grande in Capri to Anacapri, Piazza della Pace stop. Take the shuttle service towards the Blue Grotto and walk down the stairs from the shoreline.

What’s the best daily tour from Sorrento to visit Capri?

If you are visiting the Island of Capri and the Blue Grotto from Sorrento, we recommend you two different tours: a Capri full day small group boat tour or a Capri private boat tour, including a stop at the Grotta Azzurra. Thanks to these handpicked boat tours of the island of Capri  in one day you will be able to make the most of Capri and you will spend an amazing day around the Island with our recommended skippers: they provide great details of what to see and how to see and  they will help you to minimize lines and maximize the value of your time.

The most convenient Capri boat tour do discover the island in one day.
Let’s see how it works:

Discover CAPRI ISLAND

OUR SELECTED TOURS

Visit to Island & Grottos | Private & Shared

Tour | Capri Island & Blue Grotto Small Group Boat tour

Full day shared tour with English Speaking Skipper

Capri is one of the most famous and most visited Island in the world and the Capri daily tour with visit of the Blue Grotto from Sorrento, gives you the possibility to visit the island by yacht with a maximum of 12 people on board.  Perfect for families, couples and group of friends who want to share the experience with some few other travelers without renouncing the comforts, the quality and professionality of the skippers: we suggest reliable and personal trustworthy, experienced skippers specialized in Capri daily tours that will take care of you during the journey and will accommodate any of your requests.

Capri Island, Small Group Boat Tour – Itinerary

9AM | Departure from Sorrento Harbour

The meeting point and where the tour will begin is in Sorrento Harbour, you also have the option to add on a Drop Off and Pick Up Service from your Hotel or Accomodation. If choosing to add this service on, 0ne of our professional and English speaking drivers will collect you in the morning from your accommodation or hotel and take you to the meeting point in Sorrento Harbour where your journey to discover Capri by boat from Sorrento will begin. The car is fully equipped with all of the optimum comforts including air conditioning. Once on board the boat you will depart from Sorrento in the direction of the historic Baths of Queen Giovanna where you can admire the roman ruins and also visit a natural waterfall.

10AM | Baths of Queen Giovanna

On the first stop of our boat tour to Capri from Sorrento, you will discover the beautiful Baths of Queen Giovanna, an enchanting and magical hidden gem in Sorrento.

 

Read more about Explore Capri Island Shared Boat Tour

Often described as ‘a window into history’ located in the most natural paradise setting, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a great place from which you can admire the beauty of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Once you arrive you will see a small and charming lagoon, where the crystal clear water becomes a mirror where the colours of the sky are reflected. The cove transforms into a salt-water pool surrounded by Mediterranean olive trees. During the hot summer months this shady spot is a great place to come for a refreshing dip. You can enjoy swimming in the shallow water and float under the limestone, fern-covered arch that soars above the lagoon.

11AM | Salto di Tiberio, Coral and White Grotto

Next you will head in the direction of Capri, during the sail you will get to enjoy the spectacular view of Capri in front of you, we advise you to always have your camera ready as you are about to taking in some of the most famous and iconic sights. First stopping at the famous ‘Salto di Tiberio’, a promontory from where it is said the Roman emperor Tiberius threw his enemies into the several beautiful grottos, leading you onto the next stop, the Coral and White grottos. Our skipper will stop and give you the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters, life jackets and snorkelling equipment are also provided.

11:30AM | Iconic Faraglioni Rocks

Get your camera ready! The time has come where you will pass through the iconic and famous Faraglioni Rocks, known worldwide as the symbol of Capri. This is a truly unique experience you will want to make sure you capture. Thousands and thousands of years ago, these kinds of coastal rock formations were used as lighthouses with fires burning at their tops to signal safe navigation. These coastal rock formations make for the perfect photo, capturing the scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea as well. Ranging from between 80 and 150 metres height, the Faraglioni Rocks are pretty impressive. Once passing through the Faraglioni we will make our way to Marina Piccola in Capri for a nice and well deserved lunch break in a lovely beach club.

12PM | Lunch in Marina Piccola

We are sure you’ve worked up an appetite after taking in all of these amazing sights and swimming in the magical waters of Capri, which brings us onto the next part of our tour, lunch Italian style. You will be taken to Gioia Beach Club in Capri’s Marina Piccola where you can enjoy a delicious light lunch by the sea. 

1PM | Free Time to Discover Capri

After you have enjoyed a lovely lunch break, it’s now time to discover the Island of Capri on foot. You’ll be able to spend 3 hours on the island as you please, get your camera ready there are plenty of amazing photo opportunities on this beautiful island. We recommend you to visit La Piazzetta, it’s considered the centre of the island and it’s from here in fact that the alleys and the lanes join, leading you towards the most panoramic places and luxurious boutiques. If you’re a lover of shopping you absolutely must visit Via Camerelle, the famous shopping street of Capri. Elegant and clean, here you will find the islands most luxurious boutiques of all of your favourite designers, hotels and sumptuous villas hidden behind beautiful gardens and hedges. Once back on board the yacht there is time for another refreshing swim in the crystal waters and the chance to taste traditional homemade Limoncello made in Sorrento.

4PM | Visit to Green and Blue Grotto

The journey continues and now it’s time to visit the Green Grotto and famous Blue Grotto, one of the most visited attractions of the island. In addition to the enchanting turquoise reflections of its crystal waters in the Blue Grotto, the experience of entering inside the grotto makes it truly exceptional, it’s only possible to access by the famous boatmen on traditional ‘gozzi’ boats, who by rowing a little and holding to the peaks, will guide you into this magical cave. Please note, if you want to enter the Blue Grotto the price of the entrance is not included as it is managed by another business, however if you let the skipper know he can arrange for the purchase of tickets which are €14 per adult. The Green Grotto however is free to enter and is located on the southern side of the island, immediately after the Marina Piccola. Its unique reflections and emerald tones of crystal clear water will reward you with a unique experience.

5PM | Return to Sorrento

As the tour now comes to an end our skipper will take you back to Sorrento Harbour where if you have added on the drop off service, one of our professional private drivers will pick you up upon request and drop you back to your accommodation or hotel.

Tour | Capri Island & Blue Grotto Private tour

Full day private tour with English Speaking Skipper

While on your dream vacation in Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast experiencing Capri island with a full day private tour by sea is perfect for honeymooners, couples or families looking for a one of a kind experience. Guests have the option to personalize their day trip around Capri including which restaurant they would like to enjoy their lunch. Our experienced and professional skipper can also suggest you the best restaurant by the sea to eat on the Island! Take an amazing trip on our private boat ride from Sorrento to Capri, it’s the best choice for those who love the sea and who are wanting to also visit the Blue Grotto and the other Caves of Capri.

Capri Island, Private Boat Tour – Itinerary

9AM | Pick up from your accommodation

One of our professional and English speaking drivers will collect you in the morning from your accommodation or hotel and take you to the meeting point in Sorrento Harbour where your journey to discover Capri by boat from Sorrento will begin. The car is fully equipped with all of the optimum comforts including air conditioning.

9:45AM | Departure from Sorrento Harbour

Once on board you will depart from Sorrento in the direction of the historic Baths of Queen Giovanna where you can admire the roman ruins and also visit a natural waterfall.

10AM | Baths of Queen Giovanna and Waterfall

On the first stop of our boat tour to Capri from Sorrento, you will discover the beautiful Baths of Queen Giovanna, an enchanting and magical hidden gem in Sorrento.

 

Read More about Explore Capri Island with Private Boat Tour

On the first stop of the tour you will discover the beautiful Baths of Queen Giovanna, an enchanting and magical hidden gem in Sorrento. Often described as ‘a window into history’ located in the most natural paradise setting, Bagni della Regina Giovanna is a great place from which you can admire the beauty of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius. Once you arrive you will see a small and charming lagoon, where the crystal clear water becomes a mirror where the colours of the sky are reflected. The cove transforms into a salt-water pool surrounded by Mediterranean olive trees. During the hot summer months this shady spot is a great place to come for a refreshing dip. You can enjoy swimming in the shallow water and float under the limestone, fern-covered arch that soars above the lagoon. After visiting these historic baths, sailing continues passing through the Bay of Puolo, a small Fishermans village just behind the coast of the bay, this is where you will find our second stop, a beautiful and natural waterfall that flows from a rock into the sea and if you’re feeling brave enough, you can enjoy a refreshing shower under the waterfall.

11AM | Salto di Tiberio, Coral and White Grotto

Next you will head in the direction of Capri, during the sail you will get to enjoy the spectacular view of Capri in front of you, we advise you to always have your camera ready as you are about to taking in some of the most famous and iconic sights. It’s often said that you haven’t truly seen Capri until you’ve seen Capri by sea and is almost always on the bucket list for those who are visiting Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, it’s no wonder the island is one of the most popular and famous places in the world. Our private Capri boat tour from Sorrento allows you to discover the island and circumnavigate it, you will be able to stop at the entrance of the caves, explore them and even have the possibility to stop for swimming at any point during your trip. The first stop on the tour will be the famous ‘Salto di Tiberio’, a promontory from where it is said the Roman emperor Tiberius threw his enemies into the several beautiful grottos, leading you onto the next stop, the Coral and White grottos. Our skipper will stop and give you the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters, life jackets and snorkelling equipment are also provided.

11:30AM | Iconic Faraglioni Rocks

Get your camera ready! The time has come where you will pass through the iconic and famous Faraglioni Rocks, known worldwide as the symbol of Capri. This is a truly unique experience you will want to make sure you capture. Thousands and thousands of years ago, these kinds of coastal rock formations were used as lighthouses with fires burning at their tops to signal safe navigation. These coastal rock formations make for the perfect photo, capturing the scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea as well. Ranging from between 80 and 150 metres height, the Faraglioni Rocks are pretty impressive. Once passing through the Faraglioni we will make our way to Marina Piccola in Capri for a nice and well deserved lunch break in a lovely beach club.

12PM | Lunch Italian Style

We are sure you’ve worked up an appetite after taking in all of these amazing sights and swimming in the magical waters of Capri, which brings us onto the next part of our tour, lunch Italian style. Our skipper will give you some of the best local suggestions on where to enjoy your lunch or if you prefer to independently decide where you’d like to eat, you will also have that choice.

1PM | Free Time to Discover Capri

After you have enjoyed a lovely lunch break, it’s now time to discover the Island of Capri on foot. You’ll be able to spend 3 hours on the island as you please, get your camera ready there are plenty of amazing photo opportunities on this beautiful island. We recommend you to visit La Piazzetta, it’s considered the centre of the island and it’s from here in fact that the alleys and the lanes join, leading you towards the most panoramic places and luxurious boutiques. If you’re a lover of shopping you absolutely must visit Via Camerelle, the famous shopping street of Capri. Elegant and clean, here you will find the islands most luxurious boutiques of all of your favourite designers, hotels and sumptuous villas hidden behind beautiful gardens and hedges.

4PM | Visit to Green and Blue Grotto

Once back on board the yacht there is time for another refreshing swim in the crystal waters and the chance to taste traditional homemade Limoncello made in Sorrento. The journey continues and now it’s time to visit the Green Grotto and famous Blue Grotto, one of the most visited attractions of the island. In addition to the enchanting turquoise reflections of its crystal waters in the Blue Grotto, the experience of entering inside the grotto makes it truly exceptional, it’s only possible to access by the famous boatmen on traditional ‘gozzi’ boats, who by rowing a little and holding to the peaks, will guide you into this magical cave. Please note, if you want to enter the Blue Grotto the price of the entrance is not included as it is managed by another business, however if you let the skipper know he can arrange for the purchase of tickets which are €14 per adult. The Green Grotto however is free to enter and is located on the southern side of the island, immediately after the Marina Piccola. Its unique reflections and emerald tones of crystal clear water will reward you with a unique experience.

5PM | Return to Sorrento

As the tour now comes to an end our skipper will take you back to Sorrento Harbour where one of our professional private drivers will pick you up upon request and drop you back to your accommodation or hotel.

How to get inside the Blue Grotto in Capri?

Many travelers say that the most memorable experience of visiting the Blue Grotto, it is how to get inside and get out from the cave. Let’s see how!

By Sea:

Once you arrive outside the Grotta Azzura you must disembark from the main boat and get on to the small rowing boats with which the skippers will accompany you inside. In fact, boat tours allow you to get into the small rowboat that will take you into the cave, the only boats that can get inside the cave opening.

Once on the rowboat, you must lay down in the boat on the floor as the cave top is very short and the skipper will pull the boat into the cave using a metal chain attached to the wall. Due to this procedure, only a maximum of four people can ride in a single boat. Once inside, the skipper will circle you around the cave a couple of times and then wait in line to exit the cave. You will stay in the cave approx. 5 minutes while skippers sing Italian songs and you take pictures.

By Land:

At the end of the steps coming from Anacapri, you will find rowers who will come to pick you up and will get you inside the grotto.

What’s the best time of the day to visit the Blue Grotto?

Make sure the weather is clear and mostly sunny, without sunshine you will not experience the same deep bright blue. It can be early morning or late evening, we recommend to visit the Blue Grotto when the day is bright  so that you can admire the light reflection and the blue glow of the water.

 When is the Blue Grotto closed?

The Grotto opening depends always on the winds and currents, the cave may be closed without advance: when waves are high or there’s high tide you will find it closed. Sometimes tours within the Blue Cave can be suspended and resumed several times in the same day.

Is the Blue Grotto in Capri open during Winter?

The Blue Grotto is open all year round, weather permitting, though it is often closed from November to March. You can call the number +39 081 8375646 after 9 am and check the weather info and updates.

Where to buy tickets to visit the Blue Grotto?

You can buy tickets directly outside the Blue Grotto, there is a kind of floating ticket office where you would buy your ticket.

How much is visiting the Blue Grotto?

  • Ticket cost € 14,00, it included € 10,00 for the rowboat service plus €4,00 for admission to the grotto.
  • Discounts: 2.00€ UE members between 18 and 24 years old
  • Children under the age of 6 enter for free.

Can you swim in the Blue Grotto?

No, it is illegal and it can be dangerous.

How long it takes to visit the blue grotto?

The visit of the inside of the Blue Grotto takes 5 minutes. Usually you have to wait at least half an hour before you can get in, and the wait increases to one hour and more in the peak season months such as July and August. Sometimes lines are so long and the area can be so overcrowded that people prefere to skip the visit.

My opinion: is it worth to visit the Blue Grotto?

You will read mixed reviews of the Blue Grotto: some people say it is a waste of time and money, others recommend that is the most beautiful place in Capri and one of the best experiences to live on the island as the cave get shined with the sun light from the outside. What’s my opinion about it? Yes, it is worth it! The Blue Grotto is a Must see in Capri and it is the most popular attraction of the island: sometimes it’s ok to just be a tourist and immerse your self in the local culture by living memorable experience, visiting the Blue Grotto is the experience!

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