Blue Grotto Capri
A natural sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, illuminated waters, accessed by a thrilling rowboat ride.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds
Blue Grotto Capri
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural sea cave on Capri, Italy, famous for its intensely blue, illuminated waters, accessed by a thrilling rowboat ride.
"The magical blue light is breathtaking, but be prepared for crowds and costs."
⏳ Brace for the Wait
Expect long queues, bring water & sun protection. Wait times can be 1-2 hours. :sunwithface:
💰 Cash for Entry & Tips
Bring Euros! Entrance fees and tips are often cash-only. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Azure Glow
Inside the Blue Grotto
Witness the magical, ethereal blue light that illuminates the cave, creating an otherworldly experience.
The Rowboat Entrance
Cave Mouth
Experience the thrill of ducking low into a small rowboat to enter the cave, a unique and memorable journey.
Capri's Coastal Views
Boat trip to the Blue Grotto
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Capri's dramatic coastline and turquoise waters on your way to the grotto.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Wait
Cash is King
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Brace for the Wait
Expect long queues, bring water & sun protection. Wait times can be 1-2 hours.
💰 Cash for Entry & Tips
Bring Euros! Entrance fees and tips are often cash-only.
🧘♀️ Not for Claustrophobes
The entrance is low and the cave can feel tight. Ducking is required!
🚤 Private Boat Option
Consider a private tour for more control over your schedule and a potentially less crowded experience. :boat:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Brace for the Wait
Expect long queues, bring water & sun protection. Wait times can be 1-2 hours.
💰 Cash for Entry & Tips
Bring Euros! Entrance fees and tips are often cash-only.
🧘♀️ Not for Claustrophobes
The entrance is low and the cave can feel tight. Ducking is required!
🚤 Private Boat Option
Consider a private tour for more control over your schedule and a potentially less crowded experience. :boat:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Waiting in the sun can be intense. Carry plenty of water to stay comfortable.
📸 Be Quick Inside
Your time inside is short (2-3 mins). Be ready to capture the moment! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Blue Grotto's unique, luminous blue water, describing it as a magical and otherworldly sight. However, many find the experience overpriced for the short duration, with significant wait times and pressure to tip. The adventurous entry via rowboat is a memorable aspect, but the overall value for money is often debated.
"Beautiful place to visit! So nice. But the ticket price is too high, 18 euro for 2 to 3 minutes boat tour inside the cave. And the waiting time to enter the cave is so long!"
Taqi Yaseer Rahman
"The water around the whole island of Capri is unbelievably blue, from deep blue to azure. Our tour group took a boat around the island, we saw the blue cave, which was closed due to very choppy waters. The captain told us there is usually a 2 hour wait. We loved seeing Capri from all sides, 25€ for 1 hour."
FLnurseER1
"Nice, but when you get to outside of blue cave, there is 18 euros charge pp if you wish to go inside. Plus tip. The inside is dark and not big at all. 10 min twirling around roughly. There is not much to see besides blue water. Was it all worth the ride and waiting your turn ( 30 to 90 min? ) Debatable."
NADER WEHBE
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Blue Grotto by taking a boat from Capri's Marina Grande or Marina Piccola. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi to the entrance and then transfer to a small rowboat.
Yes, many visitors opt for private boat tours around Capri that include a stop at the Blue Grotto. This can offer a more personalized experience and potentially shorter wait times.
Swimming is generally not permitted inside the Blue Grotto due to safety regulations and the narrow entrance. The experience is focused on the boat ride and the unique light.
Most visitors arrive in Capri by ferry from Naples or Sorrento. From the island's port, you can arrange transport to the Blue Grotto.
Yes, you can travel from Anacapri to the Blue Grotto. You can take a bus or taxi to the grotto's entrance, where you'll then board a rowboat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the Blue Grotto is typically around €18 per person, paid separately from your boat transport. Tipping the rowboat operator is also customary.
Tickets are usually purchased on-site at the Blue Grotto entrance. It's advisable to have cash ready, as credit cards may not be accepted.
The Blue Grotto's opening hours are weather-dependent and can vary. It's best to check locally or with your boat tour operator on the day of your visit.
No, the Blue Grotto can close unexpectedly due to rough seas or adverse weather conditions. Visitors are advised to check conditions before heading there.
The price typically covers the small rowboat ride into the cave. It does not usually include the boat trip to the grotto's entrance from Capri's main ports.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Waiting times can be substantial, often ranging from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, especially during peak season.
The actual time spent inside the Blue Grotto is quite short, usually only 2 to 3 minutes, as the rowboat circles the cave.
Opinions vary. Many find the unique blue light stunning, but some feel the cost, wait time, and short duration make it debatable.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for getting in and out of a small boat. A hat and sunglasses are recommended for the wait.
Yes, you can take photos, but be mindful of the limited time and the boatman's movements. Some visitors note that flashes can disrupt the ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photos are taken from inside the grotto, capturing the surreal blue light. The approach by boat also offers beautiful coastal shots of Capri.
It can be challenging due to the low light, the movement of the boat, and the limited time. Be prepared for quick shots and consider a phone with good low-light capabilities.
While technically possible, many visitors advise against using flash as it can detract from the natural luminescence and disturb other visitors.
Use a higher ISO and a wider aperture if possible. Shooting in burst mode can help capture a good shot amidst the movement.
There are no official restrictions on personal photography, but be respectful of other visitors and the boatman's instructions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a private boat tour if possible, as it might offer more flexibility with children. While the actual time inside the grotto is short, the journey to and from the grotto, with views of Capri's coastline, can also be enjoyable for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be prepared for the possibility that the grotto might be closed due to weather, meaning you could incur transportation costs without getting to experience the cave. Weigh the cost against the unique visual experience and the adventure of entering the cave.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
While the experience inside is brief, the journey itself, with stunning coastal scenery, can be very romantic. Consider timing your visit for a less crowded period to maximize the intimate feel of the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Blue Grotto Experience: What to Expect
To enter, visitors must transfer from their tour boat to small, traditional rowboats, each carrying a maximum of four people. The boatman will instruct you to lie back along the bottom of the boat as they skillfully navigate the narrow, low-lying entrance. This ducking maneuver is a key part of the adventure and can be quite thrilling, though some find it intimidating.
Once inside, the experience is brief, typically lasting only 2-3 minutes as the rowboat makes a quick circuit. Despite the short duration, the visual impact of the glowing blue water is often described as breathtaking and magical. However, be prepared for potential crowds and long wait times, as the grotto's popularity means queues can form quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Navigating Capri's Waters: Getting to the Grotto
Upon arrival at the Blue Grotto's entrance, you'll transfer to smaller rowboats operated by local boatmen. This transfer is a crucial part of the experience. If you're arriving by land, you can take a bus or taxi from Capri town or Anacapri to the grotto's entrance point, where you'll then board the rowboats.
It's important to note that the Blue Grotto's accessibility is highly dependent on sea conditions. If the water is too rough, the cave may be closed for safety reasons, which can be disappointing for visitors who have traveled specifically to see it. Checking the weather and sea state beforehand is advisable.
Costs and Considerations: Budgeting for the Blue Grotto
Once you reach the grotto, there's a separate entrance fee, typically around €18 per person, which grants you access to the cave itself. This fee is usually payable in cash. Following your brief tour inside the grotto, it's customary to tip the rowboat operator. While not strictly mandatory, tips are expected, and some visitors report that the amount of the tip can influence the duration of your stay inside the cave.
Considering the combined costs of transport, entrance fees, and tips, a visit to the Blue Grotto can add up. Some travelers feel the overall expense is high for the short experience, leading to mixed reviews about its value for money.
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