Blue Grotto: Tours and Guided Visits

Located just off the coast of mainland Italy in the picturesque Bay of Naples, Capri is home to a number of natural wonders, including the legendary Blue Grotto.

Blue Grotto tours in Capri are easy to arrange and a must for anyone traveling to the island. Relaxing and mezmerising in equal measures, these excursions are filled with wonder, and provide you with an insight to the enchanting isle.

Here's all you need to know about Blue Grotto, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Capri.

What are the best Blue Grotto tours in Capri?

Island boat tour and Blue Grotto visit in Capri

On this Blue Grotto tour, you’ll speed around the coast of Capri, admiring the myriad of natural attractions that line its shores. You’ll dip in and out of sea caves to explore the geological history of the island, and discover Faraglioni Rocks — a trio of towering formations —  home of the endemic Podarcis sicula coerulea lizard. Upon reaching Blue Grotto, you’ll hop onto a rowboat and make your way around the sea cave, seeing how the sunlight illuminates the water in a mystical way.

Private Capri, Anacapri and Blue Grotto tour

If you’re looking for greater personalization than a group tour provides, consider opting for a private Blue Grotto tour in Capri.

On this excursion, you’ll have your owyn vehicle, which makes for a seamless and peaceful journey to the sea cave, and, after discovering the shimmering wonderland, you’ll stop in Anacapri where you can roam the streets and enjoy sweeping views across the Tyrrheanian Sea. Then, head to Capri Town for a little free time to wander its smattering of luxury boutiques and religious monuments before riding the island’s 20th-century funicular, which transports you on a scenic 670-meter journey with spectacular views over the ocean.

Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks boat tour in Capri

Sailing away from the picturesque Marina Grande, you’ll make your way to Villa Pollio, which dates back to ancient Roman times. Discover the unsettling history behind Mount Tiberius and pass by numerous attractions that your hosts will be happy to fill you in on before reaching Blue Grotto. You’ll also learn the roots of the Faraglioni Rocks, each of which has its own individual name, and the legends that surround them before returning to the island.

Are there any combos available with Blue Grotto tours in Capri?

DIY Capri day trip with Blue Grotto visit plus funicular

If you want to design your own day, opt for this Blue Grotto tour in Capri that enables you to visit a number of locations completely on your own terms. You’ll be provided with tickets for each attractions and from there, you can decide on the timings of your Capri day trip. Discover Blue Grotto, as well as Ancapri and Mount Solaro — the highest point on the island — in whichever order suits you best. You’ll also have a pre-paid three-course lunch included, which will allow you to experience the rich flavors of Italian cuisine and relax with your loved ones.

Which places are visited?

Blue Grotto is a small sea cave located along the coast of Capri, which measures just 60 meters long and 25 meters wide. The natural attraction is hidden away, only accessible via a small hole less than a meter high that requires you to duck down to gain entrance.

The history of Blue Grotto dates back to ancient Roman times when the emperor Tiberius used it as his own personal swimming hole.

While today, you can’t slip inside the water as the notorious leader did, you can explore the cavern via a row boat.

How much do Blue Grotto tours in Capri cost?

Basic Blue Grotto tours in Capri cost approximately €20 per person aged 7 and over.

You can expect a combination tour that provides you with complete flexibility to cost €100 per adult while children under 7 incur no additional charge.

A private Blue Grotto excursion costs €600 if you decide to travel solo. However, you’ll save money with each person added to your group and with the maximum of eight guests, you’ll each pay just under €120. Children under 4 can participate for free.

Blue Grotto and Faraglioni Rocks boat tours in Capri cost €1,250 per group of up to six participants. With this party size, you’ll each pay just over €200.

What is included?

In most cases, Blue Grotto tours in Capri provide round-trip transportation, including funicular rides in some cases.

On combination excursions, you’ll also be provided with chairlift tickets and a three-course lunch will be arranged for you.

It’s worth noting that on the majority of these tours, entrance to the sea cave is at your own expense, which adds an additional sum of just under €20 per person to your excursion. However, private tours do include the admission fee in the overall price.

Where do they start?

Blue Grotto tours in Capri typically begin at Marina Grande on the island’s north shore. Capri has a wide network of public buses, as well as a funicular service, both of which make navigating the island simple.

Alternatively, if you select a private tour, you can opt for a complimentary accommodation pickup service. You’ll simply inform your provider of your hotel name upon booking and, on the day of your excursion, await collection in the lobby from a friendly guide. Once your adventure is over, you’ll be dropped back in the same spot, making for a seamless experience.

How long do the tours last?

Blue Grotto boat tours in Capri can last as little as an hour or as long as 8 hours, depending on any additional sights they visit. This makes it easy for all travelers to slip a visit to the destination into their itinerary.

When is the best time for a Blue Grotto tour in Capri?

The best time of day to see the true blue effect inside the grotto is during sunny days between noon and 2 pm. During this time, the sunlight reflects just right, producing the magical blue hue the grotto is known for.

If you are wondering, you should choose spring and autumn for a visit because from July until August the queues for the Blue Grotto can be extremely long.

Travel tips

• The entrance to the Blue Grotto is very low, and it can be closed off by rough seas or even just slightly choppy conditions. Always check the sea conditions before planning a visit.
• The boats that take you into the Blue Grotto are small, and you might have to lie back as you enter. Avoid to bring large backpacks or bulky items.
• Especially during peak season, you might have to wait for a long time. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.