Blue Grotto: Day Trips and Tours from Naples

World-famous for its otherworldly blue waters, a trip to the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri can’t be missed. Capri is easily reached by ferry from Naples, Italy.

A day trip to the Blue Grotto from Naples will show you more of the island than the grotto. Wander cobbled lanes, find the perfect souvenir and soak in some of the best views in the Mediterranean.

Here's all you need to know about Blue Grotto, one of the most exciting day trips from Naples.

How to get to the Blue Grotto from Naples?

The Blue Grotto is located on the island of Capri in the Bay of Naples, around 40 kilometers south of Naples.

From Naples to the Blue Grotto by boat

Ferries regularly make the 1-hour trip between Naples and Capri’s Marina Grande, usually once every 4 hours. One-way tickets cost around  €25 per person.

Guided tour to Naples to the Blue Grotto

Simplify your visit to the Blue Grotto with a guided tour. Many day trip packages bundle the many steps of transportation, from entrance to the grotto to ground transportation on Capri.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Blue Grotto cost?

Entrance to the Blue Grotto is €14 per person which includes a 30-minute guided boat tour with a small group.

What is the typical itinerary?

Start your excursion with the scenic ride from the Port of Naples to Marina Grande on Capri. Reach the Blue Grotto either by ground transportation or by private boat.

A visit to the cave lasts around 30 minutes, although during the summer there may be a considerable wait to enter the grotto.

Enjoy a guided tour of the town of Capri or free time to explore. Some tours include transportation to Anacapri, the town’s second-largest town. Anacapri’s lofty heights afford amazing vistas and photo ops as well as historical sites to visit.

Choose a tour that includes a chairlift ride to the summit of Monte Solano for the best views on Capri before returning to Marina Grande for the ferry ride back to Naples. Lift tickets are available for purchase on-site if your tour does not include tickets.

In the chance that the Blue Grotto is closed due to high or dangerous seas, most tour packages offer a boat tour around the island to experience the other rocks, caves and arches along Capri’s rugged shore.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Blue Grotto?

Guided tours to the Blue Grotto from Naples

Arguably the best way to get to the Blue Grotto from Naples is booking a guided tour. Leave the organization of the many components of a day trip to professionals.

Enhance your experience with the help of a guide who will make sure you see the best of Capri.

Private tour to the Blue Grotto from Naples

Ideal for a romantic or family outing, a private tour to the Blue Grotto from Naples is simple, customizable and can be an affordable option for larger groups.

See the best of Capri with a guide, and take advantage of the convenience of paying one price for many benefits.

Day trip to the Blue Grotto plus Positano from Naples

Don’t miss out on a chance for a visit to the Blue Grotto, the rest of Capri and the Amalfi Coast’s most famous town, Positano.

The town is known for its staircases that climb the hillside. Relax on one of its beaches, shop for local crafts and sip a limoncello on a cafe terrace.

Day trip to the Blue Grotto plus Pompeii from Naples

Get a dose of both natural beauty and history on a tour that takes you to the Blue Grotto and Capri as well as the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

Follow a knowledgeable guide through the excavated streets of the city that perished in an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

How much does a day trip to the Blue Grotto from Naples cost?

Day trips to the Blue Grotto from Naples cost from €140 per person to €160 per person, depending on the size of the group and which fees and tickets are included.

Private tours offer the largest variety, from shore excursions to kid-friendly to romantic outings. Depending on inclusions and group size, private tours cost from €225 per person to €435 per person.

What will you see and do?

The Blue Grotto

Experience the glowing waters within the Blue Grotto. A guide will usher you through the tight spaces on a small boat for a sublime sight.

Faraglioni Rocks

The three Faraglioni Rocks are nearly as iconic of Capri as the Blue Grotto. Their distinctive shapes make them a top stop for photos. Take in amazing views of the Faraglioni Rocks from various points on the island.

Anacapri

Anacapri is near Capri’s highest point and can be a more relaxing place to visit compared to the town of Capri. Tour the Augustus Gardens, partake in an alfresco drink, and ascend Mont Solano in the chairlift for 360-degree views.

The “Mamma Mia” Road

Absorb breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples as you travel from Marina Grande to Anacapri on this winding road. Many tours that include a trip to Anacapri on the “Mamma Mia” road offer transportation in a convertible.

What are the opening times?

From the beginning of April to the end of October, the Blue Grotto is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. From November through March, the cave is open from 9 AM to 2 PM.

When is the best time to visit the Blue Grotto

You can visit the Blue Grotto at any time of year. June through September are the busiest months.

Since the Blue Grotto is subject to closures due to high water, booking a tour at the beginning of your visit can allow you more chances of entering the cave.

Are there any tours to the Blue Grotto from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Day Trips to Blue Grotto from Capri
• Day Trips to Blue Grotto from Sorrento

Travel tips

• Pack sun protection and a bottle of water.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for tours that make stops for swimming.
• During the peak tourist season, the wait time to enter the Blue Grotto may be as long as 1.5 hours.