Blue Grotto from Capri

[trout96]

Has anyone done the Blue Grotto boat tour? How did you get to the boats? Is it worth the trip and time?

[euro cruiser]

We just walked up to the boat at the dock, paid them, and went.  This was in the middle of July, although it was afternoon.

[dogs4fun]

12 hours ago, trout96 said:

Has anyone done the Blue Grotto boat tour? How did you get to the boats? Is it worth the trip and time?

The grotto is beautiful but ...

The first time we went, we could not get into the cave due to winds (the mouth of the cave is low). The second attempt, we were successful. Tons of tourists during the high season with 9 boats (each holding about 30 passengers) already there when we arrived. It took us approximately an hour to have our turn through the grotto (the small rowboats that you must board in order to enter the grotto hold only 4 passengers). 

Info here: https://www.capri.net/en/s/la-grotta-azzurra

 

[Hlitner]

When you arrive on Capri (from either Naples or Sorrento) via jetboat/hydrofoil...you will dock at the small area known as Marina Grande.  As you walk off the pier, there will be folks holding signs and soliciting passengers to go to the Blue Grotto.  You can stop and ask them the cost, when they are leaving, etc.  These boats, which are varying sizes but will generally hold at least 20, will give you a nice ride around part of the island until you reach the area of the Blue Grotto.  At that point the boat stops and the passengers must transfer (on the water) to a small hand rowed boat that can take you into the Grotto.  Those boats are small an only hold a few souls.  The boat operator will then row you into the Grotto for a few minutes and then take you back to your larger boat.  Despite the relatively high price for this tour, the small boat operator will make it clear he expects nice tips!  Your larger boat will then take you back to Marina Grande.  It is worth it?  I would call it one of the world's greatest tourist traps....but that being said, it is something many folks want to do once :).  

 

The Blue Grotto is not open everyday as the tides and weather must be favorable.  But the boats that take you from Marina Grande will tell you if the Grotto is open before you board the boat.  Otherwise, those same boats will look for some business just taking tourists on rides around the island.

 

Hank