4 Best Blue Grotto Capri Swimming Options (2024)
If you are wondering whether you can swim in Capri’s Blue Grotto then you have come to the right place. We are going to look at everything to do with swimming in the Blue Grotto in Capri.
First and foremost, no, you cannot swim in the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy.
But, you do have some options for swimming in beautiful waters in Capri near the Blue Grotto.
Before we get to that, what exactly is the Blue Grotto in Capri?
The Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy is an incredible sight to behold.
Famous for its deep blue color and mysterious underwater caves, the grotto has captivated visitors from all over the world since ancient times.
The entrance of the cave itself is just a few meters wide and lit up by sunlight that passes through a small hole in the ceiling.
Once inside, you can marvel at its breathtaking beauty as you look out into the vast open sea beyond.
While swimming in this magical place may be tempting, it is not allowed due to safety reasons – but simply being here will certainly leave you with lasting memories!
Although you cannot swim in the Blue Grotto in Capri there are several tours you can take of the Blue Grotto, including swimming!!
Where ever I travel on the Italian Coast I love getting out on the water and exploring hidden grottos and seeing the beautiful coast from the water – it gives you a whole new persepctive.
My Top 3 Picks: Blue Grotto Capri Tours
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Boat tour to Sorrento coast, Capri and Blue Grotto – Fun & Swim
✅ Swimming Stops
✅ Entrance to several grottos
Blue Grotto Capri, is swimming allowed?
No, swimming is not allowed in the Blue Grotto, Capri.
Many people will try to “sneak” into the Blue Grotto after 5:30pm once the ticket office and the tours have closed for the day.
However, not only is this illegal but it is also very dangerous.
The waves can be very strong and high and can slam swimmers into the low cave mouth and the walls of the Grotto causing great injury.
What can I do instead of swimming in the Blue Grotto?
Instead of swimming in the Blue Grotto there are various tours you can enjoy that include swimming in the waters near the Blue Grotto.
All tours visit the Blue Grotto and several other notable locations but allow time for swimming and snorkeling.
1. Boat tour to Sorrento coast, Capri and Blue Grotto – Fun & Swim
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 5 Hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW
Are you looking for a unique and unforgettable experience on the Sorrento coast?
Then look no further than this amazing boat tour to Capri and Blue Grotto.
This 5-hour tour includes stops for swimming and snorkeling in the magical sea waters and visits to several grottos including the famous Blue Grotto.
With only 12 people on board, it’s an intimate journey that will give you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Plus, there’s an open bar with snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages so you can stay refreshed throughout the day!
You will pass by the ancient fishing village of Marina Grande, ruins of a roman villa near Bagni della Regina Giovanna, natural waterfall that flows from the rock in Mitigliano bay and Punta Carena Lighthouse to name a few.
Enjoy the two locations where you are able to jump overboard and enjoy a swim (not inside the blue grotto) or a snorkel in the magical sea waters.
The Crystal Clear waters reminds me of snorkelling at the Blue Lagoon near Corfu!
“Amazing experience and a very relaxing and fun day on the water. The drinks, snacks, and service were all better than expected!” (Read More Reviews)
⛵Click here to check availability and rates
2. Capri Small-Group Tour by Boat from Sorrento with 2 stops to swim
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW
Are you looking for the best way to explore the Amalfi Coast?
Look no further than a Capri Small-Group Tour by Boat from Sorrento with 2 stops to swim!
This 7-hour tour offers an unforgettable experience, allowing travelers to explore several grottos including the Blue Grotto and spend time in Capri town itself.
In between Faraglioni Rocks and grotto, visitors can take some time out to go swimming or snorkeling from the boat.
With a maximum of 12 people per group, this small-group tour makes for an intimate adventure with plenty of opportunities for exploration.
You can choose to meet at the marina or opt for hotel pick up and drop off.
The tour includes delicious homemade sandwiches, drinks, and a limoncello shot.
“This was the highlight of our trip to the Amalfi Coast. On the boat, the guys were great fun and very informative. Food, music and swimming with plenty of time to enjoy Capri island. A big thank you for a great day!” – (Read More Reviews)
Click here to check availability and rates
3. Swim and sun, relax and fun! 3 hour tour of Capri island
⭐RATING: 4.5 out of 5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW
Look no further than the Swim and Sun, Relax and Fun 3 hour tour.
This amazing experience allows visitors to sail from Marina Grande and take in all that this spectacular destination has to offer.
From views of Faraglioni rock formations, the Blue Grotto, and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming – it’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Plus, with welcome aperitivo including wine, snacks and bottled water provided by your knowledgeable skipper who speaks English – what more could you ask for?
Swimming towels are provided which is a great way to reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry onto the boat.
✔ Pro Tip: The water can be quite choppy so if you are prone to sea sickness I recommended taking sea sickness tablets before boarding the boat.
“Such a great experience, intimate and personal. This was definitely one of the highlights of my vacation. Would highly recommend this tour.” (read more reviews)
⛵ Click here to check availability and rates
4. Capri Fun & Swim with Blue Grotto (Half day) – Small Group from Sorrento
⭐RATING: 5 out of 5 | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW
Experience a truly one-of-a-kind adventure in the gorgeous waters of Sorrento with the Capri Fun & Swim with Blue Grotto (Half day) tour! A captivating sightseeing experience awaits you that you won’t soon forget.
This small group tour offers an amazing opportunity to explore some of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, including Punta Carena lighthouse, Faraglioni and, of course, the legendary Blue Grotto.
With a maximum of 12 guests at any one time, this intimate tour ensures that each guest gets personalized attention from their English and Italian speaking skipper.
On top of all that – snacks and one soft drink/bottled water are included too!
It was beautiful and our captain made it a point to show us every unique cave that the island offered. The half-day experience was perfect. I highly recommend this tour to anyone that enjoys being on a boat and loves beautiful views. (Read more reviews)”
⛵ Click here to check availability and rates
How can I get to the Blue Grotto from Capri?
How do you get to the Blue Grotto from Capri?
There are several options from tour boats, private boats to walking and taking the public bus.
The most popular way to reach the Blue Grotto is by tour boat.
From Marina Grande’s port, you can either purchase a tour at the Marina or prebook one online.
Once you reach the grotto, you will need to disembark from your boat and board a rowboat into the grotto itself.
If you are on your own boat, you can anchor at the Blue Grotto and signal from one of the row boats to pick you up. You can also take a private tour of Capri and the blue grotto.
If you would prefer to reach the grotto without a boat, there are two other options.
From Anicapri, first walk down Via Pagliaro then down Via Grotta Azzurra.
There is also a public bus which leaves from Piazza della Pace. Once you reach the final stop walk down to the stairs to the seaside and join the queue for one of the wooden rowboats.
How much does it cost to enter the Blue Grotto Capri?
Entrance to the Blue Grotto costs 4 Euro person plus 10 Euro for the boat service.
In total, it costs 14 euro per person to enter the Blue Grotto.
All children under 6 are free of charge.
If you are under 18 years old and an EU citizen you only pay the 10 euro for the boat.
EU citizens ages between 18 and 25 years old are charged 12 Euro in total.
Tickets for the Blue Grotto Capri MUST BE purchased at the entrance to Blue Grotto from the floating ticket office.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Grotto in Capri?
The best time of year to the visit the Blue Grotto in Capri is between March and October.
The Blue Grotto is often closed to visitors from November until March because the rough seas make it impossible to enter the grotto.
The best time of day to enter the Blue Grotto is between midday and 2pm.
This is because the sun is most intense and makes the colour of the water the most intense blue and illuminates the inside of the Grotto.
How long does it take to visit the Blue Grotto?
A visit to the Blue Grotto can take around 2 hours.
You will spend around 5 minutes on a rowboat inside the Grotto.
But, there is usually a wait to enter the Grotto, during the high season and at peak times of the day the wait can be up to an hour.
A tour from the Marina takes around two hours.
If you choose to go on a tour of the Blue Grotto and around the island your tour can last up to 8 hours.
Is the Grotto open in winter?
Yes, the Grotto is open in winter.
The Blue Grotto is open all year round, weather permitting.
However, due to weather conditions the Blue Grotto is often closed between November and March.
Why is Blue Grotto…..blue?
The Blue Grotto is blue in colour because of the phenomena known as underwater light refraction.
When sunlight enters the cavern from an underwater opening directly under the cave’s mouth, most of the red reflections are filtered out, allowing only the blues to enter and create a unique blue hue.
This effect is further enhanced by bubbles covering objects underwater that cause silver reflections when illuminated by light, creating an even more vivid blue tone inside the grotto.
Editors Pick: Capri Small-Group Tour by Boat from Sorrento with 2 stops to swim
FAQs: Blue Grotto Capri Swimming
Does Capri have a blue Grotto?
Yes, Capri has a blue grotto called Grotta Azzurra. It is located off the coast of southern Italy in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.
It features a majestic deep-blue color due to its extraordinary light refraction phenomena, making it an enchanting natural wonder full of charm and beauty.
Can I swim in the Blue Grotto, Capri?
No, swimming in the Blue Grotto of Capri is not allowed.
Swimming inside the Blue Grotto in Capri is very dangerous due to the low mouth at the entrance and the Grotto walls during high tides and rough seas.
Instead, visitors can take a rowboat into the cavern and admire its beauty from the boat.
Why Can’t You Swim in the Blue Grotto?
The entrance to the blue Grotto is very low and the rocky walls of the Grotto are hazardous, especially during high tides and rough seas.
Is the Blue Grotto Capri worth it?
Yes, the Blue Grotto Capri is worth it.
It is one of the most beautiful and mystical places in the world, with its extraordinary blue light refraction phenomena creating an enchanting natural wonder full of charm and beauty.
From the moment you duck your head to enter the Grotto to the moment you leave the Grotto your breath will be taken away.
How much does it cost to go to the Blue Grotto from Capri?
Cost to enter the Blue Grotto costs 14 euro per person but the total cost depends on how you get to the Blue Grotto from Capri.
A ferry to the Blue Grotto can cost around 19 euro a private tour from Capri to the Blue Grotto can cost around 340 euro.
How deep is the Blue Grotto in Capri?
The Blue Grotto in Capri is around 150m (or 490ft) deep and has a sandy bottom.
Can you walk to the Blue Grotto Capri?
Whilst you cannot walk directly to the Blue Grotto you can walk from Anicapri to where the row boats leave for the Blue Grotto.
From Anicapri, first walk down Via Pagliaro then down Via Grotta Azzurra.
How much does it cost to see the Blue Grotto in Capri?
t costs 14 euro per person to see the Blue Grotto in Capri.
However, total cost depends on how you get there.
A ferry to the Blue Grotto can cost around 19 euro and a private tour from Capri to the Blue Grotto can cost around 340 euro.
Why is Blue Grotto in Capri Blue?
The captivating Blue Grotto of Capri glistens with a beautiful blue hue due to the science behind underwater light refraction.
When the sun’s rays penetrate through the underwater opening beneath the cavern, filtering out most of the red light and allowing only blue to pass in, a truly remarkable azure hue is produced.
The visual impact of the grotto is further intensified by bubbles reflecting light, creating a shimmering silver hue that gives the underwater environment an even richer blue tone.
How do you get to the Blue Grotto Capri from Naples?
Getting to the Blue Grotto of Capri from Naples is easy and convenient.
The most popular way to travel from Naples to Capri is by ferry, which usually takes around an hour.
Ferries leave from the Beverello Port in Naples and arrive at the Marina Grande Dock in Capri, where visitors walk, take a bus or a tour to Anicapri where they can reach the place where they can catch a rowboat.
Wrap Up: What you need to know about Blue Grotto Capri Swimming
The Blue Grotto of Capri is a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors with its extraordinary light refraction phenomena and rich blue hue.
It’s an enchanting place to explore, whether you take a rowboat into the grotto or just admire it from afar.
Although swimming in the Blue Grotto is not allowed due to safety reasons, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this majestic destination.
The cost for entrance varies depending on how you get there but overall it’s worth experiencing at least once in your life!
So be sure to plan your Capri trip and add the Blue Grotto to your list of must-see destinations.
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