Blue Grotto
A natural sea cave famous for its luminous blue waters, accessible only by small rowboats through a low, thrilling entrance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunlight creates stunning colors
Blue Grotto
Best Time
Sunlight creates stunning colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A natural sea cave famous for its luminous blue waters, accessible only by small rowboats through a low, thrilling entrance.
"The water is an incredible turquoise, and the cliffs and arches look truly impressive."
🎯 Lay Flat for Entry!
You MUST lie flat in the boat to enter. It's a tight squeeze but worth it!
⏳ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving before opening. Lines can get long quickly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Entrance
Sea Cave Entrance
The thrilling, low-ceilinged entry into the cave is an unforgettable adventure. Hold on tight!

Unreal Blue Water
Inside the Grotto
Witness the magical, luminous blue water that gives the grotto its name. It's truly breathtaking.

Coastal Views
From the Boat
Enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline and sea caves from your unique vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Tight Squeeze!
Weather is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Lay Flat for Entry!
You MUST lie flat in the boat to enter. It's a tight squeeze but worth it!
⏳ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving before opening. Lines can get long quickly.
💨 Check the Weather
Tours can be cancelled due to wind. Have a backup plan!
💰 Boat Tour Cost
Expect to pay around €10 per person for the boat tour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Lay Flat for Entry!
You MUST lie flat in the boat to enter. It's a tight squeeze but worth it!
⏳ Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by arriving before opening. Lines can get long quickly.
💨 Check the Weather
Tours can be cancelled due to wind. Have a backup plan!
💰 Boat Tour Cost
Expect to pay around €10 per person for the boat tour.
📸 Viewpoint Option
If tours are closed, the viewpoint above still offers amazing photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Blue Grotto's breathtaking turquoise waters and the unique experience of entering the cave. The stunning natural light and coastal views are major highlights. However, some find the wait times long, the actual grotto experience brief, and the entrance challenging, especially if tours are cancelled due to weather.
"Blue Grotto is one of the most beautiful spots in Malta. The water is an incredible turquoise, and the cliffs and arches look truly impressive. The best time to visit is in the morning before noon, when the sun lights up the caves and the colors of the water look absolutely stunning.
Even if you don’t take the boat tour, the views from the lookout point are worth it. It’s a really special place that leaves a lasting impression."
Andrii Abramovych
"Blue Grotto is amazing – if you are coming to Malta, this is a must-visit destination. I recommend taking the boat ride, which costs €10 per person. The best time to visit is between 9 AM and 1 PM because of the light reflection.
Amazing :)"
Haris Hrvic
"It stinks that the weather "wind" kept the boat tours from happening to the grotto, but we found a fix. We took a taxi and we're at least able to get pictures from above. But these pictures don't do it justice. We also saw a tug boat pulling a fish farm of tuna around the area. Definitely would recommend seeing but hopefully by boat on your excursion."
Spencer Atkinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Blue Grotto by taking a private boat or taxi to the entrance. From there, you'll transfer to small rowboats for the actual cave tour. Some visitors opt for organized tours from nearby towns like Sorrento.
Yes, the Blue Grotto is a popular attraction in Malta. Boat tours depart from a small harbor area.
While you can drive to the general area and access viewpoints, the actual grotto is only accessible by boat. Parking can be challenging.
Ferries and hydrofoils run regularly to Capri from Naples and Sorrento. Once on the island, you can arrange boat transport to the Blue Grotto.
Yes, many boat tours around Capri and the Amalfi Coast include a stop at the Blue Grotto, or you can book specific tours to the grotto itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The boat tour into the Blue Grotto typically costs around €10 per person. This fee is separate from any transport to the grotto's entrance.
Tickets for the rowboat tour are usually purchased at the harbor where the tours depart. Booking in advance isn't typically necessary, but arriving early can save you waiting time.
The Blue Grotto generally opens around 9 AM and closes in the late afternoon. However, hours are subject to change based on weather conditions.
The entrance is very low, requiring you to lie flat in the boat. If you are claustrophobic, this experience might be challenging.
If the Blue Grotto is closed due to weather, you can still visit the viewpoints above for stunning photos of the coastline and sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Inside the grotto, the light is dim and the boat moves. Focus on capturing the incredible blue water. Be mindful of your surroundings and hold on tight.
Absolutely! The viewpoint above the Blue Grotto offers a fantastic panoramic view and is a great spot for photos, especially if the grotto itself is closed.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be quick and careful as the boat is small and the entrance is low. Your skipper might also sing traditional songs, adding to the atmosphere.
Given the low light and moving boat, a wider aperture and higher ISO might be necessary. Image stabilization is also helpful.
Modern smartphone cameras can capture the essence, but be prepared for potential blur due to movement and low light. Focus on the vibrant water.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities inside the Blue Grotto itself. You'll find restaurants and cafes in the nearby towns or on Capri island.
Food and drinks are generally not permitted or available on the small rowboats that take you into the Blue Grotto. It's a short tour.
The areas around the Blue Grotto, especially in towns like Anacapri or Capri, offer a variety of dining options from casual trattorias to more upscale restaurants.
It's a good idea to pack some water and light snacks, especially if you're waiting in line or planning other activities on the island.
Capri is known for its fresh seafood, lemon-infused dishes, and delicious pastries. Look for local specialties.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
You'll board a small rowboat and lie down as the skipper navigates through a very low cave entrance. Inside, the water glows an ethereal blue. It's a unique and memorable experience.
The actual boat tour inside the Blue Grotto is quite short, typically lasting around 5-10 minutes once you're inside. The waiting time can be much longer.
Many find it a breathtaking and unique experience, calling it a must-visit. Others feel it's a bit underwhelming for the wait and cost, but still beautiful.
It's possible to bring babies, but it requires careful handling due to the low entrance and the need to lie flat. Some parents have done it.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting a little wet. A hat and sunglasses are recommended for the boat ride.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Entry: Navigating the Blue Grotto's Mouth
This tight passage is not just a physical challenge but also a testament to the grotto's natural formation. The sea cave is approximately 60 meters long and 25 meters wide, with its mouth being only two meters wide. The skill of the skippers in navigating these conditions, even during low tide, is remarkable. Some sources even suggest that the job of safely guiding tourists into the cave is highly skilled and potentially lucrative. Despite the potential for a bumpy ride or a cancelled tour due to weather, the reward is an entry into a world of unparalleled natural beauty.
The Magic of the Light: Why the Blue Grotto Glows
Travelers often describe the water as crystal clear and a vibrant turquoise, especially when the sun hits it just right. This natural phenomenon makes the Blue Grotto a photographer's dream, though capturing its true magic can be challenging due to the low light conditions inside the cave and the movement of the boat. Many visitors are captivated by the sight, with some describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The visual spectacle is so profound that it leaves a lasting impression on those who witness it.
Planning Your Visit: Timing, Weather, and Alternatives
If the Blue Grotto is closed for tours, don't despair. There are viewpoints located above the grotto that offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the sea caves. This can still provide a memorable experience and excellent photo opportunities. Some travelers suggest having a backup plan or exploring other attractions on Capri or the Amalfi Coast if the grotto is inaccessible. For those who are concerned about the tight entrance or potential closures, exploring other sea caves or enjoying a boat tour around the island can be a great alternative.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit