In short
- Capri's Blue Grotto draws 280,000 visitors a year and requires waiting in 1-2 hour queues.
- Accessing the Blue Grotto costs €18 to €19 plus transfer fees, and you spend 5 minutes inside.
- The Emerald Grotto on the Amalfi Coast offers a different visual experience without the island transit.
In this article
Choosing between Italy's two most famous sea caves comes down to logistics. The Blue Grotto is located on the island of Capri, while the Emerald Grotto sits on the mainland Amalfi Coast. Since getting to Capri requires a ferry, combining both in one day is difficult.
Where are the caves located?
The Blue Grotto is in Anacapri on the island of Capri, while the Emerald Grotto is on the Amalfi Coast mainland.
To reach the Blue Grotto, you must cross to Capri by ferry and then take a 15-20 minute boat transfer from Marina Grande. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Anacapri and walk 40-50 minutes down Via Grotta Azzurra. The Emerald Grotto is accessible directly from the mainland coastal road.
How does the water color compare?
The Blue Grotto glows azure due to sunlight passing through an underwater cavity.
Inside Capri's cave, the water reflects a brilliant silver and electric blue. The cave is 60 meters (200 ft) long and 25 meters (82 ft) wide. The Emerald Grotto is known for its green hues, created by different lighting conditions.
Which cave has longer queues?
The Blue Grotto averages 280,000 visitors per year, leading to wait times of 1 to 2 hours in peak summer.
Because the Blue Grotto entrance is only 2 meters wide and 1 meter high, visitors must enter in small rowboats. This creates a severe bottleneck. The Emerald Grotto generally sees fewer daily visitors and shorter wait times.
How much does entry cost?
The Blue Grotto costs €18 to €19 per person, paid in cash at a floating ticket office.
This fee covers a €6 site ticket and the required rowboat passage. If you take a boat transfer from Marina Grande, that costs an additional €24 to €25. You cannot take a private boat or kayak into the cave.
How long does the experience last?
A standard visit inside the Blue Grotto lasts approximately 5 minutes.
You will lie completely flat on the bottom of a wooden rowboat while the guide pulls you through the tiny stone portal. Once inside, you have just enough time to view the glowing water while boatmen sing Neapolitan songs.
Are the caves always open?
No, both caves close when sea conditions become dangerous.
The Blue Grotto is entirely dependent on tides and weather. During high winds, rough seas, or high tides, the 1-meter-high entrance becomes impassable. The site closes abruptly without prior notice. Weather Closures
Questions travellers ask
Can you swim in the Blue Grotto or Emerald Grotto?
Swimming inside or just outside the Blue Grotto is strictly prohibited. Violations result in fines ranging from €1,000 to €3,000. It is illegal to swim there at all hours.
Do I need to book the Blue Grotto in advance?
You cannot book the specific entrance ticket in advance. Entry is paid in cash at the floating ticket office outside the cave. However, you can book boat tours to reach the cave entrance from the port.
Which cave is easier for those with seasickness?
If you suffer from motion sickness, waiting outside the Blue Grotto in a bobbing boat can trigger symptoms. You can minimize this by taking a bus to Anacapri and queuing on the cliffside stairs instead.
