In short
- Swimming is completely forbidden at all hours.
- Fines for violators range from €1,000 to €3,000.
- Entry is only permitted via official wooden rowboats.
In this article
Many visitors assume they can dive into the glowing waters of the cave. However, swimming in or around the Blue Grotto is strictly banned. The site is highly regulated, and the narrow entrance poses severe physical risks to anyone in the water.
Can you swim in the Blue Grotto?
No, swimming in the Blue Grotto is strictly prohibited.
You are not allowed to swim inside the cave or just outside the entrance. The ban applies at all times of the day. You must remain in the official wooden rowboats during your entire 5-minute visit inside the cave.
What is the fine for swimming in the Blue Grotto?
Fines for swimming range from €1,000 to €3,000.
Local authorities strictly enforce the no-swimming policy. If you jump into the water from your boat or attempt to swim into the cave from outside, you will face an immediate and heavy financial penalty.
Can you swim in the Blue Grotto after hours?
No, swimming is illegal at all hours, even after the official rowboats stop running.
There is a persistent myth that the cave is open for swimmers once the ticket office closes in the late afternoon. This is completely false. The ban remains in place 24 hours a day to prevent accidents.
Why is it dangerous to swim in the cave?
The entrance is a tiny stone portal roughly 1 meter high and 2 meters wide.
Passing through the entrance requires passengers to lie completely flat on the bottom of a boat. Tides and waves constantly crash against these rocks. A swimmer attempting to pass through the 1-meter opening risks severe head injuries if a wave swells suddenly.
Can I use a kayak or paddleboard instead?
No, only official authorized rowboats are permitted inside.
You cannot take a private boat, tender, kayak, or paddleboard into the cave. You must pay the entry fee at the floating ticket office and transfer to the official rowboats. The rowboat operators are trained to time their entry with the incoming waves.
Didn't Emperor Tiberius swim in the cave?
Yes, the grotto was used as a private swimming pool by the Roman Emperor Tiberius around 27 AD.
While it was a marine temple in ancient times, modern safety regulations forbid swimming today. Original Roman statues recovered from the cave floor are now displayed in the Casa Rossa museum in Anacapri.
Where can I swim near the Blue Grotto?
Gradola Beach Club offers safe swimming nearby.
Located just up the coast from the grotto entrance, Gradola Beach Club is a rocky spot where you can legally swim in the sea. You can rent a sunbed and relax while waiting for your cave visit if the queue is too long.
Questions travellers ask
Can I jump out of the rowboat for a quick photo?
No. You must stay inside the wooden rowboat for the entire visit. Jumping out will result in heavy fines ranging from €1,000 to €3,000.
Does the cave close completely for bad weather?
Yes. The site closes abruptly during high winds, rough seas, or high tides because the tiny entrance becomes completely impassable.
Do I need special shoes for the rowboat?
No special shoes are required for the boat, but wear comfortable non-slip shoes if you plan to walk down the cliffside steps from Anacapri via Via Grotta Azzurra.
