On private boat excursions to Capri, a tour to the Blue Grotto is a must. Visiting this natural gem is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For centuries, the Blue Grotto has attracted young people, intellectuals and international artists who came here to admire this unique wonder of the world. Today its splendor remains unchanged, and there is no tour of boat tour of Capri that does not include it among its stops. Let’s find out why.
The Blue Grotto boat tour: what an experience!
What is the main attraction of Capri? Obviously the Blue Grotto. This natural cavern – a full 60 meters long and with a dome height of up to 14 meters – is a common passage point for private boat tours on Capri.
A visit to the Blue Grotto is itself an experience. In fact, the cave is accessible only by characteristic little rowing boats colored white and blue. The entrance is an opening less than two meters tall so when passing through, visitors must lie down for a few seconds on the bottom of the small wooden boat. Once inside, simply let your eyes get used to the dark to begin to experience the magic. The water, the dome, the rock walls, everything is illuminated and enveloped in blue light, fragmented into a thousand reflections.
The phenomenon of blue light: a natural magic
The incredible blue light of the Blue Cave is a wonderful natural wonder. This sea cave sunk in prehistoric times leaving only an opening of a few meters.
The cave’s illumination comes neither from the small opening nor from direct sunlight but from the wide and deep underwater window that was the ancient entrance. The light filtered by the seawater absorbs the red color to let the blue free to express itself in all its shades until it borders on silver. This is why it is called the “Blue Cathedral”.
Curiosities and myths related to the Blue Grotto
In Roman times, the Capri Blue Grotto was a nymphaeum, a water space dedicated to the gods in which the Romans used to spend pleasant hours of idleness. Legend has it that it was the private pool of Emperor Tiberius. In fact, even today above the cave are the remains of one of the twelve villas the emperor had built on the island.
Also inside the Blue Grotto, a platform built by the Romans for docking is still visible while several statues found at the bottom are exhibited in the Red House of Anacapri. According to reconstructions, the Blue Grotto was adorned with sculptures depicting the sea god Poseidon and a procession of Tritons.
After the Romans, the cave suffered almost two thousand years of oblivion. Although known to the island’s inhabitants, no one dared to enter it because according to popular legends the cave was inhabited by witches and ghosts.
The “rediscovery” of the Blue Grotto was due to two German artists, August Kopisch and Ernst Fries, who in 1826 decided to challenge the rumors by venturing inside the cave. They were so thunderstruck by it that they began to spread the news of the existence of this enchanted place, which became a regular stop on the Grand Tours of the time.
Since then, the cave has attracted young travelers, intellectuals and artists from all over Europe and the world, so much so that dozens of paintings were dedicated to this natural wonder between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Best visit times and tips for avoiding the crowds
The Blue Grotto is famous for its beauty but also for the long queues to access it, particularly in high season. By choosing a private boat excursion to Capri with Amalfi Sails, you can count on local captains who can advise you on the best times and ways to access the cave without waiting. The visiting season lasts practically all year round although from November to April it is limited to mornings and days with favorable wind and sea conditions.
The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is without a doubt from 11 am to 2 pm. In fact, the midday sun brings out the reflections and vivid colors to the fullest, creating the spectacle that has made this natural cavern world famous. Mornings are also a good time for a visit to the Blue Grotto with a Capri boat tour. You will be able to avoid the crowds and at the same time enjoy the spectacular blue light. The afternoon is usually to be avoided, both because of the lack of light and the possibility of finding rough seas that make access dangerous or impossible. This is also the reason why with adverse conditions the cave may be closed and reopened several times during the course of a day.
What to visit on a Capri yacht tour
In addition to the Blue Grotto, the island offers many other attractions to visit on a yacht tour. You can just relax on the boat or set out to explore, with the advice and experienced hand of your captain.
In one day, it is possible to touch on all the main attractions of Capri by sea: from the villas of the Roman emperor Tiberius to the legendary Faraglioni, landing for a few hours to venture into the towns of Capri or Anacapri.
The island itself, because of its conformation, is a unique natural wonder, always different and always able to catch the eye like few others. To arrange a private boat tour of Capri and discover these and other beauties, contact us.