Blue Grotto?
 

Touristy, I know, but as long as I'm there I'd rather see it than regret it - weather permitting. ? is it imperative to view it from boat; would i miss the complete experience by hiking in from ana capri. lastly, what is the best time of day: high sun; early a.m?

You can only get into the Blue Grotto in a small rowing boat, whether you take a motor boat from the Marina Grande or walk. The rowing boats can only go into the cave when the sea is calm. If you take the motor boat, you have to pay an additional fare for the rowing boat when you transfer from the motor boat.

Hi,
I have heard that after 5:00 p.m. you can swim in the Blue Grotto. You need to enter it by land, as boats stop running at that time. I think that would great, if it is true. I went by boat and it is touristy, but I"m glad I did it. We went early in the morning and the wait was not that long. Who knows if I will ever be there again.

The best time of day to go to the Blue Grotto is when the tide is low and the water is calm. If the water is too high or rough the boats can not go in.
It is touristy, but there is a good reason people do it, it's awesome! I loved it and would do it again. Ask your boat captain to sing while in the grotto. The echo gives it a wonderful effect.

We went to the BG for the second time this summer and, once in the cave, jumped out of the boat for a wonderful swim. It is touristy but beautiful! You should definately go!

Absolutely go! Your hotel should be able to tell you when the best time would be for a visit, according to tides, etc.

Try to take a swim in the grotto. My husband and daughter did, and we were amazed to find that their bodies looked almost like two blue glow-in-the-darks while swimming.

Also make sure you do ask your boatman to sing inside the grotto. It is both eery and inspiring-- sounds something like Gregorian chants when all the other boatmen chime in.

Have fun!

Take a look at this excellent report which mentions the Blue Grotto in great detail.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1367120

Not only is the grotto itself interesting, but the entire process of leaving the tour boat to get into the rowboat, then lying down to get into the grotto, and watching all of the other tourists' reactions to the process is very interesting and entertaining.