Blue Grotto

For a comprehensive experience of the Blue Grotto and the surrounding area, book a half-day tour that includes a stop at the Marsaxlokk Market, or a full-day tour around Malta that might include sights such as the Hagar Qim Temples. Most visits to the Blue Grotto depart from Valletta and last anywhere between four and nine hours. If not combining a trip to the caves with other Malta attractions, it's possible to buy tickets for a 20- to 30-minute boat tour upon arrival at Wied Iz-Zurrieq, the harbor closest to the caves.

• Be sure to wear a lifejacket while on a boat, and be aware that the walk down to the boats in the harbor is steep.

• Before descending to the harbor, stop and enjoy the panoramic view that includes a large limestone arch.

• Boats to the Blue Grotto will not run if the sea is too rough.

• Scuba diving is available from Wied Iz-Zurrieq.

The Blue Grotto is on Malta's south coast, just east of the fishing harbor of Wied Iz-Zurrieq, in the village of Qrendi. To get to Wied Iz-Zurrieq, take bus 201 from either Rabat or the airport; the ride takes about 30 minutes. Many Malta tours stop at the Blue Grotto, including a hop-on, hop-off bus.

The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is first thing on a sunny morning, when the sea is calm and the crowds have not arrived yet. Cave views are best between sunrise and 1pm, with several caverns mirroring the phosphorescent colors of underwater flora and others reflecting deep shades of blue.

The Blue Grotto is commonly visited as part of a full-day tour of Malta starting in the capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture. Whether touring with a guide or solo, be sure to visit the catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha in Rabat and check out the walled city of Mdina, as well as the charming fishing village of Marsaxlokk, with its popular market. Comino Island is a good stop for swimming and snorkeling in the blue lagoon, and the Dingli Cliffs—the highest point on the island—offer superb views.

It depends on which tour you book, but a tour of the Blue Grotto typically takes around 30 minutes to one hour. You can also book a full-day or half-day tour that includes visiting the cave alongside other Malta highlights, such as the fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

No, you do not need a Blue Grotto ticket and there is no entrance fee, but if you plan to take a boat tour to visit the Blue Grotto, booking in advance is a good idea. That way, you can choose the time that best suits you and skip the worry of fully booked time slots.

The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is during the summer (June to September) when the sea is calm, and conditions are generally more favorable for boat tours. Summer is peak season, though, so visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes when visiting the Blue Grotto, and bring a warm layer or light jacket to wear on the boat ride. Remember to pack sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as the Maltese sun can be intense.

The Blue Grotto caves are only accessible by water, so the most popular way to go there is by boat tour. There is also the option of exploring the Blue Grotto caves by kayak—this allows you to explore at your own pace.

Yes, you can swim around the Blue Grotto. However, most boat tours do not allow time for swimming or snorkeling. If you wish to swim at the Blue Grotto, you would typically need to go there on a private boat. However, swimming in Wied iz-Żurrieq, where boat tours depart, is a good alternative.