Capri — Grotta Azzurra Approach Anchorage
Blue Grotto Capri · Punta dell'Arcera anchorage · Capri NW anchorage
40°33.7'N 14°12.2'E
Depth
5–18m
Bottom
rock
Alarm Radius
120m
Holding
Poor holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
120m
120m due to poor holding on rock — maximum caution required. This is a temporary stop only (1–3 hours max) for cave visits. Have the engine ready and a crew member monitoring the anchor at all times. If any wind above F3 from N/NW develops, weigh anchor and depart immediately. Do not attempt to overnight here under any circumstances.
About This Anchorage
The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is the most famous sea cave in the Mediterranean — the azure light effect created by sunlight refracted through the submerged cave entrance produces an extraordinary blue luminescence. The anchorage outside is a brief temporary stop for cave visits. The cave entrance (1.2m high x 1.8m wide) can only be entered by the small authorized rowing boats (barchette); tour boats anchor or use the quay and visitors transfer. The cave is only accessible in calm conditions — the entrance becomes impassable in any swell (usually closed if wave height >0.3m outside). Early morning (before 09:00) is quieter and the light inside is most striking. The NW exposure of this anchorage makes it unsuitable for anything but brief calm-weather visits.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W · SW
Setting Your Anchor
Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica meadows is prohibited throughout Italian waters and is actively enforced — fines range from €500–€3,000. Always snorkel to verify the bottom is clean sand before setting. In the AMP Parco Sommerso di Baia (Pozzuoli area), Zone A prohibits all entry, Zone B requires mooring buoys only, and Zone C permits limited anchoring on sand only. Check AMP zone maps before anchoring anywhere near Baia or Cape Miseno.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free for anchoring outside. Cave entry tour: rowing boat €14 per person + AMP entrance fee (check current rates at the cave).
- Maximum stay
- 1 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: No anchoring inside the cave approach channel. Cave entrance buoyed exclusion zone — all vessels must stay clear of the row boat lanes. No swimming into the cave (only authorized rowing boats permitted). No anchoring on rock/reef within 50m of cliff face.
Hazards
- !Poor holding: Rocky bottom with minimal sand — anchor can slip at any time; keep engine running or crew on watch at anchor continuously
- !NW/Maestrale exposure: Any NW wind above F3 creates swell at this anchorage; the Tyrrhenian Maestrale funnels into this exposed corner of Capri — depart on first wind increase
- !Tour boat congestion: Dozens of tour boats use the cave quay area in July–August — maintaining a safe anchorage position with adequate swing room is extremely challenging
- !Cave closure: The cave is frequently closed due to swell (even minor swell can close it) — check with Marina Grande Capitaneria before making the trip around to this side of Capri
Skipper's Tips
- →Arrive before 09:00 — the cave tours start at 09:00 and the crowds build rapidly; early morning light inside the cave is most spectacular (09:00–11:00)
- →The cave is often closed in the afternoon when sea breeze builds from the NW — morning is the optimal window in summer
- →Row boat tour operators charge separately for the rowing portion; the island entrance fee (Regione Campania) applies additionally — total cost ~€20–€25 per person
- →Alternative approach: take the land path from Anacapri village down to the cave quay — avoids the boat anchoring issue entirely and allows more time inside
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Capri/Anacapri town (2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October in settled conditions only. Cave is most accessible May–June and September–October when sea conditions are calmer. July–August: high crowds and afternoon sea breeze frequently closes the cave.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 120m
In the Gulf of Naples, the Scirocco can build swell rapidly and ferry wash is constant. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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