Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) Tours and Activities

Tucked beneath the famous highway that skirts Italy's Amalfi Coast, the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is one of the most popular attractions on this iconic stretch of coastline. Discovered in 1932 by a local fisherman, this marine cave is known for the turquoise water that fills the cavern with an emerald-green light when the sun’s rays filter up through a fissure beneath its surface. It’s covered with limestone stalagmites and stalactites more commonly associated with inland karstic caves and is popular among travelers to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
The Basics
The Emerald Grotto can only be entered with official grotto rowboats, and lines to enter can be long during summer as these rowboats only seat about 20 passengers at a time. To avoid the long wait by land, book a tour with a private boat and arrive by sea. Visits to the Emerald Cave are often included on half- and full-day Amalfi Coast tours from Sorrento and Naples, as well as on boat excursions to the islands of Capri and Ischia.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors can only enter the cave by small rowboat, which may be uncomfortable for those prone to seasickness.
- The Emerald Grotto shouldn't be confused with the Blue Grotto, another popular marine cave located on the nearby island of Capri.
- Entering and exiting the small rowboats may be a challenge for those with limited mobility.
- Many private boat tours include stops at the Emerald Grotto and the nearby Fiordo di Furore, a picturesque fjord along the coast to the west.
How to Get There
The Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo) is located in Conca dei Marini between Positano and Amalfi. You can reach the grotto by land along the SS 163 coastal highway and take the elevator down to the cave entrance where rowboats await. Otherwise, you can arrive by sea with a private tour from Amalfi, Positano, or Sorrento and transfer to a rowboat to enter the cave.
When to Get There
The sea cave is only open from May through September and is best visited between noon and 3pm, when the color of the water is most vivid.
The Nativity Scene at the Emerald Grotto
An underwater Nativity scene was created in the cave in 1956, and divers place flowers around the manger each Christmas.
Address: Conca dei Marini, Italy
Hours: Open May–Sept daily 9.30am–4pm
Admission: €5
20 Tours and Activities to Experience Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)
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Full-Day Private Amalfi Coast Tour from Sorrento
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Explore the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast on this private full-day tour from Sorrento. Visit the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello to walk the pretty streets, browse in boutiques or whatever you like. Relax in comfort as your professional driver-guide navigates from town to town and offers informative commentary along the way. Customize the itinerary to suit your interests.
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Tour the Sea Grottoes of the Amalfi Coast
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One of the most remarkable features of the Amalfi Coast are the numerous marine caves and grottoes that dot the coastline and can only be accessed by sea. With this boat tour, explore the most picturesque, stopping to swim, snap photos, and savor the views. Discover hidden corners of the coastline and admire historic watchtowers and fishing hamlets during the trip—you set the pace and itinerary on this private tour.
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Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour
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Experience Italy’s beautiful Amalfi Coast by boat on this all-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit sites like Nerano Bay, Isca island, Positano, and the emerald grotto of Conca dei Marini. Go swimming, snorkeling, and exploring, savor a complimentary lunch, and enjoy access to an open bar and a knowledgeable, friendly crew in a small group setting.
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Private Tour: Amalfi Coast Day Cruise from Sorrento
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Get a unique look at the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast on this full-day, private cruise from Sorrento. Hop aboard a classic Italian wooden boat or speedboat and travel past the coast’s charming towns with your own personal captain. Stop for dips in the sparkling waters and see the Li Galli islands up close. Dock in Praiano, Positano, Amalfi, or Nerano to explore at your leisure, with drinks and snacks provided back on deck. Your day trip concludes at your original departure point.
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Enjoy the scenic and famous Amalfi Coast drive without the hassle of navigating it with this excursion from Sorrento to Amalfi. Admire the breathtaking views from the winding road. Stop for shopping or sightseeing in the towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello along the way.
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Unless you hire a car, it’s difficult to explore the Amalfi Coast according to a personalized itinerary. Skip the stress of driving on unfamiliar roads and opt for a private tour of the Amalfi Coast, which allows you to customize your sightseeing schedule according to your interests. You have free time to explore quaint villages and benefit from the insider knowledge of your guide.
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Private boat tour among the wonders of Positano and the Amalfi coast
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Let me be seduced by the beauty of my coast. I'm a young captain, born in Sorrento and grown on
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The Li Galli island, the Emerald grotto, the Furore fjord, are just some of the treasures that you'll see, on board of a typical "Gozzo Sorrentino"
You can stop the boat all the times that you wish, snorkel in crystalline water.
You'll have the opportunity to walk among the narrow streets of Positano, to visit Amalfi and its baroque cathedral.
Get ready, it will be an unforgettable day
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The Grand Tour: Ravello-Amalfi-Positano-Sorrento-Pompeii (FullDayPlus 10h)
Ravello
You will be walking through a rural medieval village which is perched on the top of the cliff (1000 feet above the see) situated above Amalfi and Minori.
Amalfi
You will have free time to explore the ancient “Marine Republic” . Visit the 11th century Cathedral of Saint Andrew with amazing gold and bright decorations, here you can have really good shopping and buying souvenirs.
Positano
You will have free time to explore the beautiful atmosphere of this ancient colorful village made famous by VIPs from the 60s till today, appreciate the famous exclusive ceramics of the local artisans.
Sorrento
spectacular panoramic views of the coast. You will have free time to explore.Overlooking the Bay of Naples, the waterfront is captivating and relaxing.
Pompeii
Once done we proceed to Pompeii and the drive will take about 60 minutes. You will have 2 hours of free time to explore this ruin. this partially buried town offers marvelous scenery that one must personally see to believe.
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Private Tour: Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Sorrento by Vintage Vespa
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The classic tour of the Amalfi Coast has fascinated, and continues to do so, many tourists, artists and celebrities from around the world. The Coast features a crystal clear sea and stunning scenery with cliffs overlooking the sea. It offers historical-cultural, musical and culinary events, from clothing to the local craftsmanship of shoemaking various styles of sandals, and typical products, such as limoncello, marmalade, pizza and much more.
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If you want to see the most beautiful stretch of coast in Italy you must not miss this tour! You will discover the cities that have made millions of visitors fall in love, spending an unforgettable day among the beautiful Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. A gift for you is a visit to the famous Emerald Grotto, one of the most precious treasures of the Amalfi coast.
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Spend an unforgettable day seeing the Amalfi Coast on this 6-hour private boat excursion that highlights the beauty of this famous coastline off-season. Whether you're traveling in the autumn or exploring the Amalfi Coast during the winter months or early spring, come experience what the locals love about this quieter time of year. Try seasonal specialties you can only find in the fall or experience the festive Christmas lights in Amalfi. Only savvy travelers in the early spring can catch the gorgeous wisteria blooms in Positano. Your cruise will be customised based on the time of year from November to March to showcase the best of the Amalfi Coast. You'll cruise from Sorrento along the untouched tip of the Amalfi Coast to charming Positano and along the coast to reach Amalfi. Along the way you can stop for free time as you wish ashore to explore the local atmosphere of the villages along the Amalfi Coast before returning to Sorrento at the end of your cruise.
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What are you waiting for? Trilly is waiting for you.
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This tour is unique because it gives you the opportunity to admire the entire coast from Sorrento to Amalfi. We will stop in wonderful places like. Positano, where we will make a stop then we will love the beauty of the fjord. Last but not least, the sea basin with its magnificent beach where the water is crystal clear and then we will visit Amalfi.
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amalfi coast private tour from sorrento
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Make the amalfi coast an unforgettable Italian experience.
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The first eco-friendly tour to discover one of Italy's most memorable destinations: the Amalfi coast, deemed an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by Unesco. On board of an elegant "gozzo" with hybrid engine technology, with an experienced skipper and just 8 guests, you will discover the most beloved coastal towns in the world, you will be able to swim and snorkel in the clear waters and enjoy some free time both in Positano and Amalfi. But above all, thanks to the hybrid boat, you will enjoy exclusive access to the Bay of Ieranto, a natural paradise that is part of the Marine Protected Area of Punta Campanella, and therefore inaccessible to boats with diesel engine. Navigate in total silence and zero emissions and discover the infinite beauty of the Amalfi coast by sea.
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Things to do near Sorrento
- Things to do in Amalfi Coast
- Things to do in Positano
- Things to do in Capri
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