Blue Grotto MaltaComplete Guide — Boat Tours & Jet Ski Safari
Everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Grotto — the best way to see it, how to get there, and how to book a tour from Marsaskala.
What Is the Blue Grotto?
The Blue Grotto — Il-Grotta tal-Azzar in Maltese — is a cluster of seven interconnected sea caves carved into the limestone cliffs at Wied iż-Żurrieq on Malta's south-west coast. The caves are among Malta's most famous natural attractions and are renowned for the extraordinary luminous quality of the water inside.
The electric blue and green colours are not caused by the water itself, but by the way sunlight enters through the cave mouth, bounces off the seabed, and illuminates the phosphorescent algae and sea moss on the cave walls and ceiling. The effect is most dramatic in the morning when the sun is low in the east and shines directly into the largest cave.
From a boat inside the cave, you look down into water so clear that the seabed at 8–10 metres is visible. Coloured sponges, sea urchins and coral cover the cave walls. In the right conditions, the entire interior glows.
Blue Grotto Quick Facts
- LocationWied iż-Żurrieq, southern Malta
- Type7 interconnected sea caves
- Best timeMorning, May–October
- Best accessBy boat (not cliff viewpoint)
- Water visibilityUp to 30 metres
- SwimmingAt entrance — highly recommended
- From Valletta~25 min by car
- From Marsaskala~10 min by boat
How to Visit the Blue Grotto
Local Luzzu Boat
Small traditional wooden boats depart from the tiny bay at Wied iż-Żurrieq. Fast 15-minute tours into the cave. The classic and cheapest option (~€10).
Weather dependent · Short circuit onlyJet Ski Safari
Ride a 170HP Sea-Doo along the south coast from St Thomas Bay. 25km round trip through arches and sea caves — arrive at the Blue Grotto from the sea.
Book from €275 →Guided Boat Tour
Our 28ft south coast boat tour includes the Blue Grotto, sea caves, and swimming stops. Professional guide, all equipment included.
Book from €180 →Book a Blue Grotto Activity
Jet Ski Safari — Blue Grotto
A 2-hour guided jet ski safari along Malta's wild south coast to the legendary Blue Grotto sea caves. 170HP skis, professional guide, all levels welcome.
From €275 →
Self-Drive Boat — Hydra 530 (17ft)
Hire the 17ft Hydra 530 motorboat for 2–5 hours and explore Malta's south coast completely independently. Up to 6 passengers. No licence required. Tiffany blue interior, Bluetooth.
From €120 →
28ft Open Boat — South Coast Tour
Charter the 28ft open boat with skipper for a guided tour of Malta's dramatic south coast — sea caves, limestone cliffs and the Blue Grotto. Up to 15 people, fuel included.
From €180 →Blue Grotto Malta — FAQ
What is the Blue Grotto in Malta?
The Blue Grotto (Maltese: Il-Grotta tal-Azzar) is a series of seven interconnected sea caves on the south-west coast of Malta, near the village of Wied iż-Żurrieq. The caves are named for the extraordinary blue and green glow of the water inside, caused by sunlight refracting through the cave entrance off the algae-covered seabed. It is one of Malta's most visited natural landmarks.
What is the best way to visit the Blue Grotto?
The best way to see the Blue Grotto is from the water — either by local luzzu boat (traditional Maltese fishing boat), jet ski, or by private boat. From the water you can enter the main cave and see the glowing blue interior at close range. From the cliff road above, you only see the exterior. The colour is most vivid in the morning when the sun is in the east.
How do I get to the Blue Grotto from Valletta?
By car: take the southern coastal road through Żurrieq — about 25 minutes from Valletta. There is a cliff viewpoint and a small bay at Wied iż-Żurrieq where local luzzu boats depart. By bus: Bus 201 from Valletta Bus Terminus to Żurrieq, then a short taxi or bus 38 to Wied iż-Żurrieq. Alternatively, visit by boat from St Thomas Bay in Marsaskala — we cover the Blue Grotto coast on our south coast tour.
Can you swim in the Blue Grotto?
Swimming is not permitted inside the main cave, but you can swim in the open water near the cave entrance. On our boat tours and jet ski safari, we stop for swimming in the turquoise water directly in front of the caves — this gives you the best view and the best snorkelling in the area.
What is the Blue Grotto Jet Ski Safari?
The Blue Grotto Jet Ski Safari is a guided 170HP Sea-Doo jet ski tour along the south coast of Malta from St Thomas Bay to the Blue Grotto and back — approximately 25km round trip. The safari goes through sea arches, past limestone cliffs, and includes a stop at the Blue Grotto caves. Duration: approximately 2 hours. Maximum 3 jet skis per group.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Grotto?
The Blue Grotto is most impressive in the morning (before 11am) when the sun is low in the east and shines directly into the cave entrance — this is when the blue and green colours are most intense. The sea is also calmest in the morning. The caves are accessible year-round but are at their best May to October when the sun is higher and stronger.