Capri-Blue Grotto

What is the latest time we can get a return ferry back to Positano?

I don't know as anyone can tell you as all there is to go by is the current schedule:

http://www.capri.net/en/ferry-schedule?from=capri&to=positano

I would keep an eye on it to see if they add runs after 19:05 later in the season, otherwise 7:05 might be the last boat. To be honest, we skipped the grotto as you can waste a lot of time trying to get into the thing, and if the seas are too rough you won't get into it at all. If you use a private cruise operator, you will have to transfer into one of the little rowboats - not operated by the private companies - to get into the grotto, and they only stay inside for a very short time. It might be a good idea to read up on reviews of the two companies noted on the Capri website (https://www.capri.com/en/s/la-grotta-azzurra)?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187783-d6923142-Reviews-Laser_Capri_Boat_Tours-Capri_Island_of_Capri_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187783-d3203474-Reviews-Motoscafisti_di_Capri-Capri_Island_of_Capri_Province_of_Naples_Campania.html

I'll add that we were staying on the island for a couple of nights so had more time than you will. This particular attraction is not an activity I'd recommend if only in Capri on a day trip, and especially during high season.

I would skip the Blue Grotto too...in favor of strolling around the beautiful alleyways on the island and taking short hikes. I would feel like the trip is way too short to spend it on the Blue Grotto.

Forget about eating well in Italy at 5 PM. Maybe a good pizzeria. You can't stay that late on a daytrip to Capri. We also skipped the grotto, and enjoyed the (all uphill!) MILES we walked on primarily pedestrian Capri. This is a hot day of many steps. The ferry ticket booth will press you to buy a timed return around 5 pm. Bite the bullet and take it. It will be a huge ferry with no cars and hundreds of passengers. Buy a beer and sit on the floor on the only (partly) open air deck. Do not bet on getting on a July "last" ferry without an advance ticket.

The Blue Grotto does take abit of time, but that being said, we did enjoy it as did our kids. We still laugh about being rowed around in the grotto while the guy sang O Solo Mio. We were here in July with spectacular weather and the boat ride to the grotto entrance was beautiful. We did not have time to go to Anacapri on this visit. We have returned to Capri 2x since and took the bus from Capri town to Anacapri and took the chairlift up to Mt. Solare for spectacular views. Buon Viaggio!

I would skip the Blue Grotto too...in favor of strolling around the
beautiful alleyways on the island and taking short hikes.

Ditto to that. While there are a lot of steps and uphills involved, hiking/walking the paths away from the very busy piazzas (during hours the day-trippers are all there) is great fun, and the most enjoyable time we spent on Capri.

We visited in the middle of September so not crazy busy July. We took the ferry round trip from Sorrento to Capri. When we walked down the pier in Capri there was a booth selling tickets for a boat ride around the island. The company was Motoscafisti. The tickets were inexpensive and the boat had maybe 12 people. It went all around the island seeing all the different sights and grottos ( white , green, coral ) It did stop for the blue grotto which was open that day but you could choose not to visit it if you did not want to stay and wait. They would put you on another boat heading back. The tour around the island was about 2 hours. The blue grotto was at least another hour. Not sure how long it would take in July. The boat tour was well worth the money. We then took the funicular up to I think it is Anacapri. Walked around a little then back down and had lunch at a restaurant on the harbour called Lo Zodiaco. It is located at Piazza Angelo Ferraro. The food and service was wonderful. MY husband had the grilled octopus. He loved it. Good luck with your planning.

We then took the funicular up to I think it is Anacapri.

The funicular operates between the ferry marina and Capri town, not Anacapri. Anacapri is on a higher point of the island and is reached by bus. Buses operate between the marina and Capri as well.

Thanks Kathy. I wasn't sure

You're welcome. Glad you had a good time! :O)

Thank you everyone for all the information. I now have what I need to make a decision.

We used a great tour company for an all day tour of Capri (www.toursofcapri.com). We were able to see and do a lot because of them. They arranged ferry transportation to/from Sorrento and accompanied us on the ferry as well. Once on Capri, they whizzed us around the island in an open car (very fun). They arranged for us to visit the Blue Grotto first thing in the morning so as to avoid the crowds and also arranged for us to take the chair lift to the top of Capr to enjoy the views. They also arranged a boat ride around the island at the end of the day. We saw a lot more with their help and they took care of all the details and logistics. We were able to relax and enjoy the day and be carted around the island! They also took us to a fantastic restaurant for lunch and made great recommendations for other places to visit during our day tour. I highly recommend them in order to maximize your time while in Capri.