When you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and someone mentions the Blue Cave, you need to pay attention. This isn’t just a pretty photo op—it’s one of those natural wonders that actually lives up to the hype. After analyzing over 1,100 traveler reviews of Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor’s speedboat excursion, we’ve got a clear picture of what makes this tour genuinely worthwhile, along with some honest considerations that might affect your decision.
Here’s what we love about this experience: you’re getting access to three genuinely spectacular sights—the otherworldly Blue Cave, the historic Lady of the Rocks island, and the fascinating former submarine tunnels—all in a single 3-hour window for less than the cost of a decent dinner. More importantly, the tour consistently delivers on its promise of authentic Adriatic beauty without requiring you to book a private yacht or spend a small fortune.
The main thing to keep in mind is that this tour operates at high capacity during peak season, and weather conditions can occasionally prevent access to the Blue Cave itself. The experience works best for travelers who are flexible, enjoy a bit of adventure (speedboats do bounce around), and want to see the real Kotor Bay rather than a polished, quiet version of it.
Unfortunately rain the night before did not allow us going into the Blue Cave. Our boat was clean and our driver friendly. I do wish there was information/history given about Kotor, the people, culture, cave- any would had been nice. Also, water please.
Absolutely LOVED this tour. The weather wasn’t great so we didn’t swim but the Submarine tunnels were amazing, the Blue Cave was incredible and the Lady of the Rocks was very cool. 100% recommend. Our driver was great and I always felt safe.
An OK outing in the waters of Kotor. Driver of the boat was nice but the boat itself was not all that comfortable and it was a bit crowded. Perhaps it might be worth the extra dollars to book a more private boat tour.
- What You’re Actually Getting: Breaking Down the Three-Hour Experience
- Stop One: The Blue Cave—Prepare for the Surreal
- Stop Two: Lady of the Rocks—History in Miniature
- Stop Three: The Submarine Tunnels—An Unexpected Highlight
- Stop Four: Mamula Fortress—The Island Nobody Talks About
- The Practical Realities: Crowds, Comfort, and Capacity
- Value Analysis: Is .53 Worth It?
- Timing and Logistics: What You Need to Know
- The Weather Wildcard
- What Makes This Tour Work (and What Doesn't)
- Who Should Book This Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Tours in Kotor
- More Tour Reviews in Kotor
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Kotor we have reviewed
What You’re Actually Getting: Breaking Down the Three-Hour Experience
This isn’t a leisurely cruise where you’ll spend an hour at each location sipping cocktails. Instead, you’re boarding a speedboat with a small group (typically 12-16 people) and moving efficiently through some of the Adriatic’s most photogenic spots. The tour departs from Hawaii Boat Tours’ office at Park Slobode 1 in central Kotor, which means you won’t need to arrange complicated transportation to a remote dock.
The journey to the Blue Cave takes roughly 45 minutes each way, which gives you a real sense of the scale and beauty of Kotor Bay. As one traveler put it, “The ride was great. The driver did a good job navigating around all of the other boats and seemed to be enjoying himself which added to the fun.” That speedboat ride matters—it’s not just filler. You’re genuinely seeing the bay’s geography, watching the mountains rise from the water, and understanding why this region has captivated sailors for centuries.
Stop One: The Blue Cave—Prepare for the Surreal
The Blue Cave is the star attraction, and it deserves the billing. When conditions allow, you’ll enter a sea cave where light filters through an underwater opening, creating an otherworldly blue luminescence that photographs can barely capture. The water inside appears to glow, and it’s legitimately one of those moments where reality exceeds expectations.
Here’s the honest part: you’ll typically spend around 30 minutes at the cave, though actual time inside might be shorter—sometimes just 5-10 minutes—depending on boat traffic. During peak season, the cave attracts dozens of boats, and captains rotate through quickly for safety reasons. One traveler noted: “The cave is amazing but know you probably only spend a few minutes inside as there are so many boats waiting to go through.”
Swimming inside the cave itself isn’t permitted for safety reasons (the entrance is open to the sea, creating hazardous conditions). Instead, you’ll swim in the waters outside the cave, where the water is still crystal-clear and stunningly beautiful. Most visitors get 15-20 minutes in the water, which is enough to appreciate the setting without feeling rushed.
The critical caveat: weather conditions determine whether you can enter the cave at all. If the sea is rough or the water level is too high, access is impossible. Several travelers reported disappointment on this front: “We did not see some of the sights on the itinerary, and in particular, we were unable to see the blue cave because it was ‘under water.'” This isn’t a tour operator failure—it’s the reality of visiting a sea cave. The company offers a full refund or rescheduling if weather prevents access, which is fair, but it’s something to factor into your planning.
Had high hopes for this excursion but was a little disappointed. To begin, we had 13 people on the boat which made it feel crowded. The ride was very long and bumpy with all the boat traffic, especially once you get outside the Bay of Kotor. The submarine tunnel was interesting to see but not much information from the boat driver. When we arrived at the Blue Cave, there were several other boats inside the cave. We stayed inside less than 5 minutes because of all the traffic, and there was no chance to get in the water inside the cave. Once back out of the cave, the boat driver found a nearby spot where we could get in the water to swim / snorkel. But again there were many, many other …
Not exactly what we expected (or paid for). Enjoyable boat ride with a friendly captain but It was shorter than advertised, we did not see some of the sights on the itinerary, and in particular, we were unable to see the blue cave because it was “under water”. I would recommend travellers not book this ahead as there are several tour companies offering similar excursions near the dock, and you can make your decision last minute, based on weather and other factors. It seems many people are unable to go to the blue cave and yet that is how the tour is advertised and the big highlight for most. The tour was expensive for what we got and, in our opinion, and the opinion of others on the…
Being sun screen! The tour was small and well organized.. fast boat so sit accordingly, you may get wet! The only complaint was the driver didn’t give us much information on what we were seeing
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kotor.
Stop Two: Lady of the Rocks—History in Miniature
After the Blue Cave, you'll visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a small man-made island near the charming town of Perast. The island is home to Catholic church built by local sailors over centuries, and it carries genuine historical weight. The structure itself is modest, but the story is compelling: locals allegedly threw rocks and wreckage into the sea to create this island as an act of faith.
You'll typically have about 20 minutes here, which is enough to walk through the church, absorb the atmosphere, and take photos of the island and the surrounding baroque architecture of Perast itself. Perast is genuinely worth seeing—it's a UNESCO World Heritage site with venetian palazzos, defensive towers, and a main street that feels frozen in time. One satisfied traveler said: "Our Lady of the Rocks was very cool" and appreciated the mix of sights.
The island is small, so don't expect to linger for hours. But for a quick historical stop on a boat tour, it's surprisingly meaningful. You're not just checking a box on a list—you're touching actual history that locals still care about.
Stop Three: The Submarine Tunnels—An Unexpected Highlight
This stop often surprises people with how interesting it is. During the Cold War, the Yugoslav military carved tunnels into the mountains for submarine storage and protection. Today, you'll cruise past these tunnels aboard the speedboat while your captain shares stories about their history and strategic importance.
You won't be exiting the boat to explore the tunnels—you're viewing them from the water—but it's an oddly fascinating moment. One traveler called it "The 007/submarine cave was very cool," and another said the "Submarine tunnels were amazing." It's the kind of detail that makes the tour feel like more than just a beach trip. You're getting Cold War history, military engineering, and natural scenery all at once.
Stop Four: Mamula Fortress—The Island Nobody Talks About
Your final stop is a brief 10-minute viewing of Mamula Fortress, a historical island fortress with a darker past as a prison. Your captain will share stories about its history, adding another layer to your understanding of the region. It's not a major stop, but it rounds out the tour nicely and gives you a sense of how strategically important this bay has been throughout history.
The Practical Realities: Crowds, Comfort, and Capacity
Let's be direct about something that comes up repeatedly in reviews: during peak season, this tour can feel crowded. The boat typically carries 12-16 passengers plus the captain, and there's limited space to spread out. One traveler was frank about this: "Too many people on the boat (between 12-16)!!" Another said: "We were there about 20 minutes but you don't need more than 10 to see everything" at the Lady of the Rocks.
This isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's important context. You're not getting a private yacht experience at this price point. You're getting an efficient, group-based tour that maximizes access to multiple sights. If you have mobility issues, need lots of personal space, or get seasick easily, this tour might not be your best choice.
The speedboat itself can be bumpy, especially on the ride out to the cave. As one traveler noted: "Be aware the water is very choppy from hundreds of boats going in both directions. If you only like smooth sailing this tour is not for you." Bring sunscreen, wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and brace yourself for some wave action. One helpful reviewer recommended: "Being sun screen! The tour was small and well organized.. fast boat so sit accordingly, you may get wet!"
Value Analysis: Is $32.53 Worth It?
This is where the tour shines. For less than the cost of lunch in most European cities, you're getting three hours of guided access to multiple natural wonders and historical sites. You're not renting a private boat (which would cost $150-300), and you're not doing a crowded bus tour to a viewpoint. You're on the water, actually experiencing the landscape.
One traveler put it simply: "We had a great time, Blue caves are very nice, swimming hole we were taken too was nice." Another said: "This was a fun excursion in a beautiful area. The boat ride was great." For the price, this tour consistently delivers genuine memories.
The tour is bookable with a mobile ticket, and the free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) means you can book early without risk. Most people book about 42 days in advance, which suggests this tour doesn't require last-minute scrambling.
Timing and Logistics: What You Need to Know
The tour runs approximately 3 hours, and the company asks that you arrive 30 minutes early. This might seem excessive, but given the dock coordination with multiple tour operators, it's reasonable. Plan to be at the meeting point by 11:30 AM if you're booked for a noon departure.
If you're arriving via cruise ship, be aware that this is a tender port, and delays happen. The company's cancellation policies are strict (24 hours required), and they won't hold the boat for late arrivals. Several cruise passengers mentioned frustration about this, but the reality is that with 12-16 people already booked, the tour can't wait indefinitely. If you're coming off a ship, book a tour that accounts for potential delays, or book directly at the dock with a local operator.
The Weather Wildcard
One aspect that separates excellent reviews from disappointing ones is weather. When conditions are perfect, travelers rave: "Absolutely LOVED this tour... the Submarine tunnels were amazing, the Blue Cave was incredible." When weather prevents Blue Cave access, the same tour disappoints: "No blue cave entry... Would have been nice to have the option to cancel prior to boarding."
This isn't the tour operator's fault—it's nature. But it's something to understand. If visiting the Blue Cave is non-negotiable for your trip, consider building in flexibility. The company does offer rescheduling or refunds for weather cancellations, which is the right approach.
What Makes This Tour Work (and What Doesn't)
The best reviews consistently mention a few things: skilled boat handling, safety, and the thrill of seeing multiple sights in one experience. One traveler said: "Captain was very skillful in the water... he varied speed and expertly navigated the water. Can't recommend this tour enough."
The weaker reviews often mention lack of educational commentary, crowding, or unmet expectations about how much time you'd spend in the Blue Cave. A few travelers noted that they wished for more historical information during the tour itself. The company uses recorded audio guides in some cases, which isn't ideal but is practical for multilingual groups.
One legitimate concern that appeared in several reviews was overbooking and capacity issues. While the company responds that they operate within licensed capacity limits, the perception of crowding is real during peak season. If comfort and space are priorities, this tour might not be ideal in July or August.
Who Should Book This Tour
This experience works beautifully for travelers who want to see the famous sights without spending a fortune, don't mind group travel, and have some flexibility around weather. It's excellent for families with older kids (though younger children might struggle with the boat motion), active couples, and solo travelers looking to meet people.
It's less ideal for people who need quiet, solitude, or who get motion sickness easily. It's also not the right choice if you're arriving on a cruise ship with tight timing—the risk of missing the tour isn't worth the stress.
The bottom line: This tour delivers genuine Mediterranean experiences at a price that makes sense. You'll see the Blue Cave, swim in crystalline water, touch history, and return to Kotor with real stories—all for less than $35. The crowds and occasional weather disruptions are real considerations, but they don't negate the value. For most travelers, this is exactly the kind of local experience that makes a trip to Montenegro memorable.
From Kotor: Boat to Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks &Submarine Base
"Unfortunately rain the night before did not allow us going into the Blue Cave. Our boat was clean and our driver friendly. I do wish there was info..."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I can't get into the Blue Cave due to weather?
A: The tour company offers either a full refund or the option to reschedule for another date. You'll still visit the other sites, but the cave access depends entirely on sea conditions.
Q: Is there a guide who talks during the tour, or just recorded information?
A: Most captains provide some commentary, though the depth varies. The company also uses recorded audio guides for consistency, especially with multilingual groups. If educational content is important to you, mention this when booking.
Q: Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
A: The tour data doesn't specify, but goggles aren't always provided for all swimmers. Bringing your own snorkel mask is a smart idea.
Q: How rough are the waves typically?
A: This varies by season and weather. Speedboats do bounce around in choppy water. If you're prone to seasickness, take preventative medication before boarding and sit in the center of the boat where motion is less pronounced.
Q: What's included in the $32.53 price?
A: The boat ride, access to all four stops (Blue Cave, Lady of the Rocks, submarine tunnels, and Mamula Fortress), and the captain's narration. Admission to the sites themselves is free. Snorkel gear may or may not be provided.
Q: Do I need to bring anything?
A: Definitely bring sunscreen—you'll be on the water for hours with minimal shade. Bring a towel, wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and consider bringing water to drink (the tour doesn't provide it).
Q: What's the group size, and will it feel crowded?
A: Typically 12-16 passengers plus the captain. During peak season, it can feel crowded, especially if you're used to private tours. There's limited space to spread out, so manage expectations accordingly.
Q: Is this tour safe?
A: Yes. The boats are licensed, captains are experienced, and safety is prioritized. However, if you have serious mobility issues or health concerns, discuss them with the operator before booking. The boat does have rough motion in choppy water.
Q: Can I cancel if I'm not happy with the weather forecast?
A: Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour itself is canceled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a rescheduling or refund option.
