Kotor: Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour

If you’re heading to Montenegro and want to see the coast from a new perspective, a speedboat tour of the Bay of Kotor is a fantastic choice. It offers a quick but immersive glimpse into one of Europe’s most remarkable coastal landscapes. Designed for those who love scenic vistas, a bit of adventure, and interesting sights, this tour can be a highlight of your trip.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its compact, well-organized itinerary that packs in a variety of sights—like the famous Blue Cave, the historic Our Lady of the Rocks, and some striking views of the Old Town from the water. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

However, keep in mind this is a 3-hour trip, so it’s fast-paced, and some may find the short swim in the Blue Cave a bit rushed. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health issues. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy boat rides, scenic landscapes, and want a taste of Kotor’s stunning coastline without committing to a full-day tour.

If you’re after a memorable, visually rich experience that combines nature, history, and fun, this tour is likely to suit you. Just prepare for a lively ride, dress accordingly, and set your camera to capture those incredible views.

Key Points

• Scenic views: You’ll get a breathtaking perspective of Kotor’s coastline, villages, and islands from the water.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides help you understand the sights and keep the trip engaging.
• Swim in the Blue Cave: Enjoy about 20 minutes to cool off and marvel at the cave’s glowing blue water.
• Historic stops: Visit the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, with its legends and beautiful church.
• Good value: The tour includes fuel, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment, making it an all-in-one experience.
• Limited swimming time: The short stop at the Blue Cave and other sights might feel rushed for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour is a lively, well-organized way to see several of Montenegro’s most famous sights in just a few hours. It balances scenic cruising with specific stops that are meaningful and photo-worthy. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the highlights without the fuss of longer tours.

A big plus is the experience of the guides, who are often praised for their helpfulness and knowledge. From the moment you meet at Park Slobode, near Kotor Old Town, everything feels straightforward and well-coordinated. The boat itself is comfortable and feels safe, which adds to the relaxed vibe.

What we particularly love is the variety of stops packed into a tight schedule. You get the charm of passing by old villages, zooming past Mamula Island, and stopping at the Blue Cave—all in just a few hours. The Blue Cave, with its shimmering blue waters, is a real highlight, letting you take a quick dip or snorkel in its cool depths.

The visit to Our Lady of the Rocks is another memorable moment—its legend and the beautiful church sitting atop the artificial island offer a glimpse into local history and culture. Plus, the submarine tunnel, cut into the steep banks, adds a unique, tangible piece of Montenegro’s past that’s fun to photograph.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Park Slobode

Your adventure kicks off at a conveniently located meeting point just behind Kotor Port. The friendly staff will greet you there, and from this spot, you’ll board the speedboat for your 3-hour journey.

The Scenic Ride Along the Coast

The first leg of the tour is a roughly 55-minute panoramic ride along the coast of the bay. As you cruise, you’ll see the charming villages of Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, Dobrota, and Perast. Each of these places has its own story and stunning architecture—think old palaces, quaint houses, and beautiful churches—set against the backdrop of towering mountains.

This part of the trip offers some of the most spectacular views, and many reviews mention how the landscape alone makes the trip worth it. The way the sea, mountains, and historic towns come together is what UNESCO recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, and this tour gives you a front-row seat.

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Passing Through Verige

Next, you’ll pass through Verige, the narrowest part of the bay, about 300 meters wide. It’s a narrow stretch of water that feels dramatic when viewed from the boat. Here, you’ll see the small Church of Our Lady of Angels, perched on the banks, offering a perfect photo opportunity.

Blue Cave Stop

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave. You’ll stop here for approximately 20 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or simply marvel at the glow of the water. The cave’s name derives from the intense blue light caused by light refraction, which creates a surreal effect that many describe as magical. The cave’s size—around 300 square meters with arch heights up to twenty-five meters—makes it an impressive sight.

Reviews mention that the experience here is worth the short stop, although some note that it can be crowded. The water is cool and inviting, perfect for a quick dip, although swimming in the cave isn’t always guaranteed due to weather conditions or the number of boats there.

Submarine Tunnel

On the return, your guide will stop at the old submarine tunnel—cut into the steep banks—built during Yugoslavia. It’s a quick photo stop, but it’s quite a unique feature, revealing a bit of Montenegro’s military past and engineering.

Our Lady of the Rocks

Next, you’ll visit the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Here, a legend tells of a miraculous icon and the citizens’ effort to create the island by throwing stones. You can explore the church and museum, learning about the history and local traditions. The site offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, and many travelers find it a highlight of the trip.

Final Stretch and Return

After your visit, the boat heads back towards Kotor, passing Mamula Island and the Old Town from the water one last time. The entire trip wraps up about 20 minutes later back at Park Slobode, leaving you with plenty of photo memories and stories.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour includes fuel, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment, making it a good value for a three-hour adventure. Raincoats are provided, which is handy if the weather turns. However, admission to Our Lady of the Rocks is not included, so plan for that if you want to go inside.

One thing to note is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point. The tour is offered in English and Serbo-Croatian, and there are both private and small group options, which can make for a more personalized experience.

Practical Tips

• Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel—especially since you’ll be swimming.
• Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed onboard, so travel light.
• Take some extra water with you if you’re thirsty, as the tour provides only a half-liter bottle per person.
• Dress warmly for the boat ride, especially if you’re doing the tour in early spring or fall. Several reviews mention it can get chilly, particularly during choppier waves.

The Experience From Visitors’ Perspectives

The feedback from travelers makes it clear: this tour is well-organized and fun, often praised for the guides’ knowledge and friendly manner. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the beautiful scenery and the interesting sights like the submarine tunnel and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Several mention that the Blue Cave is a must-see, even if the stop is brief. Some travelers point out that the short swimming time can be a bit rushed, but overall, everyone seems to agree that the price-to-value ratio is good.

A recurring theme is the importance of dressing warmly—especially in March or late in the season—since the boat ride can be windy and chilly. Tourists also talk about the cleanliness and comfort of the boat, with many feeling safe and well looked after.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a quick, scenic peek at the stunning Bay of Kotor, this speedboat trip offers an excellent balance of sights, adventure, and value. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy being on the water, capturing incredible views, and ticking off multiple highlights in a short period. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized stops make it an experience you’ll likely remember fondly.

This tour is especially suited to those who want to see the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks without committing to a full-day outing. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for a lively, engaging boat trip with plenty of photo opportunities.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, longer swimming stops, or a more in-depth exploration, you might find this tour a bit rushed. Also, be aware that the weather can influence the experience—chilly days or choppy seas might make some parts less comfortable.

In summary, this trip offers a wonderful snapshot of Montenegro’s coast, with plenty of picture-worthy moments, a knowledgeable crew, and a good sense of adventure. It’s a practical choice for those wanting a memorable, scenic ride that covers the essentials in just a few hours.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the short swimming stop and boat ride might be more suitable for older children who can handle a quick trip on the water. It’s not explicitly geared toward young kids, but many families find it enjoyable.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and possibly extra water. Remember, large bags aren’t allowed on the boat, so pack light. Dress warmly if you’re sensitive to wind or cooler weather.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour starts at Park Slobode, which is within walking distance from Kotor Old Town. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the Blue Cave stop?
You will have about 20 minutes at the Blue Cave, which is enough for swimming or just admiring the beauty of the place. Keep in mind, the cave can be crowded, and swimming isn’t always guaranteed.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, only bottled water is provided. It’s a good idea to bring some extra drinks or snacks if you’re feeling peckish.

What if it rains during the tour?
Raincoats are provided by the operator, so you’ll stay dry if the weather turns wet. However, heavy rain or storms might cause cancellations or delays.

Is there an option for a private tour?
Yes, small groups and private options are available, which can give you a more personalized experience and flexibility with stops.

This Kotor speedboat tour combines the thrill of a boat ride with some of Montenegro’s most scenic and culturally interesting sights. Whether it’s your first time in the area or a repeat visit, it’s a lively way to experience the coast’s natural beauty and history in just a few hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: