Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave with time for Lunch

A detailed look at the Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave tour

If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro and looking for a way to see the highlights of Kotor Bay, this boat tour offers a pretty comprehensive experience. From cruising past historic sites to swimming in gorgeous caves, it’s designed to give you a taste of the natural and cultural treasures in just a few hours.

What I really like about this tour is how it combines scenery, history, and some leisure time, all without feeling too rushed. Plus, the guides seem genuinely knowledgeable, which makes the experience more engaging. That said, it’s a boat trip, so if you get seasick or prefer land-based sightseeing, it might not be your first choice.

This experience works well for anyone who loves water, wants a snapshot of Montenegro’s coast, or simply craves a day out on the bay. It’s suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind it involves swimming and some walking, so be prepared accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and panoramic views of Boka Bay and the surrounding coastline
• Includes visits to notable sites like Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Island
• Swim and snorkel opportunities in the Blue Cave’s crystal waters
• Knowledgeable guides who share local stories and history
• Comfortable private group ensures a personalized experience
• Flexible options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance

What makes this boat tour stand out?

This four-hour journey is a solid way to cover Montenegro’s scenic spots in a short amount of time. You start at Marina Kotor and hop aboard a speedboat—think of it as a quick but immersive sightseeing adventure. The route hits key highlights like Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave, with thoughtful breaks built in for photos, swimming, and just soaking in the views.

Exploring Our Lady of the Rocks

The first stop that really captures the imagination is Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s a church built on an artificial island, and it dates back centuries. According to stories shared during the tour, the church was built after two local brothers found a Madonna and Child painting, which inspired the community to create a dedicated site. Visiting this spot gives you a glimpse into Montenegro’s layered history and local faith.

When you arrive, you get a chance to wander around, take photos, and get a sense of the island’s charm. The tour typically allows about 20 minutes here—enough to snap some pictures and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Many travelers have enjoyed the storytelling aspect, with guides providing insights into the island’s origins and significance.

Cruising the Verige Straits and visiting Mamula Island

Next, your boat will navigate through the Verige Straits, a narrow channel offering spectacular panoramic views. This part of the trip is all about the scenery—the cliffs, the water, and the small villages dotting the shoreline. You’ll also pass Mamula Island, a former WWII prison turned tourist spot, which adds a hint of history to the trip. The view of Mamula from the water is striking, and it’s a popular photo stop.

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The Blue Cave: swimming, snorkeling, and natural beauty

The Blue Cave is undoubtedly the highlight for most travelers. It’s a small, vibrant cave where the sunlight hits the water just right, creating a glowing, blue hue. The tour allocates about 30 minutes here, giving you plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or just admire the natural wonder. If you’re comfortable in the water, this is a fantastic chance to cool off and experience Montenegro’s underwater beauty.

The reviews mention that the Blue Cave is one of the most beautiful spots they’ve seen, with one traveler describing it as a “crystal-clear” swimming spot. You’ll want to bring your swimwear, towel, and maybe a waterproof camera or phone case for capturing these moments.

Visiting the submarine tunnels and Forte Rose

On the way back, the boat stops at the former submarine tunnel area near Kotor. This spot was once used to conceal submarines, and it offers a peek into the area’s military past. The stop is brief, about 10 minutes, but enough for some photos and to stretch your legs.

Forte Rose is another notable stop, offering scenic views and a sense of Montenegro’s strategic history. The tour’s inclusion of these sites adds a touch of historical context, making it more than just a scenic cruise.

What’s included and what’s not?

The tour price covers a lot: a private boat with a skipper and guide, fuel, all taxes and fees, and even a snorkel mask and a bottle of water per person. These additions make the experience more comfortable, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel.

However, the tour doesn’t include entrance to the Our Lady of the Rocks museum (which is a separate ticket), nor does it cover lunch. After the boat trip, you’ll have time to grab a meal on your own—many guests recommend local restaurants for fresh seafood and authentic Montenegrin dishes.

The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later give some peace of mind, especially if your plans are still flexible.

The itinerary in detail

The route is quite thoughtfully planned, with small stops for sightseeing, photos, and swimming. Starting at Marina Kotor, the trip hits Perast quickly, then on to Our Lady of the Rocks. After a scenic cruise past Mamula Island, you arrive at the Blue Cave for swimming and snorkeling. The return involves stops at the submarine tunnels and Forte Rose, rounding out a well-rounded glimpse of the bay.

Most trips last around four hours, with actual start times varying—so it’s best to check availability in advance.

Reviews from travelers

While the experience is relatively new, the reviews are glowing. One guest, Austin, shared that despite booking last minute, they had an “amazing” time. He praised the guide’s local knowledge, the beautiful swimming spots, and how smoothly everything went—from arrival to departure. His family of six even mentioned how much they learned about Montenegro and enjoyed the scenery.

Another traveler, Mark, called the tour “brilliant,” emphasizing the helpfulness of the guide when last-minute changes came up. He highlighted the quality of the storytelling and the good restaurant recommendations afterward—an important detail for those wanting to make a whole day of it.

These reviews underscore that with a good guide and a well-planned route, this tour delivers a worthwhile taste of Montenegro’s coast.

Practical tips for booking and participating

• Bring your passport or ID — necessary for some stops and for safety.
• Swimwear, towel, and beachwear are a must, especially for the Blue Cave stop.
• Expect about 4 hours from start to finish, so plan your day accordingly.
• Book early if you prefer a specific starting time or want to ensure availability.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers over 95, so keep this in mind if relevant.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as the trip involves a speedy boat ride through open water.

Who’s this tour best for?

This boat trip is ideal for travelers who want a mix of scenery, history, and fun water activities all in one go. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to see some of Montenegro’s most photographed sights. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll appreciate the safe swimming opportunities and the engaging guides.

It’s also a good pick for those interested in the story behind the sites—like Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Island—as the guides share local tales that bring the area to life. If you love boat rides, scenic views, and a bit of historical curiosity, this tour hits the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, generally, children who are comfortable in water and can handle a boat ride should enjoy this trip. Just be sure they’re supervised during swimming and snorkeling.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling masks are included in the tour, so you can just bring your swimwear and towel.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but there is enough time after the tour to grab a meal in town.

How long does the Blue Cave stop last?
You’ll have approximately 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the cave’s beauty.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any hidden fees?
All fees and taxes are covered in the tour price. However, entrance fees to the Our Lady of the Rocks museum are not included.

How many people are in a private group?
This tour is offered as a private group, which usually means a smaller, more personalized experience.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, beachwear, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Sun protection is also a good idea.

Final thoughts

If you’re after a scenic, engaging, and fairly flexible way to explore Montenegro’s coast, this boat tour ticks many boxes. It offers a well-rounded chance to see some of the most iconic spots in Boka Bay, enjoy a swim in the Blue Cave, and learn a bit about local history from friendly guides.

While it’s not a deep dive into Montenegro’s cultural sites, it’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and enjoy some natural beauty from the water. The small group setting and knowledgeable guide help make it feel personal, and the stunning views are hard to beat.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a blend of leisure and sightseeing, are comfortable on boats, and want a memorable, photo-worthy day out on the bay. If that sounds like your kind of adventure, you’ll likely find this trip a worthwhile addition to your Montenegro itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: