Blue Cave 3 hours PRIVATE tour with Sea Stars Kotor

Looking for a scenic boat adventure in Montenegro that combines natural beauty, history, and a bit of fun? This private 3-hour Blue Cave tour offered by Sea Stars Kotor could be just what you need. It’s a flexible, intimate experience designed to show you some of the most captivating sights around Kotor, all in a comfortable, personalized setting.

What makes this tour stand out? For one, it’s a private experience, meaning only your group will be on the boat—no crowded group tours here. Plus, the professional captain is praised for being both knowledgeable and considerate, making the whole trip smooth and engaging. We also love that it includes hassle-free hotel pickup and onboard WiFi, so you’re not disconnected from the world entirely.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the Blue Cave gets pretty crowded during peak season, and the tour’s shorter duration means you won’t spend hours exploring. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a compact, scenic experience with a focus on highlights rather than a marathon adventure.

All in all, if you’re after a well-organized, intimate boat ride with stunning views and enough time for photos and swimming, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially good if you prefer to travel with just your own group rather than dealing with larger crowds.

Key Points

• Private experience ensures exclusivity and flexibility
• Includes hotel pickup and WiFi for convenience
• Visit the Blue Cave and swim inside if conditions allow
• Pass by iconic sights like Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Fortress
• Knowledgeable captain provides insightful commentary
• Duration is around 3 hours, making it ideal for a half-day outing

What to Expect from the Tour

This is a short but sweet boat trip that hits some of the most photogenic spots around Kotor Bay. Starting with the Blue Cave, you’ll spend about 20-30 minutes exploring and swimming inside this mesmerizing, vivid blue cavern. Keep in mind, the Blue Cave is a popular stop, and reviews note it can become crowded, especially in peak season. The boat’s small size and timings help minimize the chaos, but patience might be needed if you’re hoping for a quiet swim.

Next, you’ll cruise past Kumbor and have a quick look at the submarine tunnels—a neat bit of local military history. If you’re into engineering or just curious about local secrets, this pass-by is a quick but interesting highlight. It’s a free stop, so you won’t get off the boat, but the view from the water is pretty impressive.

The highlight for many is the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island built from 1452 to 1722. You’ll have around 20 minutes to stroll around the island and soak in the views, snapping photos of the small church and surrounding architecture. Travelers often find this peaceful and charming, with some noting the opportunity to enjoy a side view of Perast, a UNESCO-protected old town nearby.

Lastly, the tour includes a pass-by of Mamula Fortress, a historic WWII fortress sitting at the entrance of the bay, adding a touch of history to your scenic cruise. It’s mostly a visual stop, but the views from the boat are striking.

The Experience: How It Feels

From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel (or meeting point), the vibe is relaxed and professional. The boat itself is comfortable and well-equipped with WiFi and bottled water, making it easy to share your trip and stay refreshed. The captain, praised for his friendliness and insight, guides you through each stop, explaining the history and significance of the sights.

One reviewer called the captain “really great,” appreciating how he handled the waves when the water got a bit rough. It’s clear that safety and comfort are priorities, which makes a difference when you’re on the water. Several reviews mention how informative and considerate the captain is, enhancing the overall experience.

The 20-30 minutes at the Blue Cave allow plenty of time to take photos and have a quick dip if you wish (bring your swimsuits). However, don’t expect a snorkeling gear option, as it’s not provided—likely due to COVID precautions, as mentioned in reviews.

Throughout the trip, you’ll stay connected via onboard WiFi, which is a nice touch in today’s digital age. It’s perfect if you want to share your stunning views or check in with friends and family back home.

The Value

At $355.25 for a group of up to five, the tour offers good value for a private experience. You’re paying for exclusivity, flexibility, and the chance to see some of Montenegro’s most iconic sights without the crowds. Compared to larger group tours, you get more personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

The cost covers fuel, entrance to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, bottled water, and the expertise of your captain. There’s no extra charge for these key highlights, which adds to the transparency and value.

Given the personalized nature and small group size, this tour is ideal for couples, friends, or small families wanting a manageable, scenic outing with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to swim if conditions allow.

The Itinerary in Detail

Blue Cave

The first stop is the Blue Cave, a highlight for many travelers. The cavern is famous for its brilliant blue waters and shimmering light, making it a photographer’s paradise. Spend about 20-30 minutes inside or outside the cave—enough time to snap photos, go for a quick swim, or just marvel at the colors. Some reviews mention that the exhaust in the cave can be noticeable, and it’s busy during high season, but the beauty of the cave often makes up for these minor inconveniences.

Passing by Kumbor and Submarine Tunnels

Next, the boat heads towards Kumbor, where you’ll see submarine tunnels. The tunnels are a quick stop—just five minutes—but a neat curiosity. They were constructed as part of Montenegro’s military infrastructure, and from the water, they look quite impressive. You won’t go inside, but the view from the boat is worth a few moments of your time.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The island of Our Lady of the Rocks is a charming stop that many travelers find captivating. Built over centuries, it hosts a small church and a museum, with the entire island offering great photo opportunities. You’ll have about 20 minutes to explore, walk around, and take in the peaceful surroundings. The view from the island overlooks the old town of Perast, a UNESCO site, and the bay beyond.

Additional Scenic Passes

Finally, the boat cruises past Mamula Fortress and other scenic spots, providing plenty of opportunities for photos. The captain’s commentary makes these moments informative, and many passengers appreciate learning about the history of the sites while taking in the spectacular scenery.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private boat trip is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience with the chance to see key sights without the hassle of large group tours. It suits those who enjoy scenic views, light walking, and a bit of swimming. It’s a good fit for couples, small groups, or friends traveling together.

Note that it’s probably not ideal for travelers with mobility issues, given the 20-minute exploration of the island and the boat-only nature of the experience. Also, if you’re looking for a longer or more active adventure, this might feel a bit brief.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cave private tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and personal service. The knowledgeable captain and intimate setting make it a memorable way to enjoy Kotor Bay’s highlights. While it’s not a full-day experience, it packs enough into three hours to leave you with plenty of photos and stories.

If you’re after a hassle-free, scenic escape that combines sightseeing with some swimming and photo ops, this tour is definitely worth considering. Its focus on comfort, personalized attention, and iconic sights makes it especially appealing for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a tailored experience.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup, which makes organizing your day much easier.

How long does the Blue Cave visit last?
You’ll spend approximately 20-30 minutes inside or outside the Blue Cave, enough for photos and a quick swim if you like.

What sights will I see during the tour?
Besides the Blue Cave, you’ll pass by Kumbor and the submarine tunnels, visit Our Lady of the Rocks, and see Mamula Fortress from the water.

Are snorkeling or swimming gear provided?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t included, and swimming is subject to conditions. Many travelers bring their own swimsuits for a quick dip.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the short duration and gentle pace make it suitable for most travelers, but check with the provider if you have young children.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, swimsuits if you want to swim, sun protection, and a sense of adventure. Water is provided onboard.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

What is included in the price?
Fuel, the professional captain, entrance fees for the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, bottled water, and WiFi in the office beforehand are included.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour will be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

If you’re hoping to combine scenic beauty, history, and a comfortable, private setting, this boat tour offers a solid way to enjoy Montenegro’s stunning coastline. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a shorter, more personalized experience that hits all the highlights without crowds or rush.