Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks – 3h Private Speedboat Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see Kotor’s stunning coast without the crowds and with an intimate touch, this private speedboat tour might just be what you need. It’s a compact, 3-hour journey designed to showcase some of the most unique spots only accessible by boat, making it perfect for travelers who want a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and a touch of adventure.

What immediately caught our eye? First, the chance to explore Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island steeped in legend, and the Blue Cave, famous for its incredible lighting effects. Second, the fact that this tour is private means you can enjoy a relaxed pace, personalized attention, and the option to customize your experience a bit—something that’s often missing from larger group tours.

Of course, with such a packed short trip, a key consideration is the timing. If you’re someone who prefers slow, in-depth sightseeing, three hours might feel a bit rushed. But for those who want a taste of Kotor’s best with minimal fuss, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suited for couples, friends, or small groups who want a flexible yet structured water adventure.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 6 people: Offers personalized experience and flexibility.
• Highlights include Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave: Unique spots accessible only by boat.
• Duration is approximately 3 hours: Perfect for a quick escape from busy schedules.
• Includes essentials like water, WiFi, and insurance: No hidden costs.
• Expert local guide: Mirko’s friendly guidance makes the trip engaging.
• Good for those seeking scenic beauty and a touch of history: Less ideal for travelers looking for a full-day or in-depth cultural experience.

Why You Might Love This Tour

This tour is a fantastic way to get a fast-paced yet immersive look at Kotor’s coastline. We loved the relaxed vibe and the fact that it’s a private experience—meaning no competing crowds, just your group and your guide. The boat ride itself is scenic, with views of ancient villages, lush vegetation, and historical landmarks that you’d probably miss if you just stayed on land.

The stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave are especially memorable. The island is fascinating—not just because of its story but also for the chance to see artwork and votives inside the church, which tell tales of seafarers and local legends. The Blue Cave offers a visual spectacle, with sunlight creating shimmering blue reflections that have been described as magical. The fact that you can swim in its crystal-clear waters makes it an experience to remember.

The guide, Mirko, gets high praise for being knowledgeable and friendly. One reviewer mentioned how he made them comfortable, even offering to play their own music. That kind of personal touch goes a long way in making a short trip feel special.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Start: The Bay of Kotor

Your journey kicks off with a 20-minute scenic cruise along the Kotor coastline. The views here are spectacular—think ancient fishing villages dotting rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and some of the most iconic scenery in Montenegro. It’s a gentle introduction to what’s to come, and the water-based perspective really enhances the experience.

Stop 1: Our Lady of the Rocks

Next, you’ll hop onto a 30-minute visit to this man-made island, built upon a crag and home to a church that’s become a symbol of seafaring Montenegro. The story of its creation is fascinating, rooted in local legend, and inside the church, you can admire paintings and votives donated by sailors over the centuries. It’s a peaceful, almost mystical spot that offers a peek into local traditions and devotion.

Passing Tivat and the Marina

On your way out of the bay, you’ll see Porto Montenegro, a bustling marina filled with yachts of all sizes. There’s also a quick pass by the former submarine military base—if you’re a history buff, this might be a highlight, though the details are left to your imagination.

Herceg-Novi and the Open Sea

Heading further, you’ll pass the Portonovi resort and Herceg-Novi town. After a brief lookout at the town, your boat heads out into the open sea toward the Blue Cave. The scenery here is breathtaking—cliffs, azure waters, and a sense of adventure.

The Blue Cave

The main event—a 30-minute swim and exploration inside the Blue Cave. Its magical glow, caused by sunlight filtering through small cracks, creates an iridescent blue light that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s a natural wonder that many travelers describe as an absolute highlight, especially if you enjoy swimming in clear waters.

Return Journey

After soaking in the Blue Cave, the boat heads back to Kotor, passing by the haunting Mamula Island, known for its fortress and dark past. The return trip lasts about 90 minutes, giving you more scenic views along the way.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all the essentials—bottled water, WiFi, fuel, insurance, and a knowledgeable English-speaking skipper/tour guide. You don’t have to worry about hidden fees or extra charges, which is a relief. However, keep in mind that food and alcohol are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or plan for a meal afterward. Entry tickets for the Our Lady of the Rocks museum are modest—just 2 EUR—so it’s a small additional cost if you want to explore further inside.

How Good Is the Value?

At around $320 for up to six people, this tour costs roughly $50 per person, which isn’t bad considering the personal nature of a private boat and the coverage of several must-see spots. The fact that this is booked on average 21 days in advance shows it’s popular among travelers. For the price, you’re getting a well-organized, scenic, and customizable experience that takes you to places only accessible by boat.

Who Will This Tour Suit?

This experience works beautifully for couples seeking a romantic escape, small groups of friends wanting a shared adventure, or families with older children who can handle the boat ride comfortably. It’s not ideal for those looking for a full-day sightseeing or detailed cultural tour, since the entire trip is just about 3 hours. Still, if you want a quick, scenic, and memorable water journey, this one hits the mark.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If your goal is to see Kotor’s coast in a relaxed, personalized way, this private speedboat tour offers stunning views, insider access to unique sites, and the chance to swim in one of the most beautiful caves in the area. The guides, especially Mirko, help make this feel more like a friendly outing than a stiff tour.

Yes, the trip is brief, but it’s packed with highlights that make it worth the expense. The small group size and private nature mean you can pause for photos, ask questions, or just soak it all in without feeling rushed or crowded.

All in all, this is a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of Montenegro’s maritime beauty with a personal touch. Just remember—if you’re after a laid-back, leisurely exploration or want to spend more time at each site, you might want to consider other options or extensions.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to see the key sights without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes bottled water, WiFi, fuel, insurance, and an English-speaking skipper or guide. All fees and taxes are covered.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, you’ll have about 30 minutes to swim and explore inside the Blue Cave, which many find magical due to its glowing blue waters.

Is this tour suitable for families?
The tour is private and short, so it could suit families with older children comfortable on a boat. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but it’s flexible.

What about food and drinks?
Food and alcoholic beverages are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat afterwards.

Are tickets for the Our Lady of the Rocks museum included?
No, a small entry fee of 2 EUR applies if you wish to visit the museum inside the church.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Exploring Kotor from the water on this private speedboat combines natural beauty, fascinating sites, and the intimacy of a personalized trip. It’s a great way to tick off several must-see spots in a short time while enjoying the sea breeze and stunning views. If you’re after a memorable, hassle-free experience, this one’s worth considering.