Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks 3 hr private tour(up to 12 pax)

If you’re looking for a way to see some of Montenegro’s most iconic sites in a relaxed, personalized setting, this private 3-hour tour around Kotor Bay might just be what you need. It takes you on a quick but comprehensive journey, covering breathtaking spots like the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water and learn about local history.

One of the things we love about this tour is its private nature—you’re not stuck with a big group, so the pace can be tailored to your preferences, and your guide can give you more personalized attention. Plus, the inclusion of snorkeling gear and onboard Wi-Fi makes it both fun and convenient.

That said, a potential consideration is the price, which works out to around $498 for a group of up to 12 people. While it’s not the cheapest option, the private experience and the range of sights you cover tend to justify the cost, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family.

This tour really suits travelers who want a comfortable, flexible, and scenic way to explore Kotor Bay’s highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own. It’s perfect for those who love the water, historical sights, and a bit of adventure—especially since the tour includes swimming in the famous Blue Cave.

Key Points

• Private tour for personalized experience with flexible pacing.
• Includes snorkeling gear and onboard Wi-Fi for added convenience and fun.
• Multiple famous sights like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Tre Sorelle Palace.
• Comfortable group size up to 12, ideal for families or small groups.
• Covers both cultural and natural highlights, with options for swimming and sightseeing.
• Good value for the price when considering the private, all-inclusive nature of the tour.

What You Can Expect from This Kotor Bay Adventure

This private tour offers a nice balance between sightseeing, swimming, and learning, all wrapped into a compact 3-hour window. From start to finish, it’s designed to give you an intimate taste of Montenegro’s coastal gems, with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Starting Point: Kotor Old Town or Alternative Pick-up

Your experience kicks off from the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Kotor or a nearby location of your choosing within Kotor Bay, like Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, or Dobrota. The tour includes a pickup service, which is handy if you’re staying in or near Kotor. From here, you’ll hop onto a speedboat, beginning your adventure across the shimmering waters.

The Ride and Landmarks

The boat ride itself is a highlight. As you slide past local villages and landmarks like the Tre Sorelle Palace, you get a chance to soak in the scenery and learn about the area’s history. The palace, built in the 15th century, is one of the few Gothic-style structures in the bay, and the guide is happy to share the romantic legend tied to it—something worth asking about if you’re curious.

Next, you’ll visit the Impressive Our Lady’s Temple in Prcanj, a Baroque church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It’s one of the largest religious buildings in the Adriatic, and its construction took over 120 years. The guided tour inside offers insight into its history and architecture, making it more than just a photo stop.

Mamula Fortress and the Blue Cave

Passing Mamula Fortress, a WWII-era island prison turned renovation project, adds historical depth to the trip. Although it’s currently closed to the public, the fortress’s presence is a striking reminder of the bay’s strategic importance over the centuries.

The real star of the tour is the Blue Cave. Here, you’ll have about 20 minutes to swim in the turquoise waters, which is often described as a magical experience—bright, inviting, and perfect for cooling off. Many reviews mention how stunning the water is and how much they enjoyed the chance to dive in.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The tour then takes you to the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks, made by local fishermen who promised to build a church after they found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock. Here, you can visit the church and its museum, though the entrance fee is not included. The story alone makes this a special stop, and the views from the island are picturesque.

Additional Highlights: Perast and Verige

The charming town of Perast is a must-see—think Venetian Gothic architecture, 18th-century churches, and a peaceful vibe. It’s a good spot for some photos and soaking in the historic atmosphere.

The Verige strait, the narrowest part of the bay at about 300 meters wide, features a historic church and the remnants of an old defense chain. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the strategic importance of this waterway.

The Experience of the Tour

Based on reviews, travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. One mention noted how their captain was experienced, friendly, and told plenty of interesting facts, making the trip both informative and fun. The flexibility of the tour and the ability to swim in the Blue Cave are big pluses—many found the swim to be the highlight, describing the water as “crystal blue” and “amazing.”

The included snorkeling gear is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to make the most of the water stops. Plus, Wi-Fi onboard is a surprisingly convenient feature, letting you share photos or check your messages in real-time.

While the price might seem steep at first glance, the private setup means you’re not sharing the boat with strangers, which often makes for a more relaxed experience. The fact that the tour covers a broad range of locations in a short period makes it feel like good value, especially when you factor in transportation and guiding services.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 3 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity.
• Group size: Up to 12 people, perfect for small groups, families, or friends.
• Price: $498.47 per group, which can be quite economical when split among several travelers.
• Inclusions: Bottled water, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, private transport, fuel surcharge.
• Exclusions: Entry fee to Our Lady of the Rocks museum.
• Meeting point: Kotor Fortress or other agreed-upon location.
• Weather: Good weather is essential—bad weather may lead to cancellations with a full refund or rescheduling.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re after a personalized experience with a relaxed pace, especially if you enjoy being on the water. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the main highlights without feeling rushed, and those who appreciate information from knowledgeable guides. If you love swimming or snorkeling, the Blue Cave stop will be a highlight.

Although it’s not specifically tailored as a family tour, older children and teenagers who enjoy water activities and scenic boat rides will certainly find it engaging. It’s also a good choice for small groups or couples looking for an intimate way to explore Kotor Bay.

FAQs

How many people can participate in this tour?
Up to 12 travelers, making it a cozy, private experience suited for small groups or families.

What is included in the price?
Bottled water, fuel surcharge, private transportation, snorkeling gear, and onboard Wi-Fi are included. Entry to Our Lady of the Rocks museum is not.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, you’ll have around 20 minutes to swim in the turquoise waters, which many find to be a highlight.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat rides and swimming. No specific age restrictions are mentioned.

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

How far in advance should I book?
On average, most people book around 36 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve early to secure your preferred date.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, including all stops and water activities.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the museum entry at Our Lady of the Rocks is not included and must be paid separately if you choose to visit.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at Kotor Fortress, but it can also start from a different location within Kotor Bay if arranged.

Is this tour good for a romantic getaway or a small group of friends?
Absolutely, the private setup and scenic stops make it a lovely, intimate experience for couples or friends.

Final Thoughts

This Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks private tour offers a well-rounded taste of Kotor Bay’s beauty in a short, manageable package. The combination of scenic cruising, cultural stops, and swimming opportunities makes it a compelling option for those looking for a flexible, private adventure. The knowledgeable guides and personalized service add significant value, especially when you’re eager to customize your experience.

While it might seem pricey upfront, the exclusivity and range of stops make it a worthwhile investment for those wanting a memorable, hassle-free exploration of Montenegro’s coastal highlights. If you enjoy being on the water, love discovering small towns with fascinating histories, and want a tour that adapts to your pace, this could be just the right choice.

Overall, it’s best suited for curious travelers who want a relaxed, authentic taste of Kotor Bay’s charm and a bit of adventure without the crowds. Whether you’re a couple, a small family, or a group of friends, you’ll likely find this private tour to be a memorable highlight of your Montenegro trip.