Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour

If you’re anything like us, the idea of seeing Montenegro’s stunning coastlines and hidden gems from the water sounds pretty unbeatable. This Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour promises just that — a full day of cruising, sightseeing, and swimming in some of the most iconic spots around Boka Bay.

What we especially like about this experience is how it hits all the high points without feeling rushed. The chance to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, a church built on an artificial island, combined with a swim in the colorful Blue Cave, makes for a memorable day. Plus, the boat ride itself offers some incredible coastline views and historical insights.

A small caveat is that the tour can be subject to weather conditions. If the sea is choppy or the weather isn’t cooperating, the Blue Cave visit might be skipped for safety reasons. It’s a reminder that being flexible can turn this into an even better experience, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to swim in the cave.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an active, scenic day on the water with a guide who knows his stuff. Whether you’re a first-timer in Montenegro or a seasoned traveler looking for a different perspective, this trip will likely check a lot of boxes.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenic spots like Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Island
• Swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the Blue Cave
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local stories
• Comfortable small group ensures more personalized attention
• Weather-dependent itinerary adjustments possible
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

The day kicks off at the Marina Kotor, where a friendly skipper and guide—Kristina in particular—are waiting to greet you. The tour is designed for small groups (limited to 10 participants), which means a more intimate experience, without the chaos you might find on larger boats.

From the marina, you’ll hop onto a speedboat for your first leg of the journey. The initial 20-minute ride takes you along the rugged coastline, giving you a taste of Montenegro’s stunning landscapes. It’s a quick but exciting start that sets the tone for the day.

Next, you’ll stop at Perast, a charming town with scenic views and photo-worthy spots. A quick 3-minute pass-by allows you to take in the town’s beauty without a lengthy stop, so you can focus on the highlights.

The main event here is a 20-minute visit to Our Lady of the Rocks. This church, perched on an artificially built island, has a fascinating backstory—discovered after two brothers found a Madonna and Child painting, leading to the island’s creation. The church itself offers a peaceful atmosphere and some great photo opportunities. Keep in mind, the museum and church have specific opening hours depending on the season, but the visit is included in your tour.

Following that, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a 15-minute ride to explore the former submarine tunnel near Kotor. This site holds historical significance, having been used by the military to hide submarines. It’s a quick stop, but the chance to see these secret caves is pretty unique.

The next leg is a short ride to Mamula Island, a WWII-era fortress that now serves as a scenic landmark. With just 5 minutes scheduled here, it’s mainly for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Then comes the highlight for many—swimming in the Blue Cave. This 20-minute stop allows you to jump into the crystal-clear waters. The cave is famous for its vivid colors, which come alive when sunlight filters through. It’s a refreshing break that feels like a real reward after some sightseeing.

After the swim, the boat heads back along the coast, passing by more caves and the Lustica Peninsula. The 70-minute return trip offers ample time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and chat with your guide about Montenegro’s maritime history and local culture.

The tour wraps up back at the Marina Kotor, bringing your day full circle.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

This isn’t just a boat ride; it’s a well-rounded experience. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets to Our Lady of the Rocks saves you time, and the professional guide’s insights make the day more engaging. The boat itself feels comfortable, with snorkel masks and safety equipment provided, so you’re set for swimming.

The small group size (limited to 10) means you won’t be lost in the crowd, and your guide can tailor the experience. Multiple reviews highlight the quality of guides like Mirko, who keeps in touch and ensures everyone is comfortable and on schedule.

Pricing-wise, the tour offers good value considering it combines transportation, guiding, entry fees, and the chance to swim in the Blue Cave. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off only adds to the appeal, especially if you’re staying outside the city center.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Be sure to bring your passport or ID, especially if you plan to visit the church and museum, which have specific opening hours.
• Pack sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—the sun can be strong, and you’ll want to be ready for water activities.
• Dress in layers if you’re visiting during April, May, September, or October, as it can be chilly on the water.
• Note that weather conditions may affect the itinerary, especially the Blue Cave visit. The crew will prioritize your safety if conditions worsen.
• Finding parking in Kotor can be tricky in summer, so plan accordingly, or opt for the included hotel transfer if available.
• Remember, there’s a dress code for visiting Our Lady of the Rocks—no swimsuits allowed inside.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery. Keith mentions the guide as “flexible and excellent,” while Anja notes Mirko’s attentiveness, including bringing drinks for the ride. Liviu emphasizes the “pleasant experience” with Mirko, highlighting the importance of a good guide.

The overall rating of 4.6 from 17 reviews reflects how many travelers find this tour worthwhile, especially for those wanting a mix of sightseeing and water fun.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This full-day boat trip is most suited for travelers who love a scenic adventure with a bit of history and water-based fun. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on boats and want a more intimate experience beyond crowded group tours.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a memorable, active day on the water, this tour offers a fantastic way to see Montenegro’s coast from a different angle. However, if weather isn’t ideal, some parts might be skipped—so a flexible attitude will serve you well.

For those who value knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and the chance to swim in a famous cave, this will likely be a highlight of your Montenegro trip.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours on the water, with the entire day including transfers and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a speedboat trip, visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, skip-the-line museum tickets, a guide, water, snorkel masks, safety equipment, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, there’s a dedicated 20-minute swimming stop where you can enjoy the clear waters and take photos.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those comfortable on boats, but it’s not specifically tailored for young children or those needing wheelchair access.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary might be adjusted or parts of the tour, like the Blue Cave visit, skipped for safety reasons.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry tickets to the Our Lady of the Rocks Museum are not included and cost around €2.

How do I meet the tour?
Look for the marina at the main gate of Kotor’s Old Town, where your guides Kristina and the skipper will welcome you.

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

Is this tour a good value?
Considering transportation, guiding, entry fees, and the chance to swim, many find it offers good value for a full day of scenic fun.

Whether you’re after beautiful views, a splash of history, or just a relaxing day on the water, this tour covers a lot of ground. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to experience Montenegro’s coast from a boat, with the added bonus of expert guides making sure you get the most out of every stop.

You can check availability for your dates here: