Kotor: Private boat tour Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks

If you’re dreaming of exploring Montenegro’s stunning coastline and hidden gems, this private boat tour in Kotor might just be the perfect way to do it. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, a relaxing swim, or a touch of history, this trip offers a little bit of everything in a manageable three-hour window.

What I really like about this tour is how personalized it feels—it’s private, so you’re not stuck with a big crowd, and the skipper is English-speaking, making explanations straightforward. Plus, the Blue Cave is a must-see natural wonder that’s worth the trip on its own. That said, it’s not for everyone: the tour involves a boat ride, some walking, and optional entrance fees to the church, so consider your comfort and interests before booking.

If you’re traveling with family or a small group who enjoy scenic boat rides, swimming, and exploring charming islands, this could be an excellent fit. It’s also a good choice if you want a flexible, customizable experience—since the tour can be adapted within the three-hour timeframe.

Key Points

• Personalized private tour with an English-speaking skipper makes for a more relaxed experience.
• Visit top sights like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and submarine tunnels.
• Includes drinks and diving masks, making the experience more enjoyable and interactive.
• Flexible itinerary allows you to personalize your stops or duration within the three-hour window.
• Ideal for those wanting a quick, scenic overview of Kotor Bay’s highlights.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or those seeking extensive sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on Your Kotor Bay Boat Trip

This 3-hour private tour is designed to give you a taste of Montenegro’s gorgeous coast and its most iconic sights. You’ll meet your skipper at a designated point—either a nearby dock or a location of your choosing—and then set out on a speedboat adventure through the bay. The journey is not just about getting from A to B; it’s about soaking in the views and experiencing the maritime charm of Kotor Bay.

Starting Point and First Leg: Scenic Ride to the Blue Cave

Your adventure begins at a meeting spot near the Spomenik palim za slobodu, where your friendly guide will introduce themselves and go over the plan. From here, you’ll hop onto the boat and cruise along the bay, passing by old fisherman villages and rocky coastlines. This initial hour is about enjoying the panoramic views and the feeling of being on the water, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos.

The Highlight: The Blue Cave

Once you arrive at the Blue Cave, prepare for a real treat. The boat slips inside this naturally formed grotto, where sunlight hits the water just right, creating that famous turquoise glow. You’ll spend roughly 25 minutes in the cave, swimming, taking photos, and using provided diving masks to get closer to the underwater hues. According to reviews, this is a natural spectacle “of intact nature,” and many visitors find it a highlight of their trip.

Exploring Mamula Island and Submarine Tunnels

After your swim, the boat heads towards Mamula Island, an old Austro-Hungarian fortress that now offers great photo opportunities. The boat slows down here for a quick stop so you can capture the views of this historic site. You’ll also get a peek into Yugoslavian submarine tunnels, where the boat will enter one of the tunnels for a quick, fascinating look at a piece of Cold War military history.

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Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

Next, the tour takes you to the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks, built in the 15th century by local residents. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to walk around the island, take photos, and visit the small church—though entrance to the church is paid on the spot (€2 per person). This stop is often noted as a “must-see” in Kotor Bay, thanks to its unique setting and history.

Return Journey and Final Views

As you make your way back toward the starting point, your skipper will give a brief overview of Perast, a charming baroque town, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. The return trip offers a chance to relax and reflect on the highlights of your day on the water.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

In terms of value, the private nature of the tour really makes a difference—you get a tailored experience with a knowledgeable skipper. The inclusion of drinks and masks adds comfort and fun, especially if you want to spend time swimming or taking photos underwater. And the stunning scenery along the way is genuinely photogenic, making it a trip worth considering if you’re after picture-perfect moments.

However, there are some things to keep in mind. The tour duration is fixed at three hours, but since it’s customizable, you might find the swimming time in the Blue Cave or the time spent at each stop varies. Also, the entrance fee to Our Lady of the Rocks church (€2) is not included, so budget for that if you plan to go inside.

Reviews highlight that the guide’s knowledge and friendly attitude make a difference, with travelers noting they felt well taken care of. Some mention that the views are truly spectacular, making every photo seem postcard-worthy. But be aware, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or very young children, mostly due to boat and walking requirements.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start: Meet at the City Park near the tall monument.
• First hour: Cruise along Kotor Bay with scenic views.
• Blue Cave: 25-minute stop for swimming, photos, and exploring.
• Mamula Island: Photo stop at this historic fort.
• Submarine tunnels: Quick visit inside one of the tunnels.
• Our Lady of the Rocks: 30-minute visit, walk around, and optional church entrance.
• Return: Panoramic views of Perast before heading back to the start.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a compact, scenic, and private experience of Kotor Bay’s best highlights. The boat ride offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and fun water activities. The price, considering the inclusion of drinks and masks, is fair for the quality and intimacy of a private tour.

It’s especially good for travelers who want flexibility—since you can tweak the stops or timing within the three hours. If you’re not keen on large tour groups or crowded excursions, this private option is a real bonus.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy being on the water and exploring sights at their own pace. Small groups or couples will appreciate the personalized touch, and those interested in a quick overview of Kotor’s highlights will find it just right. It’s also handy for anyone limited on time but eager to see the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Not the best fit if you prefer a longer, more in-depth exploration, or if you need accessibility accommodations like wheelchair access. Pregnant women and very young children might want to consult with the provider beforehand, as the tour involves some boat riding and walking.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, but since it’s private and customizable, you might choose to adjust the stops or duration a bit with your skipper.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from a meeting point at the City Park, next to a tall monument. You just need to give your name, and your skipper will be waiting.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes drinks, which is great for staying refreshed during the boat ride.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Absolutely, you’ll have about 25 minutes to swim, take photos, and use the provided masks.

Do I need to pay extra to visit Our Lady of the Rocks church?
Yes, the entrance fee to the church (€2 per person) is paid on spot if you choose to go inside.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for babies under 1 year or people with mobility issues, as it involves boat rides and some walking.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, within the 3-hour duration, you can request to shorten or extend certain parts, like swimming or sightseeing.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour in Kotor offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and water fun in a manageable three-hour package. The personalized experience, knowledgeable skipper, and stunning scenery make it a standout choice for those wanting a memorable way to see Kotor Bay. It’s especially suited for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a small-group vibe over crowded tours. While it’s not suitable for everyone—especially pregnant women or those with mobility challenges—the majority of visitors seem to leave with pictures and memories to cherish.

If you’re after a quick, scenic, and tailored adventure, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a great way to tick off Montenegro’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple excursions, and the reviews suggest it’s well worth the price.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera!

You can check availability for your dates here: