Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat day trip

If you’re looking to see a different side of the Adriatic, a Montenegro Bay cruise might just fit the bill. This tour promises a full day of exploring some of the most picturesque spots in the Bay of Kotor—from soaring mountains and tiny islands to medieval towns—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. It’s a popular choice for travelers based in Dubrovnik, offering a convenient way to tick off Montenegro’s highlights in a single, well-organized day.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it combines scenic boat rides with cultural stops. You’ll get to enjoy spectacular views of the fjord-like bay, wander through historic Kotor, and visit the tiny, charming island of Our Lady of the Rocks—all with an included 3-course lunch that’s served on the boat. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the trip is quite long—around 10 hours total—and some reviews mention the boat can feel cramped, especially early in the day.

This experience is best suited for those who love scenic boat journeys, are comfortable with a full-day outing, and want to see Montenegro’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple visits. It’s ideal if you’re traveling in a group or as a couple, and even if you’re traveling solo, the organized nature makes it straightforward.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: This trip offers views of towering mountains, tiny islands, and deep-blue waters that you’ll want to photograph.
• All-in-one experience: Combining boat rides, cultural exploration, and a traditional lunch provides solid value.
• Guided tour: An experienced guide on board helps make the trip more informative and smooth, especially at border crossings.
• Long day: Be prepared for a 10-hour experience, with early pickup and a full schedule.
• Some boat limitations: The boat can be cramped, and weather conditions may affect certain activities like visiting the Blue Cave.
• Ideal for scenery lovers: Perfect if you’re eager to see Montenegro’s natural beauty and historic towns comfortably.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transport

The tour kicks off early, with a pickup around 6:30 am from your hotel in Dubrovnik (or nearby locations like Cavtat, Mlini, Oraac, Plat, and Slano). The good news is that your transport is air-conditioned, making a long drive more comfortable, and a professional guide helps you navigate border crossings smoothly. You’ll travel by bus, which means you’ll have some time to relax after the initial early start and enjoy the scenic drive through the Croatian coast before crossing into Montenegro.

Crossing the Border

One of the highlights—and sometimes tricky parts—of this trip is the border crossing into Montenegro. The guides are generally praised for their organization here, which can be critical in avoiding delays. As one reviewer noted, the guide Marco was “very organized at border crossings,” making the process much less stressful.

The Bay of Kotor: Stunning Views from the Water

Once on the boat, you’ll immediately notice the remarkable scenery. The Bay of Kotor is often called an “impressive fjord,” with steep mountains plunging into the deep, calm waters. The boat cruise itself lasts around six hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views, take photos, and relax. The water is a vivid blue, and the landscape is dotted with tiny islands, including the famous Our Lady of the Rocks.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island with a 17th-century church built on it. You’ll have about 45 minutes here—enough time to explore the church and see the 68 murals painted by Baroque artist Tripo Kokolja. The murals are particularly notable, and many visitors find the visit to the island peaceful and photogenic.

Exploring Kotor Old Town

Next up, you’ll dock in Kotor, a well-preserved medieval city brimming with history. While the tour only allows about 45 minutes on land, it’s enough for a quick wander through narrow streets, a photo of the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, or a walk along the city walls if time permits. Several reviews mention that the time in Kotor feels a bit limited, but the overall experience gets good marks for its scenic backdrop and historical charm. One reviewer shared, “The time in Kotor is a little short, but you have enough to look around,” which is true if you’re quick and organized.

Lunch on Board

A real plus is the 3-course lunch served on the boat. It’s described as a good quality meal, and the inclusion of food and drinks adds value to the experience. Many reviews highlight the good food and friendly service, making the long day more enjoyable. The lunch is unhurried enough to give you a moment to relax and chat with fellow travelers, often over some decent local wine or soft drinks.

Returning to Dubrovnik

After your time in Kotor, the boat returns to Montenegro’s port, where you’ll board the bus back to Croatia. The return journey generally runs smoothly, though some reviews note that the long day can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to early mornings and a packed schedule.

What Travelers Say: Honest Feedback

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture but also reveal some common pain points. Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, especially noting that guides like Marco and Ivan made the border crossings and excursions easier. The scenery consistently earns rave reviews—people love the views, the tiny islands, and the medieval charm of Kotor.

However, some mention that the boat can feel cramped, especially in the early part of the trip, and that the duration is quite long. One traveler pointed out that the Blue Cave was not accessible due to weather, which can be disappointing if that was a highlight in your plans. The timing of the stops in Kotor also feels tight for some, leading to a feeling that the experience is a bit rushed.

Pricing is viewed as reasonable for what’s included—entrance fees, a guided experience, and the meal—though some note that the trip is on the pricier side compared to similar day tours. Still, most agree it’s worth the cost if scenery and cultural sites are your priority.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: Approximately 10 hours, so be prepared for an early start and a full day.
• Price: Around $118.69 per person, which covers transport, guide, entrance fees, and lunch.
• Group Size: Up to 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively but not overcrowded.
• Children: Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
• Vegetarian options: Available if requested at booking.
• What to bring: Passport, sunglasses, sunblock, hat, camera, and patience for border crossings.
• Weather considerations: The Blue Cave visit can be weather-dependent; if conditions are windy or stormy, boat access might be restricted.

The Sum Up

This Montenegro Bay cruise from Dubrovnik offers a well-organized way to see some of the most stunning parts of Montenegro without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The combination of scenic boat rides, cultural stops like Our Lady of the Rocks, and a quick visit to Kotor’s medieval streets makes it a solid choice for travelers eager to experience both nature and history in one day.

The experience is particularly suited for those who value beautiful landscapes and historical sites, don’t mind a long day, and enjoy guided tours that handle the logistics. While the boat can sometimes feel crowded, the overall quality of the scenery, guides, and included meal make it a worthwhile outing—especially if this is your first trip to the region.

If you’re seeking a straightforward, scenic adventure and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour will give you a memorable taste of Montenegro’s coastline. Just be prepared for the early start, and keep expectations in check about the boat size and timing in Kotor.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children are allowed, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The long day and boat ride might be tiring for very young kids, so consider their comfort level.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat cruise itself lasts about six hours, with the entire day including travel and stops stretching to approximately 10 hours.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a professional guide, all entrance fees (including Our Lady of the Rocks), the 3-course lunch, and a guided experience.

Can I buy the tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 39 days in advance, but last-minute bookings might be possible depending on availability. It’s safer to reserve ahead to secure your spot.

What is the biggest drawback?
The boat can feel cramped, especially in the morning, and the day’s length might be tiring. Also, the limited time in Kotor means you’ll need to be quick if you want to see everything.

Is the Blue Cave visit guaranteed?
Not necessarily. One review noted that windy conditions prevented entry, so this part of the experience is weather-dependent.

In the end, this tour offers a balanced look at Montenegro’s highlight spots with the convenience of guided logistics. It’s a good pick if you’re after scenic views and culture, willing to handle a full day, and eager to see Montenegro’s coastline in style.