Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour – Pick up

Imagine cruising across shimmering waters, discovering hidden corners of Montenegro’s breathtaking Bay of Kotor, all while learning fascinating stories from a knowledgeable guide. That’s exactly what you get with the Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour. This tour offers a condensed yet immersive look at some of the most iconic sights in the area, all on a quick 2 to 2.5-hour journey.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its balance of scenic beauty and cultural insight. You’ll get excellent views of luxurious marinas like Porto Montenegro, along with intriguing historical sites such as WWII submarine tunnels. Plus, the Blue Cave swimming stop is a natural highlight. On the flip side, the tour’s swift pace and some weather-dependent factors might mean you need to be flexible. Overall, if you’re after a well-rounded taste of Kotor’s highlights with minimal hassle, this tour is a smart pick.

This experience is well-suited for travelers who want a concise, guided tour with lots of photo opportunities, stunning scenery, and a bit of historical context. It’s especially attractive for those who want to avoid overly long excursions but still see the top spots.

Key Points

• Highlights include the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave for swimming.
• You’ll see Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi from the water, adding a touch of luxury to the views.
• A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience with engaging stories and insights.
• The tour includes stops at WWII submarine tunnels and Mamula Island, offering historical perspective.
• Swim in the Blue Cave if weather conditions permit — a natural, photo-worthy highlight.
• The tour’s short duration makes it ideal for tight schedules or as part of a day of exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Overall Vibe

The adventure begins at Pristaniste Perast, a charming spot where you’ll meet your guide and group. The meeting spot is straightforward: a market area with the dock just across from it. From here, the boat is ready to whisk you away on a scenic 2-hour journey through some of Montenegro’s most captivating waters. The boat is a speedboat, meaning quick transit between stops and a dash of adrenaline on the water.

The Stops and What They Mean

Our Lady of the Rocks

This is the first stop, and it’s a highlight. You’ll hop off the boat for about 20 minutes to soak in the views, take photos, and hear stories about the island’s unique origin. This spot is famous for its church and legend of the man-made island built on a tradition of placing rocks and ships’ offerings—making it both picturesque and culturally interesting.

According to reviews, visitors love the guide’s stories here, which add depth to what might otherwise be just a beautiful photo op. One reviewer from the UK said, “We loved the way the guide explained the history of the island—it made it even more special.”

Verige Channel, Porto Montenegro, and Porto Novi

Next, the boat cruises through the Verige channel, one of the narrowest straits in the area, offering incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and water. You’ll pass by the luxury marinas of Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi—luxurious, modern developments that contrast with the historic vibe of Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.

This part of the trip is largely about appreciating the scale and beauty of the bay from the water. You’ll get plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the sleek yachts and the expansive bay.

WWII Submarine Tunnels and Mamula Island

The tour then heads to the abandoned tunnels where submarines were once hidden during WWII. This is a quieter but fascinating historical highlight, giving you a sense of the area’s strategic importance. The tunnels are a reminder of Montenegro’s wartime past and add a layer of intrigue.

Following that, there’s a quick stop at Mamula Island, which was once a prison—sometimes called Montenegro’s Alcatraz. The island’s stark outline makes for striking photos and adds a hint of historical drama to the journey.

The Blue Cave

Finally, the boat arrives at the Blue Cave for a swim break (weather permitting). This natural wonder is the main event for many travelers. The cave’s waters are stunningly blue, and the experience of swimming inside is genuinely memorable.

Visitors frequently mention how beautiful the cave is. Raya from Israel called it “a beautiful spot,” and Rebecca from the UK said, “Swimming near the Blue Cave was fantastic.” Keep in mind, though, that the swim is weather-dependent, and the tour might change if seas are rough.

What to Expect and Practical Details

The entire tour is roughly 2 hours, but with the stops and photo times, you’ll feel like you’ve packed a lot into a short window. The boat’s speed creates a lively, dynamic experience, making the journey fun and engaging, not just a slow cruise.

The tour includes live guidance in English, free drinks (water and juice), and insurance. An important detail: entry into the Our Lady of the Rocks church isn’t included, and there’s a dress code if you decide to go inside. The tour is designed with comfort and safety in mind, but be prepared for seasickness if you’re sensitive—some reviews mention choppier waters, though everyone felt safe thanks to skilled skippers.

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The Value

At $46 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’re getting a guided experience that covers multiple stops, some historical context, and the chance to swim in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful spots—all in just a couple of hours. Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the boat, which enhances the overall value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for those wanting a quick but rundown of Boka Bay’s highlights. If you’re limited on time but still want to see the main sights with someone who knows their stuff, this is a good choice. It’s also suitable for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, natural wonders like the Blue Cave, and brief historical insights.

However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth or longer experience, or are sensitive to seasickness or weather changes, you might want to consider alternative options. It’s also not suitable for very young children or anyone with mobility issues, given the boat’s nature and the short stops.

Final Thoughts

This boat tour from Perast offers a neat package of scenic views, cultural insights, and a splash of adventure—all in just a couple of hours. The combination of the stunning Blue Cave, the story-rich Our Lady of the Rocks, and the luxurious marinas make it a well-rounded way to experience the Bay of Kotor’s highlights without a full-day commitment.

The guides’ knowledge and the boat’s smooth operation earn high praise, and many reviewers find it to be one of the best ways to get a feel for the area’s charm in a short period. The price point is reasonable considering the inclusions, and the tour works well whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group.

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and informative half-day outing that captures the essence of Kotor Bay, this tour ticks most boxes. Just remember to bring your camera, some sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour is generally suitable for anyone comfortable on a boat, it’s best suited for older children and adults because of the boat ride and water activities. Very young children or babies might find the boat ride less comfortable.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. It’s also good to wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for water activities. Seasickness can be a concern, so pack any medication if needed.

Can I visit the church on Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, but note that entrance isn’t included in the tour price. If you decide to go inside, remember that there is a dress code—you can’t enter in bathing suits.

How long are the stops at each location?
Stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave last around 20 to 30 minutes, giving you enough time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Other stops like Porto Montenegro and Mamula are quick photo opportunities.

Is the Blue Cave swim guaranteed?
No, swimming in the Blue Cave depends on weather conditions. If the sea is rough or weather unfavorable, the stop may be shortened or skipped.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine, but in rough seas or dangerous weather, the course might be altered or the trip canceled for safety. Rain gear is provided if needed.

How long does the entire tour take?
The scheduled duration is 2 to 2.5 hours, including all stops, but actual time on the water and ashore may vary slightly depending on conditions.

Is there a limit on group size?
The tour offers private or small group options, which help keep the experience intimate and personalized.

If you’re looking for a lively, scenic, and informative way to see Boka Bay’s best spots without committing a whole day, this boat tour from Perast might just be your perfect match. It combines stunning views, engaging stories, and a bit of water fun—all at a fair price.

You can check availability for your dates here: