Blue Cave, Islands, Kotor, Herceg Novi: Boat Trip From Budva

If you’re searching for a scenic escape on Montenegro’s coast, this boat tour from Budva promises a full day of stunning sights, cultural insights, and relaxing moments. While I haven’t personally taken this specific trip, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a picture of a well-organized, value-packed adventure suited for those eager to soak up Montenegro’s coastal charm.

What I love about this experience are three key elements: the variety of stops, allowing a balanced mix of swimming, sightseeing, and cultural visits; the knowledgeable guides who offer engaging commentary in multiple languages; and the onboard lunch, which adds a tasty touch to the day. A potential consideration is the weather dependence, as some parts of the tour could be affected by wind or rain, which might alter the sequence or the prominence of certain stops.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive Montenegro coastal experience without the hassle of planning multiple logistics. It’s especially suited for those interested in scenic boat rides, local history, and a relaxed, all-in-one day with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore.

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Key Points

Expert-led tour: Over 10 years of experience delivering engaging and well-organized excursions.
Diverse itinerary: Combines scenic cruising with cultural and historical visits.
Scenic boat experience: Enjoy the best sites from the water, including the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Tasty onboard lunch: Freshly cooked meals at reasonable prices, with vegetarian options available.
Multiple language guides: Conducted in English, Russian, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian.
Convenient logistics: Pick-up and drop-off included, with flexible departure options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Might Be Your Ideal Montenegro Day Out

If you’re after a way to see the highlights of Montenegro’s coast with minimal fuss, this boat trip from Budva might just tick all the boxes. It combines scenic cruising, cultural highlights, and the chance to relax—all wrapped into one roughly 9-hour package.

What makes this trip stand out is its well-rounded approach: you get to see the famous Blue Cave, explore quaint towns like Kotor and Herceg Novi, and even visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Plus, the experience is led by guides with over a decade of experience, ensuring you get insightful commentary along the way.

On the downside, the tour’s reliance on weather conditions can sometimes mean altered routes or timings, but that’s a common factor with boat trips in unpredictable coastal weather. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, scenic, and educational day on the water—perfect for first-timers or those short on time.

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A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Highlights

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins in Budva, with pick-ups at pre-arranged locations, including spots near popular landmarks like Stari Hrast restaurant or the Aqua Park Mediteran. This ease of access is a plus, especially for those staying in Budva or nearby.

Once aboard, the boat departs for the day’s adventure, with a friendly and knowledgeable guide providing context and stories about the sites. The group size isn’t specified but is likely a manageable number, making the experience intimate enough to ask questions and enjoy a personalized vibe.

Sightseeing Cruise: Jaz and Ploce Beaches (110 minutes)

The cruise kicks off with sweeping views of Jaz and Ploce beaches—both renowned for their clear waters and lively atmospheres. This is the perfect chance to settle into the boat’s comfort, soak up the sun, and take in the scenery.

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Zanjice Beach and Blue Cave (40 minutes)

Next, you’ll arrive at Zanjice Beach, a gorgeous spot ideal for quick swims or relaxing on the shore. Following that, many travelers’ favorite moment: visiting the Blue Cave. Entry costs around €10, but the mesmerizing glow of the blue waters inside makes it worth every cent.

A key insight from reviews is that the Blue Cave is often the “highlight” of the trip, with visitors marveling at the vibrant hues created by sunlight filtering through the water. It’s a must-see, especially for photographers.

There's plenty more to explore in Budva

Mamula Island and Lunch on Board

Cruising past Mamula Island, a fortress-turned-resort, the boat then heads toward Herceg Novi. Here, you’ll have roughly an hour for free exploration or swimming. Reviewers mention enjoying the chance to relax, with some choosing to eat at a local restaurant instead of on the boat if food options are limited.

Lunchtime on board features a freshly cooked meal, with options for fish or meat, and vegetarian choices available if requested in advance. Reviewers like Sofia praised the “good organization” and “reasonable prices,” which makes the onboard food offering a notable value add.

Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast Stop (50 minutes)

After lunch, the boat visits Our Lady of the Rocks, a stunning island with a church and museum. The visit is self-guided, allowing for a relaxed exploration of its history and views.

Then, a scenic cruise through the Verige Strait offers views of Perast—a lovely small town with a timeless charm. Many travelers mention enjoying the gentle boat ride and the chance to snap photos of the coast’s dramatic cliffs.

Kotor: The Historic Marvel (1 hour)

The final stop is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town is famous for its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and fortress walls. You’ll have an hour to wander at your own pace, soaking in the ambiance and maybe grabbing a coffee or souvenir.

Review-based insights highlight that guides provide informative commentary that adds context to the sights, making the visit more meaningful than just a casual walk.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

After exploring Kotor, the boat heads back to Budva via a one-hour bus ride, offering a comfortable and scenic return. The tour concludes at the initial pickup points, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

What Travelers Are Saying: Authentic Perspectives

From multiple reviews, it’s clear that this experience consistently delivers good value. Josie called it “a great day trip,” praising the variety of sights and the reasonable prices for food and drinks on board. Sofia appreciated the high level of organization and pleasant guides, noting that the trip felt well-managed and enjoyable.

Artem’s review emphasizes how the tour combines transport, sightseeing, and cultural visits, with the Blue Cave being a clear favorite. The guides’ multilingual commentary, especially in English and Russian, makes the experience accessible and enriching for diverse travelers.

People also value the onboard lunch, mentioning the freshly cooked food and the opportunity to relax while enjoying the views. The flexibility to choose vegetarian options in advance is another thoughtful touch that enhances the overall experience.

Practical Details & Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

Timing and Duration: The tour lasts around 9 hours, with start times varying by day. It’s a long but rewarding day, so wear comfortable clothes and bring sun protection.
What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimsuits, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for optional extras or souvenirs. Food and drinks are not allowed onboard, but you can buy lunch at reasonable prices.
Weather Considerations: The itinerary might change depending on weather conditions, especially if wind or rain affects the Blue Cave visit.
Language: Guided commentary is available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian.
Suitability: Not recommended for mobility-impaired, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers, given the focus on boat and swimming activities.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This boat trip offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and relaxing moments. It’s a great choice for travelers wanting to see Montenegro’s coast with minimal hassle, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff. When you consider the included stops, onboard lunch, and flexible logistics, it provides excellent value for the price.

If you’re keen to visit iconic sites like the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, enjoy sightseeing from the water, and appreciate local history and scenery, this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially ideal for first-time visitors or anyone short on time but eager to experience Montenegro’s stunning coast in style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation from selected pick-up points, a knowledgeable tour guide onboard, and visits to key sites like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor. Lunch is available on board for an additional cost, but entry fees for certain attractions like Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave are not included.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there are multiple opportunities to swim at stops such as Zanjice Beach and Herceg Novi, with plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the water.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s best for children who can swim and are comfortable on boats, as non-swimmers and those with mobility issues might find some parts challenging or less enjoyable.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), swimwear, beachwear, cash, and possibly a towel. Food and drinks are not permitted onboard, but you can purchase a freshly prepared meal.

How long is each stop?
Stops vary from about 30 minutes at Our Lady of the Rocks to around 110 minutes cruising past beaches. The schedule allows enough time to explore, swim, or relax.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary might be adjusted depending on weather conditions, including departure points and the sequence of stops. The Blue Cave visit is weather-dependent, and the tour might shift to a bus-and-boat combination.

Is the tour bilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Russian, Italian, and Serbo-Croatian, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

This Montenegro boat tour from Budva offers a genuine taste of the coast’s beauty and history, wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. Whether you’re after stunning photo ops, cultural insights, or simply some time to unwind in nature, it’s a day well worth considering.