From Kotor: Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour (Small Groups)

Exploring Montenegro’s coast by boat offers a fantastic way to see its most famous sights without the hassle of multiple trips or long drives. The “Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour” from Kotor provides a well-rounded glimpse of this stunning region, all packed into approximately three hours. From scenic views to legendary caves and historical sites, this tour manages to cover a lot in a short period.

We love the manageable group size, the knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to snorkel in clear waters. However, a potential downside to keep in mind is the possibility of crowded caves during peak season, which could limit your swimming or photo opportunities.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a quick, authentic taste of Montenegro’s coast, especially if you’re short on time but still eager to see the highlights. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed group vibe, good storytelling, and natural beauty.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery along the Boka Bay coastline
• Inclusion of unique stops like Our Lady of the Rocks and submarine tunnels
• Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Cave
• Small group size for a more intimate experience
• Flexible tour times to fit different schedules
• Great value for money at around $38 per person

Introduction: A Snapshot of the Kotor Boat Tour

If you’re visiting Kotor and craving a quick but immersive way to see the coast, this small-group boat tour ticks all the boxes. It’s designed to combine scenic views with iconic landmarks, all while keeping the journey relaxed and fun.

What makes this tour appealing? First, it hits the main sights of the region—Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, and even a Yugoslav submarine base—without the need for multiple excursions. Second, it offers a taste of Montenegro’s natural beauty, from forests and fishing villages to striking caves. Third, it’s a budget-friendly option, offering a lot of value for just under $40.

Of course, no trip is perfect for every traveler. During busy summer months, the caves may be crowded, which could limit time in the water or photos. Also, it’s a three-hour adventure, so if you’re looking for a full-day experience, you might want to combine this with other activities.

This tour suits those who want a straightforward, scenic, and culturally rich jaunt along Montenegro’s coast—especially if you’re short on vacation time but still want to see the best.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

This three-hour ride packs in a variety of sights, each with its own unique charm. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Starting Point and Scenic Coastline (20 minutes)

Your adventure begins right in Kotor’s harbor, where a lively, well-organized team will welcome you aboard a speedboat. The initial 20-minute ride offers panoramic views of Kotor Bay, a highlight in itself.

Traveling along the coast, you’ll quickly notice the historic fishing villages of Muo, Prcanj, and Stoliv, each with their narrow stone streets and old-world charm. Reviewer Abigael_E mentioned that the guide’s music and friendly attitude made this part especially enjoyable, setting a relaxed, fun tone for the trip.

Old Town of Perast and Its UNESCO Status

Next, the boat glides into the UNESCO-protected town of Perast, considered Montenegro’s oldest settlement with evidence dating back 3,500 years BC. The town’s single street is lined with elegant stone houses, once home to captains and seafarers.

Perast’s true highlight? Its breathtaking views of the two tiny islands—Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George—that appear as you approach. Tourists love how easy it is to see these islands from the water and get a real sense of Montenegro’s maritime history. Mary_B raved about the “incredible WWII submarine caves” nearby, describing them as “incredible,” which clearly adds to the appeal for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Our Lady of the Rocks – The Artificial Island and Its Historic Church

A short stop at Our Lady of the Rocks offers a peek into local legend and craftsmanship. Built on an island created by seafarers who threw stones into the sea after a legend involving an icon of the Holy Mother of God, the church dates back to 1630.

For those interested in visiting inside, there’s a small admission fee (around 1.5 euros), but many opt just to enjoy the view. Reviewers like Debra_P loved the experience, calling the Blue Cave “amazing” and noting that the guide’s music added to the atmosphere.

Hidden Submarine Base and Mamula Island

A highlight for fans of military history, the tour takes a quick ride into the Lustica Peninsula to explore remnants of a Yugoslavian submarine base. This secretive site, built during wartime, offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s complex past.

Plus, the boat passes near Mamula Island, originally built as a fortress in 1853 to guard the bay. Its history as a WWII concentration camp adds a stark contrast to the natural beauty, making the view all the more compelling. Reviewers like Chloe_C appreciated the flexibility—the guide took them to a nearby, less crowded spot for a more private swim due to the Blue Cave’s popularity.

The Blue Cave – Nature’s Masterpiece

Finally, the Blue Cave is the piece de resistance. Known for its mesmerizing blue glow caused by sunlight reflecting off the white pebble bottom, this natural marvel is accessible only by boat—a perfect excuse to get out on the water.

Swimmers and photographers love this stop—the clear, cool waters are inviting, and the cave’s shimmering light is simply breathtaking. Reviewers Dianne_L and Robin_H mentioned how the Blue Cave exceeded expectations with its beauty, describing it as “gorgeous” and “more beautiful than the pictures.”

Keep in mind that during peak season, the cave can get crowded, which might limit swimming time or interfere with photo opportunities. However, the guide’s flexibility means you might be taken just outside the cave for a more private experience, as Chloe_C noted.

The Group Experience: Small but Mighty

This tour limits groups to around 20 travelers, which makes for a more personal, less rushed adventure. Many reviews praise the guides—particularly Captain Pavi—who is described as “fun,” “knowledgeable,” and even compared to a “James Bond impersonator.”

Having a friendly, attentive skipper makes a real difference: they often provide bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and even music playlists, making the trip feel like a laid-back party on the water. Several reviewers pointed out how the guide’s local insights added depth to the experience, especially when pointing out hidden spots or sharing legends.

The boat itself is well maintained and comfortable, with reviews mentioning that eight travelers felt spacious and relaxed—far better than being packed into a larger vessel.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At just under $38 per person, this boat tour offers impressive value. Not only does it include all fees, taxes, and snorkeling gear but also features WiFi onboard—handy for sharing those Instagram-worthy shots in real time.

Compared to similar experiences, this tour tends to be booked about 43 days in advance, which indicates good demand and popularity. The small group size, combined with the inclusion of multiple stops and flexible timing, makes it a cost-effective way to see Montenegro’s coast without breaking the bank.

It’s important to note that some reviews mention the Blue Cave being quite busy, which might affect your swimming or photo opportunities. The tour operators are aware of this and sometimes take guests outside the main cave for a more intimate experience.

Safety and Practical Considerations

While most reviews mention a safe, enjoyable ride, there was a notable exception from a reviewer who experienced a rough wave that caused some discomfort. It’s important to remember that boat trips are subject to weather conditions, and the crew’s safety protocols are critical.

The tour promises full safety instructions before departure, and the captain uses their phone solely for navigation and safety updates—standard practice. If you’re concerned about seasickness or rough waters, consider sitting toward the back of the boat, as advised by some travelers for a smoother ride.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This boat trip is best suited for travelers who:

• Want to see the region’s key sights without long drives or multiple bookings.
• Appreciate small-group experiences for more personalized attention.
• Are interested in a mix of natural beauty, history, and legend.
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
• Are okay with some crowds at popular sites like the Blue Cave during peak season.

It’s also perfect if you’re on a short trip but still want a meaningful, scenic adventure on Montenegro’s coast.

Final Thoughts

The “Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour” offers a well-priced, engaging way to explore Montenegro’s stunning waters and iconic sights. With a knowledgeable guide, a small and friendly group, and multiple stops that include caves, islands, and historical sites, it covers all the essentials in a short time.

While the Blue Cave can get busy, the flexibility of the tour and the beautiful scenery make it a worthwhile experience for most travelers. If you enjoy a relaxed, informative, and scenic trip on the water, this tour could be just what you’re looking for—especially if you want to avoid large crowds and get a real taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day activity while still leaving time for other plans.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, WiFi onboard, a professional skipper/tour guide, and all fees and taxes.

Are there options for different tour times?
Yes, you can choose from several tour times to fit your schedule.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and swimmers can enjoy the clear waters at the Blue Cave.

Do I need to pay extra to visit Our Lady of the Rocks?
No, the visit to the island is included, but if you want to go inside the church, there’s a small admission fee of around 1.5 euros.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the group size keeps it manageable and safe, but keep in mind the approximately 20-minute scenic ride at the start.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and a camera. A light jacket might be useful if it’s windy.

Is the Blue Cave worth visiting?
Absolutely. The glowing blue waters and breathtaking light make it a highlight. Just be prepared for crowds in peak season.

Can I cancel if the weather turns bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour may be canceled in bad weather for your safety.

What if I get seasick?
The boat is relatively small and offers comfortable seating, but if seasickness is a concern, sitting in the rear might provide a smoother ride.

In essence, this boat tour from Kotor balances scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a relaxed yet rich experience of Montenegro’s coast—perfect for capturing memories and soaking in the region’s natural wonders.