Private Speedboat Tour: Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave – Small Groups up to 25

A quick intro: What makes this boat tour special?

This private speedboat tour in Kotor offers an intimate way to explore Montenegro’s captivating coastline, with the chance to visit iconic sites like Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave—all in just about 3 hours. What sets it apart? It’s the chance to enjoy these sights without the crowds, plus the joy of a flexible, small-group experience that feels personalized.

Three things we love about this tour are the knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking scenery, and the relaxed swim at the Blue Cave. On the flip side, a consideration might be the weather dependency, as the tour only runs in good weather conditions, which could mean last-minute cancellations.

If you’re after a luxurious, fun, and scenic way to see Kotor Bay with a small group, this trip is a fantastic pick. It’s perfect for families, friends, or couples looking to combine sightseeing with a touch of adventure.

Key Points

• Highly rated with a perfect 5.0/5 from 87 reviews
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Includes visits to must-see sites like Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave
• Expert guides add local insights and a fun vibe
• Duration of about 3 hours fits well into a day’s sightseeing
• Great value for the price, considering the private experience and all fees included

An in-depth look at what’s on offer

Setting out: The start point and what to expect

The tour begins at Park Slobode in Kotor, a straightforward location that most travelers can reach easily, whether by car or public transport. The check-in process is smooth, and the staff are professional, making it easy to get onboard without fuss. Expect to be greeted by a well-maintained speedboat that’s fast, clean, and ready to take you on a scenic journey.

The group size caps at 20-25 people, which really makes a difference in creating a comfortable, less hectic environment. From the reviews, travelers mention the friendly crew, with captains like Marco and Murat being praised for their professionalism, humor, and safety. This personalized touch helps make the trip feel like a fun day out with friends rather than a typical tour bus.

The itinerary: What will you see and do?

Bay of Kotor (20 minutes)

The adventure kicks off with a cruise along the stunning coastline of Kotor Bay. During this part, you’ll get sweeping views of medieval villages, lush greenery, and rugged cliffs. According to reviews, this leg is perfect for snapping photos—many mention taking “lots of photos” of the coastline’s natural beauty. It’s a peaceful way to start the trip, giving you a chance to settle in and get excited for what’s ahead.

Our Lady of the Rocks (20 minutes)

Next, you’ll visit Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island famous for its legend about the seafarers who built it upon a small crag after finding an icon of the Holy Mother Mary. The island hosts a church and a museum, packed with paintings and votives that tell stories of maritime devotion.

While the admission fee to the church and museum isn’t included in the tour price, reviewers highlight the mystical atmosphere and the storytelling by guides as a highlight. Visitors note that dressing modestly—covering shoulders and avoiding swimwear—is necessary inside the church, and drone use is forbidden here, so plan accordingly.

Passing Mamula Island and Tivat Bay (5 minutes)

The tour then passes Mamula, a haunting former military fortress with a dark history from WWI and WWII. Many reviewers mention it as a striking landmark with a story that adds a layer of historical intrigue to the trip.

A quick stop at the ex-submarine military base offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s military past, with some reviewers describing it as “fascinating” or “surprisingly interesting,” although the description is left to your imagination.

Verige Strait and Tivat Bay (brief stop)

Traveling through the Verige Strait, you’ll cross into Tivat Bay, known for its stunning vistas. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views, and some reviewers appreciated the short stop at the submarine base, feeling it added a quirky touch to the tour.

The Blue Cave (20 minutes)

The finale is the Blue Cave, a natural wonder formed over thousands of years where waves crashing into the Lustice peninsula created an iridescent effect on the water. The lighting inside the cave creates a mesmerizing blue glow, which, in good weather, makes for incredible photos.

Most travelers mention that swimming inside the cave is a relaxing highlight, though some have noted that sometimes the water is too high or conditions unsafe to go inside. The reviews show that guides are attentive to safety, often providing time to just enjoy the water from outside if necessary.

Note: Swimming and drone use are forbidden inside the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, so you’ll need to follow the rules.

What’s included and what’s not?

The price covers all fees and taxes, insurance, fuel, and water, making it straightforward without hidden costs. However, you’ll want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, and comfortable shoes or flip-flops for the stops and water activities.

Entry to Our Lady of the Rocks isn’t included in the price, so if you want to explore the museum or church, plan for an extra fee. Some reviews mention how the staff are helpful in explaining the significance of each stop, enhancing the experience.

Weather considerations

The tour only goes ahead in good weather conditions. This is crucial because Montenegrin coast weather can be unpredictable in spring and autumn, resulting in cancellations. Reviewers appreciated the flexibility offered for rescheduling or refunds if the weather cancels the trip.

Duration and group size

The 3-hour trip is just enough time to see multiple sites without feeling rushed. The small group setting means more personalized attention, with many reviewers praising the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Lika and Neno, who kept everyone entertained and well-informed.

The cruising experience: comfort and fun

Guests consistently mention the speedboat’s comfort and smooth ride, especially thanks to skilled captains like Marco and Murat, who combine safety with a sense of humor. Many reviews highlight the music playlist, sometimes curated by the skippers as a DJ, adding to the relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Cost versus value

At around $1,279 for up to 15 people, this trip offers quite good value for a private experience. When you consider it includes multiple sightseeing stops, expert guidance, and a private boat, it’s comparable or even cheaper than many land-based tours that lack the intimacy or flexibility of this experience.

Who would love this tour?

This trip is best suited for small groups, couples, or families wanting an exclusive, scenic adventure on the water. It’s ideal if you enjoy natural beauty, historic sites, and a laid-back vibe.

If you’re someone who appreciates local stories, good guides, and comfortable cruising, you’ll find plenty to love here. Conversely, if the weather turns bad, you’ll need to be flexible, as the tour is weather-dependent.

Final thoughts: Why choose this tour?

This private speedboat experience offers a perfect blend of scenic views, cultural highlights, and relaxing water activities. Having a small group means you get a more tailored, intimate feel, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy the scenery without the chaos of larger tours.

The guides’ local knowledge, combined with the stunning natural sites like the Blue Cave and the stories behind Our Lady of the Rocks, make this more than just a boat ride—it’s a memorable exploration of Montenegro’s coast.

With reviews consistently praising the friendly crew, the beautiful views, and the overall value, this tour stands out as a top choice for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with comfort and fun. Just remember to pack appropriately, keep an eye on the weather, and prepare for a laid-back, scenic adventure that’s well worth the price.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers say children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Just keep in mind that swimwear isn’t allowed inside the church, so dress modestly when visiting Our Lady of the Rocks.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sunhat, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes or sandals, a jacket for cooler weather, swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops. It’s also good to have a waterproof bag for your valuables.

Can I swim inside the Blue Cave?
Yes, many reviews mention enjoying a swim outside the cave’s entrance. However, swimming inside the cave itself is not permitted to preserve the environment and for safety reasons.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour only runs in good weather. If canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast beforehand and dress accordingly.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, which is ideal for fitting into a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry to Our Lady of the Rocks is not included, so you might want some extra cash for the church and museum. Everything else, including fuel, taxes, and water, is covered.

Is the tour private?
Yes, only your group will participate, making it a more personalized experience compared to larger group tours.

This private speedboat tour in Kotor is a fantastic way to see Montenegro’s highlights with comfort and style. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just enjoying a relaxing cruise, it’s sure to leave you with plenty of memorable moments.