Blue Cave, Kotor, Lady of the Rocks from Budva, Tivat, Kotor

Travelers looking for a full-day adventure along Montenegro’s breathtaking coastline will find this tour a solid choice. Offering a blend of scenic boat rides, charming towns, and iconic sights, it promises a memorable way to see Boka Bay’s highlights without the hassle of planning. We’ve reviewed the experience based on numerous traveler accounts, aiming to give you an honest, detailed look at what to expect.

What sets this tour apart are its long-standing route used since 1981, the professional guides who deliver information in multiple languages, and the well-maintained boats ensuring comfort. We love the fact that it covers so many spots in one day, giving you a taste of Montenegro’s diverse coast.

However, it’s worth noting that the itinerary can feel rushed at times, especially at popular stops, and that overcrowding may be an issue, particularly on the boat to the Blue Cave. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a packed schedule, scenic views, and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Key Points

• Long-standing route in Boka Bay ensures a well-established experience
• Knowledgeable guides provide interesting facts in multiple languages
• Multiple stops for swimming, sightseeing, and exploring local towns
• Value for money with included transportation, boat rides, and guide
• Crowded conditions may affect comfort, especially on the boat to Blue Cave
• Weather dependency could impact key parts of the tour

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Montenegro Coastal Tour

Starting from Tivat or Budva – Convenient Departures

You can choose to depart from Budva, Petrovac, or Tivat, with the tour starting early in the morning. For those leaving from Tivat, the tour begins at 10 a.m. aboard the MB Vesna, a modern boat noted for its comfort. The bus journey from your hotel to Tivat or Budva is approximately 45 minutes, giving you a relaxed start to the day.

The First Stop: H. Novi

After about 45 minutes on the bus, you’ll arrive at H. Novi, where you’ll get about an hour of free time. This stop offers a glimpse of the local vibe, with some travelers mentioning that it’s a good chance to stretch your legs and grab a quick snack. Though brief, this pause breaks up the journey and prepares you for the next leg of your adventure.

The Main Attraction: Beach Anjice and the Blue Cave

Next, the tour continues on the boat towards Beach Anjice, where you’ll enjoy a 90-minute free swimming break. This is arguably the highlight for many: swimming in the clear waters and, if weather permits, taking a smaller boat to visit the Blue Cave. Be prepared for an additional fee (generally around $10) if you opt to visit the cave, as it’s not included in the main price.

Traveler reviews highlight that the Blue Cave can be quite crowded, with some describing it as overcrowded and noisy, especially when multiple boats arrive simultaneously. Others found the experience worthwhile, praising the beautiful light effects inside the cave. Keep in mind, weather conditions can be unpredictable; if the captain deems the sea unsafe, the visit may be canceled or shortened.

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Visiting the Lady of the Rocks

After swimming, the tour heads to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. You’ll get around 40 minutes here, enough to explore the church and admire the views. Travelers mention that the church itself is modest but has a charming atmosphere, and the surrounding scenery makes for great photos. Note that entrance fees to the church and museum are not included but are worth the small extra cost if you’re interested.

Exploring Kotor and Perast

The final part of the tour takes you through the Bay of Kotor, with a scenic 45-minute drive passing by Perast. This area is a highlight, with its stunning bay views and historic architecture. For those starting from Tivat, the trip doesn’t include a stop in Kotor; instead, you’ll return directly by boat.

In Kotor, you’ll have free time to wander at your own pace, explore the old town, or relax in the park. Several reviews note that the timing in Kotor can feel rushed, but most find it sufficient for a quick visit. Be aware, the crowds can be intense, especially during peak season, making some narrow streets feel crowded.

Returning Comfortably

After your free time, the tour wraps up with a bus journey back to your starting point. Most travelers find the return trip a chance to reflect on the day, some commenting that delays occasionally extend the day beyond the scheduled 9 hours. This was confirmed by reviews mentioning trip delays, sometimes stretching to 12 hours.

What’s Included and What to Budget For

The tour price of $69 per person offers good value considering the transportation, boat rides, and professional guide services. The guides are generally praised for their knowledge, with Vladimir frequently highlighted for his engaging commentary.

However, remember that lunch is not included, and on-board food and drinks are available at reasonable prices. The boat to the Blue Cave is an optional extra, costing around $10, which many reviewers think is fair given the experience.

Entrance fees for the church on the island are not included, so if you’re eager to explore inside, bring a few extra euros. Also, if you plan to swim or visit the Blue Cave, cash on hand is recommended, as card payments might not be available everywhere onboard.

Weather and Safety

Weather plays a significant role in the tour’s success. The captain has the authority to cancel visits to the Blue Cave or Beach Anjice if conditions aren’t safe. Travelers who have experienced bad weather during their trips mention that the Blue Cave was not accessible, which was disappointing but understandable.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Guides and Local Insights

Most reviews praise the professional guides like Vladimir, who deliver interesting facts in multiple languages, including English, Russian, Serbian, and Polish. Travelers appreciated that guides gave enough information without overpowering the experience, allowing for personal exploration.

Managing Rushed Moments

The tour’s tight schedule can mean feeling hurried, especially at spots like Kotor and the island of Our Lady. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider skipping some stops or choosing a different tour that offers more time in each location.

Crowds and Comfort

Overcrowding, especially on the boat to the Blue Cave, was a common concern. Some travelers shared that sunbeds and tables on the boat were reserved for certain groups, leaving others to share or sit on less comfortable spots. If relaxing on deck is important, try to arrive early to secure a good spot.

Long Day, Big Rewards

Overall, many reviewers agree that the scenery, the stops, and the overall experience make this tour worth the long hours. It’s a value-packed option to see a lot of Montenegro in one day, especially if you’re short on time or prefer organized excursions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple attractions with minimal hassle. It’s ideal if you enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring charming towns, and visiting iconic sights like the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Those who value guided commentary and well-organized itineraries will appreciate the knowledgeable guides. However, if you prefer a slower pace or more time at each stop, this might feel a bit rushed.

Travelers comfortable with crowds and busy schedules will find this tour a great way to maximize their time in Montenegro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can be enjoyed by children, but consider the long hours and potential crowding. Bring snacks and entertainment for younger travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear if you plan to swim. Cash for optional extras like the Blue Cave boat fee or entrance to the church is advisable.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included. You can buy food onboard or bring some from your hotel.

Is the Blue Cave visit guaranteed?
No, it depends on weather conditions. If the captain assesses it’s unsafe, the visit may be canceled or shortened.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride to the Blue Cave and beach stops can last around 90 minutes to two hours each way, subject to weather and traffic.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides typically speak English, Russian, Serbian, and Polish.

Can I leave the tour early?
It’s possible but not recommended as the itinerary is tightly scheduled. You’ll need to coordinate with guides for early returns.

Is it worth visiting the Blue Cave?
If the weather permits, many find the cave a beautiful highlight, though it can be crowded.

How is the overall value?
Considering transportation, guide, boat rides, and multiple stops, most travelers find it offers good value for the price, despite some scheduling tightness.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive way to explore Montenegro’s stunning coast in one day. The blend of scenic boat rides, charming towns, and iconic sights makes it an appealing choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free experience. The knowledgeable guides, especially Vladimir, enhance the journey with engaging insights, helping you appreciate each stop.

While overcrowding and a fast pace are considerations, the sheer variety of locations and the opportunity to relax at beaches and explore historic sites make it a worthwhile adventure. It’s especially suitable if you’re eager to see a lot without planning every detail yourself.

For travelers who cherish scenic views, authentic local experiences, and good value, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Montenegro’s coastal beauty.

Remember: Always check the weather forecast before your trip and arrive early to secure the best spots on the boat. And don’t forget your cash for extras—you might find the Blue Cave visit a highlight, weather permitting!

You can check availability for your dates here: