From Tivat/Kotor: Whole Boka Bay Guided Cruise, Comfortable Ship

From Tivat/Kotor: Whole Boka Bay Guided Cruise, Comfortable Ship

This guided cruise around Montenegro’s stunning Boka Bay offers a blend of scenic beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxing dips in crystal-clear waters—all aboard a comfortable three-deck vessel. With reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and the value for money, it’s easy to see why this tour appeals to a wide range of travelers looking for an authentic, leisurely day on the water.

Our favorite aspects include the chance to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, swim in the pristine Miriste Lagoon, and enjoy the panoramic views of Herceg Novi’s historic fortresses. The comfort of the ship, complete with sunbeds, a bar, and showers, makes the entire experience enjoyable. One thing to consider is that the Blue Cave tour itself is optional and not included in the price—so if that’s a must-see, plan for an extra ticket. This cruise suits those who love scenic, cultural, and aquatic adventures without the hassle of organizing multiple transport options.

Key Points

• Comfortable, multi-deck ship with amenities like sunbeds, showers, and a bar enhances relaxation.
• Balanced itinerary with cultural stops, swimming, and iconic landmarks offers a well-rounded experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the tour with insights, making the history and scenery more meaningful.
• Affordable price point at around $40, providing good value for a full-day, guided cruise.
• Flexible options for cancellation—free up to 24 hours before—adding peace of mind.
• Limited additional costs; main attractions are included or optional, with some entrance fees extra.

Overview of the Boka Bay Experience

This cruise is designed to give travelers a taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm without the need to navigate on their own. It’s perfect for those wanting a relaxed day, a rundown of Boka Bay, and opportunities to explore both natural wonders and historic sites. The boat itself, with its three decks, promises a comfortable and scenic ride, ideal for snapping photos and soaking up the views.

The tour departs from Tivat at 09:00 and from Kotor at 10:30, making it a convenient option whether you’re based in Tivat or Kotor. The mix of stops—each with their own unique appeal—keeps the day varied and engaging. Plus, with a licensed guide accompanying you, the experience is informative without feeling rushed or overwhelming.

The Itinerary in Detail

Tivat and Kotor Start

The day begins with a scenic cruise from Tivat, heading toward the charming city of Kotor, where you get a quick stop. This is a great chance to stretch your legs and get your first taste of the bay’s spectacular scenery. The departure times are scheduled to maximize daylight and sightseeing opportunities.

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Next, the boat glides past Perast, offering stunning panoramic views of this tiny, historic town. A highlight is the stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island famous for its small, picturesque church. Visitors can enter the church and museum for a modest fee (around €2), which is worth it if you’re interested in the relics and votive gifts that tell stories of seafaring life and devotion.

Reviewers like Stuart_B noted the “good value relaxing cruise” and praised the visit to the island, describing the church’s interior as beautifully decorated and “very nicely painted.” The 35-minute stop allows enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Swimming at Miriste Lagoon

One of the most relaxing parts of the tour is the stop at Miriste Lagoon. The water here is renowned for its transparency and purity, offering a refreshing break from the boat. The hour and ten minutes allotted gives plenty of time to swim, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Reviewers have appreciated the opportunity to swim in almost open sea water, describing it as a highlight of the day.

The Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is often a major draw for visitors. The play of light and water creates an almost surreal ambiance, and the reflection of the sunlight on the limestone rocks makes for stunning photos. The cave visit, however, is an optional add-on costing about 10, and the tour description notes that the cave trip is not included in the base price.

Travelers like Martine_M enjoyed the “incredible” bright colors and fairy-tale atmosphere of the Blue Cave, describing the experience as truly memorable. The boat approaches carefully, and the guide will share details about the cave’s unique geology and lighting effects.

Fortress of Mamula and Cape Arza

As the boat maneuvers past the Mamula Fortress, a mysterious landmark with a distinctive architecture, you’ll learn about its history as a former military fortress. The ship then heads toward Cape Arza, where the fortress of the same name once played a key role in the region’s defenses.

Herceg Novi and Old Town Walk

The final stop is in Herceg Novi, a coastal city famous for its fortresses and mimosas. You’ll see three main fortresses—Forte Mare, Kanli Kula, and Panjola—and get a guided walk through the Old Town, which is filled with narrow streets, vibrant buildings, and atmospheric squares. Coming here offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s maritime history and local life.

Return to Tivat

After exploring Herceg Novi, the cruise continues past Porto Montenegro, a hub for luxury yachts and modern marina life, before returning to Tivat. Transfers back to Kotor are organized via paid taxi or tourist bus, making the logistics straightforward.

What Travelers Say

Many reviewers highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which really elevates the experience. Martine_M praised the “pleasant team” and the “very good” salads and drinks served on board. Others appreciated the value for money, particularly given the included stops, swimming, and scenic views.

The flexibility in cancellation (free up to 24 hours) is another practical benefit, especially for travelers with uncertain plans or weather concerns. The boat’s amenities, like showers and WC, ensure comfort throughout the day.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At around $40 per person, this cruise provides a full day’s worth of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural exploration. The mixture of natural beauty, such as Miriste Lagoon and Blue Cave, with cultural sites like Our Lady of the Rocks and Herceg Novi’s fortresses, makes it a well-rounded experience. The fact that most attractions are either included or optional, with minimal additional costs, adds to its appeal.

For travelers who want to avoid the hassle of arranging multiple boat trips or transportation, the organized nature of this tour streamlines the day. The inclusion of a licensed guide helps make sense of the historical sites and adds context that enhances the overall experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This cruise is ideal for those looking for a relaxed, scenic day with cultural highlights and natural wonders. It suits couples, families, or groups of friends wanting to explore Boka Bay with comfort and guidance. It’s particularly good for travelers who appreciate photography, swimming, and learning about local history.

However, if visiting the Blue Cave is a must-do for you, remember that it’s an extra ticket—but even without it, the tour offers plenty of memorable moments. Those with limited mobility might want to check the boat’s facilities in advance, but overall, it’s suitable for most travelers.

The Sum Up

This guided cruise offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and relaxing swimming opportunities—all on a comfortable vessel with friendly, knowledgeable guides. For around $40, it’s an excellent way to spend a full day exploring Montenegro’s Boka Bay without the stress of planning every detail.

Whether you’re a history buff eager to see old fortresses, a nature lover wanting clear waters for swimming, or simply someone seeking a scenic escape, this tour checks many boxes. It’s a practical, enjoyable experience that delivers genuine value, especially for those who want to see the highlights with minimal fuss.

For travelers who prioritize comfort, cultural richness, and natural beauty, this cruise is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, and prepare for a day filled with memorable views and authentic coastal charm.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the cruise is designed to be comfortable. However, consider mobility needs, as there are walking and some steps involved during stops.

What is included in the price?
The full-day cruise, soft sunbeds, showers, WC, and a licensed guide are included. Some attractions, like the Blue Cave, are optional and require an additional fee.

How long are the stops at each attraction?
Stops vary from about 35 minutes at Our Lady of the Rocks to around an hour at Miriste Lagoon and Herceg Novi, giving ample time to explore or relax.

Can I swim at Miriste Lagoon?
Absolutely. It’s known for its clear, pure water, and the stop provides a great opportunity for a refreshing swim.

Is food provided on board?
No, but the vessel features a bar and some snacks. Reviewers mentioned enjoying salads and drinks, but for a full meal, you might want to bring your own or plan to eat ashore.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. A small amount of cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs is also recommended.

How do I get back to Kotor after the cruise?
You’ll need to organize a paid taxi or tourist bus transfer back to Kotor. This can be booked in advance or arranged on the day.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 8 days in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a spot on this popular tour.

This guided cruise around Boka Bay offers a fantastic way to see Montenegro’s coastline with comfort, insight, and a splash of adventure. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find plenty to love about this scenic, cultural, and relaxing day out.