Kotor: Blue Cave and Gulf tour by speedboat

Thinking about exploring Montenegro’s dramatic coastlines and historic islands? This speedboat tour from Kotor offers a lively, scenic way to see some of the area’s most iconic sights. With highlights like swimming in the Blue Cave, visiting the historic Lady of the Rocks, and cruising past Mamula Island, it’s an adventure packed with picture-worthy moments and fascinating stories.

What we love about this experience is its combination of natural beauty and historical insight. The tour’s quick pace means we get to tick off multiple highlights in just a few hours, all while enjoying the thrill of speeding along the coast. Plus, the knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging and informative. A potential drawback is that the trip can be affected by weather conditions or scheduling issues, which might lead to cancellations or delays. This tour suits travelers who enjoy active, scenic outings and want a flexible, worry-free way to see the Bay of Kotor’s highlights.

Good To Know

• Stunning views of Perast, Mamula Island, and coastal towns
• Swim in the Blue Cave and explore underwater with provided snorkel gear
• Historical insights about Mamula Island and Lady of the Rocks
• Comfortable speedboat with facilities like a mini fridge and music
• Flexible booking options, with the ability to reserve now and pay later
• Not suitable for pets or wheelchair users due to boat restrictions

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect from the Kotor Blue Cave and Gulf Tour

This speedboat tour provides an exciting way to see Montenegro’s scenic coastlines, blending natural wonders and historical sites into one compact trip. Departing from the harbor opposite Kotor’s old town, the journey begins with a lively ride along the bay while you soak up the views of Perast, Porto Montenegro, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.

The Speedboat Experience

The boat itself is equipped for comfort, featuring a mini fridge for cold drinks and a sound system to keep the mood lively. The ride will be fast-paced but controlled, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery without feeling overwhelmed. The entire trip typically lasts around three hours, giving enough time to visit each site without rushing.

The Blue Cave

One of the main highlights is swimming in the Blue Cave, a small, mesmerizing cavern famous for its vivid blue waters. The boat anchors nearby, and you’ll have time for a swim, often underwater too if you’re feeling brave and have your snorkel mask. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way the shades of blue changed underwater,” making it a real highlight.

Lady of the Rocks

Next, you’ll visit the Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island with a centuries-old church, accessible by boat. Entry costs a small fee (around 2 euros per person), and while the tour doesn’t include the entry fee, it’s worth exploring this religious site and taking photos of the church perched on the rocky islet. One guest remarked, “The view of the church and the island’s cliffs is simply breathtaking.”

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mamula Island and the Submarine Tunnel

Cruising past Mamula Island, you’ll catch a glimpse of its imposing fortress, once used as a concentration camp during WWII. Your captain will share stories about its history, adding depth to your sightseeing. The submarine tunnel nearby offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s wartime past—an intriguing piece of history that adds a layer of context to your trip.

Panoramic City Views and Photo Opportunities

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Perast, often called a “dream city,” and other coastal towns. These moments make for perfect photo opportunities, especially when the boat pauses at each site. Several guests mention taking stunning photos of the cliffs, the fortress, and the coastlines, capturing memories to cherish long after the trip.

Practical Details and Tips

Pricing and Value

At $52 per person, this tour offers a good balance of affordability and value. It covers transportation, a bottle of water, snorkel gear, and safety equipment, making it a convenient all-in-one package. Considering the multiple stops, engaging guide, and scenic experience, many travelers find it well worth the price.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are boat transportation, a bottle of water, snorkel mask, and safety gear. You’ll want to bring your own sunscreen, towel, and camera for the best experience. Food and drinks aren’t provided, so packing a snack or two might be wise, especially if you plan to spend longer at each stop.

Meeting Point and Timing

The tour starts at the harbor opposite the old town, close to where cruise ships dock. It ends back at the same point, making it straightforward to plan your day afterwards. Tours typically run in the mornings or afternoons, but it’s best to confirm exact times when booking.

Important Considerations

• Weather-dependent: The tour can be canceled if the weather is poor, so check the forecast beforehand.
• Group size: Smaller groups usually mean a more personalized experience, but the boat can accommodate several people comfortably.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or pets, as boats require stepping onboard and space limitations.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

While most reviews praise the tour for its spectacular views and friendly guides, there are some practical insights. One traveler recounted a smoother experience thanks to another captain’s help after arriving at the wrong meeting point. Others appreciated the knowledgeable narration about Mamula’s WWII history, which made the sightseeing more meaningful.

However, not all reviews are perfect. A guest mentioned a missed pickup due to miscommunication, and another highlighted that the boat was tiny and not suitable for larger groups, leading to some guests sitting on the floor. These points remind us that while the experience is generally enjoyable, logistical hiccups can happen.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This speedboat tour is ideal for travelers seeking a fun, scenic day on the water with opportunities for swimming and photo-taking. It suits those interested in Montenegro’s coastal history and natural beauty without a long or overly structured schedule. It’s perfect if you appreciate informative guides and value being able to see multiple sights in a short time.

However, if you’re a traveler with mobility issues or bringing pets, this may not be the right fit. And if weather turns poor, be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling.

Final Thoughts

The Kotor Blue Cave and Gulf tour by speedboat offers a lively way to experience Montenegro’s coastline, combining natural wonders with historical sites. For around $52, it provides a balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and insight, making it an excellent choice for those who want to see the highlights without fuss.

The scenic stops, like the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks, are genuinely breathtaking, especially with the guidance of knowledgeable captains who share stories along the way. While minor logistical issues have been reported, the majority of travelers find this tour a fun, memorable addition to their Montenegro trip.

Whether you’re after a quick scenic escape or an active day on the water, this trip delivers with the promise of stunning views, intriguing history, and plenty of opportunities to swim and snap photos.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but keep in mind it’s a boat trip, so children should be comfortable on water and able to follow safety instructions.

What should I bring on the tour?
Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and a camera are recommended. The boat provides snorkel masks and safety gear.

Can I buy entry tickets to the Lady of the Rocks island?
Yes, the entry fee is around 2 euros per person, but it’s not included in the tour price.

How long does the entire trip last?
The tour is approximately three hours, including all stops and sightseeing.

Is food provided during the tour?
No, food and drinks aren’t included, but the boat has a mini fridge for your beverages.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to poor weather, or it might be rescheduled. Confirm the weather forecast beforehand.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years or those with mobility issues, as it involves boarding a boat.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, making it flexible to fit your schedule.

Is the tour bilingual?
Guides speak English and Turkish, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

What if I arrive late or at the wrong meeting point?
One review noted a slight delay due to a wrong meeting point, but assistance was provided, and the trip generally runs smoothly when guests arrive on time.

In essence, this speedboat tour from Kotor is a lively, scenic, and historically interesting way to discover Montenegro’s coastal treasures, perfect for those who enjoy active sightseeing with a splash of adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: