Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour

If you’re dreaming of discovering Montenegro’s breathtaking coastlines, this tour promises a full day of scenic beauty, cultural sites, and relaxing stops. While it’s been around since 1981, recent reviews tell a mixed story, with some travelers loving the organization and views, and others noting issues with guides and timing. Whether you’re after a quick taste of Kotor’s charm or want to see the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks, this trip offers a lot—if you’re prepared for some potential snags.

What really stands out about this experience are the expert guides who accompany you, the chance to explore both the land and sea, and the flexible itinerary that allows time to swim and wander. However, the short stops and the dependency on weather can be limiting. This tour is ideal for those looking for a comprehensive day out with scenic boat rides, but it might not suit travelers seeking a slower, more in-depth exploration of each site.

Good To Know

• Experienced Provider: Operating since 1981 with a professional approach.
• Flexible Itinerary: Combines bus and boat travel with multiple stops.
• Scenic Highlights: Includes Herceg Novi, Lady of the Rocks, and Blue Cave.
• Guided Tour: Guides are knowledgeable, but experiences may vary.
• Weather Dependent: Bad weather can cancel the sea excursions.
• Time Management: Short stop durations mean quick visits, not in-depth tours.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This full-day excursion covers the stunning coast of Montenegro, focusing on the picturesque Bay of Kotor, the historic town of Herceg Novi, and notable natural and cultural sites. The tour begins early with pickup options from several locations, including Mediteran Express and Slavija Bus Station, making access straightforward for travelers staying in Budva or nearby.

You’ll travel by comfortable coach from your pickup point to Tivat, where the boat portion begins. The boat ride on the MB Vesna starts around 10 a.m., marking the beginning of your scenic sea journey. It’s a well-organized trip, designed to give you the highlights without feeling rushed, with around 9 hours of activity packed into the day.

The Land and Sea Journey

From Bus to Boat: Starting in Tivat

Once aboard the boat at Tivat, you’ll cruise toward Herceg Novi, with your guide providing commentary along the way—an aspect that many travelers have noted as a highlight, especially when guides are knowledgeable. The first stop at Herceg Novi is about an hour of free time, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and soak in this charming town, known for its winding streets and seaside cafes. One reviewer called the organization “very good,” noting that the stops, while brief, allowed for a relaxed exploration.

Stop at Herceg Novi and Beach Anjice

Next, you’ll head toward the beach Anjice, where guests are given around 90 minutes to swim or relax. Many travelers use this time to cool off, take photos, or hop into smaller boats heading to the Blue Cave—a major draw for its mesmerizing blue waters. However, an important caveat is that bad weather can prevent access to these sea excursions, as noted by the captain’s safety assessment. So, if the conditions aren’t ideal, you might find yourself missing out on this part of the trip, which could be disappointing if that was your main reason for booking.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting the Island of Our Lady of the Rocks

After the swim, the tour proceeds to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks island, where you get about 40 minutes to explore. Here, you can visit the church and museum, with many appreciating the brief but meaningful visit. A reviewer pointed out that guides are knowledgeable, helping to make the most of this stop despite the limited time.

Touring the Bay of Kotor

The last stretch involves cruising through the Bay of Kotor, arguably the most scenic part of the trip. Passing Perast and other coastal villages, you’ll witness some of Montenegro’s most picturesque views—ideal for snapping photos or simply soaking it in. The tour then moves back to Kotor city, where you have around 70 minutes for free exploration. Some travelers enjoy wandering the old town’s winding streets, admiring its medieval architecture, while others prefer relaxing in the park or grabbing a quick coffee.

Return Journey

Finally, the coach takes you back to the starting points, concluding the roughly 9-hour tour. If you’re looking for a full day of sightseeing with a mix of land and sea, this itinerary offers a solid overview.

What You’ll Experience at Each Stop

Herceg Novi – A Charming Seaside Town

Expect a relaxed, scenic stop in Herceg Novi. Though only an hour, guides usually highlight the town’s history and local spots, with many guests appreciating the brief but enjoyable exploration. Some reviews mention the stops being “a little short,” but for those wanting quick snapshots rather than deep dives, it works well.

Beach Anjice and Blue Cave

The highlight for many is swimming at Anjice and potentially visiting the Blue Cave. The latter’s fame comes from the striking blue waters that glow when sunlight hits underwater limestone. However, as one reviewer noted, if the weather is bad, the captain might decide it’s unsafe to sail, meaning you could miss out. This uncertainty is something to keep in mind, especially if seeing the Blue Cave is a priority.

Island of Our Lady of the Rocks

This small island, adorned with a church and museum, provides a peek into local religious traditions and history. The 40-minute window is tight but enough for a quick walk and photos. Guides here are often praised for their insights, making the visit more meaningful despite the brief duration.

Bay of Kotor Cruising & Kotor Old Town

The boat ride through the bay offers some of the most stunning views Montenegro has to offer—steep cliffs, tiny islands, and medieval towns all visible along the way. Many travelers find this part of the tour magical, especially if the weather is clear. Upon arriving in Kotor, you’ll have time to explore its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, historic squares, and ancient walls—ideal for wandering at your own pace or relaxing in a park.

The Practical Aspects: Transportation, Duration, and Cost

The tour begins early with pickups from several central locations, making it accessible for most travelers. The transportation is by coach, which is comfortable, and the boat rides are on the MB Vesna, a vessel with a professional crew. The 9-hour duration is fairly long, but most of that is spent outdoors or on the boat, so it’s not overly tiring.

Cost-wise, the price includes bus transfers, boat rides, and an onboard guide—which adds value considering the variety of experiences. Not included are lunch, entrance fees for the museum and church on Our Lady of the Rocks, and the boat trip to the Blue Cave (which costs extra). Some travelers might expect more time at each stop, especially the old town of Kotor, but given the busy schedule, it’s more of a whirlwind tour than a deep dive.

The Guide and Experience

Reviews suggest that guides can make or break the experience. Some found the guides knowledgeable and helpful, especially in providing context during the island visits. One review, however, mentioned a guide named Dimitriy as being “very unfriendlier,” highlighting that experiences can vary. Having a friendly, informative guide is key to making the most of this trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those who want a broad overview of Montenegro’s coast without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. It suits travelers looking for scenic boat rides, quick visits to iconic sites, and a taste of local towns. It’s also a good option for those with limited time, as it packs many highlights into a single day.

However, travelers who prefer a more relaxed, in-depth exploration or are looking for a specific focus (like just the Blue Cave or Kotor Old Town) might find this tour too rushed. The brief stops mean you’ll get snapshots rather than full experiences, but for many, that’s enough to inspire further adventures.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 9-hour adventure offers a convenient way to see some of Montenegro’s most beautiful spots, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided trips. The combination of bus and boat travel lends variety, and the scenery is undeniably spectacular. The tour’s success depends heavily on the weather and the guide’s quality, but with proper expectations, it can be a rewarding day out.

The value lies in the ease of organization, the chance to explore multiple sites, and the opportunity to enjoy Montenegro’s coastal beauty from both land and sea. If you’re flexible and eager to tick off a few major highlights in one go, this tour can be an excellent choice.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, generally children can enjoy the boat rides and sightseeing, but keep in mind the duration (around 9 hours) and the potentially quick stops. Ensure your kids are comfortable with boat travel and walking.

Can I visit the Blue Cave if the weather is bad?
No, if the captain determines conditions are unsafe, the trip to the Blue Cave will be canceled. This is a safety measure, so it’s wise to have flexible expectations.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included in the price, so consider bringing snacks or planning to buy food during your free time in Kotor or Herceg Novi.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
The stops range from about 40 minutes at the island to 70 minutes in Kotor. These brief periods mean you’ll see highlights but won’t have time for deep exploration.

Is the guide’s commentary available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak English, Russian, and Serbian, allowing for broader understanding and more engaging tours.

Are there any accessibility issues I should be aware of?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so consider mobility needs when booking.

This tour offers a nice balance of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and ease of access. While it may not satisfy travelers craving in-depth experiences or long stays at each site, it’s a great way to get a taste of Montenegro’s coast and islands—all in one day.

You can check if your dates are available here: