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

Planning a day trip in Montenegro can feel overwhelming with so many breathtaking sights packed into a small country. Luckily, this full-day tour offers a convenient, value-packed way to see some of the most iconic spots in Boka Bay—from the famous Blue Cave to the historic streets of Kotor. While it’s not perfect, it does an admirable job of showcasing Montenegro’s coastal beauty, especially for those craving a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and cultural stops.

What we love about this experience is the chance to explore multiple highlights in one day—like the Blue Cave‘s shimmering waters, the Lady of the Rocks island, and the charming old town of Kotor. The professional, multilingual guides bring the trip to life with interesting stories and insights, making it more than just a boat ride. Plus, the value for money is hard to beat when considering the variety of stops and included transfers. However, some might find the schedule a bit rushed and the crowds on the boat a challenge.

This tour suits travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transports. It’s ideal for those comfortable with being on the move for most of the day, and who enjoy engaging guides and scenic boat rides—though perhaps less so for those seeking a slow-paced, in-depth exploration of each site.

Good To Know

• Multiple Highlights: Visit the Blue Cave, Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor in one streamlined tour.
• Expert Guides: Enjoy insights from knowledgeable, multilingual guides who enhance each stop.
• All-in-One Experience: Combines bus and boat transport, saving you the logistics headache.
• Value for Money: For $70, you get a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and culture.
• Potential Drawbacks: The tour can run longer than expected and gets crowded, especially on the boat.
• Ideal for: Travelers seeking a comprehensive, cost-effective way to see Montenegro’s coast with minimal planning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Complete Review of the Montenegro Coastal Tour

Starting from Tivat, Budva, or Petrovac

Your journey begins with a comfortable bus transfer from your chosen departure point, whether that’s Tivat, Budva, or Petrovac. The buses are modern but can get crowded, as reviews mention, especially during peak season or traffic delays. One thing to note is that the transport timing is crucial—some travelers found the schedule a little tight, and a few reviews mention departure delays that extended the day from 9 to 12 hours.

The Maritime Experience: Boat Ride to the Blue Cave

The boat ride on the MB Vesna is a major highlight. The crew is praised for their professionalism and friendliness, and the boat itself is described as the “best ship” by some reviewers. Expect around 40 minutes to reach Blue Cave—a highlight for first-time visitors who want to see the shimmering waters and natural light effects.

However, the Blue Cave visit isn’t without its quirks. The additional fee (around $10) for the boat trip to the cave isn’t included in the base price, and some guests found the time at the cave was shorter than advertised—about 15 minutes, with only 20 minutes for the trip there and back, not the 90 minutes many expected. Several reviews mentioned that the crowded boats and the strong diesel smell could detract from the experience, and in bad weather, the captain might decide not to sail, leaving you disappointed.

Swimming at Anjice Beach

Next up is a 90-minute stop at Anjice Beach, where you can relax, soak up the sun, or take a quick swim in the clear waters. This is a fantastic opportunity to cool off and enjoy Montenegro’s natural beauty. Many guests appreciated the well-organized timing, but some felt the swimming window was too short, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

The Our Lady of the Rocks is a picturesque island with a small church and a fascinating story. You’ll have about 40 minutes to explore this cultural gem, which offers excellent photo ops and a chance to walk around the tiny island. One reviewer highlighted that this stop is ideal for those interested in local history, as the church and museum offer insight into the island’s maritime traditions. Keep in mind that entry fees are not included, and the time is limited to prevent the tour from running over.

Exploring the Old Town of Kotor

The final major stop is Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you get approximately 70 minutes of free time to wander the narrow streets, browse shops, or simply enjoy the stunning views from the city walls. Some reviewers suggested they would’ve liked more time here to fully soak in the atmosphere, especially since Kotor’s charm is best experienced on foot.

Guests who prefer to skip the optional walk or additional sightseeing can relax in the park, as many appreciated the flexibility. Those who stay longer find the city’s winding alleys and medieval architecture absolutely captivating. The tour’s timing ensures you get a taste of Kotor’s ambiance without feeling rushed.

Return Journey and Drop-Offs

After Kotor, the journey is over for most, with buses returning to designated drop-off points across Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, and other locations. Some reviews noted that delays due to traffic or weather can extend the day, so flexibility and patience are key.

The Experience in Detail: What You Need to Know

Transport and Comfort

The tour’s combination of bus and boat is designed for convenience. The buses are new and comfortable, but as some reviews mention, the crowded nature can be uncomfortable—especially if you’re unlucky with seat assignments. The boat rides are generally praised for their safety and professionalism, but the experience can be spoiled by overcrowding and diesel fumes, particularly on the Blue Cave trip.

Duration and Schedule

While advertised as a 9-hour trip, many travelers report it stretches longer—sometimes up to 12 hours—mainly due to delays or extended stops. The itinerary is ambitious, packing in many locations, which makes for a busy day. The schedule is tight, with some guests feeling rushed, especially at sites like Kotor or Lady of the Rocks.

Guides and Information

The live guides, speaking English, Serbian, and Russian, are consistently lauded for their knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer, Sarah, specifically praised Vladimir, who provided engaging facts in multiple languages throughout the trip. Their commentary adds depth to the experience, transforming a sightseeing tour into a meaningful journey.

Food and Drinks

While lunch isn’t included, the boat does offer food and drinks at reasonable prices. Many appreciated the quality of the onboard snacks and the opportunity to relax with a cold drink after swimming or exploring.

Cost and Value

At $70 per person, this tour offers considerable value given the number of sites visited and the mix of transportation modes. It’s a good deal for travelers wanting a comprehensive Montenegro experience without the hassle of organizing multiple trips. However, extras like the Blue Cave boat trip or entrance fees are additional, so budget accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see a broad chunk of Montenegro’s coast in one day—especially if they value charismatic guides, scenic boat rides, and a variety of sights. It’s well-suited for those comfortable with a packed schedule, some crowds, and a long day on the move.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace, or if you’re traveling with mobility issues, this might feel a bit hectic. Also, those looking for a quieter, more in-depth experience at each site may find the short stops and large group size limiting.

Final Thoughts

This full-day tour to Blue Cave, Kotor, and Lady of the Rocks offers an accessible way to get a taste of Montenegro’s coastal beauty. With knowledgeable guides, scenic boat rides, and multiple highlights, it delivers great value—especially for first-time visitors eager to tick off key destinations in one go.

While the schedule can be tight, and the crowds on the boat are a common complaint, the experience is generally well-organized and rewarding. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a long day and want to see as much as possible without the stress of planning each leg themselves.

In the end, this tour captures the essence of Montenegro’s stunning coastline—beautiful, vibrant, and full of stories waiting to be discovered.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. However, onboard food and drinks are available at reasonable prices, and you can bring snacks for the day.

Can I visit the Blue Cave with this tour?
Yes, the Blue Cave is a highlight, but there is an extra fee (~$10) for the boat trip to access it. The time spent at the cave is around 15 minutes, which some guests find a bit short.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the captain assesses that it’s unsafe to sail—due to weather conditions—the trip to the Blue Cave and beach may be canceled, and you’ll need to adjust expectations accordingly.

How long is the overall trip?
The official duration is 9 hours, but many travelers report that it can extend to 12 hours, especially if delays occur or traffic is heavy.

Is there enough time to explore Kotor?
You’ll get about 70 minutes in Kotor, which is enough for a quick stroll and photos, but many wish for more time to soak in the city’s charm.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Serbian, and Russian, providing engaging commentary throughout the trip.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for extra fees and onboard purchases, sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear if you plan to swim at Anjice Beach or the Blue Cave.

This Montenegro cruise offers a lively, scenic, and culturally rich day out—ideal for those looking to experience the essence of the coast with ease and authenticity.

You can check if your dates are available here: