Kotor: Blue Cave, Submarine Tunnels & Lady of the Rocks Tour

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Montenegro’s most iconic sights, this boat tour from Kotor is a fantastic pick. It promises a quick but immersive glimpse into the natural beauty, history, and charming islands of the Bay of Kotor — all from the comfort of a modern speedboat.

Three hours may sound short, but this tour packs in a surprising amount of highlights, from swimming in the Blue Cave to glimpsing secret WWII tunnels. What we love? It’s the expert guiding, the crystal-clear waters, and the chance to see multiple must-see spots in one go. The only thing to consider? The Blue Cave can get crowded, which might cut into your photo opportunities.

Ideal for travelers seeking an active, scenic adventure with a touch of history, this tour suits those who want to maximize their time in Montenegro without sacrificing comfort or authentic moments.

Good To Know

• Stunning scenery and crystal waters make this a photo-worthy experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the adventure with local insights.
• Swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Cave area are definite highlights.
• The tour offers good value for a packed 3-hour itinerary.
• Comfortable, modern speedboats make the ride smooth and enjoyable.
• It’s a flexible experience with small or private groups available.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience at a Glance

This 3-hour boat tour is designed to give you a balanced mix of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and relaxing water activities. It’s a well-reviewed option for those looking for a comprehensive taste of the Bay of Kotor’s most famed attractions, without the long hours or hefty price tag.

For just $38 per person, you get a lot of bang for your buck—especially considering the inclusion of a professional guide, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and all fees. It’s perfect if you want a hassle-free way to see the highlights without worrying about transport or organizing multiple excursions.

Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Duration

The tour departs from two convenient locations in Kotor, with a quick speedboat ride that gets you swiftly on your way. Timing varies slightly, but overall, the experience lasts around 3 hours, making it a lively morning or afternoon activity.

First Stop: Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

The journey begins with a scenic cruise past Perast, a UNESCO-listed town notable for its baroque architecture. After a short pass-by, you’ll anchor near Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island topped with a beautiful church. Reviewers mention this stop as a “breathtaking” highlight, with about 20 minutes to explore the island and admire its views.

You’ll get to walk around and take photos, with some guides providing interesting tidbits about the island’s history. Be sure to have your camera ready — the church and panoramic bay views are picture-perfect. Several travelers comment on the peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas, though some wish they had more time to explore.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Second Stop: Submarine Tunnels and Mamula Island

Next, the boat passes by the former submarine tunnels hidden within the cliffs. These WWII relics are briefly visited, but the real value is hearing the stories your guide shares about their secret past. As one reviewer put it, these tunnels “still wait to be discovered,” adding an air of mystery.

Later, the boat approaches Mamula Island, a fortress that once served as a WWII prison. The view of this island, with its dramatic ruins and legends of escape attempts, is a favorite for many travelers. The guided tour here is about five minutes, primarily for photos and appreciating the island’s formidable presence.

The Blue Cave

The tour’s true star is the Blue Cave, a small but stunning sea cave where the waters shimmer in shades of blue. Here, you’ll have roughly 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just float and soak in the vibrance. Several reviews highlight this as the “best part” — the water clarity, the color, and the chance to cool off are genuinely memorable.

Notably, some mention that during peak times, the cave can be crowded, which might limit your photo opportunities. Guide Aki or Boban often tries to position the boat optimally, but patience is sometimes needed. Still, the experience of swimming in such vivid waters is well worth it.

Final Highlights: Mamula, Porto Novi, and Panoramic Views

The boat then cruises past Mamula Island, capturing photos of its fortress walls, before heading toward Porto Novi, a luxurious marina filled with yachts, for a quick pass-by. Lastly, the boat offers panoramic views of Perast and Saint George Island, perfect for capturing last-minute photos or just soaking in the scenery.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides with Local Knowledge

Reviewers consistently mention their guides — especially Aki and Boban — as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories. They don’t just point out sights but weave in historical tales, legends, and fun facts that deepen your appreciation. One reviewer noted, “Aki was a great guide, showed us places to cliff jump, and explained Montenegro’s history in an engaging way.”

Comfortable, Modern Speedboat

The boat itself is described as brand new, comfortable, and equipped with Wi-Fi and music. It’s a big plus for those who want a smooth ride and a relaxed atmosphere. The small group size, often just a handful of people, makes for a more personalized experience, allowing guides to cater to specific interests.

Excellent Value

At $38, this tour offers a lot—multiple stops, swimming, snorkeling gear, and expert storytelling—without overloading your schedule or breaking the bank. It’s a good balance of activity and leisure, ideal for travelers who want to see a lot quickly.

Authentic Moments and Quiet Corners

Several reviews mention that during the tour, you can sometimes find quiet, less crowded spots — especially if the guide prioritizes safe swimming and cave jumping. One reviewer liked that their guide allowed them to go cave jumping, making the experience more adventurous.

Practical Considerations

Timing and Route Flexibility

The itinerary includes a mix of scenic cruising and stops. Because the route can be modified due to weather or high waves, flexibility is key. Guides will do their best to ensure safety, but this might mean skipping certain stops if conditions aren’t ideal.

What to Bring

Travelers are advised to bring swimsuits, towels, water, a charged phone, and ID. The tour provides snorkeling equipment and life jackets, but having your essentials handy ensures a hassle-free experience.

Accessibility and Suitability

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or individuals over certain weight limits. The main activities involve swimming, so consider your comfort with water.

Meeting Point and Arrival

The tour departs from Park Slobode, about 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Look for the large concrete monument and blue Hawaii Boat Tours sign. Reviews mention that arriving early helps avoid traffic delays and ensures a smooth start.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Multiple travelers praise their guides for their friendliness and knowledge. “Boban was an amazing guide,” says one, while another mentions that “Aki gave us a really good guide, lots of information at each spot.” Many appreciate the timing — having enough time at each stop to explore and swim — which keeps the trip engaging without feeling rushed.

Several note that the Blue Cave is crowded, but guides attempt to manage this with different departure times. One reviewer fondly remembers swimming in the Blue Cave, calling it “absolutely stunning,” though some wish for longer or less busy moments.

Highlighted Practical Tips from Reviews

• Dress in a swimsuit for water activities.
• Arrive early to avoid crowding.
• Use the snorkeling gear provided to enhance the experience.
• Don’t expect lengthy exploration at each site—this is a quick, scenic ride with key highlights.
• Guides often go above and beyond, helping with photos and sharing stories.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who want to tick off Montenegro’s top attractions in a compact, fun-packed package. It suits travelers looking for an active outing that blends gorgeous scenery with a dash of history and water fun. If you enjoy guided tours with friendly local guides, comfortable boats, and opportunities for swimming and photo ops, this experience will hit the mark.

It’s also an excellent choice for solo travelers or small groups seeking a social, yet intimate adventure. Families with older children will appreciate the safe, relaxed environment, though younger kids or those with mobility challenges might find limited time at certain stops.

The value, scenery, and engaging guides make this tour a compelling way to enjoy Montenegro’s bay without fuss.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, it involves swimming and water activities, so children should be comfortable around water and be supervised at all times.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, including cruising time, stops, and swimming.

Can I swim inside the Blue Cave?
Yes, there’s around 30 minutes allocated for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Cave area.

Are snorkeling masks included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, water, a charged smartphone, and possibly a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments.

Is the tour private or small groups?
Both options are available, but reviews suggest most groups are small, often less than 10 people, for a more personalized experience.

Will the guide share historical information?
Absolutely. Guides like Aki and Boban are praised for their storytelling and local knowledge, sharing insights about sites like Mamula Island and the submarine tunnels.

Can I join if I don’t want to swim?
Yes, you can enjoy the scenery from the boat if swimming isn’t your thing, though swimming is a key part of the experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The route may be modified for safety reasons, including skipping certain stops like the Blue Cave or offering alternative spots.

How do I find the meeting point?
Arrive at Park Slobode 30 minutes early, look for the large concrete monument and the blue Hawaii Boat Tours sign, and you’ll be greeted to start your adventure.

This Kotor Blue Cave, Submarine Tunnels & Lady of the Rocks Tour offers a well-rounded, memorable snapshot of Montenegro’s stunning coast, perfect for those craving a mix of adventure, scenery, and stories in just a few hours.

You can check if your dates are available here: