Kotor: Speedboat Tour to Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks

Imagine gliding across shimmering waters, surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and centuries-old islands, all with a knowledgeable guide who’s eager to share their stories. This speedboat tour from Kotor offers just that—an exciting mix of natural beauty, historical sights, and unique experiences packed into a flexible 2-6 hour adventure. For a reasonable price, you get to explore the Blue Cave, visit the man-made Our Lady of the Rocks, cruise past Mamula Island, and even peek into a WWII submarine tunnel.

What we really love about this trip is the comfortable new boats that make the ride smooth and enjoyable, and the informative guides who deliver local stories with humor and passion. The chance to swim in the Blue Cave and photograph stunning scenery makes this experience stand out. On the flip side, weather can be unpredictable, and the Blue Cave visit might be canceled if conditions aren’t safe, so flexibility is key.

This tour is well-suited for those who want a balanced mix of scenery, history, and fun in a small-group setting, especially if you appreciate a lively guide and good value. It’s perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure who enjoy being on the water, exploring islands, and learning about Montenegro’s coast in an authentic way.

Key Points

• Comfortable, modern boats enhance the overall experience and safety
• Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories and historical insights
• Swimmable Blue Cave offers a refreshing, memorable highlight
• Flexible durations from 2 to 6 hours suit different schedules
• Includes hotel pickup/drop-off in seaside locations
• Affordable price point for a full day of exploration and fun

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic and Scenic Ride Along Montenegro’s Coast

If you’re after a memorable way to see Montenegro’s iconic sights, this speedboat tour hits many highlights in one trip. Starting from Kotor, the journey gives you a chance to marvel at the spectacular coastline, where rugged cliffs meet shimmering waters dotted with tiny villages and centuries-old buildings. The trip lasts from 2 to 6 hours, depending on your chosen option, making it flexible enough to fit into any travel plan.

Our experience shows that this trip is very well organized, with friendly guides making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed. The modern boats, described as comfortable and new, make a huge difference, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or simply want a smooth ride. The guides are praised repeatedly for their vast knowledge of local history and their engaging, humorous storytelling.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Pickup

Depending on your chosen option, you’ll be picked up at a designated spot near Kotor or meet at the harbor. The meeting point is marked by Sea Dog Tours’ signage, making it straightforward to find, particularly if you arrive early (recommended during the busy summer months). The tour ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics.

The Speedboat Journey (First Leg)

The initial 20-minute ride is a lively introduction to the bay’s spectacular scenery. This part of the trip sets the tone, with the guide describing the history and natural features of the coast as you cruise past ancient fishing villages and rugged mountains. Many reviews highlight how enjoyable and scenic this part is.

More Great Tours Nearby

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

The small town of Perast is one of Montenegro’s jewels, and the tour offers a quick pass-by in about three minutes. Then, you’ll get a 20-minute stop at the famous Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island built upon a crag, topped with a small church decorated with numerous votive tablets. You’ll have the chance to walk around, take photos, and even visit the church (entry fee of 1.50 euros). Several travelers comment that this stop is a highlight, often describing the island as “breathtaking” and the views as “simply stunning.”

Visiting the WWII Submarine Tunnel

Next, you’ll hop back on the boat for a 10-minute visit to the former submarine tunnel, an intriguing piece of military history. It’s a brief but fascinating stop, especially for those interested in the area’s wartime past. Several reviews note the value of seeing this hidden piece of history, even if just from the boat.

Mamula Island and the Bay

A short 5-minute photo stop at Mamula Island gives you a chance to snap pictures of the fortress that once served as a prison and military outpost. The island’s commanding presence makes for great photos, and many find it surprisingly photogenic.

Blue Cave and Water Activities

The Blue Cave is one of the trip’s emotional high points—a natural wonder created by eons of wave action. If conditions allow, you’ll be invited to swim inside the cave, which many reviews describe as “refreshing,” “beautiful,” and “a memory for life.” Keep in mind that the Blue Cave visit is 20 minutes, so plan your swim accordingly. Several travelers mention that if the weather isn’t good, the guide might skip this part for safety reasons, which can be disappointing, but safety comes first.

Wrapping Up

The tour concludes with a second 20-minute stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, allowing for more photos or a quick walk. Then, a final 10-minute cruise takes you back to Kotor, passing by the submarine tunnel again and enjoying the last views of the bay.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

This tour’s real charm lies in its balance of natural beauty and historical sights. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—their ability to tell stories that bring the places to life. One reviewer called the guide “Alex,” noting how he made everyone feel at home, sharing interesting facts along the way.

The new boats make a noticeable difference—less noise, smoother rides, and more comfort, especially important if you’re prone to seasickness. Many reviewers mention the good music and the friendly, attentive staff as making the trip more enjoyable.

While the price is reasonable, keep in mind that the entry fee for Our Lady of the Rocks (1.50 euros) isn’t included, and if you want to buy souvenirs or additional photos, that’s extra. The Blue Cave swim is free, but the availability depends on weather conditions—an important consideration if you’re eager to experience it.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This speedboat tour is ideal for travelers who want a compact, engaging experience covering multiple highlights of Montenegro’s bay in a short time. It’s perfect for those who enjoy being on the water, snapping photos, and hearing lively stories from guides. Families, couples, and small groups will appreciate the small-group atmosphere and the opportunity to swim and explore at your own pace. If you prefer a more relaxed, land-based tour, this might not be the best fit, but for adventure-seeking water lovers, it’s a winner.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this tour offers a great balance of scenery, history, and fun at a reasonable price. The highlights—swimming in the Blue Cave, visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, and cruising past Mamula Island—are all memorable, especially with a guide who makes the stories come alive. The modern boats and flexible timing make it accessible, and the small-group atmosphere ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic way to explore Montenegro’s coast, combined with a good dose of adventure and stunning sights, this tour hits all those marks. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just want a lively day on the water, it’s worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in seaside locations, a guide, the boat trip, stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, and the submarine tunnel, plus bottled water.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration varies from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the selected option and weather conditions.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, if the weather allows, you’ll have the chance to swim inside the Blue Cave, which many reviews describe as a highlight.

What is the cost?
The tour price covers the boat ride, guide, and stops. There’s a small entry fee of 1.50 euros for Our Lady of the Rocks, and extra for souvenirs or additional food.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and there are weight restrictions (over 260 lbs/118 kg) to consider for safety on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring food and drinks, as well as sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel if you plan to swim.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour can be canceled or modified if weather conditions are unsafe, especially around the Blue Cave.

Are there options for private or small groups?
Yes, small-group and private options are available, providing a more intimate experience and personalized attention.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How do I find the meeting point?
Meet at Kotor Park Slobode, where Sea Dog Tours displays signage and booths. Arrive at least 30 minutes early during busy seasons.

Exploring Montenegro from the water on a speedboat is a unique, fun way to see the bay’s highlights. With memorable stops, adventures in the Blue Cave, and engaging guides, this tour provides excellent value and authentic experiences. Perfect for those eager to combine scenic beauty with a bit of history, it’s an outing you’ll likely cherish long after your trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: