Boat tour to Lady of the Rock , Submarine base & Blue Cave swim

Explore Kotor Bay by Speedboat: Our Lady of the Rocks, Blue Cave, and Submarine Base

This 3-hour boat tour in Kotor, Montenegro, is a fantastic way to see some of the most iconic sights of the bay from the water. For $48.84 per person, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable speedboat, accompanied by a friendly skipper, and visit three unique locations: the Our Lady of the Rocks island, the Blue Cave, and the Lutica submarine base. The tour also includes stops for snorkeling in the Blue Cave and offers free WiFi onboard, making it easier to share your adventure as it happens.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are the personalized small-group setting, which feels intimate and relaxed, and the stunning panoramic views from the water, including the impressive fortress walls of Our Lady of the Rocks and the mysterious submarine tunnels. The tour’s flexibility and the informative guides make it a memorable way to enjoy Kotor’s coastline.

One possible consideration is the timing of the water activities—while swimming in the Blue Cave is highly anticipated, in cooler months, such as late April, travelers might find the water a bit chilly. Also, access to some sites, like Our Lady of the Rocks, requires purchasing separate admission tickets, which adds to the overall cost.

This tour suits travelers looking for a comprehensive, scenic, and relaxed experience. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy snorkeling, stunning coastal views, and learning about local highlights from knowledgeable guides. If you’re on a cruise or simply want to maximize your time on the water, this tour offers great value and a chance to see Kotor from an authentic perspective.

Key Points

Beautiful coastal scenery from a small, comfortable speedboat.
Visit iconic sites like Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave.
Snorkeling gear included for a refreshing experience in the Blue Cave.
Insightful guides provide interesting history and local stories.
Free onboard WiFi keeps you connected during the trip.
A small group ensures a relaxed, personal atmosphere.

Detailed Review of the Kotor Bay Speedboat Tour

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded glance at Kotor Bay’s most photogenic spots, all from the comfort of a speedboat. Starting from your meeting point in Kotor, you’ll be whisked away by a skilled skipper into the sparkling waters. The tour lasts around three hours, making it a perfect choice if you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights.

The itinerary balances scenic cruising with engaging stops. Your guide will share stories about each site, making the experience both visual and informative. It’s a laid-back adventure where the main goal is to enjoy the views, learn some local lore, and have some fun floating in beautiful waters.

Our Lady of the Rocks: A Cultural Jewel

The first stop is the famous Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island crowned by a church and museum. This site is a favorite for many travelers because of its picturesque setting and the chance to explore inside the church, which houses religious icons and relics. You can also browse souvenirs and local crafts on the island.

Your skipper, like several reviewers noted, will share fascinating stories about the island’s origins — including the legend of how the island was built by local sailors. However, bear in mind that admission to the church and museum is not included in the tour price, so if you want to explore inside, plan to purchase tickets separately.

One traveler, Marko, appreciated the “very good, friendly team” and the comfortable boats, emphasizing that the smaller group size made the experience more personal and less rushed.

Panoramic View of Fortress Mamula

Next, the boat glides past the historic Fortress Mamula, which served as a prison and concentration camp during WWI and WWII. Today, it’s one of the most exclusive hotels in the Adriatic, perched on an island just off Herceg Novi.

The view from the water is incredible, and the guide will likely point out the impressive fortress walls, giving you a sense of history and the dramatic geography of the bay. This quick stop offers a great photo opportunity and a moment to appreciate Montenegro’s layered past.

Blue Cave: The Main Attraction

Then it’s time for the highlight — the Blue Cave. This natural wonder is famed for its luminous blue waters, created by sunlight filtering through the water and the cave’s unique geology. You’ll stop here for about 25 minutes, during which you can swim and snorkel using the provided gear, depending on the weather and water temperature.

Many reviewers, including Jaymelyn, described the Blue Cave as “amazing,” and Sue called it her favorite part, noting that “the Blue Cave & swim was the highlight.” Even if the water is too cold, just floating in the calm waters and admiring the glow is a memorable experience.

Lutica: The Old Submarine Base

Finally, your boat will head to the Lutica submarine base, a Cold War relic that was used after WWII. The site is open for about 10 minutes, and while you can’t enter, the visual impact of the underground tunnels and the history behind them make for a compelling stop.

Kim appreciated the “interesting submarine tunnels,” and many travelers find this a fascinating peek into Montenegro’s military past, providing an unusual contrast to the coastal scenery.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water and snorkeling equipment, which enhances your experience without extra expense. These small details, like the gear, help you make the most of your time in the Blue Cave.

However, be aware that admission tickets for the Our Lady of the Rocks church are not included, so set aside a few extra euros if you want to explore inside. Also, bring a towel if you plan to swim, and note that parking fees are not covered.

The Group & Experience

With a maximum of 27 travelers, this tour maintains a friendly, intimate vibe. Many reviews have highlighted how the small group size makes it easier to relax, ask questions, and take photos without feeling rushed.

The onboard WiFi is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to share your adventure in real-time or just stay connected.

Why This Tour Delivers Great Value

At just under $50, this tour packs in a lot: scenic cruising, cultural insights, natural wonders, and opportunities for swimming — all in a relaxed and well-organized outing. The reviews consistently praise the friendly guides and comfortable boats, confirming that the experience exceeds expectations for many travelers.

For travelers craving a scenic, laid-back way to explore Kotor Bay, especially those who enjoy snorkeling or simply soaking up the views from the water, this tour hits the sweet spot. The combination of historic sites, natural beauty, and informative commentary makes it a well-rounded choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a manageable, enjoyable day out on the water. It works well for cruise passengers, thanks to its close proximity to the port, and for those who prefer small-group experiences over large, crowded excursions. If you’re curious about Montenegro’s maritime history, love beautiful scenery, and want to try snorkeling without fuss, this is a great pick.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
No, but the meeting point at MontenegroGlobe in Kotor is close to the port, making it easy to find.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Do I need to bring my own towel?
While towels are not provided, bringing one is recommended if you plan to swim or snorkel.

Are the snorkeling masks and gear included?
Yes, the tour supplies snorkeling equipment for your use.

Can I go inside Our Lady of the Rocks?
Admission to the church and museum is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to purchase tickets separately if you want to explore inside.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the water temperature and the age of children if they want to swim.

To sum it up, this boat tour presents an excellent balance of scenic beauty, cultural interest, and fun activities, all in a comfortable, small-group setting. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights of Kotor Bay without hassle, especially those who enjoy learning about the local sites, snorkeling, and relaxing on the water. If you’re seeking a memorable, well-organized day that combines natural wonder and history, this trip is likely to be a highlight of your Montenegro visit.