From Kotor: Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour

Experience the Best of Boka Bay in a Few Hours

If you’re in Kotor and craving an authentic taste of Montenegro’s crystalline waters and historic charm, this Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour offers a memorable escape. For just around three hours, you’ll hop on a small, lively boat with an experienced skipper—like Vasco or Milan—who will guide you through some of the most captivating sights in the bay.

What makes this tour special? First, you get to visit the Blue Cave, famous for its breathtaking light effects, and explore the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks — a tiny island crowned with a church and maritime museum. Second, you’ll learn about the area’s fascinating past with stops at a Yugoslavian submarine base and Mamula Prison, adding a layer of history that enriches the scenic beauty.

One thing to consider is the short swim in the Blue Cave area, which might be a bit rushed during busy times or rough weather. Also, the boat’s small size means there’s limited space to change or use the toilet onboard, so plan accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love a mix of spectacular scenery, engaging stories, and a bit of adventure—especially those who appreciate small groups and personalized attention. It’s also ideal if you want a well-rounded overview of the bay’s highlights without spending a full day on the water.

This experience made our article of The Top 16 Kotor Boat Tours & Cruises.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: A 3-hour trip covering the top sights with a relaxed pace.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Enes and Milan offer friendly, knowledgeable commentary.
• Stunning Sights: Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Prison, and the submarine base.
• Good Value: Plenty of stops and stories packed into a compact tour at a reasonable price.
• Small Group Experience: More personalized than large cruise ships.
• Weather Friendly: Tours run rain or shine; raincoats provided if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on the Tour

Starting from Kotor, the adventure begins with a scenic ride through the picturesque Perast. This historic town is filled with Venetian-style buildings and views that look like they belong in a postcard. Your guide will point out landmarks like the Church of St. Nicholas and the Perast Museum, giving you a quick glimpse into its past as a thriving trading hub.

Next, the boat will glide toward Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny man-made island crowned with a church built in the 15th century. You’ll get about 20 minutes here to wander the island, take photos, and enjoy the maritime museum filled with artifacts. The church is free to visit, and many reviews highlight how charming and photogenic this spot is.

Following that, your skipper will take you to the Yugoslav submarine base, a secret military site from the Yugoslavian Wars. You’ll enter the base by boat, and your guide will give a quick rundown of its history, making it more than just a scenic cruise.

Then comes Mamula Prison, a former military fortress turned abandoned haunt with a spooky reputation. Some visitors mention stories of ghostly sightings and strange noises—adding a dash of thrill to the visit. It’s a quick stop, but enough to appreciate the island’s imposing history.

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, accessible only by boat. Inside, sunlight reflects off the white sandy bottom, bathing the interior in a surreal blue glow. Visitors often describe this as “a magical place,” where you can swim and relax for about 30 minutes. Many reviewers rave about the crystal-clear water, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a scenic ride back, passing by Mamula Island and the submarine base once more, giving you plenty of chances to soak in the views and snap photos.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Start Point & Initial Scenery:
Depending on your booking, you’ll meet at a designated location near Kotor or in the town itself. The journey begins with a 20-minute speedboat ride across the bay, giving you an early taste of Montenegro’s stunning coast. Expect panoramic views of the fjord-like bay, with rugged mountains rising sharply from the water.

Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks:
A brief pass-by of Perast lets you appreciate its well-preserved medieval architecture. Then, a 20-minute stop at Our Lady of the Rocks allows you to explore the island’s charming church and museum. Reviewers highlight this as a highlight, noting the picturesque setting and the tranquility of the island.

Yugoslav Submarine Base:
Entering this hidden military site by boat offers an intriguing glimpse into Cold War-era secrets. Skippers share stories about its construction and purpose, adding depth to the experience. It’s a quick visit but one that enriches your understanding of the bay’s strategic importance.

Mamula Prison:
This abandoned fortress-turned-prison boasts a haunting reputation, with some guests mentioning hearing noises or seeing apparitions. It’s a quick stop, but many find it evocative and historically fascinating.

Blue Cave:
The pièce de résistance, where sunlight creates that otherworldly blue glow. Guests often describe swimming here as the “most magical part” of the tour. The cave’s size and reflective waters create perfect photo opportunities, and many swimmers rave about the water clarity.

Return Journey:
The trip ends with a scenic cruise back, passing Mamula once more, giving you a chance to relax and appreciate the bay’s rugged beauty. The whole experience feels well-paced and packed with highlights, especially given the short duration.

The Small Group Advantage

Many reviewers emphasize how much more enjoyable this small-group tour is compared to crowded boat trips. With fewer people, guides can give you more personalized attention, share fascinating stories, and even help with photos. Plus, the intimate setting makes it easier to relax and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or crowded.

While the boat itself is small—meaning limited space for changing or restroom breaks—this often translates into a more exclusive, less commercial experience. Some mention the boat’s cozy size as a positive, providing a more authentic and unhurried atmosphere.

Pricing & Value

The tour offers an excellent value considering the number of stops, the knowledgeable guides, and the natural beauty you’ll see. Included in the price are entry to Our Lady of the Rocks (not the museum) and a bottle of water per person, with snorkel masks and safety gear provided. Reviews repeatedly highlight how you get a lot for your money, especially with the variety of stops and stories packed into just three hours.

If you’re comparing this experience to larger, more commercial excursions, the small-group vibe and personalized attention make it worth the slightly higher price point. Many visitors report that it’s a highlight of their time in Kotor, with some even saying it’s a “must-do” activity.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits those who enjoy scenic boat rides, small-group intimacy, and storytelling. It’s perfect if you want a compact but rundown of the bay’s cultural and natural highlights. It’s especially recommended for travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, like learning about the Yugoslavian submarine base or exploring the abandoned Mamula prison.

It’s also a good pick for those who want to swim in the Blue Cave’s clear waters and take memorable photos without the crowds common on larger tours. If you’re traveling with family, partners, or friends and value a relaxed pace, this tour delivers on all counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a quick yet comprehensive way to see many highlights of Boka Bay.

What are the starting times?
Check availability for specific starting times, which can vary depending on your booking. The tour is available during daytime hours, with an optional sunset version starting at 18:20.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and alcohol are not included, but a bottle of water per passenger is provided. You might want to bring snacks or a light meal if you’re hungry before or after.

Can I swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, there’s about 30 minutes allocated for swimming, allowing you to relax in the crystal waters and enjoy the cave’s natural beauty.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
This tour isn’t ideal for those with back problems, mobility impairments, or who require wheelchair access, due to the small boat size and walking involved on stops.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, your passport or ID, and a camera. Remember, the bathroom onboard is limited, so plan accordingly.

What happens in bad weather?
Tours run rain or shine, and raincoats are provided if necessary. If sea conditions are too rough, the route might be adjusted for safety.

Final Thoughts

The Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Boat Tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and intimate exploration. Its small size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal, engaging experience that many visitors find unforgettable. Whether you’re swimming in the Blue Cave, exploring the abandoned Mamula Fortress, or simply soaking in the stunning scenery, this tour is a fantastic way to experience Montenegro’s coastal treasures without the hassle of large crowds.

Best suited for travelers who value authenticity, storytelling, and scenic views, this trip delivers a well-rounded adventure in a short time. If your goal is to see the highlights of Boka Bay comfortably and with a touch of local flavor, this tour deserves a spot on your Kotor itinerary.

Experience the charm and history of Montenegro’s coastline with a small-group boat tour that combines breathtaking sights, intriguing stories, and refreshing swims—an adventure you’ll cherish long after you leave.

You can check availability for your dates here: