Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour – Pick up

If you’re visiting Montenegro and looking for a quick, memorable experience on the water, the Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour offers a fantastic way to see some of the region’s most iconic sights. For just $46 per person, you’ll hop on a speedboat for two hours that whisks you across the tranquil waters of Boka Bay, revealing hidden gems along the way. Our guide, whose engaging narration makes the experience even richer, takes us from the charming town of Perast to the enchanting Our Lady of the Rocks, past the super-yacht marina of Porto Montenegro, and into the shimmering Blue Cave.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances sightseeing with genuine moments of adventure. The guide’s detailed stories about the island’s history add depth, and the chance to swim inside the Blue Cave is both exhilarating and picture-perfect. Another highlight? Passing by Mamula Island, once a notorious WWII prison, and exploring abandoned submarine tunnels—a reminder of Montenegro’s strategic maritime past.

One consideration? The Blue Cave swim and some stops are weather-dependent, so if seas are rough or rain threatens, the itinerary might shift. Still, this tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a small group experience with authentic sights rather than a crowded cruise. It’s perfect for those wanting a compact, value-packed adventure that hits a few of Montenegro’s top water attractions without overstaying its welcome.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: A 2-hour tour offering a quick but comprehensive look at Boka Bay’s highlights.
• Diverse sights: From historic islands and marinas to natural wonders like the Blue Cave.
• Knowledgeable guides: Local guides offer engaging stories and insights that bring each stop to life.
• Water-based adventure: Includes swimming in the Blue Cave, with safety and weather considerations in mind.
• Great value: At $46, it packs in sightseeing, swimming, and expert commentary.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers except those with specific restrictions like pregnancy or mobility issues.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point: Perast and the First Impressions

Our journey begins in the picturesque town of Perast, a place that feels like a step back in time with its baroque architecture, quaint streets, and serene atmosphere. The meeting point is conveniently located at a market area, right across from the dock where our speedboat awaits. Once aboard, you’ll immediately notice the comfortable, small group setting, which makes for a more personal experience compared to large cruise ships.

The boat itself is sleek and fast, perfect for covering the bay’s highlights efficiently. The cost of $46 per person is reasonable for the experience, especially given the included live guide, visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, sightseeing of Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi, exploration of WWII tunnels, swimming in the Blue Cave, and free drinks. It’s a good deal for travelers who want a full, engaging water day without breaking the bank.

The Charm of Our Lady of the Rocks

Our first stop is the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. This floating island, built entirely by local inhabitants and dotted with centuries-old churches, is a centerpiece of Perast’s maritime lore. Our guide, whose name isn’t specified but is praised for being knowledgeable and engaging (as one reviewer put it, “Super guide!!!”), shares stories about the island’s origins and the island’s significance in local tradition.

You’ll have time to marvel at the church and its treasures, but note that entry to the church requires respecting a dress code—no bathing suits allowed—so plan accordingly. This stop offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to understand how the local community has preserved this spiritual spot on water.

Passing the Marinas: Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi

As the boat glides through the Verige channel, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of two luxury marinas—Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi. These marinas are home to some seriously impressive yachts, and they speak to Montenegro’s growing reputation as a yachting hub. From the water, you get a perspective that’s hard to match from land, and it’s fascinating to see the contrast between ancient stone towns and modern millionaire playgrounds.

Many travelers, per reviews, enjoy the panoramic views and photography opportunities here. Seeing these marinas from the water gives a better sense of Montenegro’s maritime affluence and development.

The WWII Tunnels and Mamula Island

Next comes a stark reminder of the past: the abandoned submarine tunnels, where submarines were hidden during World War II. The guide explains the tunnels’ history, making it more meaningful than just a rugged, empty space. It’s a genuine piece of Montenegro’s wartime history that most visitors wouldn’t see otherwise.

Passing Mamula Island, formerly a prison (often compared in tone to a Montenegrin Alcatraz), adds a layer of intrigue. Its imposing fortress and history as a detention site evoke a sense of Montenegro’s complex past, and many enjoy the perspective from the boat—a kind of floating history lesson.

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The Highlight: Swimming in the Blue Cave

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the chance to swim inside the Blue Cave. This natural wonder, with its vivid blue-blue hues caused by sunlight filtering through the water, is a sensory delight. As one reviewer noted, “Really cool! we went on a really nice speedboat with just 8 people, and he even took us to swim in a different place where there weren’t many travelers.”

Keep in mind, swimming in the Blue Cave is weather-dependent—calm seas and good light conditions are essential. The guide will assess safety and weather on the day, and if conditions aren’t right, this part might be skipped or replaced with an alternative stop such as Porto Montenegro or Porto Novi. Still, the possibility of a swim adds an element of adventure that many find memorable.

Practical Considerations and Comfort

The tour includes free drinks—water and juice—which are a thoughtful addition after swimming or sunbathing. It’s worth bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a towel to stay comfortable, especially since sun exposure can be intense. The duration is short but packed; in just two hours, you get a snapshot of Montenegro’s coastal riches.

The group size tends to be small (around 8-10 people), which means more personalized attention and easier conversation with the guide. The price point is reasonable, considering the sightseeing, swimming, and expert narration, making it a solid value for anyone eager to taste Montenegro’s maritime charms without a full-day commitment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value authentic, scenic experiences over large-scale cruises. Families with children who are comfortable on boats will find it especially enjoyable, as some reviewers noted doing this activity with young kids. It’s also great for history buffs, photographers, and anyone wanting a fun, active way to see Boka Bay.

However, people with mobility issues, pregnant women, or those prone to seasickness may want to consider the weather forecast and their comfort level, as boat rides and some stops might be challenging.

For $46, you gain a compact, engaging journey through Montenegro’s stunning waters, with a knowledgeable guide providing context and stories. The views of Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi from the water are worth the trip alone, and the opportunity to swim inside the Blue Cave makes this a true highlight.

The tour offers authentic sights and an intimate experience that larger cruise options can’t match. It’s a wonderful choice for those looking to combine a bit of history, natural beauty, and adventure—all with a relaxed, friendly vibe.

If you’re visiting Montenegro and want a balanced, memorable water trip, this tour checks all the boxes.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick yet rich experience.

What is included in the price?
You get a speedboat ride, live guide, visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, viewing of Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi, exploration of WWII submarine tunnels, swimming in the Blue Cave, and free drinks.

Can I visit the church Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, but entry requires adherence to a dress code—no bathing suits—so plan to dress appropriately if you want to enter.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave guaranteed?
Not necessarily. Weather and sea conditions influence whether swimming is possible. The guide will decide on the day.

Who should avoid this tour?
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness. Also, babies under 1 year and people over 70 are discouraged.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, a camera, and water. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for water activities.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic taste of Montenegro’s coastal beauty, history, and natural wonders in a compact, well-organized package. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a fun, authentic water adventure with excellent guides and truly stunning scenery. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable boat ride, this experience promises plenty of beautiful moments along the Boka Bay.

You can check availability for your dates here: