Kotor: Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour

Kotor looks even better from the water. This three-hour speedboat ride packs the Bay of Kotor, the Blue Cave, an old submarine tunnel, Mamula Island, and Our Lady of the Rocks into one lively outing. I like the efficient route and the chance to swim, especially since the boat reaches places that are awkward to visit by land.

I also like the setting at Park Slobode, only about five minutes from Kotor’s Old Town. The captains, including guides such as Voign, Marco, Andrea, and others praised for their friendly approach, add useful local stories and keep the trip relaxed. The main drawback is the pace: the Blue Cave stop can feel short when several boats arrive at once, and the ride can be cold or bumpy outside the warmest months.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Cave is the main thrill: You get about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, though time inside the cave can shrink when other boats crowd the entrance.
• The route covers a lot in three hours: You pass Kotor Old Town, Perast, Mamula Island, Luštica, the submarine tunnel, and Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Our Lady of the Rocks includes more than a photo stop: You can visit the church and museum, but admission is not included.
• The ride is fast and exposed: Speed makes the itinerary possible, but bring a jacket even on a warm day.
• The meeting point is simple: Look for the orange and blue company sign by the water in Park Slobode, just behind Kotor Port.
• It suits active visitors best: Swimming, boat movement, and short stops make this less suitable for people with back or heart problems, or for pregnant women.

Starting beside Kotor’s Old Town

The tour begins at Park Slobode, a short walk from the Old Town and just behind Kotor Port. Look for the company sign near the sea, where the skipper meets you. You will not need to arrange hotel pickup, and large bags are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the boat.

The speedboat sets off with fuel, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and rain coats provided. Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, and a warm layer. The last item matters more than you might expect. Several people found the wind surprisingly cold while speeding across open water, even on otherwise pleasant days.

The boat ride itself is part of the sightseeing. You sit low over the water, with the mountains rising sharply around the bay. Music may play during the trip, and the mood is generally informal rather than polished or ceremonial. That works well here. Kotor’s coast is best enjoyed with wind in your face and a good view over the side.

Kotor’s walls and the inner bay

One of the first sights is Kotor Old Town from the water. From this angle, the fortified walls climb toward Saint John’s Hill, giving you a clear sense of how strongly the medieval city was defended. The walls extend for roughly 4.5 kilometers, with some sections reaching about 15 meters thick and 20 meters high.

I like this opening because it gives you a useful visual introduction before the boat reaches the outer bay. From the road, you see the walls as part of the city. From the water, you see how the fortifications, steep mountain slopes, and narrow shoreline fit together.

The boat then passes coastal villages including Muo, Prčanj, Stoliv, Dobrota, and Perast. Small churches, old houses, palaces, and waterfront buildings appear along the shore. The views are not just about one famous monument. The pleasure comes from watching the entire bay change as the boat moves past each settlement.

The Bay of Kotor is often described as the southernmost fjord in Europe, although it is technically a submerged river canyon rather than a true glacial fjord. Either way, the comparison makes sense from the boat. The water reaches far inland, the surrounding mountains are steep, and the route constantly shifts between narrow passages and wider stretches.

Passing Perast and the Verige Strait

Perast is one of the most attractive settlements on the bay, but this tour passes by rather than stopping in town. You get a view of its waterfront and nearby islands, but you will not have time to walk its lanes or sit in a café.

That is an important trade-off. If your main goal is to explore Perast on foot, you should plan a separate visit. If you want to cover more of the coast in one morning or afternoon, passing by keeps the boat moving toward the open water and the Blue Cave.

The route continues through Verige, the narrowest part of the bay, only about 300 meters wide. This channel divides the inner bay from the outer gulfs. The Church of Our Lady of Angels appears near the passage, along with views toward Lepetani and the Luštica Peninsula.

This part of the trip rewards you for looking in every direction. The captain may point out landmarks as they come into view, but the explanations can be harder to hear from the back of the boat. If you want the best chance of catching the commentary, sit near the front and ask questions when the boat slows.

The Blue Cave swimming stop

The Blue Cave is the tour’s biggest draw. The cave covers about 300 square meters, with an arch around 25 meters high and water roughly three to four meters deep. Sunlight enters through the cave openings and reflects through the water, creating the blue glow that gives the place its name.

The boat normally allows about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the water outside or near the cave can be a refreshing break from the heat of the boat. In warm weather, this is the moment that makes the tour feel like more than a sightseeing cruise.

You should keep expectations sensible. The cave is popular, and several boats may arrive together. When that happens, the boat might remain inside for only a few minutes, and photographs can include other boats. The swimming stop can also feel quick, especially if you spend time waiting for access.

Some trips use a nearby swimming area when conditions inside the cave are crowded or unsuitable. That alternate swim can be excellent, but it means the experience may not match the postcard image you had in mind. Still, the cave, open water, and fast ride combine into a memorable section of the outing.

The water is not always calm. Rough seas can make the ride uncomfortable for some people, especially on the exposed stretch toward the cave. If the forecast looks unsettled, consider choosing a different departure time or postponing the trip. The operator allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which helps when your plans are flexible.

The old submarine tunnel on Luštica

On the return route, the boat pauses at a former submarine tunnel cut into the steep banks of Luštica. Yugoslav forces built three such tunnels to hide and repair submarines and ships. The tunnel is about 50 meters long, seven meters wide, and around eight meters deep on average. Water near the exit reaches roughly 30 meters.

You do not enter the tunnel during the usual photo stop, but seeing the dark opening from the boat is still worthwhile. It is a sharp change from the bright blue water and resort-style scenery elsewhere on the route. This is one of the tour’s most interesting historical details because the military use is easy to miss if you simply cruise past the coastline.

The stop is brief, around five minutes. Think of it as a chance for photographs and a short explanation, not a full museum visit.

Our Lady of the Rocks and the Perast legend

The final major stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island opposite Perast. Here you can visit the church and museum, although the admission fee is separate from the tour price. You get about 20 minutes for sightseeing, so keep an eye on the time and listen for instructions from the skipper.

The island’s origin story gives the stop its character. In 1452, two fishermen from Perast reportedly found an image of the Madonna and Child on a rock. The people of Perast then widened the rocky platform by throwing stones into the water and sinking old ships damaged in battle.

That tradition continues through Fašinada, a local procession in which boats carry stones to the island. The result is not a natural island but a place shaped by repeated community effort. The church, the surrounding water, and the mountains behind it create one of the most recognizable views in the bay.

Rain can cut this stop short, and the schedule does not allow a long visit. You will see the main sights, but you will not have time for a leisurely museum visit and a full exploration of Perast town. If you want more time here, return independently on another day.

What the $53 price gets you

At $53 per person, the tour offers good value if you want a broad introduction to the coast in a short period. Fuel, water, rain coats, and snorkeling gear are included, and the speedboat saves considerable time compared with trying to connect these places by road and separate boat rides.

The value is strongest for first-time visitors, cruise passengers, and anyone with only a few hours in Kotor. You see the city walls, several bay villages, the outer coast, a military tunnel, an artificial island, and a swimming site without spending a full day on the water.

The price is less attractive if you want long visits at each stop. You do not stop in Perast town, the Blue Cave can be crowded, and admission to the church and museum is extra. This is a highlights trip, not a slow cultural tour.

Private and small-group options are available. A smaller group may make it easier to hear the skipper and may allow more personal attention. The exact feel depends on the boat and group size, so ask when booking if quiet commentary or extra assistance matters to you.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this experience if you want scenery, speed, swimming, and a little history in one outing. It works especially well for couples, families with active older children, and visitors staying in Kotor who want to see the wider bay without arranging several separate excursions.

It can also work for people with limited mobility, but you should discuss your needs before booking. One family received helpful assistance for a father with mobility difficulties, yet the boat, waterfront boarding, and movement at stops may still be demanding.

This is not a good choice for pregnant women or people with back or heart problems. The speedboat can bounce over waves, and the ride exposes you to wind and spray. Anyone sensitive to cold should pack a hooded jacket, even in summer.

English and Serbo-Croatian are spoken. The guides are often praised for being friendly, funny, and helpful, though commentary can be difficult to hear at the back. The boat is small enough that your seat affects how much you hear, so choose the front when possible.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

• Arrive at Park Slobode with time to find the orange and blue sign.
• Carry a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a jacket with a hood.
• Bring a small waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables.
• Do not bring luggage or a large bag.
• Sit near the front if you want clearer commentary.
• Ask about sea conditions before departure if you are prone to motion discomfort.
• Carry extra water if you need more than the provided bottle.
• Remember that admission to Our Lady of the Rocks is not included.
• Take photographs early, since the Blue Cave may be crowded.
• If you visit outside summer, choose a midday departure when possible. Afternoon rides can feel very cold in March, November, and December.

Should you book the Kotor Blue Cave tour?

Book it if you want the fastest practical way to see the Bay of Kotor and reach the Blue Cave. The mix of mountain views, historic villages, swimming, the submarine tunnel, and Our Lady of the Rocks gives you a strong first taste of Montenegro’s coast for $53.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a long visit in Perast, or guaranteed uninterrupted time inside the cave. For most active visitors, though, the speedboat format is the right choice. Just bring a warm layer, expect short stops, and sit near the front so you can hear the captain.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Park Slobode, about a five-minute walk from Kotor Old Town and just behind Kotor Port. Look for the orange and blue company sign near the sea.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts three hours.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The Blue Cave stop includes about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the Blue Cave always available for swimming?

The tour includes a Blue Cave visit and swimming stop, but crowding and sea conditions can affect how long the boat stays inside. A nearby swimming area may be used.

Is admission to Our Lady of the Rocks included?

No. The tour includes the visit, but admission to the church and museum is not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel. A warm jacket or hooded layer is also a smart choice because the speedboat ride can feel cold.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.