Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour

Exploring the Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour

The Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour offers an exciting way to see Montenegro’s stunning coastline in just one day. Starting from Marina Kotor, this tour takes you on a 3-hour speedboat adventure through notable sights like Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, and Mamula Island. With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 17 reviews, it’s clear that travelers appreciate the blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and engaging guides.

The tour is led by a professional guide, with small group sizes limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personal experience. It includes skip-the-line tickets for some attractions, water, snorkel masks, and safety equipment. An important feature is the hotel pickup and drop-off, making the logistics smooth. However, weather conditions can influence the itinerary, especially the visit to the Blue Cave, which might be skipped if seas are rough.

This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive yet compact exploration of Boka Bay’s most famous spots, combining natural swimming opportunities, historic insights, and coastal scenery. It’s a well-rounded choice for travelers who prefer guided, small-group excursions with a flexible schedule.

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Key Points

• Starts at Marina Kotor, with convenient pickup options
• Includes a 3-hour speedboat trip exploring key sights in Boka Bay
• Visits Our Lady of the Rocks, built on an artificial island with a rich story
• Features a swim in the Blue Cave’s crystal waters
• Stops at Mamula Island, a historic WWII prison site
• Guided by experienced professionals, with a maximum of 10 participants
• Weather can affect the Blue Cave visit, with potential for itinerary adjustments

Departing from Marina Kotor and Navigating the Bay

The tour begins at Marina Kotor, a central and accessible starting point just outside the old town’s main gate. Upon arrival, a friendly team welcomes guests, and the boat departs for a 3-hour journey across the bay. The speedboat offers a quick, exhilarating ride with multiple stops, providing stunning views and photo opportunities along the picturesque coastline. This setup ensures maximum sightseeing with minimal travel time, making it ideal for those with limited time in Montenegro.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks: A Man-Made Maritime Treasure

The first major stop is the Our Lady of the Rocks, a church perched on an island created by human effort. The tale involves two brothers who found a Madonna and Child painting, prompting the construction of the church on the site where the artwork was discovered. The 20-minute visit includes a photo opportunity outside and time to explore the church’s interior. While the museum requires an entry fee (not included), visitors can enjoy the view of this iconic site and learn about its fascinating origin story.

Cruising Through the Verige Straits and Past Mamula Island

After visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, the boat continues through the Verige Straits, a narrow passage known for its breathtaking coastline views. The sail past Mamula Island allows for brief sightseeing and photography, offering a glimpse of the island’s WWII-era fortress and historic prison. The 5-minute stop here is perfect for those wanting a quick photo or to appreciate the island’s commanding presence overlooking the bay.

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The Blue Cave: Swimming in Montenegro’s Natural Wonder

A highlight of this tour is the Blue Cave, famous for its crystal-clear waters and vivid coloration. The boat stops here for 20 minutes to allow travelers to swim and snorkel in the cave’s inviting waters. The Blue Cave is accessible only by boat, making this a unique and refreshing experience. Visitors should be mindful that weather influences may lead to the cave visit being skipped for safety reasons, but when open, it’s a spectacular natural spectacle.

Exploring the Submarine Caves of Kotor

On the return journey, the boat visits former submarine tunnels along the coast, which were once used to conceal submarines during military operations. The 5-minute stop here offers a quick photo opportunity and a chance to learn about the area’s military past. The caves add an intriguing layer to the tour, blending military history with scenic beauty.

Mamula Island: A Historic WWII Fortress

Next, the boat pauses at Mamula Island for about 5 minutes. This island’s fortress has a storied past, originally built as a military prison during World War II. Today, it remains a striking landmark visible from many points along the bay. The brief stop allows for photos and an appreciation of this dramatic historic site perched in the water.

The Return Journey and Final Stop at Marina Kotor

The last leg of the journey features a 70-minute cruise back to Marina Kotor. This stretch offers more coastal views and relaxation, giving passengers time to enjoy the breeze, snap last-minute photos, or simply unwind. The tour concludes at the starting point, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area.

Practical Information and Tips

• The tour includes water, snorkel masks, and safety gear, but you should bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and sunglasses.
• The meeting point is in front of Old Town Kotor, where the main gate leads to Marina Kotor.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather conditions—the Blue Cave visit could be skipped if seas are rough.
• During April, May, September, and October, the Our Lady of the Rocks site is open until 5 pm, and later in June, July, and August—up to 7 pm.
• Parking in Kotor can be limited during summer, so plan accordingly.
• Visitors are asked to dress modestly when visiting the church, avoiding swimsuits.

The Experience of a Small Group Tour with a Skilled Guide

This tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate setting. The guide, often praised for knowledge and friendliness, keeps the experience smooth and informative. Mirko is frequently highlighted as an excellent guide who keeps in touch with guests to ensure timely arrivals and even brings refreshments. The small group size allows for personalized attention and easy movement between stops.

Final Thoughts on the Montenegro Speedboat Adventure

The Kotor: Blue Cave, and Full Bay Speedboat Tour offers a fun, scenic, and educational way to explore Montenegro’s stunning coastline in a single day. Travelers can enjoy a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and lively coastal views all within a well-organized itinerary.

While weather-dependent, this tour provides a well-paced journey with expert guides that keep the experience engaging. The swimming opportunity at the Blue Cave is a highlight, though it requires good weather conditions to experience fully. The hotel pickup and drop-off, combined with small group sizes, make it especially practical for visitors who want a hassle-free adventure.

This tour is especially suitable for short-term visitors or those looking to maximize their time in Kotor. If you appreciate guided excursions with personalized attention, this full bay trip stands out as a memorable way to see Montenegro’s coastal treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include entry tickets to Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, it includes skip-the-line tickets for the church, but not for the museum, which costs an additional 2.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave included?
Yes, swimming in the Blue Cave is part of the tour, with about 20 minutes allotted for this activity, weather permitting.

Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes, the itinerary may be adjusted in case of challenging weather or sea conditions, especially the visit to the Blue Cave.

What should I bring with me?
Guests should bring passport or ID, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and sunglasses for comfort and safety during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
This small-group boat tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and is best suited for travelers comfortable with boat rides and walking at stops.

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