Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave with time for Lunch

Key Points

• Duration: The tour lasts 4 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.
• Main highlights: Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, swimming in the Blue Cave, and exploring the submarine tunnel.
• Included: A skipper, tour guide, snorkel mask, life jackets, water, and all fees and taxes.
• Not included: Entrance to Our Lady of the Rocks Museum and lunch, which is available separately.
• Group format: This experience is offered as a private group.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore Montenegro’s Maritime Treasures with a 4-Hour Boat Tour

This Kotor-based boat tour offers a quick yet immersive glimpse into some of Montenegro’s most captivating sights. Starting from Marina Kotor, the journey covers Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave, and a submarine tunnel, providing a mix of natural beauty, history, and stunning views. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a memorable experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on highlights accessible by boat, including swimming opportunities in the Blue Cave and photo stops at notable landmarks like Mamula Island. The private group setup ensures personalized attention, and the live English guide adds engaging commentary about the area’s culture and history. While lunch is not included, there’s time for a swim and relaxation during the tour, making it both fun and flexible.

This experience suits visitors who appreciate natural scenery, enjoy water activities, and want to explore Montenegro’s coastal secrets efficiently. It’s well-rated, with glowing reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery.

Highlights: Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks and Swimming in the Blue Cave

The tour begins at Marina Kotor, where a speedboat whisks travelers across Boka Bay. The first major stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, a church built on an artificial island. The story behind this site involves two brothers discovering a Madonna and Child painting, which led to the construction of the church. Visitors get 20 minutes to take photos, explore, and enjoy free time at this historic site.

Next, the boat navigates the Verige Straits and heads toward the Blue Cave. This 30-minute segment includes scenic views of the coast and the chance to swim and snorkel in the cave’s crystal-clear waters. The Blue Cave is famous for its vibrant, vivid blue environment, making it an ideal location for water activities.

The submarine tunnel at Forte Rose provides an intriguing glimpse into military history, as it was once used to conceal submarines. This 10-minute stop involves a photo opportunity and brief sightseeing. Later, the boat visits Mamula Island, a WWII-era prison, with scenic views and photo stops lasting around 5 minutes.

The itinerary also allows ample time for swimming and snorkeling at the Blue Cave before heading back to Marina Kotor. Throughout the tour, snorkel masks are provided for guests wanting to explore underwater, and life jackets ensure safety during water activities.

The Route: From Kotor to the Blue Cave and Mamula Island

The boat departs from Marina Kotor, heading first to Perast for a quick photo stop and sightseeing. After a brief 5-minute scenic drive, the tour reaches Our Lady of the Rocks. Following the visit, the boat moves toward Forte Rose to see the submarine tunnel, then continues to Mamula Island for sightseeing.

The highlight is the Blue Cave, where guests have 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, and take photos in its famed vivid blue waters. The route then takes a longer 55-minute cruise back to Marina Kotor, passing stunning coastal scenery and stopping briefly at Bay of Kotor for last scenic views.

Throughout the journey, the skipper and tour guide offer insights into the area’s geography and history, making each stop both enjoyable and informative.

The Blue Cave Experience: Swimming and Snorkeling in Montenegro

The Blue Cave is the main aquatic highlight of this tour. The crystal-clear waters and bright blue reflections make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. Guests are encouraged to bring swimwear, towels, and beachwear to make the most of the 30-minute stop.

Snorkel masks are provided, enabling a closer look at the underwater environment. The water activity offers a refreshing break from the boat ride, with the chance to capture photos of the striking blue hues that give the cave its name. This stop is well-suited for those comfortable in open water, but it’s best to note that life jackets are available for safety.

The experience at the Blue Cave combines natural beauty with water fun, making it a favorite part of the tour for many. The crystal waters, along with the scenic coastline seen en route, contribute to a memorable day on the bay.

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Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks: A Unique Artificial Island

The Our Lady of the Rocks is a distinctive site, sitting on an artificial island formed by human effort. The 20-minute stop allows visitors to explore the church and take in the views of the bay from this elevated position. The story of its creation involves a legend of brothers who found a Madonna and Child painting, inspiring the building of the island.

The church and surrounding scenic views are perfect for photo opportunities. The site holds a special place in local culture, and the brief free time ensures visitors can appreciate its historical significance and beautiful setting without feeling rushed.

Although entrance fees to the museum are not included, the exterior visit and the panoramic views offer plenty of visual interest. The stop enhances the overall experience with a blend of history, religious heritage, and stunning scenery.

The Submarine Tunnel and Forte Rose: A Glimpse into Montenegro’s Military Past

The former submarine tunnel at Forte Rose provides a brief but fascinating look into military history. The 10-minute stop includes a photo opportunity and a quick visit, highlighting the site’s importance during WWII when it served as a concealment point for submarines.

Later, the boat passes Forte Rose again, giving travelers an excellent chance to view this historic fortress from the water. The scenic cruise along the coast offers a visual narrative of Montenegro’s coastal defenses and strategic locations. This stop is particularly appealing for history enthusiasts who enjoy learning about the area’s military past.

Mamula Island: A WWII Prison and Scenic Photo Stop

The boat stops at Mamula Island for about 5 minutes, providing a photo opportunity of the island’s fortified structure. Known for its history as a WWII prison, Mamula’s historic ruins stand out against the backdrop of the bay.

The stop allows a quick look at the island’s architecture and scenic views of the surrounding bay. Although time is limited, it offers a meaningful glimpse into Montenegro’s military history, complementing the other stops that focus on natural beauty and cultural sites.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour package covers all fees, taxes, fuel, a skipper, tour guide, life jackets, and snorkel masks. Travelers receive 1 bottle of water per person to stay hydrated during the 4-hour experience.

What to bring includes passport or ID, swimwear, towel, and beachwear. The trip is designed as a private group, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience. It’s important to note that this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or anyone over 95 years old.

The meeting point is Marina Kotor, Gate 3, and the experience concludes back at the same location. Cancellation is flexible, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be made later, allowing for flexibility in planning.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Kotor Bay Boat Tour

This 4-hour boat trip offers an excellent way to see Montenegro’s coast with minimal time commitment. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, water activities, and cultural exploration without a full-day commitment.

The tour’s private format and small group size cater well to those seeking a personal experience. It’s especially suited for families, couples, or small groups interested in history, scenery, and water-based fun. Be prepared for water activities and ensure appropriate footwear and swimwear.

While the tour provides plenty of photo opportunities and scenic views, it’s best for those comfortable swimming and being on the water. The combination of natural beauty, heritage sites, and water fun makes this a memorable adventure on Montenegro’s coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
No, lunch is not included. However, there is time for lunch at a nearby restaurant after the tour.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old. Children should be comfortable with water activities and short walks at stops.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?
Bring swimwear, towel, and beachwear. Snorkel masks are provided, but feel free to bring your own if preferred.

How long are the stops at each site?
Stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Island last 20 and 5 minutes, respectively. The Blue Cave stop is 30 minutes for swimming and sightseeing.

Is this tour private or group-based?
This experience is offered as a private group, ensuring a tailored experience.

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