Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch on the Boat day trip

Explore Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor on a Full-Day Boat Trip from Dubrovnik

This Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch offers an engaging way to experience the stunning landscapes and historic sites of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor. Priced at $118.69 per person, this 10-hour trip departs from Dubrovnik, Croatia, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour balances scenic boat cruising, cultural visits, and a delicious 3-course lunch, making it ideal for those who want to see more of the Adriatic coast without spending multiple days on the water.

While the tour is well-rated overall, with an average 4.0-star rating from 21 reviews, it’s worth noting that the experience can feel long and busy, especially with an early start at 6:30 am. Still, the combination of stunning views, historical exploration, and guided commentary provides a comprehensive glimpse of Montenegro’s charm — perfect for travelers seeking both scenery and culture.

Key Points

• Full-day excursion exploring Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor from Dubrovnik
• Includes a 3-course lunch and all entrance fees
• Highlights include the Our Lady of the Rocks islet and Kotor Old Town
• Guided commentary and professional guides enhance the experience
• Pickup and drop-off from several Croatian cities make logistics simple
• Long day, starting early at 6:30 am, suited for active travelers

From Dubrovnik to the Montenegro Coast

The tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Mlini, Oraac, Plat, or Slano. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you across the border into Montenegro, setting the stage for a day filled with scenic views and cultural stops. After about an hour of travel, you board your boat to explore the Bay of Kotor, a natural fjord famous for its soaring mountains, tiny islands, and deep-blue waters.

The transfer process involves border crossings, which are typically managed efficiently thanks to the guide’s organization. The early start means that travelers should be prepared for a long day, but the smooth transition from land to sea makes the experience comfortable and well-paced.

Cruising the Bay of Kotor’s Scenic Waters

Once on the boat, the focus shifts to enjoying the spectacular scenery of the indented Adriatic coast. The vessel heads into the Bay of Kotor, where you can admire its mountainous backdrop and small islands dotting the bay. The boat cruise offers a relaxing way to see the natural beauty of Montenegro’s coastline, with many reviews praising the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere.

The cruise lasts about 6 hours, providing ample time to soak in the landscape and take photos. The boat ride itself is described as somewhat cramped in the smaller vessels, so travelers who prefer more space might find this aspect less comfortable. Still, the live commentary enhances the experience by providing context about the sights visible from the water.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

A key highlight is the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island famous for its 17th-century church. The church features 68 murals painted by artist Tripo Kokolja, which are notable for their baroque style. The island visit allows travelers about 45 minutes to explore the church and enjoy the view.

This stop is particularly loved for its unique history and artistic significance. However, travelers should be aware that the island is very small, and the visit is brief. Still, the photogenic setting and cultural artifacts are often cited as memorable parts of the trip.

Discovering Kotor’s Medieval Old Town

The trip continues with a 45-minute visit to Kotor Old Town, a medieval city with narrow streets and historic architecture. Visitors can explore the Cathedral of St. Tryphon and the Maritime Museum during this time. Kotor’s Old Town is praised for its charming atmosphere and well-preserved medieval walls.

The tour’s timing means visitors can enjoy a quick walk through the city’s cobbled streets and historic sites, but some reviews note that the short duration feels a bit rushed. Still, those interested in history and architecture find this stop worthwhile.

The 3-Course Lunch on Board

A major highlight is the included 3-course lunch, served on the boat. The meal offers a variety of options, including vegetarian choices if requested at booking. Guests frequently mention the quality of the food and the pleasant setting during lunch, making it a good way to rest and refuel during the day.

The lunch service is complemented by live commentary, and the friendly crew ensures a relaxed dining experience. The price of the tour reflects the all-inclusive nature, with entrance fees and meals covered.

Returning to Dubrovnik

After the full day of sightseeing, the boat returns to the Montenegrin port. From there, the group boards the bus back to Croatia, heading to Dubrovnik or other pickup points. The return journey is generally smooth, though the long day and early start should be considered when planning the trip.

Travelers are dropped off at their respective hotels, making this tour a convenient option for those staying in Dubrovnik or nearby Croatian cities.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

The tour departs at 6:30 am, making it a long day for participants. It is suitable for most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is limited to 50 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate group experience.

Confirmation is received upon booking, and personal documents like passports are required for border crossings. Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking. The tour features hotel pickup and drop-off, so self-arranged transportation isn’t necessary.

The Guide: Knowledge and Organization

Guides like Ivan and Marco are praised for their organized approach, especially during border crossings. They provide informative commentary about the sights, making the experience more engaging. However, some reviews suggest that online information could be clearer, especially concerning the blue cave access, which depends on weather conditions.

Overall Value and Considerations

While the tour offers beautiful scenery, cultural insights, and a delicious onboard lunch, it does come with some drawbacks. The long duration and small boat size (noted as cramped in some vessels) may not suit everyone. The short time in Kotor and the early start are points to consider if a more relaxed pace appeals.

The price point is on the higher side, but the all-inclusive nature — covering entrance fees, lunch, and guides — adds value for those interested in a comprehensive day trip.

Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch: Who Will Appreciate It?

This trip suits travelers eager to see Montenegro’s coastal beauty with the convenience of organized transportation and guided commentary. It’s ideal for those interested in historic sites, scenic boat rides, and local culture, especially if they don’t mind a long day starting early.

However, visitors seeking more free time in Kotor or more spacious boat rides might find the experience somewhat limiting. Still, the combination of scenic views and cultural stops makes it a worthwhile option for a full-day adventure along the Adriatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early does the tour start?
The tour departs at 6:30 am, with pickup from various Croatian cities.

Is lunch included in the price?
Yes, a 3-course lunch is included, with vegetarian options available if requested.

What are the main stops on this trip?
The highlights include Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor Old Town, and the boat cruise through the Bay of Kotor.

How long is the entire tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and meals.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees for sites like Our Lady of the Rocks are included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum number of travelers is 50.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Some reviews mention that the small boat can be cramped, so travelers prone to discomfort should be aware.

Do guides speak in multiple languages?
Guides provide live commentary, but some reviews mention that explanations may be in English only, with limited other language options.

How do I book this tour?
Booking can be made online through the tour provider, Gulliver Travel, with confirmation received immediately after booking.

This Montenegro Bay Cruise with Lunch offers a well-rounded glimpse of the Bay of Kotor’s natural beauty and historical sites, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore Montenegro’s coast from Dubrovnik.