3-Hour Private Blue Cave Tour

The 3-Hour Private Blue Cave Tour from Kotor, Montenegro, offers an intimate, well-rounded exploration of one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Priced at $284.60 per group (up to 7 people), this tour provides a personalized experience with pickup included and mobile tickets for ease. It is highly recommended, earning a 5.0 rating from 32 reviews and a 97% recommendation rate. The tour has a steady stream of bookings—over 20 last month—highlighting its popularity.

This tour is perfect for visitors who want a compact yet comprehensive glimpse of Boka Bay’s top highlights, including the famous Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Mamula Island. It combines scenic boat rides, light walking, and options to swim or snorkel, making it suitable for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The only notable consideration is that the entrance fee to Our Lady of the Rocks museum is not included, costing 3 euros.

Key Points

• Private 3-hour experience ideal for up to 7 guests
• Cost of $284.60 per group, including pickup
• Visit highlights like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and WW2 submarine tunnels
• Swim and snorkel opportunities inside the Blue Cave with free snorkeling gear
• Expert guide provides informative commentary on each stop
• Flexible, family-friendly with most travelers able to participate

Boka Bay: A Scenic Drive with a Guided Tour

Starting from Kotor, this tour takes you on a 50-minute panoramic boat ride across Boka Bay—a stretch often praised for its breathtaking views. The route showcases the bay’s remarkable coastline, with the guide explaining the history and significance of each visited location. The tour balances scenic cruising with informative narration, making it both a visual feast and an educational experience.

Having a private guide means your experience feels relaxed and personalized. The boat is well-maintained and comfortable, with the private nature of the tour eliminating crowds. The timing allows for a smooth flow from one highlight to another, with enough time to appreciate each spot without feeling rushed.

Exploring Mamula Island from Afar

One of the most striking sights during the tour is Mamula Island. Its storied past includes a fortress, a prison, and now a luxury hotel, marking its transformation over the centuries. While stopping on the island isn’t possible since it’s now a hotel, the tour offers a close-up view from the boat, allowing for great photo opportunities. The island’s imposing presence and historical significance make it a notable feature of the cruise.

The ex-prison and fortress give a sense of the island’s past, and the guide shares stories about its different roles in history, enriching the visual experience. The view of Mamula from the water is particularly impressive at sunset, if timing allows.

Inside the Blue Cave: A Natural Wonder

The highlight of the tour is the Blue Cave, a natural marvel with crystal-clear blue water and striking illumination. The boat stops inside the cave, giving everyone the chance to take photos and experience the unique ambiance of the glowing waters. Swimming and snorkeling are optional but recommended, with complimentary snorkeling equipment provided.

Visitors appreciate the ease of access and the small group setting that allows for a more personal experience inside the cave. The 20-minute stop feels ample to enjoy the spectacle, take pictures, and have a refreshing swim.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

The man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks features a baroque church and a small museum. The tour includes a 20-minute stop here, allowing guests to walk the island, admire its unique architecture, and learn about its history. Visitors can explore the church and view the art collection, but admission to the museum costs 3 euros and is not included in the tour price.

The island’s location offers excellent photo opportunities from the boat, especially with the Perast backdrop. The short duration means you can enjoy the site without feeling rushed but should plan to limit your time if you want to explore thoroughly.

WW2 Submarine Tunnels and Portonovi: A Hidden History

Passing near Portonovi, the boat makes a quick stop at the submarine tunnels from World War II. These tunnels are a fascinating glimpse into military history, and the short visit allows guests to see the entrance and learn a bit about their purpose.

This quick stop adds a historical dimension to the tour, contrasting the natural beauty with military engineering. It’s a brief but interesting part of the journey, perfect for history buffs or those curious about Montenegro’s wartime past.

Panoramic Views of Perast and the Bay

The final stop is a panoramic boat ride past the old town of Perast, which has existed for over a millennium. From the water, visitors admire the well-preserved 17th-century architecture and serene harbor. The view from the boat gives a unique perspective on the town, highlighting its historical charm.

This last leg of the tour offers a relaxing way to conclude the experience, with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to absorb the scenery without disembarking.

Practicalities: Logistics and Comfort

The tour departs from Tide and Wave Boat Tours in Kotor and returns to the same location. The meeting point is easy to find, and the private tour means only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience. The group size is limited to 7 people, maintaining an intimate atmosphere.

Included in the price are bottled water and snorkeling equipment. The tour does not include the entry fee for Our Lady of the Rocks museum, which costs 3 euros. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

The booking confirmation is received immediately, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins. If weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if canceled.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Boka Bay Experience

The 3-Hour Private Blue Cave Tour from Kotor offers a personalized and scenic way to explore key sights of Boka Bay. The combination of cruise, snorkeling, and short walks makes it suitable for those wanting a compact adventure with plenty of photo ops and historical insights. The expert guidance and small group setting ensure a comfortable and informative experience.

While the limited time at each stop means you won’t be able to fully explore every site, the highlight stops—especially the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks—are thoroughly enjoyed. The view of Mamula Island from the water adds a dramatic element to the journey.

This tour is best suited for visitors who appreciate beautiful scenery, light outdoor activity, and private, hassle-free arrangements. The price reflects the personalized experience, and the high ratings demonstrate its consistent quality and appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include transportation from my hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered as part of the tour, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

Can I swim or snorkel in the Blue Cave?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and swimming or snorkeling inside the cave is optional but encouraged, thanks to the crystal-clear water.

Is there an entrance fee for Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, the museum entrance fee costs 3 euros and is not included in the tour price. You can walk on the island and see the church and art collection.

How long does each stop last?
The Blue Cave stop lasts about 20 minutes, the Our Lady of the Rocks visit is around 20 minutes, and the other stops are brief, mainly viewing from the boat.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly guests?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The light walking and boat ride make it accessible for many ages, but always consider individual mobility needs.

This well-curated experience combines scenic beauty, historical sights, and recreational activities within a short time frame, making it a recommended choice for anyone visiting Kotor who wants a personalized and memorable tour of Boka Bay.