Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks 3 hrs private tour (up to 5 pax)

Enjoy a 3-hour private boat tour through the stunning waters of Kotor Bay, Montenegro, for up to 5 people at a cost of $255.83 per group. This tour offers an intimate experience with personalized guidance, making it ideal for those who prefer avoiding crowds. Starting from UNESCO-listed Old Town of Kotor, the journey takes you to iconic sites like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the charming villages of Pranj and Stoliv.

The tour includes snorkel equipment, Wi-Fi onboard, and entry to Our Lady of the Rocks museum, which saves you time and enhances your exploration. A major highlight is swimming inside the Blue Cave with its mesmerizing turquoise waters, alongside stops at historic landmarks like Tre Sorelle Palace and the submarine tunnels. While the tour is praised for its guides’ knowledge, travelers should be aware that sea conditions can be rough, especially at the Blue Cave, and some stops may see multiple boats, impacting the sense of privacy.

Key Points

• Private tour for up to 5 people offers a personalized experience with fewer crowds.
• Includes museum entry at Our Lady of the Rocks, saving time and effort.
• Swim inside the Blue Cave in clear, turquoise waters—an unforgettable highlight.
• Snorkel equipment and Wi-Fi provided for a comfortable and engaging trip.
• Flexible route that covers Pranj, Stoliv, Verige, and other scenic spots.
• Tour departs from Kotor Old Town or other Bay locations, with convenient pickup.

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Kotor Bay

This private boat tour begins from the Port of Kotor, with pickup options at Kotor, Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, Dobrota, or the Old Town. It lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a compact but comprehensive exploration of the bay’s most captivating sights.

The group size is limited to 5 guests, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience. The tour’s price of $255.83 per group provides a good value considering the private nature, included museum entry, snorkeling gear, and Wi-Fi. Booking on average is done 44 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Visiting the Old Town of Kotor and the Coastal Village of Pranj

The adventure starts from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kotor’s Old Town, a perfect launch point for exploring the bay’s highlights. The boat then heads to Pranj, a quiet fishing village famous for its history and sailors like Ivo Vizin, who sailed around the world in the 19th century.

Pranj is known today as a peaceful retreat with traditional architecture. The Old parish church on the hill offers views of the bay, although it’s now abandoned and affected by time. The Tre Sorelle Palace, built in the 15th century, adds a touch of Gothic architecture to the tour, and guides often share a romantic legend associated with it.

Exploring Stoliv and Its Medieval Charm

Next, the boat moves to Stoliv, a village with a history of olive planting, symbolized by its name meaning “one hundred olives”. The church of Saint Ilia with its bell tower sits atop Vrmac hill, at 240 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views.

Stoliv retains its medieval Mediterranean architecture, characterized by small stone houses with traditional roofs, and preserves a peaceful atmosphere free from modern hustle. It’s an ideal spot for photos and a quick look into Montenegro’s historic coastal lifestyle.

The Narrowest Part of Kotor Bay: Verige

The Verige strait, just 300 meters wide, marks the boundary between the bay’s interior and outer gulfs. The church of Our Lady of Angels, built in the 17th century, stands on the left side of the strait and was reinforced with walls and loopholes in 1585 for defense against Turks.

From this point, the boat can stretch a traditional “verige”, a metal chain historically used to close the bay during threats. The scenery here is dramatic, with steep cliffs and strategic fortifications, offering a glimpse into the area’s military history.

The Magnificent Our Lady of the Rocks Church and Museum

One of the tour’s key highlights is the Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island built by local fishermen. The story recounts how two fishermen discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary, inspiring the creation of the island and its church.

Visitors can explore the church’s interior and museum, which houses religious artifacts and history. Although the museum entry is not included in the tour price, the visit to the island itself is a peaceful and scenic experience, with beautiful views over the bay.

The Blue Cave: Swimming in a Natural Wonder

The Blue Cave is the tour’s most renowned stop, famed for its turquoise waters and unique underwater light effects. Guests have the chance to swim inside the cave, experiencing the cool, clear water firsthand.

Snorkel equipment is provided, allowing for underwater exploration of the marine environment. This stop lasts around 20 minutes and is often the highlight for visitors who enjoy aquatic activities. Be aware that sea conditions can be choppy, and the water may be rough, especially in windy weather.

Visiting Perast, the Venetian Gothic Town

The historic town of Perast boasts impressive Venetian Gothic architecture, with well-preserved buildings and a waterfront promenade. During the period of Venetian rule, Perast played a crucial strategic role, which is reflected in its grand structures from before the 19th century.

Perast features notable sites such as St. Nicholas Church, and across the bay, two islands—Saint Georgie and Our Lady of the Rocks—are easily accessible. Saint Georgie island is renowned for its 12th-century Benedictine monastery and a cemetery with cypress trees, which inspired the Swiss painter Beklin’s famous work, “The Dead Island.”

Mamula Fortress and the Submarine Tunnels

The tour also includes a visit to Mamula Island, known for its 19th-century fortress that served as a prison during the World Wars. Currently, Mamula is closed to the public due to ongoing renovations aiming to convert it into an elite hotel.

Plus, the former submarine tunnel at Lutica offers a glimpse into Montenegro’s military history. Built during Yugoslavia, the tunnels are up to 50 meters long, with underground compartments used for servicing submarines during wartime. It’s a quick 5-minute stop but provides a fascinating perspective on the area’s strategic significance.

Practical Aspects: Booking, Food, and Weather

This private tour is highly recommended for those seeking a customized experience away from large groups. The Wi-Fi onboard helps stay connected, and bottled water is provided. Travelers should consider bringing their own refreshments and towels, especially for swimming.

The tour starts at Port of Kotor and ends where it began, with flexible pickup options. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled time. The tour requires good weather; poor conditions may lead to rescheduling or refunds, emphasizing the importance of checking weather forecasts before booking.

Final Thoughts on the Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks Private Tour

This 3-hour private boat experience offers a personalized view of Montenegro’s most iconic sites, with fewer crowds and more flexibility. Its strength lies in the expert guidance, the opportunity to swim in the Blue Cave, and the chance to explore historic villages like Pranj and Stoliv at a relaxed pace.

While the sea conditions can influence the experience, many reviews highlight the excellent value and knowledgeable guides who enhance the journey. Perfect for small groups seeking a luxurious, intimate adventure in Kotor Bay, this tour balances scenic beauty, cultural insights, and aquatic fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly individuals?
The tour involves boat rides that can be bumpy if waters are rough, so it’s best suited for guests in good health and with no mobility issues.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers private transportation, snorkel equipment, Wi-Fi onboard, and fuel surcharge. The museum entry at Our Lady of the Rocks is not included.

How far in advance should I book?
Bookings are typically made around 44 days in advance, reflecting its popularity among visitors.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled more than 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests are advised to bring towels, refreshments, and cash for souvenirs or additional purchases at the sites.

What is the weather policy?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or reschedule is offered.

How long is the Blue Cave stop?
The swim and exploration inside the Blue Cave last around 20 minutes.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely—many stops, especially Stoliv, Perast, and the Blue Cave, offer stunning photo opportunities.

Will I encounter other boats during the tour?
Yes, particularly at popular stops like the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, where multiple boats often dock simultaneously.

What if I want to extend the tour or customize stops?
Since this is a private experience, guides are generally flexible, but any changes must be arranged in advance.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No specific accessibility details are provided, and boat rides may pose challenges for guests with mobility issues.

Would you recommend this tour?
Given its high ratings and positive reviews emphasizing knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, this tour comes highly recommended for those seeking an exclusive Montenegro experience.