Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h)

Exploring Kotor Bay by boat offers a compelling mix of natural wonders, historic sites, and iconic landmarks. This 3-hour boat tour, priced at $40.63 per person, is designed for those seeking a quick yet enriching experience. Its highlights include a visit to the stunning Blue Cave, a stop at the historic Mamula Island, exploration of WWII submarine tunnels, and a view of the man-made Our Lady of the Rocks. With most bookings made 17 days in advance and a maximum group size of 20, the tour combines intimacy with expert guidance.

This tour is notably praised for its friendly guides, spectacular scenery, and the opportunity to swim near the Blue Cave. Some reviews mention a bumpy boat ride, particularly in rough weather, and advise bringing a jacket. Overall, it balances natural beauty with history and adventure, making it ideal for adventure seekers, history buffs, and those wanting a swift, scenic escape from the land.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Costs $40.63 for a 3-hour tour, offering excellent value for a compact exploration of Kotor Bay’s top sights.
• Major Highlights: Includes a visit to the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, WWII submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Transportation: Conducted by speedboat with comfortable boats and up to 20 participants.
• Expert Guides: Guides are noted for their friendly attitude and informative commentary.
• Swimming Opportunity: You can swim near the Blue Cave, often a favorite part of the experience.
• Weather Considerations: The tour is weather-dependent; rough seas may limit certain stops, and a jacket is recommended for cooler conditions.

From the Waters of Kotor Bay to the Blue Cave

This tour begins with a captivating boat ride along Kotor Bay, allowing passengers to admire its spectacular coastline. Along the way, you’ll see ancient fishermen villages, lush vegetation, and architectural marvels. The boat glides past Lustica Peninsula, providing a scenic introduction before arriving at the Blue Cave.

The Blue Cave is accessible via two entrances: a wide, low opening and a narrow, tall one. This natural attraction, created by waves over thousands of years, is famous for its mesmerizing blue reflection. Visitors often remark on its beauty, though some note it can be less vibrant than expected, as the cave can get crowded with other boats.

Exploring Mamula Island and Its Historic Significance

Next, the boat makes a brief stop at Mamula Island, an uninhabited circular islet located between Prevlaka and Lustica peninsulas. The island has a diameter of 200 meters and is only about 3.4 nautical miles from Herceg Novi. Known for its military history, Mamula was a prison established in 1853.

The view of Mamula from the water offers a chance to appreciate its historic significance and distinctive shape. While the island itself is uninhabited, its presence adds a historical flavor to the scenic views and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks: A Man-Made Marvel

The tour then proceeds to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island built upon a rocky crag in Perast Bay. This man-made islet was created by sinking old ships loaded with rocks and by building a church dedicated to the Holy Mother Mary. The Church of Our Lady of the Rocks is the largest structure on the island and features a museum with items related to its history.

You get about 20 minutes on this stop, which is enough to admire the church, view the island’s art and historical displays, and explore the small gift shop. Entrance fees are not included, costing approximately 1.5 euros. Visitors appreciate the iconic view and the religious significance of this picturesque island.

The Submarine Tunnels of WWII and Their Silent Witness

One of the lesser-known features of this tour is a visit to one of three WWII submarine tunnels. These tunnels were used during the war for hiding and repairing submarines, and they remain a military relic within the bay. The tunnels stand as a testament to the area’s strategic importance during wartime.

This stop offers a unique glimpse into Montenegro’s WWII history and adds an adventurous element to the boat ride. While the tunnels are just a quick pass-by, their historical significance is often highlighted by guides, who may share stories about wartime activities in the region.

The Experience of the Boat Ride and Its Atmosphere

The boat ride is generally described as comfortable, with friendly and knowledgeable guides leading the way. Many reviews mention the music playlist, which adds a relaxed vibe, and the ability to bring your own drinks and play your music.

The pacing of the tour balances sightseeing with time for swimming and photo opportunities. However, some mention that rough seas can cause a bumpy ride, especially in the outer parts of the bay. Bringing a jacket is often recommended for those prone to feeling chilly or for cooler weather days.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Group Size, and Booking

This tour departs from Park SlobodeE65 in Kotor, a location near public transportation. The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is most popular about 17 days in advance, reflecting its high demand.

Included in the price is bottled water, but food and additional drinks are not included. The duration of approximately 3 hours makes it an efficient option for those with limited time in Kotor. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons.

Customer Feedback: Highlights and Criticisms

Reviews reveal high overall satisfaction, with a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from nearly 478 reviews. Many describe the boat crew as friendly and professional, praising the scenery, stops, and informative guides.

A few mentions of rough weather and communication issues suggest that weather conditions can impact the experience. Some reviews note that the Blue Cave can be less impressive than expected, but most agree that the swimming and historic stops compensate.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This 3-hour adventure suits history enthusiasts, scenic lovers, and outdoor activity fans. It offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and fun water activities. Because of the small group size and friendly guides, it provides a personalized experience.

It’s ideal for day-trippers, cruise passengers, or anyone seeking a compact yet comprehensive taste of Kotor Bay’s highlights. Be prepared for bumpy waters and weather variability—these factors can influence the overall enjoyment.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Kotor Bay Adventure

The Blue Cave, Mamula Island, WWII submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks tour provides a compact, engaging exploration of Montenegro’s bay. Its price point and short duration make it appealing for those looking for a quick but memorable trip, especially with friendly guides and scenic stops.

While the Blue Cave might sometimes be less vibrant than anticipated, the historical sights and swimming opportunities often make up for it. Rough seas can cause some discomfort, so packing a jacket and being flexible with the itinerary are wise choices.

This tour offers great value and a variety of sights that appeal to a wide range of visitors. It’s a dependable choice for a short, scenic, and culturally rich boat trip in Kotor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any age restriction for this tour?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is best suited for those able to handle boat rides and outdoor activities.

What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend bringing a jacket for cooler weather, sun protection, and water. Food and drinks are not included, but you can bring your own.

Can I swim near the Blue Cave?
Yes, many people enjoy swimming near the Blue Cave, and the tour often offers time for swimming in the sea or exploring the underwater environment.

What happens if the weather is poor?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions are unsafe, it may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund or alternative date offered.

How early should I book?
Booking about 17 days in advance is typical, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot on this popular tour.