Kotor Bay Discovery and Sightseeing on Speedboat

Exploring Kotor Bay on a speedboat offers an exhilarating way to see its most famous sights in just around 3 hours. This tour, priced at $38.08 per person, departs from Kotor, Montenegro, and takes you to highlights such as Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, the Blue Cave, and Tivat’s submarine tunnels. With a high rating of 5.0 from over 100 reviews, it’s a popular choice for those seeking a swift, scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel in clear waters.

The tour is designed for groups of up to 25 travelers, making it a lively yet manageable experience. The licensed English-speaking skipper guides you through the landmarks, while the provided snorkel equipment allows for swimming in the Blue Cave. The entire experience balances sightseeing, water activities, and relaxed free time at the end, making it suitable for most travelers looking for a fun, well-organized boat trip.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $38.08 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
• Main Stops Include: Our Lady of the Rocks, Blue Cave, Tivat submarine tunnels, and the Bay of Kotor.
• Snorkeling Included: Snorkel gear is provided for swimming in the Blue Cave.
• Departure Point: Meets at Kotor Boat Tours, Submarine and Speedboat at Park Slobode.
• Highlights: Visit famous sights, enjoy beautiful scenery, and swim in crystal waters.
• Reviews: Overall perfect 5.0 rating, praised for knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and good value.

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics in Kotor

The tour begins at Kotor Boat Tours, located at Submarine Park Slobode, 1, Kotor, Montenegro. The location is easy to find and is close to public transportation options, making access straightforward. Travelers are advised to arrive 30 minutes early to ensure a punctual departure, especially since delays can occur due to traffic around the port area or ongoing roadworks.

The boat departs promptly, and the group size of up to 25 guests keeps the experience intimate enough for personalized attention from the skipper. After the tour, the vessel returns to the same meeting point, making logistics simple and predictable.

Exploring the Bay of Kotor by Speedboat

The first part of the tour takes you around the Bay of Kotor, where the shoreline reveals historic settlements, lush Mediterranean greenery, and scenic architecture. This 20-minute cruise provides an overview of the bay’s natural and cultural beauty, with the skipper pointing out notable features along the way.

Expect views of medieval towns, maritime landmarks, and the rugged coastline. This initial segment sets the tone for the tour: a relaxed yet visually captivating journey by water.

Visiting the Iconic Our Lady of the Rocks Island

The first stop is at Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island built on a reef, created by local sailors and adorned with an icon of the Holy Mother Mary. The 20-minute visit offers a chance to listen to the story behind the island’s construction and explore the church filled with artworks and votives.

Visitors cannot enter the church in swimwear, so it’s best to wear at least a T-shirt. This stop is especially appreciated for its unique history and artistic treasures. However, note that drone use and swimming are not allowed on the island, preserving its serenity and safety.

The Submarine Tunnels of Tivat

After passing through the narrowest part of the bay, called Verige, the boat reaches the Tivat submarine tunnels. This 5-minute stop allows for a quick view of the tunnels, which once guarded military secrets. Travelers have the opportunity to hear stories about their history from the guide.

While the tunnels are free to visit from the boat, the short duration means there’s limited time to explore on foot. The emphasis here is on photo opportunities and learning about Montenegro’s military past.

The Blue Cave’s Natural Wonder

The highlight of the tour is the Blue Cave, a natural formation on the Lustica peninsula shaped by waves over thousands of years. The 20-minute stop in the cave showcases its vivid blue hue, caused by sunlight filtering through planktons.

Visitors swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters with the provided gear. The Blue Cave is praised for its spectacular lighting and warm waters—ideal for a quick swim. If weather conditions are rough, the visit might be shortened or skipped for safety reasons.

Swimming and Snorkeling in the Blue Cave

The snorkel session is a central feature, with equipment included for free use. Travelers can dive into the water and admire the sparkling planktons. The water in the Blue Cave is warm and inviting, making it an excellent spot for a refreshing swim.

The timing allows for around 20 minutes of water activity, after which the boat departs for the next stop. This is a highlight for those who love water-based experiences and enjoy close encounters with nature.

Scenic Views of Mamula Island and the Bay

Throughout the tour, the skipper shares interesting stories about the landmarks, including Mamula Island and other notable spots along the coast. While the primary focus is on the stops, the scenery from the boat offers stunning perspectives of the bay’s rugged cliffs and historic sites.

Many reviews mention appreciating the informative narration and beautiful vistas, which turn the boat ride into both a visual feast and an educational experience.

Free Time and Overall Pacing

After the Blue Cave, the tour concludes with free time to relax on the boat or snap photos of the coastline. The entire itinerary is around 3 hours, providing a balanced mix of sightseeing, water activities, and relaxation.

The pacing is generally viewed as comfortable, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and activities. Travelers with limited time in Kotor find this tour efficient and satisfying.

Safety and Practical Tips

While most reviews highlight safe and professional guides, a few mention rough sea conditions that led to the Blue Cave stop being shortened or skipped. The skipper assesses sea conditions carefully, prioritizing guest safety.

It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. A jacket can be useful for cooler weather, especially in spring and autumn. Swimwear is recommended for water activities, but avoid swimwear inside the church at Our Lady of the Rocks. Drones are not allowed at the island.

Customer Experience and Crew Service

Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly crew, especially mentioning Egi and Morad for their informative storytelling and personality. Assistance is provided for passengers with mobility issues, ensuring everyone can enjoy the trip comfortably.

The skipper and crew are described as helpful, professional, and personable, making the trip enjoyable and relaxing.

Weather and Cancellation Policy

The tour operates only in good weather; in case of poor conditions, it can be rescheduled or refunded. Travelers are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for possible delays. Cancellation is free if done 24 hours in advance; late cancellations are not refunded.

Final Recommendations for Prospective Travelers

This speedboat tour of Kotor Bay offers a compact, scenic experience perfect for short visits or those wanting to maximize sights in limited time. Its value for money, engaging guides, and stunning stops make it a highly recommended option.

The ability to swim in the Blue Cave and visit Our Lady of the Rocks make it especially appealing for water lovers. However, potential guests should be comfortable with boat rides and subject to weather conditions, which can impact the full experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking an active, scenic, and informative adventure on the waters of Kotor Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but swimmers should be comfortable in open water.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, comfortable shoes, jacket for cooler weather, swimwear, towel, and flip flops.

Can I snorkel in the Blue Cave?
Yes, snorkeling is included and available during the 20-minute stop at the Blue Cave.

Is the stop at Our Lady of the Rocks worth it?
Definitely, the island offers unique history, artworks, and a picturesque setting.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour only runs in good weather; if canceled, a reschedule or full refund is provided.

How early should I arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid missing the boat.