Kotor: Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour

The Kotor: Bay of Kotor and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour offers a lively and engaging way to explore Montenegro’s breathtaking coast within a compact 3-hour window. Starting from Park Slobode, just a short walk from Kotor’s Old Town, this tour combines expert-guided commentary with stunning scenery and water-based adventures. The speedboat ride itself lasts about 55 minutes, taking you past iconic sights like Mamula Island and the Verige Strait. Along the way, you’ll enjoy snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and raincoats included in the price, making it easy to focus on the scenery.

This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate short, scenic excursions that cover multiple highlights in a limited time. It balances adventure with informative narration, led by guides who are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach. However, guests should be prepared for windy conditions and crowded Blue Cave spots, which can affect the swimming and photo opportunities. It’s not designed for travelers with limited mobility or specific health concerns, but for most, it offers a memorable glimpse of Montenegro’s coast.

Key Points

• Duration: Exactly 3 hours, with multiple snack and sightseeing stops along the coast
• Starts at: Park Slobode, a 5-minute walk from Kotor Old Town
• Highlights: Blue Cave swimming, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, submarine tunnel
• Inclusions: Fuel, bottled water, snorkeling gear, rain coats included
• Not included: Admission to Our Lady of the Rocks and hotel transfer
• Guide: Friendly and knowledgeable, with English and Serbo-Croatian available

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Embarking from the Old Town to the Coastline

The tour begins at Park Slobode, a convenient spot located just behind the Kotor Port and within walking distance from the Old Town walls. After a brief safety briefing and equipment check, the speedboat departs for a 55-minute panoramic ride. Throughout this leg, the guide shares insights about the Bay of Kotor, which UNESCO recognizes for its beauty and depth.

Expect to see small villages with palaces, houses, and churches along the coast, contrasting vividly with the mountainous backdrop. The boat passes by Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, and Dobrota, offering a close-up view of local life along the water. The Verige Strait then appears as the narrowest part of the bay, about 300 meters wide, with the Church of Our Lady of Angels visible nearby.

The entire ride delivers breathtaking views of the Kotor Old Town walls that extend 4.5 kilometers up Saint Giovanni’s hill, with walls up to fifteen meters thick and twenty meters high. Passengers often marvel at the spectacular scenery and the contrast between sea, mountains, and historic buildings.

Visiting the Blue Cave: Swimming in Turquoise Waters

The Blue Cave is a major highlight. The boat docks for about 20 minutes, giving guests time to swim and snorkel in its unusually blue waters. The cave covers roughly 300 square meters with an arch height of 25 meters and a depth of 3-4 meters. The refraction of light creates an almost magical effect, making the water seem to shine from within.

While the Blue Cave is a spectacular spot for photos, the crowd levels can make the experience less ideal for long swims. During busy days, multiple boats enter the small space, limiting swimming time and photo opportunities. Guests should also note that swimming is not permitted inside the cave itself, but the surrounding waters provide plenty of options for water fun.

Exploring the Old Submarine Tunnel

A brief photo stop allows visitors to admire the former submarine tunnel on the way back. Carved into the steep banks of Lutica, these tunnels date back to Yugoslavia and measure up to fifty meters in length. They served as a hidden base for submarine and ship repairs, adding an historic touch to the coastal scenery. The depth of the tunnel entrance reaches around eight meters, with the exit descending to thirty meters.

This site offers a unique glimpse of military history, though it’s mainly viewed from the boat. No interior visits are included, but the photo opportunity captures the steep, rugged landscape that hosts these wartime relics.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks on an Artificial Island

The tour’s most revered stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island famous for its chapel and a small museum. The legend dates back to 1452, when fishermen saw an icon of Our Lady with Christ on a rock. They built the island by throwing stones and wasting old ships to create a base for a church.

Guests can snap photos of the church and island, and if desired, make a quick visit to explore the interior museum. The annual procession to throw stones around the island keeps this site alive with tradition. It’s a peaceful spot that offers cultural insight and views of Perast’s picturesque coastline.

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The Panoramic Ride Past Mamula Island

On the way back, the boat glides past Mamula Island, which has a fortress that once served military purposes and now functions as a hotel and venue. This brief pass-by provides a great photo opportunity, especially with the bay’s scenic backdrop and mountains framing the view. The entire route showcases Kotor’s diverse landscape—from historic sites to natural beauty—all within the short cruise time.

Practical details: What’s included and what’s not

The tour package covers fuel, bottled water, snorkel gear, and raincoats, making it suitable for various weather conditions. However, admission to Our Lady of the Rocks is not included, so visitors planning to enter the church and museum should be prepared for an additional fee.

The meeting point at Park Slobode is easy to find thanks to a distinctive sign with the company’s logo. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, with no hotel pickup offered. Guests are advised to bring sun hats, swimwear, and towels, and to dress warmly if taking the tour in cooler months, as some reviews note windy conditions.

Who will enjoy this tour the most?

This speedboat experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a fast-paced and visually engaging overview of Kotor Bay’s highlights. It’s perfect for those who enjoy water activities and photo opportunities, especially at the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks.

While not suitable for pregnant women, those with back or heart problems, or large luggage will find the small boat environment less accommodating. The 3-hour duration makes it a great add-on for travelers with limited time, offering significant scenic rewards in a short window.

Kotor Bay and Blue Cave Speedboat Tour: Final Thoughts

This tour packs a lot of scenic sights into a compact and well-organized package. The guides’ professionalism and knowledge earn consistent praise, along with the stunning views of Montenegro’s coast. The Blue Cave swim and Our Lady of the Rocks visit are highlight moments that draw many to this experience.

The main limitations are crowding at the Blue Cave and weather dependency—particularly in cooler months, when wind can make the boat ride less comfortable. Still, the value for money remains high, especially for first-time visitors wanting a broad taste of the bay’s beauty.

This speedboat tour offers an exciting, scenic, and informative way to explore Kotor’s coastline, making it a recommended choice for travelers seeking a quick but memorable adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration is approximately 3 hours, including all stops and the boat ride.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at Park Slobode, a 5-minute walk from Kotor Old Town.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the tour.

Do I need to pay for admission to Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes, admission fees for the church and museum are not included.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring sun hat, swimwear, towel, and dress warmly if necessary. Large luggage is not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back or heart problems.

What if I am late or have special needs?
The meeting point is easy to find, and staff are helpful in case of delays. The tour cannot accommodate large luggage or special mobility needs.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning scenery, expert guides, and the short, energetic format make this a popular choice in Kotor. The stops at Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks provide cultural and natural highlights all in just three hours.

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