Private Boat Tour Kotor: Lady of the Rocks & Blue Cave – Small Groups up to 15

Explore Montenegro’s Coastline on a Private Boat Tour from Kotor

This private boat tour in Kotor, Montenegro offers a personalized way to enjoy the region’s iconic sights. Priced at $658.33 per group (up to 15 people), it lasts approximately 3 hours and takes you past some of the most picturesque spots along the Boka Bay. With a 5.0/5 rating from 75 reviews and 99% recommending the experience, this tour is highly appreciated for its intimacy, stunning views, and knowledgeable guides.

The tour departs from Kotor with a small group size that ensures a relaxed and personalized experience. Its well-structured itinerary includes visits to Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave, with plenty of opportunities to swim and take photographs. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, scenic, and engaging boat adventure with the option to customize snacks and drinks beforehand.

Key Points

• Private boat experience with a maximum of 15 participants
• Price of $658.33 per group for around 3 hours of scenic cruising
• Visits to Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave included
• Swim in the Blue Cave with provided diving masks
• Expert English-speaking skipper guides the journey
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

The Starting Point and Group Size

This private boat tour begins at Kotor Boat Tours, Submarine and Speedboat, located at Park Slobode, 1, Kotor. The tour operates with a small group of up to 15 people, making it perfect for those who prefer a more intimate experience. Travelers are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

The group size allows for personalized attention from the English-speaking skipper, who also acts as the guide. This setup benefits guests who want to ask questions about the region or enjoy a quieter, less crowded environment compared to larger tours.

Scenic Water Views of Boka Bay

The tour’s first highlight is the 20-minute cruise along Kotor Bay, where the boat sails past ancient fishermen villages, lush vegetation, and stunning natural scenery. This part offers a peaceful way to appreciate the Montenegrin coastline and take photos of the rugged landscape from the water.

Travelers appreciate how the skipper navigates confidently, providing a smooth ride that emphasizes the remarkable views. The water-based perspective makes the coastline look even more dramatic, with the possibility of spotting wildlife and unique geological formations during the cruise.

Visiting the Legendary Our Lady of the Rocks

The next stop is the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks, built upon a crag that features the icon of the Holy Mother Mary. This 20-minute visit allows guests to explore the church, which was constructed by local seafarers to honor the Virgin Mary.

Inside the church, visitors can view artworks, votives, and museum exhibits that tell the story of the island’s creation and significance. Entry to the church costs extra and is not included in the tour price. Tour participants are reminded that swimming and drone use are prohibited at this site, and modest attire is required for entry.

Navigating the Strait of Verige and the Military Base

After leaving Our Lady of the Rocks, the boat continues through the strait of Verige, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bays. The guide shares insights into the region’s history and geography during this part of the trip.

The boat then passes by an ex-submarine military base, briefly stopping for observations. The description of this site is left to the visitor’s curiosity, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the cruise. This stop lasts about 5 minutes and is free of charge.

The Enigmatic Mamula Fortress

The boat also passes close to Mamula, a fortified island with a haunting history linked to World War I and II. The fortress looms over the bay and adds a dramatic element to the scenery, making for compelling photo opportunities. While the tour does not include a stop at Mamula, its presence is a striking feature of the waterway.

Dive into the Blue Cave

One of the most exciting parts of this tour is the visit to the Blue Cave. This natural phenomenon has been formed over thousands of years by waves crashing on the Lustica peninsula. The cave gets its name from the iridescent lighting, caused by sunlight passing through small cracks and illuminating the waters with a surreal blue glow.

Guests have about 20 minutes to swim in the crystal-clear waters using provided diving masks. The water inside the Blue Cave is especially vibrant during daylight hours, offering excellent photo opportunities and a refreshing break from sightseeing. Swimming and drone use are prohibited inside the cave, and the water’s appearance after 6 pm is notably different from daytime conditions.

Comfort and Safety During the Tour

The skipper is described as knowledgeable, friendly, and precise in navigation, fostering a safe environment throughout the trip. The boat itself is modern, with some feedback noting that the motor can be quite loud, which might affect conversations during the cruise.

Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes or sandals. Since weather conditions can change, packing a jacket and towel is recommended, especially during spring and autumn when it can be chilly.

Practicalities and What’s Included

The tour price covers all fees and taxes, fuel, and water, with the English-speaking skipper leading the experience. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased before departure. The tour is feasible only in good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Guests are advised to dress modestly when visiting Our Lady of the Rocks and to bring essentials such as sunscreen, camera, and swimwear. The tour does not include entry fees to the church, which costs extra, and swimming or drone use is forbidden at the church site.

Flexibility, Cancellation, and Booking Tips

Reservations are highly in demand, typically booked 58 days in advance, and most travelers find the experience worth every penny given the personalized attention and scenic stops. The free cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled 24 hours before the tour, making it a risk-free choice for planning.

Travelers should plan to arrive early and note that it is not suitable during poor weather, with itinerary adjustments possible for safety considerations. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation and close to major hotels like Hyatt Regency Kotor and Heritage Hotel Perast.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private boat tour suits those who value personalized service, stunning water-based scenery, and flexibility. People interested in hidden sites, natural formations, and local history will find the stops particularly engaging. It also appeals to families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed and scenic outing rather than a crowded tour.

While the 3-hour duration fits most schedules, travelers should be comfortable with being on the water and moderate activity like swimming. The large boat and well-spaced stops make it accessible for most, though modest attire is required at religious sites.

This Kotor-based private boat trip offers an excellent way to experience Montenegro’s coast with a personal touch. The combination of scenic cruising, cultural visits, and swimming opportunities provides a balanced and memorable outing. The expert guidance, attention to safety, and flexibility make it a top choice for those seeking a customized, intimate adventure along the Adriatic.

While the experience is overall highly praised for its scenery and guide expertise, travelers should be prepared for possible weather-related changes and additional costs for site entries. The small group setting and personalized service stand out as key benefits, especially compared to larger, more generic tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the private boat tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

How many people can join the tour?
Up to 15 participants per group.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Guests visit Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave; the cruise also passes Mamula Fortress and the military submarine base.

Is swimming allowed inside the Blue Cave?
Yes, guests can swim with diving masks inside the Blue Cave during the 20-minute visit.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all fees and taxes, fuel, and water. Entry fees to Our Lady of the Rocks are not included.

Can I bring snacks or drinks?
Yes, snacks and alcoholic beverages can be purchased before the tour but are not included.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
The tour only runs in good weather; if canceled, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Are there any restrictions on photography or drone use?
Drones and swimming are forbidden at Our Lady of the Rocks.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sunhat, camera, comfortable shoes, a jacket, swimwear, and a towel.

What time should I arrive?
Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure a timely departure.

This private boat tour in Kotor combines scenic beauty, cultural stops, and flexible options, making it a compelling choice for a personalized Adriatic experience.