Kotor: Boat Cruise with Blue Cave Swim and Submarine Base

Exploring the Bay of Kotor by boat offers a unique way to see some of Montenegro’s most iconic sights. This speedboat tour from Kotor promises a mix of scenic views, historical sites, and refreshing swims — all with the thrill of high-speed sailing. With thousands of positive reviews and a solid 4.8 out of 5 rating, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience both fun and memorable.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it balances adventure with informative stops. The guides seem knowledgeable without being overly formal, adding personality and local insights that enhance the scenery and history. Also, at just $39 per person, it offers good value, especially considering the variety of stops and activities packed into around three hours.

A potential consideration is that the Blue Cave can be crowded, which might limit your experience inside, and weather conditions could cause tour cancellations. If you’re after a relaxed, scenic, yet adventurous outing in Kotor Bay, this tour fits the bill — especially if you love a bit of speed, snorkeling, and discovering hidden corners of Montenegro’s coast.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery from the water, including charming seaside towns and historic sites
• Swim opportunities in the Blue Cave and Blue Lagoon, perfect for snorkelers
• Historical insights about Mamula Fortress and the submarine tunnels from knowledgeable guides
• Excellent value at only $39, with plenty of time at each stop and lively commentary
• Comfortable boat experience with onboard Wi-Fi, fridge, and snorkel gear
• Good for adventurous travelers who enjoy speed, water activities, and sightseeing

A Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

How It Starts: From Kotor to the Bay of Kotor

The adventure kicks off at the MontenegroGlobe agency, conveniently located near Kotor’s main attractions like the Kamelija shopping center and the Old Town. The check-in process is straightforward, and the modern, well-maintained boat promises a comfortable ride. Traveling at high speed, you’ll be whisked out into the bay, where you’ll start to see the first glimpses of the coastline and tiny seaside villages like Perast, Tivat, and Herceg Novi.

Many reviews highlight how easy it is to get on board and how the boat’s size feels just right—larger boats can sometimes be crowded, but here, the boat’s comfort, combined with a friendly crew, makes for a pleasant start. The onboard Wi-Fi and music set a lively tone, making the trip feel like a private boat party with a scenic backdrop.

First Stop: The Yugoslav Submarine Tunnels

One of the more intriguing parts of this tour is visiting the abandoned submarine tunnels, built by the Yugoslav Army. These tunnels are carved directly into the rock, giving a sense of Montenegro’s Cold War history. The guide, often a local skipper like Marco or Andre, shares stories about how these tunnels were used and abandoned.

Many reviews mention how meaningful these stops are—“the submarine base was very interesting,” says a traveler. However, keep in mind that the actual tunnels are outside the main tour route; you’ll see their entrance from the boat but not explore inside. Still, the sight of these underground structures adds a layer of intrigue to your day.

Mamula Fortress: From Military Outpost to Historic Monument

Next, you’ll cruise to Mamula Island, famous for its fortress built in the 19th century. The story behind Mamula is layered—during World War II, it was converted into a concentration camp by Italians, a dark chapter that guides share openly. The guide’s storytelling makes this stop more informative, and the views from the boat of Mamula’s imposing walls perched in the water are dramatic.

Many reviewers, like Lisa, appreciated her captain Marco’s narration, noting how he offered insights into the island’s history while keeping the mood light. Some travelers, like Cindy, mention a less-than-ideal beginning due to an unwelcoming encounter at the tour office, but the actual boat ride and commentary tend to be well-received.

Swimming in the Blue Lagoon and Blue Cave

The highlight for many is the Blue Cave, where the water glows in a surreal blue hue due to sunlight reflecting inside. The guide will anchor near the cave entrance, giving you the chance to swim and snorkel. Goggles are provided, and the underwater scenery attracts plenty of marine life, with reviews mentioning “lots of fish” and crystal-clear water.

The Blue Cave is popular, so it gets busy, and some reviewers note that “the cave was crowded with boats,” making it hard to have a quiet moment inside. Nonetheless, many find swimming outside the cave, near a secluded cove, more enjoyable—“the best spot was outside the cave,” one reviewer shares. If you prefer fewer crowds, arriving early or later in the day might help.

The Blue Lagoon offers another swim stop, where the water is warm and inviting, perfect for relaxing after the adrenaline rush of the speedboat ride. Many say goggles made snorkeling more fun, and the underwater landscape was more vibrant than expected.

Our Lady of the Rocks: An Artificial Island of Faith and Art

The tour then heads to Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island created by local fishermen in the 15th century. Here, you can purchase a modest entry ticket (€2) to see the church, which houses 68 paintings by the 17th-century artist Tripo Kokolja. The church’s interior is described as beautiful and adds an artistic touch to the day.

Reviewers, like Emma, appreciated the opportunity to explore inside, and many enjoyed taking photos of the tiny, picturesque island with its chapel and floating boats. For those interested in art and local legends, this stop is a quiet pause in the busy day.

The Return: Cruising Back with Scenic Views

As the cruise winds down, you’ll pass by more seaside towns and get a final chance to snap photos of the landscape. The boat’s speed makes it easy to cover large distances quickly, so you’ll see much more than you could on a land-based tour.

Many travelers mention how the views of Kotor Bay from the water are breathtaking, especially with the sun setting or the morning light playing on the water. The journey back feels more like a relaxed cruise, with the crew playing music and sharing stories.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price & Value: For $39, this tour delivers a lot—scenic views, swimming, and history. The high-speed ride adds an element of adventure, and the boat’s comfort plus onboard amenities like Wi-Fi make it easy to relax.
• Duration: Expect approximately 3 hours, including stops. The quick pace keeps things lively but may leave some wishing for more time at each location.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, swimwear, towels, and a camera are essentials. Goggles are provided, but bringing your own can be a good idea if you’re particular.
• Weather & Cancellations: Tours can be canceled due to poor weather or low booking numbers. It’s wise to check the forecast and have flexible plans.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95. Parking in Kotor can be tricky, so plan accordingly.
• Extras: Entry to Our Lady of the Rocks church (€2) is not included, but tickets are inexpensive. Food and additional drinks are also not included, so pack a snack if needed.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Reviews reveal that guides like Marco and Andre are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engaging storytelling. Many mention the well-maintained, clean boat, and the fun of cruising at high speed.

However, some comments highlight the importance of managing expectations regarding crowds, especially in the Blue Cave, which can be very busy. A few travelers mentioned feeling uncomfortable at the tour office, so be prepared for some initial hiccups, but rest assured the actual boat experience generally receives rave reviews.

The tour strikes a good balance between adventure, sightseeing, and water fun, making it especially appealing for active travelers or those wanting a quick, immersive taste of Kotor Bay’s highlights.

The Sum Up

This speedboat tour around Kotor Bay offers a lively, scenic, and historically interesting experience that appeals to a wide range of travelers. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy speed, water activities, and stunning vistas, all at a reasonable price point. The combination of swimming, sightseeing, and storytelling makes it a memorable way to see Montenegro’s coast in just a few hours.

While the Blue Cave can get crowded and the weather may affect plans, the guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude really shine through. The stops at Mamula, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the submarine tunnels provide both visual spectacle and fascinating stories, making the trip well-rounded and worthwhile.

If you’re visiting Kotor and looking for a fun, active day on the water—with plenty of photo opportunities and a taste of Montenegro’s maritime history—this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 3 hours, including all stops and swimming time.

Is swimming inside the Blue Cave possible?
No, the Blue Cave is usually too crowded for a swim inside, but you can swim outside or in nearby coves.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, towels, a camera, and goggles if you prefer your own.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention the boat is clean, modern, and spacious, with onboard Wi-Fi and music.

Can I book last minute?
Yes, you can reserve with “pay later” options, but check weather conditions and availability.

Are food and drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own or purchase at stops; food and extra drinks are not included.

Is there an age limit?
Not suitable for children over 95 or wheelchair users.

Are there any hidden costs?
The entry fee for Our Lady of the Rocks (€2) is not included but is inexpensive.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours can be canceled due to poor weather, so keep an eye on the forecast and have flexible plans.

This boat cruise offers a fantastic way to see Kotor’s highlights, with enough adventure and comfort to satisfy most travelers seeking a memorable day on the bay.