Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour – Pick up

Exploring the Bay of Kotor with the Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour

If you’re seeking a memorable way to experience Montenegro’s jaw-dropping coastline, the Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour offers a captivating snapshot of the region’s natural beauty and historic charm. This 2-hour boat trip, led by knowledgeable guides, takes you on a scenic ride around the Bay of Kotor, with highlights like the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks, the shimmering Blue Cave, and the remnants of WWII submarine tunnels.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of stunning vistas and informative commentary, making it suitable for travelers who want more than just pretty pictures. However, a potential consideration is the weather—choppy seas can make the ride a bit bumpy, though safety and professionalism are always prioritized. This experience is perfect for anyone craving a quick, authentic taste of Montenegro’s coast, especially those eager to explore the region’s historical sites and natural wonders with a small, friendly group.

Key Points

• Authentic coastal experience with expert guides providing insightful commentary
• Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks on its own makes the trip worthwhile
• Swim inside the Blue Cave and enjoy its famous vivid blue hues
• Pass by luxury marinas like Porto Montenegro, giving a taste of modern Montenegro
• Explore WWII submarine tunnels, adding a touch of history to your adventure
• Small group sizes mean more personalized attention and flexibility

What to Expect from This Montenegro Boat Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, historical insights, and fun water activities, wrapped into a compact 2-hour experience. The journey begins at Pristaniste Perast, where a friendly team prepares to whisk you away on a speedboat. The vessel is swift yet comfortable, designed to maximize sightseeing without sacrificing safety, even when the seas are a bit choppy—something several reviewers mention as a highlight of the skill of the skipper, Aleksandar, whose expertise keeps everyone feeling safe and secure.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Our Lady of the Rocks
This small island is the star of the tour, and for good reason. As you approach, your guide shares stories about its building history and significance while you snap photos of the church and the island’s picturesque setting. Tourists have noted that the walk around the island is brief but packed with charm, and the admission to the church isn’t included, so plan to visit if you wish to go inside. The guide’s commentary here makes the visit more meaningful, with reviewers mentioning how polite and knowledgeable guides like Aleksandar elevate the experience.

Next: Verige Channel and Porto Montenegro
From the island, you’ll cruise through the Verige channel, where the water narrows dramatically, offering spectacular views. This stretch is perfect for photos—think towering cliffs and shimmering water—and provides a chance to marvel at the luxury marina of Porto Montenegro, visible from the water. Many reviews praise the stunning scenery, with one guest noting, “The scenery is spectacular, and the guides explain it all well, which makes the experience richer.”

Historical Stop: WWII Submarine Tunnels
One of the more unique parts of the tour is the visit to abandoned WWII submarine tunnels. These tunnels, once used to hide submarines, add a layer of history to the scenic adventure. Travelers have found this stop fascinating, commenting on the sense of stepping into history, and appreciating the local insights shared by the guide.

Photo Stop: Mamula Island
You’ll pass by Mamula Island, which served as a prison in the past—sometimes called the “Montenegrin Alcatraz.” The view from the boat captures its stark, fortress-like appearance, and some guests mention this as a highlight for photo enthusiasts. The guide offers context, making the stop more than just a snapshot.

Final Stop: Blue Cave
The tour’s grand finale is swimming inside the Blue Cave, one of Montenegro’s most celebrated natural treasures. The cave’s vibrant blue color is mesmerizing, and many reviewers describe the experience as “breathtaking” and “absolutely worth the splash.” The 30-minute window here allows plenty of time for a quick swim and photos, though weather and sea conditions will always influence the experience—some travelers note that the blue hue is more vivid when the sun is out.

The Return Journey

After the Blue Cave, the boat heads back to Perast, with a scenic 40-minute ride filled with panoramic views, making it a perfect conclusion to your mini adventure.

The Value of the Tour

At $46 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions. You get a live guide, visits to notable sites, free drinks, and a chance to swim in the Blue Cave—all in just two hours. The small-group approach means more personalized stories and the flexibility to take photos or ask questions.

While the tour doesn’t include entry fees to Our Lady of the Rocks church, most find the overall package more than satisfactory, especially for its professional guidance and well-paced stops. The reviews also highlight that the guides, especially Aleksandar, are knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip engaging and fun.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to stay comfortable under the sun.
• Swimwear and a towel are essential if you want to take a dip in the Blue Cave.
• A camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery—reviewers praise the chance for beautiful photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for water activities.
• Be prepared for seasickness if you’re sensitive, especially in choppier waters.
• The tour runs rain or shine—don’t worry, raincoats are available, and the experience remains enjoyable in most weather conditions.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of the Bay of Kotor with a dash of history and adventure. It suits those who prefer small groups and engaging guides, and it’s great for families, couples, or solo visitors alike. However, it’s less suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Final Thoughts

The Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour is a fantastic way to see a slice of Montenegro’s stunning coastline without committing a whole day. The mixture of scenic beauty, historical insights, and water fun makes it a well-rounded experience that appeals to a broad range of travelers. The professionalism of the guides, especially Aleksandar, and the breathtaking stops like the Blue Cave make it a memorable addition to any Montenegro itinerary.

While weather can influence your experience, the overall value, the safety measures, and the small-group vibe mean you’ll walk away with beautiful photos, new knowledge, and perhaps a few stories to tell. If you’re in Kotor or Perast and want a taste of Montenegro’s coast with expert commentary, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most likely yes, as long as children are comfortable on boats and can swim or are supervised during swimming stops. Babies under 1 year and those over 70 may not be suitable, and always consider seasickness risks.

How long does the tour last?
It’s about 2 to 2.5 hours, including stops and the ride. The actual sightseeing, swimming, and photo opportunities are well balanced within this timeframe.

What’s included in the price?
The tour covers a 2-hour speedboat ride, a live English-speaking guide, visits to Our Lady of the Rocks, sightseeing of Porto Montenegro and Porto Novi, exploration of WWII submarine tunnels, swimming in the Blue Cave, and free water and juice.

Are there any extras I should budget for?
Yes, entrance fees to Our Lady of the Rocks church are not included, so if you wish to go inside, you’ll need to pay separately.

What should I bring with me?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunglasses. Check the weather forecast to pack accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable in bad weather?
It will take place rain or shine, but in rough seas or unfavorable weather, the course may change, and the tour could be canceled for safety reasons.

To sum it up, the Perast: Boka Bay and Blue Cave Tour provides a well-balanced, enriching glimpse into Montenegro’s coastal beauty and history. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the chance to swim inside the Blue Cave, it promises a memorable experience for those looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure.