Tivat: Blue Cave and Old Submarine Tunnel Speedboat Tour

This 100-minute adventure from Tivat offers a lively and scenic glimpse of Montenegro’s coast, combining natural beauty with a touch of history. For just $41 per person, you’ll hop aboard a speedboat and cruise along the breathtaking Boka Bay, stopping at iconic spots like the Blue Cave and the Old Submarine Tunnel. With a high provider rating of 4.7, this tour seems like a popular choice for travelers yearning for a quick yet authentic taste of Montenegro’s coast.

One of the things we love most about this tour is its balance of scenic cruising and exciting stops—it’s a fantastic way to see the area without spending a full day on the water. The views of Mamula Island and Kotor’s Old Town are stunning, offering perfect photo opportunities and a chance to understand the region’s naval history. That said, some travelers note that the tour is relatively short, so if you’re craving an in-depth exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for those who prefer a quick, visually rich outing, it’s hard to beat the value.

This experience is best suited for travelers who appreciate scenic boat rides, want to discover a few highlight spots in a compact timeframe, and enjoy swimming in unique natural settings like the Blue Cave. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Montenegro’s coast, this tour ticks all the boxes. It also works well for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for an active, engaging day out.

Key Points

• Fast-paced yet scenic: Perfect for travelers wanting a quick but picturesque tour.
• Highlights include: Blue Cave, submarine tunnel, Mamula island, and Boka Bay vistas.
• Value-focused: At $41, it offers a lot of sightseeing and fun in a short period.
• Comfort and convenience: Includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, and rain coats.
• Limited pickup options: No hotel transfers, so plan to meet at the dock.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable in English and Serbo-Croatian, adding local insights.

Exploring the Itinerary in Depth

Meeting Point and Initial Ride

The adventure begins in Donja Lastva, right in front of the St. Roko church—a locale easy to find if you’re staying in Tivat or nearby. Once you’re aboard, the boat cruise kicks off with about 35 minutes of sightseeing along the coast. The boat, a speedy vessel, whisks you past charming villages and historic sites, giving you a firsthand look at Montenegro’s coastal life.

This part of the journey offers stunning views of tiny harbors, traditional houses, and centuries-old churches perched against the mountains. Travelers consistently mention how the scenery alone makes the experience worthwhile, with many noting the contrast of lush green cliffs and the shimmering sea. One reviewer remarked that the coast looks like a “postcard,” especially when the boat glides past the Lutica Peninsula.

Mamula Island and Boka Bay Panorama

Next, you’ll cruise past Mamula Island, which is often highlighted for its rugged beauty and historical fortress. The brief pass-by allows for quick photos and admiration of this island’s prominent limestone cliffs. The panoramic views of Boka Bay from the boat are breathtaking—your guides are usually keen to point out notable landmarks, making this a more enriching experience.

The Blue Cave: Swimming in Natural Light

After about 20 minutes at the Blue Cave, the real highlight of this tour, you’ll anchor for approximately 20 minutes to swim and snorkel. The cave’s name comes from the stunning blue hue reflected on the water and walls, caused by the way light refracts into the cave’s large openings. The cave itself is quite spacious—around 300 square meters—with high arches reaching 25 meters, giving a sense of grandeur beneath the surface.

Many reviewers express how magical the Blue Cave feels in person, with one describing the water as “shining from the depths” due to the light effects. Snorkeling gear is provided, allowing you to explore the quiet, turquoise waters and get close to the vibrant marine life. Be aware, if you’re prone to cold water, you might want to bring a wetsuit, especially in cooler months, as some travelers mention the water can feel brisk.

Old Submarine Tunnel and Historical Insights

On the return route, you’ll make a brief stop at the Old Submarine Tunnel on Lutica Bay. This part of the tour is appreciated by history buffs. The tunnels, built during Yugoslavia, were used to hide and repair submarines and ships. The fact that the tunnels stretch up to fifty meters long and are about 7 meters wide makes them a fascinating relic of military history.

Travelers have mentioned that the tunnels are quite photogenic, with the proximity to nature adding to their intrigue. The tunnel’s depth of around eight meters, increasing to thirty meters at the exit, illustrates the sophisticated engineering of the period, offering a tangible link to the region’s past.

Scenic Return and Final Views

Following the tunnel stop, the boat makes its last cruise back to Donja Lastva, giving you a final 10 minutes of sightseeing over Boka Bay. Expect to see more stunning landscapes, with an opportunity to snap photos of the mountains meeting the sea—an iconic view associated with Montenegro.

Practical Details and What to Bring

This tour covers key highlights efficiently, but there are a few practical considerations. The price of $41 is quite reasonable, especially considering the included snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and raincoats. While fuel is covered, note that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

The tour lasts about 100 minutes, making it a great option for travelers on a tight schedule or those who want a snapshot of Montenegro’s coast without a full-day commitment. The guides speak English and Serbo-Croatian, offering local insights that enrich the experience.

During the summer, it’s worth bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sun cream—it’s a boat ride in the sun, after all. For cooler months, packing warmer clothes and a hat might make the experience more comfortable.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love beautiful coastal scenery and want a quick, memorable trip with varied stops. It particularly appeals to those interested in nature, history, and aquatic fun, with the Blue Cave stealing the show. It’s perfect for a family outing, couples seeking a romantic cruise, or solo travelers wanting a lively adventure.

The limited duration means it’s not for those seeking a deep dive into each location. Instead, it offers a highlight reel of Montenegro’s coast, making it a fantastic introduction or a quick escape from a busy itinerary.

The Sum Up

This speedboat tour from Tivat offers a cost-effective, scenic, and fun-filled way to experience some of Montenegro’s most iconic sights. The combination of the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, and the submarine tunnel, all set against the stunning backdrop of Boka Bay, makes it a memorable outing. It’s especially well-suited for travelers short on time but eager to see and do quite a lot in a brief period.

The tour’s natural highlights, combined with its historical touches, provide a well-rounded taste of Montenegro’s diverse appeal. The high rating and positive reviews suggest it’s a reliable choice for anyone wanting a lively, engaging boat trip with plenty of photo opportunities and a splash of adventure.

If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and affordable way to explore the coast, this tour should definitely be on your list. Just remember to bring your camera, your swimsuit, and a sense of adventure.

FAQs

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes fuel, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and rain coats. It lasts about 100 minutes, and guides speak English and Serbo-Croatian.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Meet at the dock in Donja Lastva, directly in front of St. Roko church. The speedboat will pick you up at the scheduled time.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the swimming at the Blue Cave?
You’ll have around 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Cave, enough to enjoy the unique atmosphere and take photos.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
The Blue Cave, Old Submarine Tunnel, Mamula Island, and the panoramic views of Boka Bay and Kotor Old Town.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the information doesn’t specify age restrictions, the activity level and the duration make it generally suitable for families, especially if kids enjoy boat rides and swimming.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, sun cream, and warm clothes if traveling outside summer. Rain coats are provided, so no worries about sudden showers.

This detailed review hopes to help you decide whether this lively speedboat journey is the right fit for your Montenegro adventure. With its blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and fun, it’s a compact snapshot of everything this stunning coast has to offer.