Blue Cave, Kotor, Lady of the Rocks from Budva, Tivat, Kotor

If you’re eyeing a full-day adventure in Montenegro that blends breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and a bit of sea-based exploration, this tour from Budva offers a compelling option. Not only does it cover iconic spots like the Blue Cave, Kotor, and Our Lady of the Rocks, but it also promises a route that’s been tried and tested since 1981—making it the most popular cruise route in the area for over four decades.

One of our favorite aspects? The professional guides, who bring the history and stories of Montenegro to life in multiple languages, making this experience both educational and fun. The scenic boat rides and stops for swimming give it a relaxed, immersive feel that many travelers appreciate. However, a note of caution: the day can feel quite packed and long—sometimes stretching beyond the advertised 9 hours—and logistical hiccups have been noted, so patience and flexibility are key.

This tour will suit travelers who love stunning coastal views, are eager to explore multiple sites in one go, and don’t mind sharing space on a busy boat. If you’re after a relaxed, leisurely day, this might be a bit fast-paced, but for those craving a comprehensive taste of Boka Bay’s highlights, it hits the mark.

• Historic Route: The cruise follows a route established in 1981, making it a well-loved, traditional way to see Boka Bay.
• Multiple Highlights: Stops include Herceg Novi, Anjice Beach, Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Kotor.
• Expert Guides: The tour features knowledgeable guides who provide insights in Russian, English, and Serbian.
• Value for Money: At around $70 per person, it offers a full day of sightseeing, boat rides, and culture.
• Busy Schedule: The itinerary is packed, which means you’ll see a lot but may have limited time at each stop.
• Weather Dependency: Bad weather can affect sailing plans, especially the Blue Cave and beach swimming.

Starting Point and Transportation
Depending on where you’re staying—Budva, Petrovac, or Tivat—you’ll be picked up and transferred via a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The journey begins early, with Tivat guests setting off at 10 am from the MB Vesna. The buses are new, but reviews indicate the experience could be smoother with clearer guidance on logistics, especially at the start.

Herceg Novi Stop (45-minute to 1-hour break)
After a scenic 40-minute bus ride, you’ll reach Herceg Novi, where you’ll have about an hour to stretch your legs, grab a quick snack, or explore the marina. This stop is appreciated for its relaxed vibe and scenic views, giving you a taste of Montenegro’s charming coastal town life.

Boat Ride to Anjice Beach and Swimming
Next, you’ll hop aboard a smaller boat for about 35 minutes to Anjice Beach. Here, you’ll get around 90 minutes to swim, relax, or take optional transport to the Blue Cave—although, as some reviews mention, the Blue Cave visit can be somewhat rushed, with only about 15 minutes of actual swimming or exploration time. The cave itself is famed for its glow, but keep in mind that the Blue Cave visit is optional and incurs an extra fee.

Blue Cave Experience
The Blue Cave remains one of the star attractions. Many travelers say the boat ride to the cave is worth it, with stunning light effects inside the cavern. However, the cave’s popularity means it can get crowded, and some reviews note that the visit feels rushed—only about 15 minutes of actual time inside. Plus, if the weather isn’t cooperating, the boat captain might decide not to sail, which can be disappointing.

Our Lady of the Rocks
After the cave, the journey continues to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island with a church and museum. You’ll enjoy about 40 minutes here, enough time for a quick visit and some photos of the iconic church against the water backdrop. Reviewers highlight this stop as a highlight because of its picturesque setting and interesting history.

Cruise Through Kotor Bay and Visiting Kotor
The final stretch involves an 80-minute boat cruise through the bay, passing by the famous town of Perast and the stunning fortress walls. This part is praised for its scenery—fjords, cliffs, and historic towns lining the coast make for perfect photo ops.
In Kotor, you’ll have around 70 minutes to explore the old town at your own pace. Many reviews mention that the free time here is just right for wandering the cobbled streets, shopping, or grabbing a local coffee. However, some travelers noted that the bus back from Kotor can be crowded, and delays can extend the day.

Return to Starting Points
After Kotor, the buses take you back to your original departure location, completing a long but enriching day. Some reviews mention the return trip might be delayed due to traffic or other logistical issues, so flexibility is again advised.

Value for Price
At $70 per person, this tour is a solid deal considering it combines transportation, boat rides, and guided insights. The inclusion of multiple stops and the opportunity to swim and explore makes it an efficient way to see Montenegro’s coast if time is limited. Many reviewers felt the price was fair, especially given the variety of sights covered.

Guides and Logistics
The guides, like Vladimir, are praised for their professionalism and multi-language commentary, which adds depth to the experience. However, some travelers mention confusion at the start due to lack of guidance, and the overall logistics could be improved—such as clearer pickup instructions and better crowd management.

Boat Quality and Comfort
The boat crew receives positive remarks, especially about their friendliness and reasonable prices on board. But, several reviews highlight overcrowding, particularly at the Blue Cave, and the uncomfortable conditions when large groups all try to visit simultaneously. Bringing sun protection and planning for potential hustle is advisable.

Timing and Pacing
While the itinerary is designed to fit into approximately 9 hours, actual experiences can extend up to 12 hours, especially with delays or traffic. The schedule is tight, so if you prefer an unhurried pace, it may feel rushed. Many travelers suggest that if you want more time in Kotor or at specific sites, you might need to skip some stops.

Weather Dependency
The Blue Cave and beach stops are weather-dependent. If seas are rough or the captain deems conditions unsafe, certain parts—like the Blue Cave or Anjice Beach—might be canceled or shortened, leading to disappointment.

Customer Feedback Highlights
– Several reviews laud the knowledgeable guides and the interesting facts they share.
– The scenery and photo opportunities are consistently praised.
– Food and drinks on the boat are considered reasonably priced and of good quality.
– Some travelers found the day too long and tiring, especially if delays occur.
– The overcrowding, especially at the Blue Cave and during transfers, was a common complaint.

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple highlights of Montenegro in one day. If you’re comfortable with long days, crowded boats, and tight schedules, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s also perfect if you want a guided tour that provides historical tidbits and local insights in several languages.

However, if you prefer leisurely exploration or have mobility concerns, you might find the pace overwhelming. It’s also less suitable for travelers seeking quiet, uncrowded natural spots, as the tour prioritizes efficiency and popular sites.

This tour offers a robust introduction to Montenegro’s captivating coastline, combining scenic boat rides, iconic stops, and insightful guides. The value is evident, especially considering the number of sites visited and the quality of the guiding staff. While the schedule can feel rushed and logistics occasionally shaky, these are common trade-offs for a comprehensive, budget-friendly adventure.

For travelers who love active sightseeing and don’t mind sharing space on busy boats, this experience delivers a worthwhile glimpse of Montenegro’s coast. The stunning views, historic sites, and friendly guides make it a memorable choice—just plan for a long, sometimes hectic day.

If your goal is to maximize your Montenegro experience in a single day, this tour hits the sweet spot—just be prepared for the crowds and the weather-dependent nature of certain stops.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during stops.

Can I visit the Blue Cave?
Yes, but note that visiting the Blue Cave costs an extra 10 euros and involves a boat transfer. The cave visit is limited to about 15 minutes, so plan accordingly.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour features guides speaking Russian, English, and Serbian.

How long is the entire trip?
The official duration is 9 hours, but some reviews report it can extend up to 12 hours due to delays or traffic.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, cash for extras, and any personal items you might need for comfort and safety.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, but the long hours and busy transfers might be challenging for some elderly or very young children.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In poor weather, the captain may decide not to sail to certain spots like the Blue Cave or Anjice Beach, which can alter the planned itinerary.

Are there vegetarian or special meal options?
Food is not included, and onboard prices are reasonable, but specific meal options are not detailed, so you might want to bring your own snacks.

How crowded does it get?
The tour is quite popular, and reviews mention overcrowding, especially on the boat and at the Blue Cave, so expect a lively, busy environment.

Can I customize the stops or itinerary?
This is a guided group tour with a set schedule, so customization isn’t typically available. For more flexibility, consider private options or self-guided exploring.

Whether you’re after the perfect photo, a taste of Montenegro’s history, or just a day on the water, this tour offers a well-rounded, info-packed experience. Just remember to bring patience, sunscreen, and an adventurous spirit.