Kotor: Blue Cave Swim Stop, Lady of the Rocks & Submarine Base

The Blue Cave steals the show. This three-hour boat trip packs Kotor Bay’s best sights into one lively outing, from the church-covered islet of Our Lady of the Rocks to a former submarine tunnel and the glowing water of Blue Cave. I especially like the excellent mix of scenery and history, plus the chance to swim straight from the boat.

The price, $39.91 per person, is fair for a fuel-included trip with an English-speaking skipper, insurance, and water. I also like the choice of departure times. The main caution is the speedboat itself: wind, spray, chilly air, narrow boarding steps, and a short swim can make this less relaxing than a slow cruise.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Blue Cave depends on the sea: Rough water can force the crew to skip it for safety, so treat the swim as a wonderful possibility rather than a guarantee.
• Our Lady of the Rocks costs extra: The church and museum admission is €3, and you need at least a T-shirt to enter.
• The boat moves fast: Bring a jacket or warm layer, even on a sunny day, since the wind can be surprisingly cold.
• The swim is from the boat: There is no beach stop. You climb down a narrow ladder into the water and should bring your own towel.
• The meeting point takes care: Arrive at least 30 minutes early at Park Slobode near Kotor’s port. The operator’s stall is in the park, near the far end.
• The group is limited to 25 people: That keeps this from becoming a giant excursion, though some departures can still feel busy on a small speedboat.

Why This Three-Hour Tour Works

Kotor Bay is not a place you understand from one viewpoint. The walled old town gives you a fine introduction, but the bay opens up properly from the water. Mountains drop sharply to the shore, small settlements line the coast, and old naval sites appear around bends that are easy to miss from land.

This tour works because it links several very different sights in a short time. You get a scenic cruise, a small religious museum, a Cold War-era military site, a fortress island, and a swim in a sea cave. That is a lot for $39.91.

I would not choose it if you want long visits at every stop. The schedule is brisk, with about 20 minutes at Our Lady of the Rocks and about 20 minutes at Blue Cave. But if you have only a day in Kotor, or you want to see beyond the old town without arranging several separate trips, the format makes good sense.

The boat carries up to 25 people. That is a reasonable limit, though comfort depends on the particular boat and how full the departure is. Some rides feel smooth and well organized. Others can feel crowded when everyone wants the same view.

Starting Near Kotor’s Port

You make your own way to the meeting point at Park Slobode, close to the Port of Kotor. This is convenient once you find it, but finding the correct stall can take a few minutes.

The practical trick is simple: arrive early. Some people have found the directions unclear, especially around the overpass and park. After coming from the boat station, look for the overpass, cross it, and continue into the park toward the last stall. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before departure, especially if you are arriving by car.

Driving adds another concern. Traffic around the park and roadwork on the main road can cause delays. Public transportation is nearby, but you still need to allow time to locate the operator.

Once aboard, you receive water, and the skipper or guide gives the basic plan. Some departures include plenty of personal commentary and humor. Others rely more on recorded information, so the quality of the spoken tour can vary.

Cruising the Bay of Kotor

The opening ride is one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. For roughly 20 minutes, you cruise past fishing villages, stone houses, Mediterranean plants, and steep mountain slopes that seem to rise directly from the water.

This is the time to settle into the boat and enjoy the setting. The views are not decorative background. They explain why Kotor Bay has been important for fishing, shipping, defense, and settlement for centuries.

The speedboat gives you a broad look at the shoreline quickly, but it also creates wind. Even in good weather, the ride can feel chilly once the boat gets moving. I would bring a cardigan, light jacket, or shawl in spring, autumn, and even on cooler summer days.

A covered boat is useful for shade and shelter, though it does not remove the wind entirely. Sunglasses are practical, and a hat with a secure fit is better than a loose sunhat that could fly away.

Our Lady of the Rocks and Its Small Museum

The first proper stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, or Gospa od Skrpjela, a manmade island near Perast. Local seafarers created it over generations, and the island remains one of the most unusual sights in the bay.

You have about 20 minutes here. That is enough to enter the 17th-century church, see part of the museum, and hear the story of how the island came into being. The church contains paintings, votive offerings, and handmade objects tied to local seafaring traditions.

Admission is not included and costs €3. That is a small extra charge, but you should have cash or a payment method ready in case needed. You cannot swim here, and drones are forbidden.

Dress matters. Swimwear is not acceptable inside the church, so wear at least a T-shirt over your bathing suit. A lightweight cover-up works well if you are planning to swim later.

The time here is the main limitation. Twenty minutes passes quickly, particularly if you want to look at the artwork, listen to the explanation, and take photographs. One useful way to approach the stop is to focus on the church and its central story rather than trying to inspect every display.

Passing Perast by Boat

The boat passes Perast, a charming settlement with Venetian-era palaces, old churches, and narrow stone lanes. You do not get a long walking visit here, but seeing the town from the water gives you a clear sense of its position along the bay.

Perast once served as a maritime center, and its elegant stone buildings reflect that past. Keep your camera ready as the boat passes. This is one of those places where the view is best understood as a whole, with the waterfront, church towers, mountains, and nearby islands in one frame.

If the Blue Cave must be skipped because of weather, Perast may become a substitute stop or a larger part of the outing. That is a sensible adjustment, though it cannot fully replace the cave swim if that was your main reason for booking.

The Former Submarine Tunnel

After passing through the narrow Verige Strait and entering Tivat Bay, the boat reaches former submarine tunnels. The stop itself is short, around five minutes, but the setting is striking.

These tunnels were once a secret military facility. During the Cold War, submarines could enter the rock from the bay and remain hidden from view. Today, the boat cruises into the tunnel so you can see the dark opening and hear about Montenegro’s military past.

Do not expect a long museum visit or a detailed walk through a preserved complex. This is mainly a boat-based look at an unusual site. Its value comes from the contrast with the church and natural cave: in a single morning or afternoon, you see religious, maritime, and military sides of the bay.

The skipper’s explanation matters here. Some guides add personal stories and useful context. On less talkative departures, you may hear only a short recorded presentation. If history is important to you, listen closely and ask questions when the boat is stopped.

Mamula Island and the Bay Beyond

The boat passes Mamula Island, a small fortified island at the entrance to the bay. Its 19th-century fort was built for military defense and later used as a prison during World War II.

You generally see Mamula from the water rather than explore it on foot. The fort’s thick walls and isolated position make its purpose easy to understand. It was built to control the approach by sea, and its later use as a prison gives the island a darker story.

One practical point: make sure the guide clearly points it out. Commentary can be brief on some departures, and the island is easy to miss if you are looking at another section of the shoreline. This is a place where a few sentences from the skipper add real value.

Swimming at the Blue Cave

The final major stop is Blue Cave, or Plava Spilja. Sunlight enters through the opening and reflects off the pale bottom, giving the water its famous blue glow. On a bright day, the color can look almost unreal.

You reach the cave by boat, which is part of its appeal. There is no ordinary beach arrival, and the crew must judge the sea conditions before entering. When the water is calm, the boat may take you inside or close to the cave for a swim.

The swim lasts about 20 minutes, though the actual time in the water can feel shorter once people climb in and out. You jump or step from the boat, then use a ladder to return. The ladder has narrow steps, so water shoes or secure sandals are useful.

Bring your own towel. Towels, food, and drinks are not included, though water is provided. A dry bag would also be sensible for phones and cameras, but the supplied information does not specify that one is available.

Swimming here is not the same as relaxing at a beach. You need enough balance and confidence to board a speedboat, climb a narrow ladder, and move around on a boat that may rock. Life jackets are standard equipment and available from the crew when needed, so ask if you want one.

The timing of your departure affects the color. After 6 p.m., the water does not look the same as it does in full daylight. For the strongest blue effect, an earlier departure is the safer choice.

Weather Can Change the Whole Plan

This is a weather-dependent trip. Strong wind, high waves, or storms can make the Blue Cave unsafe, and the crew may change the route or skip the cave entirely. That is not a minor detail. The cave is the emotional high point for many people, so its cancellation can leave the experience feeling incomplete.

The company offers a different date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the tour. During the trip itself, though, the decision to skip the cave is made for safety. A calm substitute such as more time near Perast may still be worthwhile, but it will be different from swimming in the glowing water.

I would check the forecast, but I would not assume that a sunny morning guarantees calm water. Conditions can change around the bay and at the more exposed cave area.

Guide Style and Boat Comfort

The crew receives strong praise for friendliness, boat handling, and safety. Captains and mates help people board, provide jackets when the wind picks up, and keep the boat moving on schedule. Guides named George and Captain Aki have been singled out for humor and personable commentary.

The experience can also vary by skipper. Some departures feature lively stories, music, and personal explanations. Other rides provide only a few recorded segments, with limited information about passing sights. If you want a full guided history lesson, this may feel light.

Music is part of the atmosphere on some boats. One particularly playful guide reportedly timed music to the approach to the cave, which gives you an idea of the casual, fun tone this tour can have. That is enjoyable for many people, though it is not the same as a quiet, formal sightseeing cruise.

Boat comfort also depends on your expectations. The ride can be smooth, but the speed and wind make it active. Boarding requires some dexterity, and getting back aboard after the swim is not effortless for everyone.

Is $39.91 Good Value?

At $39.91, this is a strong value if you want several highlights in one booking. Fuel, insurance, water, the boat ride, and an English-speaking skipper or guide are included. You pay only the €3 church admission and your own food or drinks.

The tour is especially useful for a short stay. Instead of arranging separate transport to the islands, Perast area, submarine tunnels, and Blue Cave, you cover them in roughly three hours.

The trade-off is depth. You do not get much time at each stop, and the Blue Cave is weather-dependent. You also pay for a package that includes swimming, so someone who does not want to enter the water may find part of the itinerary less valuable.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. The policy does not cover changes made inside the 24-hour window.

What To Pack for the Boat

Keep your day bag small and practical. I would bring:

• Swimwear, towel, and flip-flops
• Water shoes for the narrow swim ladder
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
• A jacket or warm layer
• Comfortable shoes or sandals for Our Lady of the Rocks
• A camera and a secure way to protect it from spray
• Extra drinks or snacks, since food is not included

Wear a T-shirt or cover-up over your swimwear before reaching the church. In spring and autumn, dress warmer than the temperature on land suggests. The boat can feel cold once it is moving.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a quick, scenic introduction to Kotor Bay and like variety. It suits couples, families with older children, cruise ship passengers, and anyone with only a few hours available.

It is also a good fit if the Blue Cave is your priority but you want more than a swim. Our Lady of the Rocks gives the trip cultural interest, while the submarine tunnel and Mamula add unusual military stories.

I would hesitate if you dislike speedboats, struggle with boarding ladders, or want a long, quiet visit at one location. It is also not ideal if the cave swim is absolutely essential, since weather can remove that stop from the plan.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want the most sightseeing possible in three hours and can accept a brisk schedule. The combination of bay views, Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, submarine tunnels, Mamula, and Blue Cave offers excellent value for the price.

Go with realistic expectations: the swim is from the boat, the church visit is short, and the guide’s commentary may be lively or limited depending on the departure. Arrive early, bring a jacket and towel, and choose a daylight departure for the best chance of seeing the cave’s blue water at its finest.

FAQ

How long is the Kotor boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and ends back at the original meeting point in Kotor.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $39.91 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an English-speaking skipper or tour guide, insurance, fuel, and water.

Is admission to Our Lady of the Rocks included?

No. Admission to Our Lady of the Rocks costs €3 and is paid separately.

Can I swim at Our Lady of the Rocks?

No. Swimming is forbidden at Our Lady of the Rocks. The swimming opportunity takes place at or near the Blue Cave.

Is the Blue Cave always included?

No. Rough seas, strong winds, or other difficult weather conditions can require the crew to skip the Blue Cave for safety.

What should I bring for the Blue Cave swim?

Bring swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, and ideally water shoes for the narrow ladder. Food and drinks are not included, though water is provided.

Can I enter the church in swimwear?

No. You must wear at least a T-shirt inside the church at Our Lady of the Rocks.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The meeting point can be difficult to locate, and traffic or roadwork may delay you if you are driving.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children may participate but must be accompanied by an adult. The boat ride and ladder boarding also require reasonable balance and dexterity.