Blue Cave, Islands, Kotor, Herceg Novi: Boat Trip From Budva

If you’re considering a day trip to Montenegro’s shimmering Adriatic coast, this boat tour from Budva offers a comprehensive way to see the highlights without the hassle of self-driving. Backed by over ten years of experience, the operator crafts a well-balanced itinerary that combines scenic cruising, charming towns, and natural wonders—all with an experienced guide to keep you informed and entertained.

What’s especially appealing about this tour is the chance to visit iconic spots like the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the old town of Kotor, all from the water. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy a fresh, onboard lunch while floating through the bay makes it feel relaxed and indulgent. That said, it’s worth noting that some attractions, like entrance fees to certain sites, aren’t included, so travelers should budget accordingly. Overall, if you love scenic boat trips with a touch of cultural exploration, this tour is a fantastic choice—particularly for those who appreciate a mix of relaxing cruising, historical sights, and natural beauty.

This experience suits travelers who want a full day of scenic views and cultural highlights without the stress of planning individual trips. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to get a broad taste of Montenegro’s coastal charm with knowledgeable guides to enhance the journey.

Key Points

Stunning Marine Views: The trip offers spectacular vistas of the Adriatic coast and Boka Bay, perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Well-Organized Itinerary: With over a decade of experience, the operator ensures smooth transitions between sites, maximizing your time at each stop.
Knowledgeable Guides: Guides provide insights into Montenegro’s history and culture, adding depth to the experience without turning it into a lecture.
Flexible and Comfortable: The tour includes transportation, with the option to start from different locations, and offers a mix of cruising, sightseeing, and free time.
Good Value: The cost covers a full day of activity, with onboard lunch and multiple stops, making it a cost-effective way to see many highlights.
Authentic Experiences: Stops include the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks—real places with stories that make your visit memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour typically begins with convenient pickup options from Budva, with specific locations including in front of the Stari Hrast restaurant and at local bus stops near Aqua Park Mediteran and Rafailovici. This flexibility means you won’t need to worry about transportation logistics, especially if you’re staying in Budva. The journey starts comfortably with a bus ride, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead.

The Cruise and First Stops

Once aboard, the cruise kicks off with a lovely sail past Jaz and Ploce beaches, inviting you to take in the sparkling coastlines. The first major highlight is Zanjice Beach, where you might want to dip your toes in the clear waters or just enjoy the scenery. The cruise lasts about 110 minutes, giving you plenty of time to settle in, snap photos, and listen to your guide tell stories about the area’s history and natural features.

Visiting the Blue Cave and Other Natural Wonders

A key highlight is the Blue Cave, famous for its surreal, glowing blue waters. While entry to the cave costs about €10, the experience of gliding into its shimmering depths is unforgettable. You’ll love the contrast of the dark cave with the vibrant blue light, making it a prime photo spot. Some reviews mention the Blue Cave as the “highlight,” and it’s easy to see why.

Next, the tour continues towards Herceg Novi—a charming town with a relaxed vibe. Here, you get about an hour of free time, which is perfect for a leisurely walk or a quick refreshment. You might find the local atmosphere inviting, with plenty of small cafes and shops to browse.

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Lunch and the Historic Sights

As you cruise further, a tasty onboard lunch is served—with options like fish, meat, or vegetarian/vegan menus if arranged in advance. Several reviewers praised the freshly cooked food and reasonable prices, making this a good value considering the full day of activities.

After lunch, the boat approaches Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with a church and museum. The visit is about 30 minutes, allowing enough time to explore and learn about its story of tradition and faith. The guide’s insights deepen the experience, providing context that makes the visit more meaningful.

Exploring Kotor and Its Old Town

After a cruise through the Verige Strait, you arrive at Kotor, where about an hour of free time lets you wander its narrow, cobbled streets. Kotor’s medieval charm, with its fortress walls and historical buildings, draw visitors who appreciate authenticity and atmosphere. Reviewers mention that the guide provides a lot of information here, enriching your understanding of the town’s significance.

Returning and Final Views

Following the Kotor stop, the boat cruise continues past Porto Novi Marina and along the scenic coastline before heading back to Budva. The last leg offers panoramic views, perfect for reflection and photos. The return bus ride takes about an hour, giving you time to unwind and review your day’s highlights.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration and Timing: The full tour lasts around 9 hours, with starting times varying. It’s a long day, so plan accordingly for comfortable attire and sun protection.
• What to Bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, and some cash for extras.
• Food and Drinks: Food is available onboard at reasonable prices, but you can’t bring your own alcohol or food—except baby food.
• Cost and Value: The tour price does not include entrance fees to sites like Our Lady of the Rocks (€2) and the Blue Cave (€10). Considering the stops, transport, guide, and lunch, many find it offers good value for a full day out.
• Language: Guided in English, Russian, with optional translations in Montenegrin and Italian, ensuring you feel comfortable regardless of your language preference.

What Travelers Love (and What to Consider)

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery, often calling it one of the highlights of their Montenegro trip. The value for money stands out, especially with the onboard lunch and multiple interesting stops. The only potential downside is the weather dependence—bad weather can cause schedule shifts or cancellations, which is worth considering if you’re planning during uncertain weather seasons.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of scenic cruising and cultural sights without the hassle of multiple bookings. It suits those who appreciate natural beauty, historical towns, and good food in a relaxed setting. If you enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides and taking plenty of photos, you’ll find it especially rewarding.

It’s not ideal if you have mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely or private experience—this is a group tour with some walking and boat transfers. Non-swimmers should note the swimming stops are optional, but the experience of the Blue Cave is largely visual and doesn’t require swimming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Cave included in the tour price?
Entry to the Blue Cave costs about €10, which is not included in the tour price. You’ll pay this fee directly if you choose to visit.

How long is the cruise portion of the tour?
The cruise lasts roughly 110 minutes in the first leg, with additional cruising time between stops, totaling around 4.5 hours on the water.

Are meals included?
Lunch is served on board at reasonable prices, with options for fish, meat, or vegetarian/vegan meals if you notify ahead. Food and drinks on the boat are not included in the base price.

What are the main stops?
Stops include Zanjice Beach, Herceg Novi, Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor, and the Blue Cave—each offering different experiences from swimming to sightseeing.

Is there free time at each stop?
Yes, you’ll have designated free time—about an hour at Herceg Novi and Kotor, plus time to explore Our Lady of the Rocks.

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

Final Thoughts

This boat trip from Budva offers a well-rounded taste of Montenegro’s coast. It delivers stunning views, engaging guides, and the chance to visit several iconic spots—all in one full day. The combination of natural wonders like the Blue Cave, historical towns like Kotor, and scenic cruising creates a memorable experience that’s great for those seeking both relaxation and cultural insight.

While it’s a full-day commitment, the value in sightseeing, food, and transportation makes it worthwhile for those eager to maximize their time on Montenegro’s coast. If you’re after an authentic, hassle-free way to see some of the country’s most beautiful sights, this tour should be high on your list.

In summary, this tour is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided exploration of Montenegro’s coastal highlights without the stress of planning individual visits. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, local stories, and a taste of Montenegro’s natural and cultural riches—all in one package.

You can check availability for your dates here: