Blue Cave Lady of the Rocks and Mamula Kotor Speed Boat Tour

If you’re dreaming of a quick escape to the stunning waters of Montenegro’s Kotor Bay, this speedboat tour offers a lively, scenic glimpse of some of the region’s most iconic sights. Designed to be both fun and informative, it’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the bay’s natural beauty and its intriguing history without committing to a full-day excursion.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines spectacular vistas—think shimmering blue waters and rugged islands—with a dash of local storytelling. Plus, the inclusion of swimming and snorkeling makes it more than just a sightseeing cruise. One consideration to keep in mind is the tour’s relatively short duration—about three hours—so if you’re after a more leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit brisk.

This experience suits active travelers, families, or anyone wanting a dynamic, picture-perfect adventure that balances relaxation with discovery. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate authentic scenic beauty and enjoy a bit of adventure on the water.

Contents hide

1 An Overview of the Experience

2 What’s Included and What to Expect

3 The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

4 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

5 FAQs

Key Points

Stunning scenery of the Bay of Kotor, with views of Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave.
Expertly guided by an English-speaking skipper with local insights.
Flexibility to swim, snorkel, and explore submarine tunnels from Yugoslavian socialist times.
Convenient meeting point close to Kotor Old Town, easy to access.
Short but packed itinerary perfect for travelers with limited time.
Private or group options available, with cold refreshments included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This 3-hour speedboat tour is a lively, compact way to experience the highlights of Montenegro’s famous Bay of Kotor. From the moment you step onboard, you’re set for a mixture of stunning scenery, local stories, and just enough activity to keep it engaging.

Your friendly skipper greets you at the meeting point, just a short walk from Kotor’s Old Town, and the adventure begins. The boat itself is comfortable and well-equipped, offering free Wi-Fi—a surprisingly handy feature for sharing photos on the go—and a reassuring sense of safety, thanks to the included insurance and licensed guide.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kotor.

Exploring Our Lady of the Rocks

The first stop is the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, a fascinating man-made island with a story that’s almost as captivating as its appearance. Created by local fishermen throwing stones into the water whenever they found the image of St. Mary, the tiny island now hosts a church dating back to the 15th century. Tourists love to admire the church’s architecture and snap photos of the cultural landmark.

Some reviews mention that the entry fee for the museum isn’t included (just 2 Euro), but the stop itself offers plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the history woven into the island’s stones.

The Yugoslavian Submarine Tunnels

Next, the boat glides through the fjord-like waters, giving you the chance to explore abandoned submarine tunnels from the Socialist Yugoslavian period. These tunnels, now open to the public, are an unexpected twist—an underground relic intertwined with the region’s more recent past.

You might find swimming inside them an unusual experience, with a sense of touching history. Though brief, this stop adds an intriguing layer to the tour, especially for those interested in more than just scenic views.

Mamula Island’s Transformation

The boat then heads toward Mamula Island, which has undergone a remarkable transformation from a former Austro-Hungarian prison to a luxurious resort. The panoramic views of Mamula’s rugged silhouette are striking, and the quick photo stop provides an excellent opportunity for capturing the rugged beauty of this island.

Some guests note that Mamula has a “unique history,” making the island an interesting point of contrast—once a place of confinement, now a site of leisure and leisure-related development.

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The Blue Cave Experience

Finally, the tour culminates at the Blue Cave, famed for its shimmering waters and the mystical glow that gives the cave its name. This is undoubtedly the highlight for many travelers. The sight of the bright, glowing water is breathtaking, often leaving visitors feeling as if they’ve entered another world.

Swimming and snorkeling inside the cave’s entrance are optional but highly recommended, giving you a chance to touch the water’s luminous surface. The 30-minute stop here isn’t long, but it’s packed with enough wonder to make it a memorable finale.

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What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour includes a licensed English-speaking skipper, free Wi-Fi, water, insurance, and fuel—a comprehensive package ensuring safety and comfort. Soft drinks, juices, or alcohol can be arranged beforehand if you want a toast to your day on the water.

The itinerary is crafted to maximize scenic and cultural highlights while keeping the pace brisk enough to fit everything into three hours. This makes it ideal for travelers with limited time but a desire to see the bay’s most iconic sights.

Practical Details

Meeting point is at a central location near Kotor’s Old Town, just a short walk from the marina. The tour departs at various times (check availability), and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—perfect for flexible travelers.

The Experience from Travelers’ Perspectives

Many reviews praise the stunning views, especially of Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave. Several mention that the skipper’s local knowledge makes a difference, adding stories that bring the sights alive. The opportunity to swim inside the Blue Cave is a favorite feature, with some describing the waters as “surprisingly warm and luminous.”

Some travelers note that the short duration can feel rushed, especially if you’re keen on exploring in more depth. However, most agree that it’s a worthwhile snapshot of Kotor Bay’s natural and cultural riches.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a beautifully balanced slice of Montenegro’s bay, perfect for those who want a quick, scenic escape with some adventure thrown in. It’s especially valuable for first-time visitors or travelers on a tight schedule who want to see the highlights without missing out.

The value lies in the combination of stunning scenery, engaging stories, and active swimming opportunities—all packed into just three hours. The compact itinerary means you won’t get a deep dive into each site, but you’ll leave with plenty of beautiful photos and memorable moments.

This experience suits families, couples, or solo travelers eager for a lively, scenic ride that’s both relaxing and fun. If you prefer longer, more leisurely explorations, you might consider other options, but for a quick, memorable taste of the bay, this tour delivers.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with specific start times depending on availability.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, it’s not recommended for babies under 1 year old due to the boat ride and water activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the licensed guide/skipper, Wi-Fi, water, insurance, and fuel. Entry tickets for Our Lady of the Rocks Museum are optional and cost around 2 Euro.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are available, especially at the Blue Cave, which many find to be a highlight.

Where do I meet the boat?
You meet just 100 meters from Kotor Old Town and the marina at Park Slobode bb, a central and convenient location.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a camera. Soft drinks or alcohol can be purchased beforehand if desired.

In summary, this speedboat tour of Kotor Bay offers a well-rounded experience—combining the beauty of Montenegro’s coastline with intriguing historical sites and the thrill of swimming in luminous waters. It’s a solid pick for travelers wanting a dose of scenery and adventure in a short time frame, delivered with local charm and practical convenience.