Boka Bay: Kotor, Cave, Herceg Novi, & Lady of the Rocks Tour

If you’re considering a day trip that combines sea vistas, charming towns, and a touch of adventure, this tour of Boka Bay could be just what you need. It’s offered by DOO Montenegro Cruising, a company with over 40 years of experience, promising professionalism and familiarity with the area’s best spots.

We like that this tour offers a traditional cruise route, showcasing the stunning scenery of the Bay of Kotor, along with visits to iconic sites like the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and Herceg Novi. The inclusion of a boat ride, free time for swimming, and scenic drives through the bay makes for a varied and engaging experience.

However, a key consideration is the weather dependency—if the captain assesses that sea conditions are unsafe, some of the most anticipated stops like the Blue Cave and beaches will be skipped. This can be disappointing if you’re eager to swim or explore those particular spots.

This tour will suit travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, light adventure, and cultural visits, especially those who appreciate well-organized excursions with knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal for those who want a comprehensive day out without the hassle of planning multiple transport connections.

Key Points

• Long-standing Experience: Since 1981, the tour provider has built a reputation for reliability.
• Comfortable Transport & Boat Ride: Included bus transfer plus a scenic boat trip around the bay.
• Highlights & Stops: Herceg Novi, Anjice Beach, Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor Old Town.
• Flexible Schedule: Plenty of free time at key locations for exploring or relaxing.
• Weather Considerations: Unfavorable weather may alter the planned itinerary, especially the boat to the Blue Cave.
• Language Options: Tours are available in English, Russian, and Serbian, with guides on board.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting and Ending the Journey

The adventure begins with a bus pickup from several locations, including Budva and Petrovac, heading to Tivat, where you’ll board the boat. The boat, the MB Vesna, departs around 10 am, setting the tone for a day that balances scenic cruising with stops on land. The return journey takes about an hour after the final stop, bringing you back to your starting point.

This coordinated transfer system makes the day manageable, but the pace can be quite tight—if you prefer leisurely exploration, some stops might feel a bit rushed.

The Itinerary in Detail

From the Bus to the Bay

The first leg is by bus, which takes approximately 40 minutes from your pickup point to Tivat. This part of the journey is mainly a transfer, but it prepares you for the scenic boat trip ahead. The company states that the journey is “traditional,” highlighting that this route has been a trusted way to explore Boka Bay for decades.

Herceg Novi: The First Stop

Arriving in Herceg Novi after about 100 minutes on water, you’ll have 60 minutes of free time. This coastal town boasts a charming promenade and scenic views, making it a perfect stretch to stretch your legs or grab a quick coffee.

One review notes the “very good organization” and that the stops were enjoyable, though some mentioned the short duration of certain breaks. Be prepared to make the most of your limited time if you want to explore in depth.

More Great Tours Nearby

Beach and Blue Cave Excursion

Next, the boat takes you to Anjice Beach, where you’ll have 90 minutes of free time. This is a highlight for many—swimming, sunbathing, and taking photos of the stunning coastline. If the weather is favorable, smaller boats can take you to the Blue Cave, an activity many travelers find charming, although this is not included in the price.

A note worth emphasizing: “In case of bad weather, the captain may decide not to sail to the Blue Cave or beach”—meaning the plans are weather-dependent, and flexibility is needed.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

After the swim, the tour continues to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Here, you’ll get about 40 minutes to explore the church and museum. This site is iconic in the Bay of Kotor, with a fascinating history and stunning views from the island.

Some travelers appreciate the guided explanation available during this part, which adds context to the visit. Keep in mind, entrance fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget extra if you want to explore the museum or church.

Cruising the Bay & Old Town Kotor

The last scenic drive takes about 45 minutes through the bay, passing Perast—a picturesque town with baroque architecture and a great spot for photos. Then, you’ll stop in Kotor for about 70 minutes of free time.

Kotor’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with narrow streets, ancient walls, and lively squares. Many travelers use this time to wander, find a nice café, or simply relax in the park. The guide often points out sights, but exploring at your own pace is best for those wanting a more intimate experience.

Return to Your Starting Point

The tour wraps up with the bus ride back, lasting about 40 minutes, bringing you full circle after roughly nine hours of exploring Montenegro’s coast and bay.

The Value of This Tour

The price covers bus transfers, a boat ride, and a guide on board, which helps streamline the day. However, meals, entrance fees, and optional boat trips to the Blue Cave are not included, so budget accordingly.

What sets this experience apart is the professional service and the long-standing experience of the provider. The guide’s knowledge can greatly enrich your understanding of the sites, especially if you’re in one of the languages offered.

That said, some reviews hint at short stops and a somewhat hurried pace, so travelers with more time or a desire for in-depth exploration might find it limiting. The weather dependency is another factor—if sea conditions aren’t ideal, expect some attractions to be skipped, which could impact overall satisfaction.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Boka Bay in a single day, without the hassle of organizing transport or boat tickets themselves. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time. If you enjoy guided tours, scenic boat rides, and visiting iconic sites like Our Lady of the Rocks, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

However, those seeking a slow-paced, in-depth exploration of each location or a more flexible itinerary might prefer to customize their own day. Also, if you’re sensitive to weather, be prepared for potential changes or cancellations of certain activities.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an excellent way to see the highlights of Montenegro’s stunning Boka Bay, especially if you value professional service and a well-organized schedule. The combination of bus travel, boat rides, and visits to key spots like Herceg Novi, Anjice Beach, and Kotor creates a varied day full of visual delights and easy exploration.

While some travelers might find the stops a bit brief or the weather-dependent activities disappointing, the experience overall provides a balanced taste of the coast’s natural beauty and cultural sites. The knowledgeable guides can enhance your understanding, making the journey both enjoyable and informative.

This tour is perfect for visitors who want to tick off major sights efficiently and are comfortable with a somewhat structured day. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to experience Montenegro’s bay, this trip certainly delivers.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, your ticket includes transfers by bus from designated pickup points and a boat ride around the bay.

What should I bring? Pack a towel, camera, water, and beachwear, especially if you want to swim at Anjice Beach or visit the Blue Cave.

Can I visit the Blue Cave? Yes, if weather permits. However, the boat trip to the Blue Cave is not included, and the captain may decide not to sail if conditions are unsafe.

How long is the free time at each stop? Herceg Novi gets about 60 minutes, Anjice Beach around 90 minutes, and Kotor roughly 70 minutes.

Are entrance fees included? No, fees for museums or churches on Our Lady of the Rocks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children? The tour is generally suitable for older children who can handle a full day of activity, but note it’s not explicitly designed for very young kids.

What languages are available for the guide? Tours are offered in English, Russian, and Serbian, with guides on board.

What happens in case of bad weather? If the captain considers the sea unsafe, trips to the Blue Cave or Anjice Beach may be canceled or skipped.

How long does the entire tour last? About 9 hours, including transfer, sightseeing, and return.

Is there a limit to the group size? The description doesn’t specify, but given the organized nature, expect a typical tour group size, often around 20–30 participants.

This trip is a good choice if you want a well-organized, scenic day out in Montenegro with plenty of photo opportunities and the chance to see the bay’s most famous sights with a knowledgeable guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: