From Budva/Kotor: Boat Trip to Blue Cave, Kotor and More

If you’re dreaming of Montenegro’s coastal beauty, this boat trip promises a full day of scenic sightseeing, charming stops, and memorable moments. Designed for travelers who love a mix of nature, history, and good food, this tour is a popular choice—gathering glowing reviews and a solid 4.6 out of 5 from over 50 participants.

What sets this trip apart? First, the expert guidance that helps you understand Montenegro’s fascinating coastline. Second, the stunning views from the boat that you simply can’t get from land. But, no trip is perfect—some guests mention that the ride can be a bit rough, or that the boat might feel crowded during the Blue Cave visit. Still, if you’re comfortable on the water and eager to experience Montenegro’s best spots, this tour hits many of the highlights at a reasonable price. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate comfortable sightseeing, scenic boat rides, and a laid-back pace.

Key Points

• Well-curated experience with over 10 years of local expertise
• In-depth guide offers fascinating insights into Montenegro’s culture and history
• Scenic boat rides showcase the coastline’s natural beauty
• Includes a delicious onboard lunch with options to suit dietary preferences
• Perfect for those who love swimming or exploring caves
• Accessible only with some considerations for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This nine-hour adventure takes you along Montenegro’s coast, combining the charm of boat travel with stops at must-see locations. The trip starts with a pickup from Budva or a direct start in Kotor, depending on your chosen option, then sets sail through the aquamarine waters of Boka Bay. The experience balances scenic cruising with leisurely visits to ports, making it a flexible yet comprehensive way to see the region.

What We Love About This Trip

Two key features make this tour stand out. First, the deep knowledge of the guides—they don’t just point out sights but tell stories that make the history and culture of Montenegro come alive. Second, the visual spectacle—from the boat, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and historic towns that look like they’re straight out of a postcard.

A Possible Drawback

Some guests note that the boat ride to the Blue Cave can be a bit rough—so if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to prepare accordingly. Also, the Blue Cave visit involves a small boat transfer, which might be crowded during peak times, so patience is key.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

It’s ideally suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat trips, authentic local experiences, and simple leisure. If you’re not keen on swimming or have mobility challenges, some stops might be less accessible. But for those wanting a full day of exploration with a good balance of relaxation and sightseeing, this trip fits well.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point – Flexible and Convenient

Depending on your booking choice, you’ll be picked up from a designated location in Budva or meet directly in Kotor. The pickup and drop-off service is a big plus, removing the hassle of transportation and making the day more relaxing.

Cruise Through Boka Bay (110 Minutes)

The journey begins with a relaxing cruise past Jaz and Ploce beaches—famous spots with clear waters and soft sands. This is your warm-up for the day, offering plenty of opportunities to snap photos or simply enjoy the views. The boat itself is described as comfortable, with room to relax and take in the scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

Blue Cave Adventure (70 Minutes)

One of the tour’s highlights is the visit to Montenegro’s Blue Cave. The water in the cave is famous for its mesmerizing hue—created by sunlight reflecting off the sandy bottom. You’ll spend about 70 minutes here, including time on a smaller boat that takes you inside the cave. Be prepared for a short swim if you’re a confident swimmer; it’s a unique experience.

A review from Andreea from Romania notes that the “ride to the first stop can be a bit rough,” so expect some motion and dress accordingly. Those who loved the Blue Cave mention the breathtaking color and the novelty of swimming or just observing from the boat.

Stop at Herceg Novi (1 Hour)

Next, the boat heads to Herceg Novi, a lively coastal town where you’ll have about an hour of free time. You might choose to relax on the beach, explore the town’s charming streets, or grab a quick snack. Several reviews mention the quality of the food and the friendly crew, which makes this stop a pleasant break.

Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast (50 Minutes)

The next stop is the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, famous for its picturesque church and small museum. Visitors love the opportunity to walk around the island and soak in the stories behind its construction and history. Afterward, you’ll cruise past Perast, a beautifully preserved town with narrow streets and historic charm, with about 30 minutes to explore on your own.

Final Stop in Kotor (1 Hour)

Arriving in Kotor, you’ll have time to stroll through its UNESCO-listed Old Town, with narrow alleys, historic churches, and lively cafes. Many reviewers highlight how much this adds to the trip, giving a taste of Montenegro’s layered past. The tour includes about an hour here, enough to wander or find a cozy spot for coffee before heading back.

Return Journey and Comfort

After exploring Kotor, a bus takes you back to your starting point, usually with more scenic views. The entire experience wraps up after roughly nine hours, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, an experienced guide, and lunch on board—a generous perk, especially considering the price of $70. Lunch options include fish or meat, with vegetarian or vegan choices available if requested in advance. The onboard meal is often praised as tasty and freshly prepared.

Extras like entrance fees to Our Lady of the Rocks (€2) or the Old Town Kotor tourist tax (€1) are not included, nor are the Blue Cave entry fee (€10) and food or drinks bought on the boat. Guests should carry cash for these extras.

Considerations for Value

Guests consistently note the value for money, especially given the included lunch, the scenic boat rides, and multiple stops. Some mention that the tour feels well-organized, with a balance of sightseeing and relaxation, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Authentic Feedback from Past Travelers

From glowing praise like “the trip and guide were excellent” to practical tips such as “be aware of the rough ride,” reviews paint a full picture. A traveler from Kazakhstan appreciated the friendly crew, delicious food, and breathtaking views, while another from Switzerland emphasized the good organization and reasonable prices.

Several reviews mention the knowledgeable guides, making the experience more meaningful. Some highlight the good value, with many saying it was a highlight of their Montenegro trip.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sun protection, sunglasses, swimwear, and cash
• Be prepared for some motion, especially at the Blue Cave
• If you have dietary preferences, inform the tour staff beforehand for vegetarian or vegan options
• Arrive on time for pickup or meet at the designated spot
• Don’t forget your camera—the scenery is spectacular
• Expect some stops to feel busy or crowded, especially at the Blue Cave
• The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those with mobility issues
• The sequence may change depending on weather or sea conditions

In The Sum Up

This boat trip offers a well-balanced introduction to Montenegro’s coast, emphasizing stunning scenery, cultural highlights, and good value. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring historic sites, and trying local food in a relaxed setting. The guides’ insights make the experience richer, and many find it a highlight of their Montenegro visit.

While the ride to the Blue Cave can be a bit lively, most travelers agree that the views and stops outweigh the small discomforts. It’s a day designed for leisure and discovery, with enough flexibility to suit different interests.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a second round, this tour promises a memorable day along Montenegro’s sparkling coast—an authentic way to experience this charming part of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from select locations are included, making it easy to join the tour without worrying about logistics.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for extras. Baby food is also allowed onboard.

Can I swim at the Blue Cave?
Yes, if you are a good swimmer, you can swim in the Blue Cave. However, participation depends on weather and sea conditions.

How long is the cruise?
The entire trip lasts about 9 hours, including all stops and transfers.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included on the boat, with options for fish or meat. Vegetarian or vegan meals can be arranged if requested ahead of time.

What costs are extra?
Entrance fees to Our Lady of the Rocks (€2), the Kotor tourist tax (€1), and the Blue Cave entry (€10) are paid in cash on the spot.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Partially. While you can enjoy the cruise, swimming in the Blue Cave or other stops is optional and may not be suitable for non-swimmers.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour is primarily conducted in English, with options for Russian, Serbo-Croatian, and Montenegrin/Italian.

How busy does the Blue Cave get?
During peak times, the Blue Cave can get crowded, especially the transfer by small boat. Patience and early bookings help.

What makes this tour a good value?
With scenic cruises, guided insights, and a tasty onboard lunch, many find it a worthwhile way to explore Montenegro’s coast without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips.

In essence, this tour provides an engaging, scenic, and well-organized way to experience Montenegro’s coast—ideal for travelers craving a relaxed yet enriching day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: