Kotor: Boka Bay Grand Explorer: 6.5H Private Speedboat Tour

If you’re considering a boat trip around Montenegro’s famed Boka Bay, the Kotor: Boka Bay Grand Explorer offers a comprehensive, private way to see the highlights—plus some secret spots you might not find in a typical group tour. This 6.5-hour adventure blends natural beauty, history, and leisurely stops, all tailored to your pace and interests. It’s an excellent choice for travelers craving a personalized experience with the flexibility to extend or customize the route.

Two features stand out — the chance to swim in the glowing Blue Cave and explore abandoned Yugoslav tunnels that most visitors never get close to. These quirks make the tour more than just a sightseeing cruise; it’s an authentic, immersive experience. One caveat? It’s a full day on the water, so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed, land-based day, this might be a bit intense.

This tour is best suited for couples, families, or groups of friends who enjoy adventure, scenic views, and a bit of history—without the crowds. It’s especially appealing if you value a private, flexible schedule and the chance to explore hidden corners of Boka Bay at your own pace.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means you set the pace and choose stops.
• Stunning Natural Sights: Blue Cave, Mamula Fortress, and the historic islands.
• Historical and Cultural Depth: Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, Yugoslav tunnels.
• Great for Swimming: Snorkeling, cliff-jumping, and swimming off secluded beaches.
• Flexibility to Extend: After 6.5 hours, every extra hour is free—no rush to end.
• Includes Refreshments: Water, beer, wine, and snorkeling gear provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This private speedboat tour is designed to give you an all-in-one experience of Montenegro’s most celebrated coastal sites, combined with plenty of personal touches. Starting from Kotor, the tour offers a collection of stops that balance natural beauty, historic intrigue, and leisurely relaxation.

Departure and Pickup

Departing from Kotor, the tour begins with a flexible pickup arrangement—your boat can meet you near your accommodation or a nearby pier, depending on your location. This flexibility is a boon, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate old town. The boat itself is well-equipped with Wi-Fi, snorkeling gear, and comfortable seating, making the journey as enjoyable as the stops.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The first highlight is Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island with a long seafaring tradition. Visitors can explore the charming chapel, museum, and enjoy sweeping views over the bay. The 20-minute window provided here is enough to snap some photos and soak in the atmosphere, making it an ideal way to start your day with a mix of culture and scenery.

The Yugoslav Submarine Tunnels

Next, you’ll cruise past the abandoned submarine tunnels, relics from the Yugoslav era. Accessible only by boat, these tunnels add an intriguing layer of history to your trip. Although just a quick stop, many travelers find these sites fascinating because they’re seldom included in standard tours, offering a glimpse into Montenegro’s Cold War past.

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Mamula Fortress

Cruising past Mamula Fortress, a 19th-century island fort, offers a dramatic view of Montenegro’s coastal defense architecture. While you won’t stop here, the sight alone highlights the strategic importance of Boka Bay and makes for great photos.

The Blue Cave: Nature’s Showpiece

Arguably the tour’s star attraction, the Blue Cave is a natural wonder—famous for its glowing turquoise waters. You’ll have about 30 minutes here to swim beneath the cave’s dome, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoy the surreal scenery. Many reviewers speak of the “unforgettable” moment of swimming in such luminous waters, with one noting, “The glow of the cave was truly magical—I could have stayed forever.” The cave’s accessibility by boat makes it a highlight for those wanting a memorable, photo-worthy experience.

Seaside Lunch at Ribarsko Selo

After the underwater marvel, the tour takes you to Ribarsko Selo, a peaceful seaside restaurant. Here, you can indulge in fresh seafood, local specialties, or simply relax with a drink and views of the bay. The restaurant’s private dock also allows for a quick dip or swim to cool off from the sun. This stop is a perfect blend of local flavor and relaxation, especially appreciated after the water activities.

Hidden Beach at Galebova Plaza

Continuing along the coast, you’ll arrive at Galebova Plaza, a secluded beach known for its clear water and rocky cliffs. Snorkeling here reveals a lively underwater world, and cliff-jumping from the rocks is a popular way to get your adrenaline going. Travelers often comment on how “hidden” and peaceful this spot feels, providing a wonderful contrast to busier tourist sites.

Strolling through Prcanj

The last scenic stop is Prcanj, a charming historic town. Passing by or stopping briefly allows for some quick photos, strolling through narrow lanes, or browsing local shops. It’s an ideal way to wind down the trip with a quiet view of Montenegro’s maritime life.

The Return

As your journey winds down, the boat heads back to Kotor, passing by other sites like the fortress and old town. The ride back offers a chance to relax, reflect, or continue snapping photos of the beautiful bay.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At first glance, the price might seem high—especially considering that entry fees (like the 3 EUR to Our Lady of the Rocks) and meals aren’t included. However, the private nature, combined with the full-day itinerary, means you’re paying for the exclusivity and personalized experience. With drinks, snorkeling gear, and the option to add extra stops for free, the overall value increases, especially compared to larger group tours.

The flexibility to extend your time is particularly valuable. If you find a spot you love, your skipper can stay longer without additional cost. This is a rare feature that turns a set itinerary into a truly customizable experience.

What Travelers Appreciate

Many reviews highlight the stunning scenery, especially the glowing waters of the Blue Cave and panoramic views from the islands. The friendly, knowledgeable skippers also earn praise, making the day not just visually impressive but also informative and safe. The included refreshments and snorkeling gear add to the comfort, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment.

Potential Drawbacks

Because the tour is 6.5 hours long, it’s not ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed, land-based day. The boat ride can also be choppy, especially if weather conditions aren’t perfect, so seasickness-prone travelers should prepare accordingly. Plus, the tour doesn’t include entry tickets to some sites, so budget for small extras.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to explore Montenegro’s coast from the water, with a mix of natural wonders and history. It suits those who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scenic cruising without feeling rushed. Families with older children, couples celebrating a special occasion, or groups of friends looking for a private, memorable day out will find this tour especially appealing.

If you’re after a luxurious, all-inclusive day with plenty of free time to explore on your own, the flexibility of this tour makes it a compelling choice. Conversely, if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer land-based activities, it might be worth considering shorter or less active options.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting a comprehensive, private day on the water in Boka Bay, this tour hits many of the right notes. Its combination of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and personal customization makes it stand out. We loved the way it offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, all with the comfort of having someone else handle navigation and logistics.

The highlight for many will be swimming in the Blue Cave’s luminous waters and exploring hidden beaches that most travelers never see. The included drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the ability to extend the tour for free add significant value, especially for travelers who want flexibility.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—particularly non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness—it’s a top choice for those wanting a memorable, personalized way to experience Montenegro’s stunning coast. If you’re after an authentic, adventure-filled day with the freedom to customize, this private speedboat tour is hard to beat.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for older children who can swim, as the activities include swimming and snorkeling. Non-swimmers may find some parts less enjoyable, and safety equipment is provided.

Can I extend the tour beyond 6.5 hours?
Yes, every additional hour after the scheduled time is free, so you can explore further or linger at favorite spots.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers a private boat, the services of a certified English-speaking skipper, snorkeling gear, lifejackets, Wi-Fi, water, beer, soda, wine, and raincoats.

Are meals included?
No, the tour doesn’t include lunch or snacks, but you can enjoy a seaside lunch at Ribarsko Selo, which is part of the itinerary.

How comfortable is the boat?
The boat is equipped with Bluetooth/USB music, freshwater shower, and comfortable seating—making the journey enjoyable in itself.

Can I visit Perast or other sites not listed?
Yes, the tour is flexible, and you can ask your skipper to extend the route or add stops like Perast or Anjice Beach.

Is this tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
It might be challenging; the boat ride can be choppy, so if seasickness is a concern, consider medication or choose a more land-based activity.

How does the pickup work?
Pickup can be arranged from your accommodation or a nearby pier. Because of water depth, the boat can’t dock at every pier, but the provider will suggest the closest point.

Do I need to buy tickets for the attractions?
Yes, entry to Our Lady of the Rocks Church & Museum costs about 3 EUR per person, paid separately.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, sun protection, camera, snacks, and water to keep comfortable and prepared for the day.

In essence, the Kotor Boka Bay Grand Explorer offers a fantastic blend of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and active fun, all wrapped in a private, flexible package. It’s a memorable way to see Montenegro’s coast with all the comforts and the freedom to customize your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: