Blue Cave, Submarine Base, 3 Hours

Kotor: Blue Cave, Submarine Base, and Lady of the Rocks Tour runs through Aquaholic Speedboat Tours Kotor. Rated 4.8 across 5,099 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $43.

Overview

Three hours on a speedboat out of Kotor covers a lot of ground: the baroque waterfront of Perast, the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, a Yugoslav-era submarine tunnel cut into the cliffs, the fortress island of Mamula, and finally a swim stop at the Blue Cave. Aquaholic Speedboat Tours runs the trip with a licensed captain and a local guide, and the boat itself is part of the fun. Reviewers repeatedly single out the fast ride and the music as reasons they enjoyed the day.

The stops are short by design. You get 20 minutes on Our Lady of the Rocks, 10 inside the submarine base, a pass by Mamula, and 30 minutes at the Blue Cave, where the swimming is the main event rather than cave entry by boat. From May 21 onward boats may no longer enter the cave, so guests swim in from the entrance. The guide tells stories from the Cold War and WWII eras as you go, and an audio guide link covers foreign languages.

This suits travellers who want the bay's headline sights in a single morning or afternoon without committing to a full-day excursion. Cruise passengers have noted the departure point is a short walk from where tenders drop off. It is less suited to anyone who wants long, unhurried time at each stop, or who cannot manage boarding a speedboat.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting point in KotorThere are 2 possible starting locations depending on the option selected. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for check-in.
2. Speedboat to PerastA 20-minute ride out of Kotor, followed by a 3-minute panoramic pass by the town of Perast and its twin islands.
3. Our Lady of the RocksA 20-minute stop on the island. Optional: church, museum and island admission costs €5, cash only, and is not part of the tour price. Swimwear is not permitted inside.
4. Submarine tunnelA 25-minute crossing, then a 10-minute photo stop and visit inside the former Yugoslav submarine base.
5. Mamula IslandAfter a 15-minute ride, a 5-minute pass by the fortress island, once used as a prison, with commentary on its history.
6. Blue Cave swimA 10-minute ride to the cave, then 30 minutes of swimming in the area. Optional. From May 21 boats no longer enter the cave, so it is experienced by swimming in from the entrance.
7. Return and drop-offSpeedboat back to one of 2 drop-off locations, depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the difference between a good trip and a rushed one.

• Bring swim gear. Pack swimwear, a towel, a sun hat and sunscreen, as the listing recommends. One reviewer suggested dry clothes for after the Blue Cave swim and something to cover your head, since it gets windy on the boat.
• Snorkel masks. Snorkeling masks are included subject to availability, so they can run out. A reviewer who ran into this advised bringing your own mask if swimming in the cave matters to you.
• Fast pace. The stops are timed tightly, and reviewers often mention they would have liked more time, especially for swimming at the Blue Cave. Go in expecting a quick-moving circuit rather than a leisurely cruise.
• Bring cash. Cash is on the what-to-bring list. The optional island admission is €5, cash only, and tips for the guide are also not included.
• Music and crew. Several reviewers praised the captain's music and the friendly, informative crew. One driver was credited with timing the Blue Cave arrival ahead of other boats so it was less crowded, though schedules vary and guides rotate.
• Audio guide. Live commentary is in the guide's language, with an audio and written guide link and QR code for foreign languages. You need a mobile phone with an internet connection to use it.

Common issues. The most frequent complaint in reviews is that time at the stops feels short, particularly the Blue Cave swim. From May 21 onward boats no longer enter the cave, so access is by swimming in from the entrance, which may not suit weak swimmers or cold-water sensitive guests. The island admission of €5 cash is extra. Non-folding wheelchairs, non-folding strollers, large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and late arrivals to check-in can lose their slot without a refund. Weather can also force a route change or an alternative tour for safety.

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