Blue Cave Swim, 3.5 Hours

Kotor: Blue Cave Swim, Lady of the Rocks & Submarine Tunnels runs through MONTENEGRO SUBMARINE & SPEED BOAT TOURS. Rated 4.7 across 4,903 reviews. Runs 3 - 3.5 hours. From $40.

Overview

A speedboat loops out of Kotor and strings together the Bay of Kotor's best known sights with one military detour. The run takes three to three and a half hours, starting with a pass by the waterfront town of Perast and a stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, the church on an artificial island whose origin is tied to a local legend of two brothers finding a Madonna and Child icon. You get about twenty minutes on the island, which is enough to walk around and look inside the church if it is open, though the museum entry is a small extra charge paid in cash.

From there the boat heads out through the outer bay past Mamula fortress island and along the Luštica Peninsula coast to the Blue Cave. Local rules keep all engines outside the cave, so the boat anchors ten to twenty meters from the entrance and swimmers go the rest of the way themselves. Strong, confident swimmers get the most out of this stop, which lasts thirty minutes. The return leg includes a short visit inside a former Yugoslav submarine tunnel, an atmospheric stop that feels worlds away from the usual boat route.

The pace is quick by design. A few travellers have said they wanted more time at the cave, so this suits people who want the highlights in one loop rather than a slow day on the water. It is a good fit for confident swimmers, photographers who want the bay from water level, and anyone short on time in Kotor.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting point in KotorThere are 2 starting location options depending on the option selected, so check the booking page for the one that applies.
2. Speedboat to PerastA 20 minute boat ride out of Kotor toward Perast.
3. Perast pass byThe boat passes the town for about 5 minutes on the way.
4. Our Lady of the RocksA 20 minute break on the island. The church and museum admission is an extra fee, cash only.
5. Speedboat toward the tunnelsAbout 25 minutes of cruising through the bay's scenery.
6. Submarine tunnelA 10 minute photo stop and visit inside the former military tunnel, with scenic views along the way.
7. Mamula Island passA 5 minute photo stop and pass by the fortress island.
8. Blue Cave swim30 minutes for swimming and exploring. The boat anchors outside and swimmers enter the water; this stop is optional.
9. Return and drop-offCruise back toward Kotor by speedboat, with 3 drop-off locations depending on the selected option.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour feels, from what to carry to how the swim stop actually works.

• Swim fitness. The Blue Cave is a swim-in stop, not a walk-in. Boats must keep engines outside, so you swim roughly ten to twenty meters from the anchor point to the entrance. Strong, confident swimmers get the most from it, and life jackets are provided.
• What to bring. The listing suggests swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, cash for the island museum and a waterproof phone case for the cave stop. The cave entry is done from the water, so anything you want at that stop needs to survive a swim.
• Guides and crew. Reviewers often mention the guides by name and describe them as friendly, funny and knowledgeable. One traveller said the guide gave attention to everyone's personal needs and another liked the balance of information, activity and free time.
• Pace. Stops are short and clearly timed: twenty minutes on the island, ten in the tunnel, thirty at the cave. Some reviewers enjoyed exactly this rhythm, while a few felt rushed and wanted longer at the cave, so expect a brisk schedule.
• Weather and season. Tours can be canceled or rescheduled if sea conditions are unsafe. Spring and autumn mornings can feel chilly on the water, so the listing advises a light jacket alongside swimwear.
• Getting there. Meeting points depend on the option selected, so confirm the location on the booking page. If driving to Kotor, summer parking is limited and the listing advises arriving early.

Common issues. The main complaints are about pace rather than substance: some travellers say the schedule feels rushed, especially the half hour at the Blue Cave. The cave stop also depends on weather, and the operator may cancel or reschedule when the sea is unsafe. Church and museum entry on Our Lady of the Rocks costs extra and is cash only, and the church closes for part of the day depending on the season. One reviewer reported a hand injury from the boat ladder while climbing back out of the water, so take care reboarding. Swimmers who are not confident in open water may find the cave entry a stretch, and pets, large bags and smoking are not allowed on board.

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