Private Boat, Up To 9 Guests

Kotor Private Boat Tour: Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks (Up to 9) runs through Montenegro Submarine and Speedboat Tours. Rated 4.9 across 221 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $389.

Overview

Three hours on a private speedboat out of Kotor, with the boat and crew reserved for one group of up to nine. The skipper doubles as the guide, and the route runs across the bay to the headline sights: the island church of Our Lady of the Rocks at Perast, the Blue Cave near Mamula Island, and a former submarine tunnel cut into the shoreline. Pass-bys at Perast and Mamula are part of the ride, and the cave stop includes time to swim.

The mix of riding and stops suits a wide range of parties. One group of nine spanning ages 7 to 70 called it their favourite outing of a two-week trip, and a birthday group of eight described it as the highlight of their holiday. The route is not fixed in stone: skippers have redirected swim stops when the Blue Cave was crowded, and the operator has been flexible when guests arrived late.

The boat carries drinking water, Wi-Fi, snorkelling masks in several types, life jackets including child sizes on request, a first aid kit, and a waterproof phone case subject to availability. Lunch and alcohol are not included but can be bought before departure, and the museum on Our Lady of the Rocks charges a separate cash-only admission. Note that swimming and drones are forbidden at the island itself.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Park SlobodeMeet by the sea at Park Slobode 1 in Kotor, near the information desk, at least 30 minutes early. Hotel pickup is not included.
2. Bay of Kotor cruiseThe boat crosses the Bay of Kotor, a passage of roughly 20 minutes with no admission fee.
3. Our Lady of the RocksA roughly 20-minute stop at the island church near Perast, passed by en route. Museum admission is optional and costs 3.00 euros per person in cash only.
4. Blue Cave and MamulaRoughly 20 minutes at the Blue Cave, passing Mamula Island. Motorized boats are banned inside, so the boat anchors outside the entrance and guests swim in.
5. Submarine tunnelA short 5-minute look at a former submarine tunnel, free to view from the boat.
6. Return to KotorThe tour ends back at the meeting point, three hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour goes, from what to carry to how the swim stops actually work.

• Getting there. Arrive at least 30 minutes early and allow extra driving time, since the listing warns of heavy traffic around the park and roadworks on the main road. If late, guests can usually join the next available slot as agreed with the operator.
• What to bring. The listing recommends sunglasses, a sunhat, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes or sandals, a jacket for chilly weather, swimwear, a towel and flip flops.
• Swim stops. Boats cannot enter the Blue Cave under engine, so the crew anchors outside and guests swim in. When the cave is crowded in high summer, multiple reviewers said their skipper took them to a quieter cove to swim instead, which most appreciated.
• Crowds and timing. Reviewers travelling in late June reported busy conditions at the sights and in Kotor itself. Shoulder-season months can be chilly on the water, and the listing advises dressing warmer in spring and autumn.
• Church dress code. Swimwear is not allowed inside the church on Our Lady of the Rocks, and at least a T-shirt is required. The island also prohibits swimming and drones.
• Food and drink. Lunch and alcoholic drinks are excluded but can be purchased before departure. Drinking water is provided onboard, though one reviewer felt the amount was skimpy, so bringing a bottle is sensible.

Common issues. The whole trip depends on weather: if conditions are poor the tour is cancelled, and one reviewer reported the Blue Cave being unreachable on their day. The Blue Cave itself gets crowded with other boats in peak season, and one reviewer said a stop was cut shorter than planned because of the crowds. One reviewer wished for more or longer swimming stops. The museum entry fee of 3.00 euros per person is extra and cash only, and the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

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