VIP Private Charter, Flexible

VIP Private Charter: Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks (Flexible) runs through Montenegro Submarine and Speedboat Tours. Rated 4.9 across 210 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $169.

Overview

This private speedboat charter runs out of Kotor for three hours, with a licensed skipper who also acts as guide for one boat and one booking group only. The route crosses the bay, passes Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, then continues past Mamula Island to the Blue Cave, before a short stop at a former submarine tunnel on the way back. Because it is private, the pacing has some give, and several reviewers said the crew adapted the plan around weather or what the group wanted most.

The cave portion works differently than it once did. Motorized boats no longer enter, so the skipper anchors outside the entrance and guests swim in, with life jackets provided. Several reviewers also described time at Our Lady of the Rocks, though the small museum there costs a few euros extra in cash and swimwear is not allowed inside the church.

The format suits travellers who want the bay's main sights without sharing a boat with dozens of others. Reviewers repeatedly mentioned the crew's local knowledge, music over Bluetooth, and the freedom to linger or move on. Cruise passengers in particular noted the meeting point sits close to the port. It is not a fit for wheelchair users, and the whole trip depends on calm enough seas.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Park SlobodeThe departure point is by the sea in Kotor, near the information desk in the park. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure; if you miss the boat, you can join a later slot as agreed with the operator.
2. Bay of Kotor cruiseThe trip opens with roughly 20 minutes crossing the bay, free of any admission charge, with commentary from the skipper along the way.
3. Our Lady of the RocksAround 20 minutes near Perast, passing by the island. You must have at least a T-shirt on to enter the church; the optional museum admission is extra and cash only.
4. Blue CaveAbout 20 minutes, passing Mamula Island en route. The boat anchors outside and guests swim into the cave; snorkeling gear is onboard on request.
5. Submarine tunnelA roughly 5 minute pass by a former submarine tunnel, free to view, before the run back to Kotor.
6. Return to KotorThe tour ends back at the original meeting point in the park.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from what to pack to how the weather can change the plan.

• What to bring. The operator recommends sunglasses, a sunhat, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes or sandals, a jacket for chilly weather, swimwear, a towel and flip flops. Since the cave visit means getting in the water, packing for a swim matters more here than on a sightseeing-only boat trip.
• Swimming at the cave. Boats no longer enter the Blue Cave, so the visit means swimming in from outside the entrance, with life jackets available. Snorkeling masks and snorkels are kept onboard in several types; ask the skipper, as one reviewer found the gear was not automatically handed out.
• Weather dependence. The tour only runs in good conditions, and rough seas can close the cave itself. Several travellers reported the crew adapting the route to calmer coves and swim stops instead, so a changed itinerary does not necessarily mean a lost day.
• Dress code. Swimwear is not allowed inside the church at Our Lady of the Rocks, so bring at least a T-shirt to cover up. Spring and autumn crossings can be chilly on the water, and the operator suggests dressing warmer in those months.
• Getting there. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, and if driving, allow extra time. The listing warns of heavy traffic around the park and delays from roadworks on the main road. Several cruise passengers noted the meeting point is close to the port.
• Group feel. Only your group is on board, which reviewers contrasted favourably with crowded shared boats. The ride can be bumpy at speed in choppy conditions, something a few travellers mentioned even while enjoying it.

Common issues. The tour depends entirely on workable weather, and the Blue Cave itself can be closed when the sea is rough, in which case the crew substitutes other stops or the booking is moved to another date or refunded. Onboard drinking water is included but alcoholic beverages are not, and the small museum on Our Lady of the Rocks costs 3 euros per person in cash if you want to go in. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and hotel pickup is not part of the package. One reviewer reported a captain who did not offer water or the onboard gear unprompted and did not help with climbing back aboard, and another noted the bulk of the three hours is spent riding between stops rather than at them.

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