Kotor Bay: Blue Cave, Lady of the Rocks & Mamula Boat Tour

Summary

Boat ride from Kotor to Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave swim

You’ll glide across Kotor Bay by boat with a local skipper, pause at Our Lady of the Rocks for stories and art inside its church, then pass Mamula’s fortress before swimming in the glowing waters of Blue Cave. The mix of history, laughter with your guide, and that unreal blue light stays with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how quiet it felt leaving Kotor by boat, just this low hum of the motor and the kind of salty air that sticks to your skin. We drifted past these little stone villages—some with laundry flapping out over the water—and I kept thinking how old everything looked, but in a good way. Our skipper, Marko, pointed out a church tower poking above the trees and told us about his grandmother’s village. I didn’t catch every word (his English was way better than my Montenegrin), but you could tell he loved this place.

The first stop was Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s this tiny island that looks like it shouldn’t even exist—just rocks piled up with a blue-domed church in the middle. There were other travelers there, but it didn’t feel crowded. Inside, it smelled faintly of wax and sea air. The guide explained how locals built the island by tossing stones for centuries after finding an icon there. I tried to imagine all those hands throwing rocks into the bay year after year—honestly can’t picture people doing that now. You have to cover up inside (no swimwear), which I forgot until someone handed me a T-shirt with a smile.

After that we skimmed past Mamula Island—a round fortress that Marko said had some dark history from wartime. He got quiet for a second before cracking a joke about Montenegrin coffee being stronger than their walls. Made us all laugh, even if I still felt a chill looking at those stone ramparts.

The best part? The Blue Cave. Sunlight bounced off the water so everything glowed electric blue inside—I nearly dropped my phone trying to get a photo. Jumping in was colder than I expected but worth it; you float under this ceiling where light flickers like stained glass. Some people swam out quickly but I stayed longer just watching my hands turn blue underwater. It’s hard to describe that feeling—you know when you’re somewhere strange but suddenly feel calm? That was it for me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boka Bay and Blue Cave tour

• Boat trip along Kotor Bay coastline
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Pass through Verige strait to Tivat Bay
• Stop at ex-submarine military base
• View Mamula fortified island
• Swim in the Blue Cave

Top questions

How long does the Kotor Bay boat tour take?

The tour duration varies depending on conditions but typically lasts several hours including stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave.

Is swimming allowed at Our Lady of the Rocks?

No, swimming is not permitted at Our Lady of the Rocks; visitors must also wear at least a T-shirt inside the church.

Can children join this Kotor sightseeing tour?

Yes, children can join as long as they are accompanied by an adult; infants may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the designated starting point near Kotor Bay.

What happens if weather is bad for Blue Cave tours?

If weather or sea conditions are unsafe, visits to Blue Cave may be skipped or rescheduled for safety reasons.

What should I bring on this day trip from Kotor?

Bring sunglasses, sunhat, sunscreen, camera, comfortable shoes or sandals, jacket for chilly weather, swimwear, towel, and flip flops.

Are guides English-speaking on this boat tour?

Yes, your skipper or guide will speak English throughout the tour.

How many people are on each group tour?

The maximum capacity is 25 travelers per group tour boat.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking skipper who doubles as your local guide on board; drinking water is provided throughout; fuel costs are covered so you can focus on enjoying each stop—from art-filled churches to swimming in Blue Cave—with insurance included for peace of mind before returning to Kotor port.