Kotor Bay: Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour

Summary

Speedboat to Blue Cave, island church, and secret tunnels in Kotor Bay

You’ll ride a private speedboat from Kotor Old Town across Boka Bay’s shifting blues, swim in the glowing Blue Cave, explore an abandoned submarine tunnel, and step onto Our Lady of the Rocks island to see its church and museum. Expect salty air, local stories from your skipper, and moments that linger after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what color the sea really is? I thought I knew until our speedboat pulled into the Blue Cave outside Kotor. The water inside glowed — not just blue but electric, almost humming under the surface. Our skipper, Marko, grinned when he saw my face. “You can swim,” he said, like it was no big deal. So we did — twenty minutes floating in that cool turquoise light, salt on my lips and echoing laughter bouncing off stone walls. I still think about that moment when everything felt suspended.

The trip started right from Kotor Old Town — Marko picked us up at a tiny dock with coffee in hand (his, not mine). We zipped past sleepy villages like Prčanj and Stoliv; he pointed out old palaces and told us about Captain Ivo Vizin who apparently sailed around the world before anyone here even had a passport. There was this part where we slowed near Verige, where chains once blocked enemy ships — you could almost picture it if you squinted past the bell towers and cypress trees. The air smelled faintly of diesel mixed with seaweed, which sounds weird but somehow fit.

After a quick stop to peek into one of those old submarine tunnels (dark, damp, echoey — my shoes squeaked embarrassingly loud), we headed for Our Lady of the Rocks. It’s this tiny island built by fishermen who kept tossing rocks into the bay until land appeared. Inside the church there’s a tapestry made by a woman waiting for her sailor husband; she wove it with her own hair as she grew older. Marko told us that story while we wandered through sunlit rooms filled with silver votives and ship models. I tried to pronounce “Gospa od Škrpjela” right — didn’t quite manage it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks tour

• Start from Kotor Old Town or nearby
• Enjoy 55-minute panorama boat ride
• Pass narrow Verige Bay
• View Lepetani, Bijela, Luštica, Mamula island
• Swim or photograph inside Blue Cave
• Stop 5 minutes at submarine tunnel
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum

Top questions

How long is the Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks tour?

The private speedboat tour lasts about 3 hours total.

Where does the tour start in Kotor?

The tour usually starts from Kotor Old Town or another agreed pickup spot in Kotor Bay where a speedboat can dock.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave included?

Yes, you’ll have about 20 minutes to swim or take photos inside the Blue Cave during the tour.

Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks church?

Yes, there’s a 20-minute stop on Our Lady of the Rocks island to visit both its church and small museum.

Are transfers or hotel pickup included?

The tour includes pickup from agreed spots around Kotor Bay where boats can dock; check when booking for exact locations.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkelling equipment is included for guests during swimming stops.

What else is included on this private boat tour?

Bottled water, WiFi on board, fuel surcharge, and private transportation are all included.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private speedboat transportation from your chosen dock in Kotor Bay (like Old Town or Muo), bottled water to keep you cool under the sun, WiFi onboard if you want to share photos instantly, use of snorkelling equipment for your swim in the Blue Cave’s turquoise water, plus all fuel surcharges so there are no surprises along the way before returning back to shore.