Kotor Bay: Blue Cave, Mamula Island & Submarine Tunnels Tour

Summary

Swim in the Blue Cave and explore wartime tunnels around Kotor

You’ll cruise Kotor Bay by boat with a local guide, swim in Montenegro’s Blue Cave (if you’re brave), pass Mamula Island’s old prison walls, slip into WWII submarine tunnels, and visit Our Lady of the Rocks islet—with bottled water included. Expect moments of quiet awe, salty air, and stories you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget the moment our captain cut the engine and let us drift right up to the mouth of the Blue Cave. I’d been expecting something touristy, but honestly, it felt almost secret—sunlight bounced off the water in this weird electric blue that made everyone go quiet for a second. I dipped my hand in and it looked like it was glowing. The air smelled like salt and sunscreen, and someone behind me laughed nervously before jumping in first. I hesitated (cold!), but you can’t come all this way and not swim, right?

Before that, we’d cruised out from Kotor along this coastline that just kept surprising me—old stone villages tucked between olive trees, laundry flapping on balconies. Our guide, Marko, pointed out Mamula Island as we passed: “That’s where they built a prison in 1853,” he said. It looked peaceful now, gulls circling overhead, but there’s a heaviness to places like that. We didn’t stop long—just enough for a few photos and a story about escape attempts (apparently none worked). The wind picked up around here; I had to hold onto my hat.

The submarine tunnels were next—these huge concrete mouths carved into the cliffs during WWII. We floated inside one and it got so quiet except for water slapping against the walls. Marko told us submarines hid here from bombers. It’s strange how cold and still it felt inside compared to the sun outside. I tried to imagine what it sounded like back then… probably a lot less peaceful.

We ended at Our Lady of the Rocks—a tiny man-made island with its church perched right on top. There was a wedding going on when we arrived (the bells were ringing), so we just sat on the edge for a bit watching boats come and go. Someone handed me bottled water (included), which tasted better than usual after all that salty air. I still think about that blue light in the cave sometimes—it gets under your skin, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kotor Bay and nearby islands

• Boat trip along Kotor Bay coastline
• Visit the Blue Cave and swim
• Pass by Mamula Island
• See submarine tunnels from WWII
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island

Top questions

How long does this Kotor Bay tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure to return.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave included?

Yes, there is time for swimming inside the Blue Cave during the tour.

Does this tour include visiting Our Lady of the Rocks?

Yes, you will visit Our Lady of the Rocks islet at the end of the tour.

Are drinks or food provided on board?

Bottled water is included for guests during the trip.

Will there be a guide or commentary during the tour?

A local guide provides commentary about each site along the route.

How do we reach each attraction?

You travel by boat along Kotor Bay to each location: Blue Cave, Mamula Island, submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided boat ride through Kotor Bay with stops at Blue Cave for swimming (if you want), photo opportunities at Mamula Island and inside WWII submarine tunnels, plus bottled water along the way before visiting Our Lady of the Rocks islet.