Kotor Bay: Blue Cave, Submarine Base & Lady of the Rocks Tour

Summary

Boat ride from Kotor to Blue Cave with stops at Perast and historic sites

You’ll skim across Kotor Bay by speedboat, pass ancient villages and Perast’s stone streets before stepping onto Our Lady of the Rocks island. Explore a Yugoslavian submarine base by boat, then swim in the surreal blue light of Montenegro’s famous cave. Expect laughter with your local guide and small details you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

We pushed off from Kotor’s dock just as the morning was shaking itself awake — gulls squabbling overhead, that briny smell in the air. The speedboat cut through the bay, spray catching my face (should’ve worn sunglasses). Our guide, Jovan, pointed out old stone houses in Prcanj and Stoliv — he said his grandma still bakes bread every Sunday there. I tried to snap a photo but fumbled with my phone. The mountains around Boka Bay looked almost too green for real life. You know how sometimes you expect things to be more faded?

We slowed near Perast, which is all sleepy charm and faded facades — apparently it’s been here since Neolithic times. Jovan told us about captains and pirates (he winked; I’m not sure if he was serious). We hopped off at Our Lady of the Rocks island. There’s this tiny church crammed with silver votives and sea-worn icons. Inside it smelled like wax and saltwater. I dropped a euro for admission — worth it just for the stories from the old woman at the door, who insisted we touch the wall “for luck.”

The submarine base was next — honestly, I didn’t expect that part to feel so eerie. We motored right inside this concrete tunnel built for Yugoslavian submarines; our voices echoed weirdly off damp walls. Jovan joked about hiding from his mother-in-law there (his English is pretty good but he laughed hardest at his own jokes). Out past Mamula Island’s fortress — which looked both beautiful and haunted — we finally reached the Blue Cave.

I can’t really explain what happens when you swim in that water. It’s cold but not shocking; light bounces everywhere, turning your skin blue beneath the surface. Someone put on music from their phone and it echoed around us while we floated in that strange glow. I still think about that moment sometimes — how quiet it felt despite all of us laughing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Kotor Bay attractions

• Boat ride with Kotor Bay views
• Pass by Old Town of Perast
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Explore hidden Submarine Base
• View Mamula Island fort
• Swim and admire Blue Cave

Top questions

How long does the Kotor Blue Cave tour take?

The boat tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is swimming allowed in the Blue Cave?

Yes, you’ll have about half an hour to swim inside the Blue Cave during the stop.

Are entry fees included for Our Lady of the Rocks?

No, entry to Our Lady of the Rocks church requires a small fee (about 1.5€) paid onsite.

Is there a guide on board?

Yes, an English-speaking skipper/guide leads the tour; audio guides are available in several languages via your phone.

Does this tour include bottled water or WiFi?

Yes, bottled water is provided onboard along with free WiFi access during your trip.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed onboard.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to boarding and swimming activities.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided speedboat ride from Kotor with stops at Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks (entry fee extra), Mamula Island views, entrance into a Yugoslavian submarine base by boat, half an hour swimming at the Blue Cave, bottled water throughout, free WiFi onboard, plus multilingual audio guides you can access on your own phone.