Kotor Bay: Blue Cave Swim & Our Lady of the Rocks Tour

Summary

Speedboat ride from Kotor to Blue Cave with island church stop

You’ll speed across Boka Bay from Kotor, pass fortress islands and hidden tunnels, swim in the glowing Blue Cave, then wander Our Lady of the Rocks church with a local guide before heading back—expect laughter, chilly splashes, and stories you’ll remember every time you see blue water again.

What’s the experience like?

We slid away from Kotor’s old stone walls just as the bells were echoing across the bay — not sure if it was nerves or excitement, but my hands were cold against the rail. The skipper grinned (he’d done this a thousand times, I bet) and pointed out little villages tucked between green hills and slate-blue water. There’s something about seeing Montenegro from a boat that makes you realize how tiny you are compared to these mountains. We zipped past Lepetani and Bijela — someone on board tried to pronounce “Luštica” and got a laugh from the locals.

The first real jolt was at Mamula, this fortress-island that looks like it belongs in an old spy movie. It’s closed now for renovations (future fancy hotel apparently), but our guide told us stories about its past as a prison during both world wars — I didn’t expect that part to stick with me. Then we ducked into one of those submarine tunnels carved right into the cliffs. It smelled damp, like rust and salt, and there was this odd hush inside; even the engine sounded different bouncing off concrete.

When we finally reached the Blue Cave, I could see why people talk about it so much. The water glows in a way that doesn’t look real — turquoise with silver flecks when sunlight hits just right. I jumped in (a bit colder than expected!) and floated for a minute just watching light ripple over my arms. Twenty minutes felt both long and short at once. Back on board, hair still dripping, we headed for Our Lady of the Rocks. The island is small but full of stories; our guide explained how fishermen built it stone by stone after finding an icon here centuries ago. Inside, everything smelled faintly of wax and sea air — I still think about that view back toward Perast through stained glass.

We ended up sharing photos on deck as we drifted back toward Kotor, wind tangling everyone’s hair. Someone passed around bottled water and joked about needing rakija instead — maybe next time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour from Kotor to Blue Cave and island

• Start at UNESCO Old Town of Kotor
• Panorama ride through Boka Bay villages
• Pass narrowest part of Boka Bay, Verige
• View Lepetani, Bijela, Luštica, Mamula island
• Arrive at Blue Cave
• Swim or take photos inside Blue Cave
• Stop at old submarine tunnel
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum

Top questions

How long does the Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks tour take?

The tour lasts around 3 hours total from departure to return.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave included?

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

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts from Kotor Old Town or another agreed pickup point in Kotor Bay where boats can dock.

Are tickets for Our Lady of the Rocks included?

The visit to Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum is included during your stop on the island.

What should I wear for this speedboat tour?

If it’s outside summer season bring warmer clothes—the boat can get windy and cold at speed.

Is bottled water provided on board?

Yes, bottled water is included for all travelers during the tour.

Can infants join this boat trip?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the journey.

Will there be snorkeling equipment available?

Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during your swim at Blue Cave.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Kotor or nearby docks, a speedboat ride with WiFi onboard, bottled water for everyone (rakija not included!), use of snorkeling gear at Blue Cave, all fuel charges covered—and guided visits inside both Our Lady of the Rocks church and its small museum before returning to port.