Kotor Blue Cave, Mamula & Lady of the Rocks Swim Tour

Summary

Swim in Kotor’s blue cave, visit Lady of the Rocks and cruise past Mamula fortress with local stories along the way

You’ll speed from Kotor’s lively waterfront to explore Our Lady of the Rocks’ legends, swim inside the glowing Blue Cave with snorkeling gear included, pass Mamula Fortress’s haunting walls, and glide through secret submarine tunnels—all with a local guide who brings every story to life. It’s three hours packed with color, history, salt air—and moments you’ll probably replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We set off from Kotor’s waterfront, which was already buzzing with people and gulls. I found our captain by the Limitless dock—he greeted us with a grin and handed out raincoats “just in case.” The boat was sleek, smelled faintly of sea and sunscreen, and we zipped away before I’d even finished my coffee. The bay opened up quickly, all green hills and stone villages sliding past. Our first stop was Our Lady of the Rocks—this tiny island just floating there, with its pale church and a handful of tourists. Our guide told us about sailors dropping stones for centuries to build it up (I tried to picture that—must’ve taken forever). Inside, it was cool and dim, silver plaques everywhere, baroque paintings crowding the walls. I touched one of the old pews; it felt smooth from years of hands.

Back on board, we headed toward the Blue Cave. The water got wilder out there—spray on my face, salty hair. When we finally ducked inside the cave itself, everything changed: suddenly it was this electric blue all around us, light bouncing off every surface. I jumped in (colder than I expected) and just floated for a minute watching my arms glow underwater. Some folks laughed or squealed; someone’s goggles slipped off but our captain fished them out like he’d done this a thousand times. Swimming here is part of most day trips to Blue Cave from Kotor but honestly—it feels unreal when you’re actually in it.

After drying off in the sun (sort of), we cruised past Mamula Fortress—a hulking stone ring on its own little island. The captain explained its grim history as a prison; he pointed at old gun slits while we circled slowly. Then came something I hadn’t expected: slipping into one of those WWII submarine tunnels carved right into the cliffs. It got quiet inside—engine echoing weirdly—and I caught myself whispering without meaning to. You could almost feel how tense it must’ve been back then.

On our way back to Kotor we slowed near Perast for photos—the light was gold over red rooftops—and I realized how much had happened in just three hours. My hair still smelled like salt when we stepped onto dry land again. Sometimes I think about that blue glow whenever I close my eyes at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kotor Bay boat tour highlights

• Depart from Kotor waterfront
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Explore 17th-century church and art
• Swim in Blue Cave for 20 minutes
• Cruise past Mamula Fortress
• Enter and explore submarine tunnel
• Enjoy panoramic view of Perast town
• Return to Kotor

Top questions

How long does the Blue Cave Kotor swim tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from departure at Kotor waterfront until return.

Is swimming in the Blue Cave included?

Yes, there is a 20-minute swim stop at the Blue Cave during the tour.

Are snorkeling masks provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for swimming in the Blue Cave.

Does this tour include visiting Our Lady of the Rocks?

Yes, there is a stop at Our Lady of the Rocks where you can visit the church and learn about its history.

Is there a guide or captain on board?

A licensed captain serves as your guide throughout the journey.

Is bottled water available during the trip?

Bottled water is provided for all guests during the tour.

Are life jackets available for passengers?

Life jackets are available for all passengers as part of safety equipment onboard.

Do boats have Wi-Fi?

Free Wi-Fi is available onboard so you can stay connected or share photos instantly.

What’s included

Your experience includes pickup from Kotor’s main waterfront dock, guidance from a licensed captain who shares stories along each stop, entry to Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum area, bottled water throughout your journey, use of snorkeling equipment for your swim in Blue Cave waters, free Wi-Fi onboard for sharing moments right away, plus raincoats if weather turns rough and certified safety gear including life jackets for everyone on board before returning to Kotor after three hours exploring Montenegro’s coast.