Kotor Blue Cave private boat tour: Swim in glowing water

The water inside the Blue Cave glows electric blue when sunlight hits the seabed.

A private 3-hour speedboat tour from Kotor that takes you to the Blue Cave for 20–30 minutes of swimming in luminous water, past Mamula Island's fortress, through hidden submarine tunnels on Luštica Peninsula, and into the old town of Perast. You set the pace at each stop. The licensed captain handles the boat and navigation. Entrance to Perast is included. Safety equipment, life jackets and raincoats are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour from Kotor

• Start from Kotor
• Cruise to Blue Cave
• Swim inside and outside cave
• Cruise past Mamula Island fortress
• Visit submarine tunnels on Luštica Peninsula
• Cruise along Porto Novi marina
• View Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Pass by St. George Island
• Optional stop and walk in Perast old town
• Return to Kotor

The experience

The tour starts from Kotor and heads straight for the Blue Cave, where sunlight refracts off the seabed and turns the water a bright, glowing blue. You get 20–30 minutes to swim, float and photograph the cave from inside and outside. The boat cannot enter due to new regulations until September 2026, but the water itself is the main event. After the cave, the speedboat cruises past Mamula Island, a small circular fortress that once sheltered military operations and now stands as a striking sight against the sea.

The route then takes you into the submarine tunnels along Luštica Peninsula, where you can explore the former military shelters by boat and see the hidden passages up close. You'll pass St. George Island with its centuries-old monastery, then pull into Perast for 20 minutes on foot through the UNESCO-protected old town: narrow stone streets, bay views and photo stops. The captain is a local with over 12 years of experience running this route, and the boat is modern and fully insured. Coffee is free before departure, and you can bring your own licensed guide if you want extra commentary.

Because this is a private tour, you control how long you linger at each location. The speedboat holds your group alone, so there's no schedule pressure or crowding. The captain provides life jackets, raincoats, a first aid kit and secure storage for your belongings at the office. The tour runs three hours total and is subject to weather. If conditions turn bad, the operator will reschedule or refund. Arrive 30 minutes early. Late arrivals cannot be rescheduled.

What’s included

• Licensed and experienced captain speaking English.
• modern, fully insured speedboat.
• safety equipment, life jackets and raincoats.
• free coffee before departure.
• entrance to Perast old town.
• secure storage for personal belongings at the office.
• fuel and music on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 12:00

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 9 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sea Stars Kotor boat tours

Is this one for you?This private tour suits families and groups who want to control the pace and spend as long as they like at each stop without a fixed schedule. The boat holds only your party, so you avoid crowds and share the experience with people you know.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I actually swim inside the Blue Cave, or just look at it from the boat?

You can swim both inside and outside the cave. The boat stops outside the entrance due to regulations in place until September 2026, but you enter the water and swim into the cave itself to experience the glowing blue light up close.

What is Mamula Island and why do we pass it?

Mamula Island is a small circular fortress at the entrance of the Bay of Kotor, once used as a military stronghold. The boat passes it so you can see the striking structure from the water and understand the bay's military history.

How much time do we actually spend in Perast?

You get 20 minutes of free time in Perast to walk the old town, which is small and UNESCO-protected. That's enough for a short stroll through the stone streets, photos of the bay, and a look around, but not for a meal or a long exploration.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour is subject to weather conditions. If bad weather makes it unsafe to operate, the operator will reschedule your tour to another date or issue a full refund. You'll receive updates before your departure time.

Is the captain a local, and will he explain what we're seeing?

Yes, the captain is a licensed, experienced local who has run this route for over 12 years. He speaks English and is dedicated to your comfort. If you want more detailed commentary, you're welcome to bring your own licensed guide to join the tour.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the speedboat, captain, fuel, safety equipment, life jackets, raincoats, a first aid kit, entrance to Perast, free coffee before departure, and secure storage for your belongings. Bring a light jacket in case the weather turns cool. Towels are available for rent if you need one.