Kotor Blue Cave & Submarine Tunnels Speedboat Tour

Summary

Speed across Boka Bay to Blue Cave, Mamula Island and Perast

You’ll ride a speedboat from Kotor across Boka Bay with a local skipper, stopping at Our Lady of the Rocks island church and exploring an abandoned Yugoslav submarine tunnel before swimming in the surreal blue waters of the Blue Cave. Expect laughter, salty air, unexpected stories—and moments that stick with you long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly lost my hat before we’d even left Kotor. The skipper grinned, said “hold tight,” and then we were flying over the Bay of Kotor — spray in my face, mountains crowding the sky behind us. I didn’t expect the water to smell so clean, almost sharp, like salt and pine mixed together. There were only six of us on the speedboat, plus Luka (our guide), who kept pointing out little stone villages tucked along the shore. He seemed to know every story about every crumbling church tower. I tried to snap a photo but honestly, you just have to see it for yourself.

Our first stop was Our Lady of the Rocks, this tiny island with a blue-domed church that looks painted onto the water. Inside, it’s quieter than I thought it would be — cool stone underfoot and old votive tablets everywhere you look. Luka told us about two fishermen finding a rock with Mary’s image carved into it (he swears it’s true). You have to cover your shoulders here; I forgot at first but someone handed me a scarf. The museum is small but packed with weirdly beautiful things — silver ships, faded paintings by some famous local guy (Tripo Kokolja?), and an embroidered icon that took decades to finish.

Back on the boat, we slipped into this half-hidden submarine tunnel from Yugoslav times — pitch black inside except for our headlamps bouncing off wet concrete walls. It smelled like rust and old secrets in there. Luka joked about spies (“James Bond stuff!”), but honestly I just liked how everyone went quiet for a minute, listening to water echo around us. After that we cruised past Mamula Island; it used to be a prison but now there’s a fancy resort on top of all those old stones. Kind of strange seeing sunbathers where prisoners once stood.

The last stop was what everyone talks about: the Blue Cave. The color really does look fake — electric blue swirling around your legs as soon as you jump in (I hesitated for ages; cold water always gets me). It’s loud in there too — voices bouncing off rock and sea together. We floated near the entrance because waves were up that day, but honestly I didn’t care about swimming deeper. Just being there felt wild enough. On the way back we passed Perast — all baroque palaces and bell towers against green hills — and I remember thinking how easy it is to forget time out here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Kotor Bay highlights by speedboat

• Meet skipper in Kotor
• Travel to Our Lady of the Rocks island
• Tour church and museum on island
• Visit submarine tunnel from Yugoslav era
• View Mamula Island and its history
• Swim and snorkel at Blue Cave
• Pass by historic village of Perast

Top questions

How long does the Kotor Blue Cave speedboat tour take?

The tour lasts several hours, allowing time for stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, submarine tunnels, Mamula Island views, and swimming at Blue Cave.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included so you can swim near Blue Cave during your day trip from Kotor.

Can children join this speedboat tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram onboard.

Do I need special clothing for Our Lady of the Rocks?

You should dress modestly or bring something to cover your shoulders so you can enter the church and museum comfortably.

Does this tour include entry fees for Blue Cave?

Yes, entry/admission fees for Blue Cave are included in your booking.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Kotor with your licensed English-speaking skipper meeting you at the dock.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for each guest, all fuel costs covered by your skipper-guide (who speaks English), life jackets for safety on board, insurance throughout your trip across Boka Bay, entry fees for Blue Cave access plus use of snorkeling masks if you want to swim near its glowing entrance—and music playing as you zip between stops.