Boka Bay by speedboat is a quick route to big wow views. This private 3-hour Blue Cave adventure pairs an easy cruise from Kotor with scheduled stops at Perast’s waterside sights, the Our Lady of the Rocks area, submarine tunnels, and Mamula Island. I especially like the free time to swim at the Blue Cave, plus the way the itinerary packs in the coast without a long, tiring drive.

Two more things I like: the private group setup (you stay with just your party up to 6), and the onboard touches that make the ride feel like more than just transport. One small consideration is the short stop durations at each viewpoint, so you will want to be ready to enjoy quickly, then move on.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Boka Bay views from the water with a smooth speedboat ride, not a bus slog
• Swim time at the Blue Cave so you control how long you’re in the water
• Stop-and-see points for Our Lady of the Rocks area, submarine tunnels, and Mamula Island
• Free non-alcoholic drinks plus bottled water and soda/pop onboard
• Snorkeling equipment included for when conditions look good
• Private format for up to 6 with only your group aboard

Why the Blue Cave Route From Kotor Feels Right

The Blue Cave is one of Montenegro’s top nature sights, but getting there the old-school way can mean lots of time and stress. This tour solves that with a speedboat cruise from Kotor, so you spend your energy on the scenery and the swim, not on logistics.

You’ll also get a coast-hopping route that feels like a highlight reel of Boka Bay and the Luštica Peninsula. That matters because the Blue Cave alone can be the main event, but the surrounding bays, islands, and tunnel openings add context. You end up with more than a single photo stop.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 6

It costs $380.47 per group, up to 6 people, for about 3 hours. That price isn’t “cheap,” but it can be good value if you’re traveling with friends or family and want a private format.

Here’s why it often works: you’re not paying per person on a crowded boat where you sit with strangers and share limited time. Instead, you get a route designed around multiple stops, including a real swimming window at the Blue Cave. Add the included bottled water and soda/pop, plus snorkeling gear, and the tour starts to feel like a full small-group outing rather than just a transfer.

One note: the Our Lady of the Rocks museum entry is listed separately (2€). Everything else on the core route is included, including the Former Submarine Tunnel stop and the Blue Cave admission.

Meeting Point, Timing, and How the 3 Hours Really Flow

The meeting point is Spomenik Palim Za Slobodu in Kotor (CQG9+V2F). The tour ends back at the same place.

The scheduled stops add up to roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes of sightseeing time:

• Bay of Kotor: 20 minutes
• Our Lady of the Rocks area: 20 minutes
• Former Submarine Tunnel area: 10 minutes
• Mamula Island pass-by: 5 minutes
• Blue Cave: 30 minutes

Then you have the travel time between stops by speedboat. So the overall experience feels like, cruise, look, quick breaks, then swim. If you’re the type who loves photo angles but also wants to get wet, this structure usually fits well.

First Stop, Bay of Kotor: UNESCO-Worthy Water Views

Your adventure starts in the Bay of Kotor (Boka Bay), which is protected under UNESCO and is part of a recognized set of Europe’s most beautiful bay landscapes. The tour uses a sighting break to let you take in the water and shoreline, including a look at the wider bay system that makes Kotor such a dramatic place to visit.

This stop is short, 20 minutes. That’s on purpose. You’re there to get the “wow, I get it now” view of Boka Bay, then get moving while the light is good and before the day turns choppy.

Passing by Perast is part of the experience too. Perast is a small town on the bay, and even from the water you can appreciate why it’s such a favorite stop for people who like old-world waterfront scenery.

Our Lady of the Rocks: What You See and What Costs Extra

Next up is Our Lady of the Rocks, the islet off Perast’s coast in the Bay of Kotor. It’s an artificial island built from rock accumulations and even old ships loaded with stones. This is one of those places where the story behind the site is as interesting as the view.

You get about 20 minutes in the area. The key practical thing: the museum entry on the island is not included and costs 2€. If you want to go inside, budget that extra amount. If you just want the exterior view and the photos, you can focus on that and still get plenty from the stop.

The Former Submarine Tunnel Stop: A Clever WWII-Era Workaround

Near the village of Rose, you’ll pass by three impressive submarine tunnels built by the Yugoslav Army. The openings were designed and covered with fake rock so they would not be easy to spot from satellites or spy planes.

This stop lasts about 10 minutes. It’s not a long museum-style visit, so treat it like a “see it, understand it, take the photos” moment. If you enjoy Cold War and WWII-adjacent history, this is one of the more unique stops on the route. Even if you do not, it’s still a fascinating example of engineering built for secrecy along a rugged coastline.

Mamula Island: A Quick Look at Style, History, and Sea Views

Mamula Island is passed by during the cruise. The stop is brief, about 5 minutes, but it works as a break in the flow, especially right after the submarine tunnel area.

This is where the cruise feels especially cinematic: you get that sudden shift from tunnel and island architecture to open water, then straight into another coastal view. If you’re hoping for more time on Mamula itself, this tour is not that type. It gives you a glimpse, then immediately keeps moving.

Blue Cave Swim Time: How to Make the Most of 30 Minutes

The Blue Cave is the main event, and it earns its time slot. You get about 30 minutes at the Blue Cave, with swimming and visiting the natural attraction.

The Blue Cave is known for its shimmering blue water and the way light hits the rock formations. In practical terms, that means your best photos often come early, before you’ve spent all your time in the water. But if your goal is to swim, you can do that too, and you can set your own pace with the time you’re given.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so if the water looks clear, you’re not stuck renting gear. You will still want to come prepared for being in the water: bring swimwear you can tolerate for a short swim, and pack a towel and a change of clothes if you can.

One more thing: because this is a speedboat outing, conditions can change. If it looks rougher, the staff may adjust the feel of the swim time. The tour’s schedule is built around giving you enough time to enjoy, even if the sea has opinions.

What’s Included On Board (and What You Can Add)

Included in the tour price:

• Bottled water
• Soda/pop
• Fuel surcharge
• WiFi on board on request
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Admission for the submarine tunnel area and the Blue Cave

The “free drinks” part is mainly the non-alcoholic stuff: bottled water and soda/pop. If you want alcoholic drinks, they are not included. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased upon request before departure.

A small quality-of-life detail from the vibe of the experience: you can play your own music using the boat speakers. That sounds minor until you’re on the water and realize you would rather have your own playlist than silence or random chatter.

If you care about connectivity, WiFi is available but only on request. So if you want it, ask early so you don’t waste time later.

Boat Comfort and the Private-Group Factor

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That matters for comfort and control. You can spread out, choose where you want to be on the boat for the best views, and keep the pace aligned to your party.

From the way the boat experience is described, the ride tends to feel smooth and comfortable for a speedboat. That’s important on a route where you spend a lot of time looking out, not staring down to keep balance.

Also, a private format makes it easier to move as a unit. When stops are short, you do not want to be herding strangers or waiting on people who took the wrong turn.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few ideas to help you enjoy the route without rushing:

• Bring swimwear and water-ready footwear, since you will have a chance to swim at the Blue Cave.
• Consider water-proofing your phone if you like taking video underwater, snorkeling or not.
• If you’re sensitive to sun or glare, pack sun protection. The ride and the swim both happen outdoors.
• If music is your thing, plan your playlist before you board so you can get right to it.
• Keep an eye on your timing at each stop. With short windows, the tour works best when everyone is ready to move when the captain is.

If you want alcohol, request it before departure, since purchases are tied to that time.

Who Should Book This Blue Cave Adventure

Book this tour if you want:

• A private speedboat outing with multiple iconic stops, not just one long day of transport
• A real swim window at the Blue Cave
• Included snorkeling gear and basic drinks onboard
• A route that balances sightseeing with movement

You might skip it if:

• You want long stops on islands or museums, since the time at each point is brief
• You prefer to explore at ground level for extended periods, since this is mostly a from-the-water experience with short viewing breaks

Should You Book It?

If you’re visiting Kotor and you want the Blue Cave without turning the day into a logistics puzzle, I think this is a strong choice. The value comes from the private setup, the fact that drinks and snorkeling gear are included, and the way the schedule builds in that 30-minute swim so you actually get to experience the cave, not just pass it.

If you’re traveling solo, it can still be worth it if the goal is a private boat experience, but the best value is clearly when you’re filling a small group of up to 6.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave private tour from Kotor?

The tour is about 3 hours.

What is the group size for this private experience?

It is private, and your group size can be up to 6 people.

Are drinks included, and is alcohol included?

Bottled water and soda/pop are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, but they can be purchased upon request before departure.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The start point is Spomenik Palim Za Slobodu, CQG9+V2F, Kotor, Montenegro. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded.