Seeing the Bay of Kotor from the water is one of the highlights of any visit, and the most popular trip runs from Kotor or Perast out through the narrows to the Luštica peninsula on the open Adriatic. There the Blue Cave, a sea cave where sunlight through the water turns everything electric blue, is the swimming stop. Most tours also pass Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast, the former submarine tunnels of the bay and the island fortress of Mamula at the mouth of the bay, and many stop at Žanjice beach. The National Tourist Organisation lists tours of this kind along the coast. Options range from fast speedboats doing a loop in a few hours to slower group boats and private charters, with prices to match.
How it works: tours leave from the Kotor waterfront and from Perast and Tivat, mostly in the morning. Speedboat loops take about three hours; slower boats make a half or full day of it with lunch. Book through a reputable operator with proper safety equipment and life jackets.
What to expect: the Blue Cave is best on calm, sunny days around midday, when the light is strongest, and the swim depends on the sea state. In the low season departures are fewer and the swim may be off, but the bay itself is beautiful year-round.
Making the most of it: choose a small group or a private boat to avoid the crowded midday queue at the cave, bring a towel and swimwear, and ask whether the Our Lady of the Rocks landing is included.
What to expect
The experience
A guided speedboat or group boat trip through the bay to the Blue Cave and Mamula.
Best time
Calm sunny days from late spring to early autumn, around midday for the cave light.
How long
About three hours by speedboat, up to a full day on slower boats.
Tips
Bring swimwear and a towel, check the weather and confirm what stops are included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing the whole bay and the open coast in one go.
- Families
- A fun, splashy morning; check life jackets for small children.
- Couples
- A private boat with a swim and lunch on the water.
- Pair with
- Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Where do Blue Cave boat tours leave from?+
Mostly from the Kotor waterfront, with others from Perast, Tivat and Herceg Novi.
Can you swim in the Blue Cave?+
Yes, when the sea is calm; the swim depends on the weather and sea conditions.
Do boat tours run in winter?+
Departures are fewer out of season and some operators pause, so book ahead and check the forecast.
How long is a Blue Cave tour?+
Speedboat loops take about three hours; slower boats with lunch can take most of the day.
Do tours stop at Our Lady of the Rocks?+
Many do, but not all land there, so confirm before booking.
