Kotor: Blue Cave Swim Stop, Lady of the Rocks & Submarine Base

The Blue Cave is the star of this three-hour Kotor boat trip. Sunlight hits the pale seabed and turns the water an almost unreal blue. You may swim near the cave or enter it by boat, depending on waves and local safety rules. The swim is brief, but the setting is memorable.

I like the efficient route, which links Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, the old submarine tunnel, Mamula, and the cave without asking you to arrange several separate trips. I also like the small-group limit of 25, the helpful crew, and the chance to borrow a jacket when the speedboat gets windy.

The main caution is that this is a weather-dependent outing, not a gentle sightseeing cruise. The ride can be chilly, boarding requires some balance, commentary can be light on some departures, and rough seas may cancel the Blue Cave stop.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Cave swim depends on the sea: Rough water can force the captain to skip it or replace it with another stop.
• Our Lady of the Rocks costs €3 extra: Bring a T-shirt or other cover-up because swimwear is not allowed inside the church.
• The speedboat ride is scenic but windy: Pack a light jacket, even in warmer months.
• The meeting point takes planning: Arrive at least 30 minutes early near Port of Kotor, since the operator’s stall can be easy to miss.
• You see a lot in three hours: The route covers the bay, Perast, the church island, submarine tunnels, Mamula, and the Blue Cave.
• Crew quality can vary by departure: Captains such as George and Aki have been praised for humor, care, and safety, while some departures have offered only recorded commentary.

Why the Blue Cave makes this Kotor trip worth considering

At $39.91 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to see several of Kotor Bay’s best-known sights in one outing. You are paying for the boat, fuel, insurance, an English-speaking skipper or guide, and bottled water. The €3 church admission is extra, and food and other drinks are not included.

I see the tour as a good fit for a short stay, a cruise stop, or a first look at the bay. You can cover a great deal of ground without renting a car or arranging separate boat transfers. The trade-off is pace. You will not have long at each stop, and the Blue Cave swim is more of a refreshing dip than a long beach afternoon.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. You leave Kotor and pass old settlements, stone houses, small fishing villages, churches, and steep mountain walls. The water gives you a different view of the bay than you get from the road, and the ride through the narrow Verige passage adds a sense of occasion.

Several departures have featured friendly crew members who help people board, hand out jackets, and keep the boat moving on schedule. George has been singled out for his humor and storytelling, while Aki has been praised for professional handling of the boat. That said, the level of spoken explanation is not identical every time. Some captains provide lively commentary, while others rely partly on recorded information.

Leaving Kotor and crossing the inner bay

You make your own way to the meeting point at Slobode 1, close to the Port of Kotor. The location is near public transport, but it can be confusing if you are hurrying from a cruise ship or the old town.

The practical trick is to arrive early and look for the operator’s stall in the park area after crossing the overpass near the port. The directions have caused confusion, so give yourself at least 30 minutes. If you arrive by car, allow extra time for traffic and roadworks around the park and the main road.

Once aboard, the first section is a scenic cruise through the Bay of Kotor. The boat passes villages and coastal greenery while the guide points out sights along the shore. At speed, the air can feel much cooler than it does on land. A cardigan, windbreaker, or light jacket is useful, especially in spring, autumn, and on cloudy days.

The boat has covered seating, which helps with sun and wind, but you should still bring sunglasses and a hat. The ride can be smooth in calm conditions, though this is still a speedboat. If you are sensitive to motion or do not find boarding easy, tell the crew before you set off so they can help.

Our Lady of the Rocks and the short church visit

The first main stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, the manmade island near Perast. Local seafarers built the island over generations by placing rocks and sinking old boats in the water. That unusual origin is part of what makes the stop more than a standard photo break.

You have about 20 minutes on the island. The church dates from the 17th century and contains paintings, votive offerings, maritime objects, and a small museum. The interior gives you a compact look at local religious customs and seafaring traditions.

The short timing is the biggest limitation. You can see the church and some of the museum, but you should not expect a slow visit or much time for wandering. The €3 admission fee is not included in the tour price.

Dress for the church, even if your plan is mainly to swim later. Swimwear alone is not allowed inside, so bring a T-shirt or cover-up. Swimming and drone use are also forbidden at Our Lady of the Rocks.

From the boat, you also pass Perast, one of the prettiest settlements on the bay. Its Venetian-era character shows in the stone streets, old churches, and baroque palaces. You do not get a long independent visit to Perast on the standard route, but the view from the water is worthwhile. When rough weather prevents the Blue Cave stop, Perast may become the replacement visit, giving you a more useful shore stop.

Through Verige to the old submarine tunnel

After the church island, the speedboat heads toward the narrow Verige passage and into Tivat Bay. This is one of the more striking parts of the route. The waterway tightens between the mountains, and the change from the inner bay to the wider outer section is easy to appreciate from a low boat.

The former submarine tunnel is a brief stop, listed at about five minutes. It was once a secret military facility, built into the coast so submarines could shelter from view. You cruise into the tunnel and hear about its Cold War role.

Do not expect a long museum visit. The appeal is the setting and the story: a quiet opening in the rock that once served military purposes. It is a useful reminder that the bay is not only about churches, old palaces, and pretty water. It also had a serious strategic role during the 20th century.

The stop is especially good for anyone interested in military sites or unusual engineering. If you prefer long time ashore, though, this part may feel too quick.

Mamula Island and the outer bay

The boat passes Mamula Island rather than offering a substantial landing. The round fortress was built in the 19th century and later used as a prison during World War II. From the water, its walls and position make the island easy to notice, but the guide needs to point it out clearly.

This is one area where commentary matters. On a strong departure, the captain explains the island’s military role and wartime past. On a quieter departure, you may get little more than a passing view. If Mamula matters to you, ask the guide to identify it.

The outer bay can be more exposed than the protected waters near Kotor. That means bigger waves, stronger wind, and a rougher ride. It also means that the captain may change the route for safety. Skippers have skipped cave entry or other exposed sections when the sea became choppy, and that is the right call even if it makes the day less complete.

The Blue Cave swim and what to expect

The Blue Cave, or Plava Spilja, is the highlight for most people booking this tour. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and reflects off the pale bottom, creating the bright blue glow. The effect is strongest in daylight. The water may not look the same after 6 pm, so an earlier departure is the safer choice if the cave is your priority.

The boat can enter the cave when conditions allow, but the swimming setup is not a beach stop. You usually jump from the boat or use a ladder, and the swim may take place just outside or near the cave rather than as a long swim deep inside it.

This matters if you are expecting a calm beach with an easy shore entry. There is no sandy beach included in the stop. Getting out of the boat requires balance, and the ladder has narrow steps. Water shoes or secure sandals can help, particularly if you are not confident climbing a wet ladder.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not listed among the included items, and a wet ride back can feel cold when the boat is moving. You should also bring swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof way to carry your phone or camera.

Life jackets are standard boat equipment and can be provided when needed, so ask the crew if you want one for the swim or the ride. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and anyone who is unsure about swimming should make that clear before entering the water.

The swim itself is generally short. That keeps the schedule moving, but it may disappoint you if you want a long time in the water. I would book this for the unusual color and setting, not as a substitute for a full beach day.

How the timing and group size affect the experience

The advertised duration is about three hours, which is a useful middle ground. You get a strong overview without giving up an entire day. The schedule is tight enough that delays, changing sea conditions, or a busy church visit can affect how long you spend at each stop.

The maximum capacity is 25 people. That is smaller than a large sightseeing boat, but it does not guarantee an intimate ride. A full boat can make viewing less comfortable, especially if you want an unobstructed position at the front or rear.

The crew generally keeps the boat on schedule and helps people on and off. The ride can include music, and some captains have used a lively playlist to make the return trip more fun. Other departures have been quieter, with only limited interaction beyond recorded commentary.

I would choose a private boat if personal attention, long swims, or detailed guiding is your main goal. For a shared trip, this one offers a sensible amount of scenery and several distinct stops at a relatively low price.

What to pack for a more comfortable ride

A small day bag is enough. I would bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A light jacket or warm layer
• Sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen
• Comfortable sandals or shoes
• Water shoes if you plan to use the ladder
• Drinking water and any snacks you want
• A camera or phone in a secure waterproof case

Water is included, but food and other drinks are not. The boat is exposed to wind, so dress in layers rather than relying on the temperature at the meeting point. Spring and autumn can feel especially chilly on the return ride.

If you plan to enter the church, keep a T-shirt or cover-up accessible. You should not have to dig through a wet bag after swimming to find something suitable.

Weather, cancellations, and route changes

This outing runs only in suitable weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes made inside that window are not accepted.

A weather cancellation is not the only possible change. High waves may lead the captain to skip the Blue Cave, avoid entering some caves, or replace the swim with another stop. This can be frustrating when the cave is your main reason for booking, but the exposed outer bay is not a place to force the schedule.

If the Blue Cave is essential, avoid making this your only planned activity in Kotor. Keep a second option open, such as exploring the old town or visiting Perast by another route. That way, a sensible safety decision will not spoil your whole day.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this tour if you have limited time and want to see several parts of Kotor Bay in one morning or afternoon. It suits people who value scenery, a fast boat ride, unusual military sites, and a short swim more than a relaxed day at anchor.

It also works well for cruise passengers because the meeting point is close to the port, though you should allow plenty of time to find the stall and return to your ship. Families can join, but children need adult supervision, particularly around boarding, ladders, and open water.

You may want another option if you dislike wind, quick stops, uneven boarding, or uncertain swimming conditions. It is also not ideal if you expect a full meal, a long church visit, or a highly detailed guide at every point.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best sights in a short window and accept a weather-dependent plan. The Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, and the submarine tunnel give the trip variety, while the views from the water are the constant reward.

Book an earlier departure if the Blue Cave is your main goal, arrive 30 minutes early, and bring a jacket and towel. If the sea is calm and your captain is as engaging as George or Aki, this can be one of the most enjoyable-value outings from Kotor.

FAQ

How long does the Kotor Blue Cave boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point in Kotor.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes an English-speaking skipper or tour guide, insurance, fuel, and water. Food and drinks other than the included water are not provided.

Is admission to Our Lady of the Rocks included?

No. Entry to the church and museum costs €3 per person.

Can I swim at the Blue Cave?

Swimming is offered when sea and weather conditions allow. The swim is from the boat rather than from a beach, and the captain may skip the stop in rough conditions.

What should I wear for Our Lady of the Rocks?

You need at least a T-shirt or another suitable cover-up inside the church. Swimwear alone is not permitted.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Strong waves may also cause the Blue Cave stop to be skipped.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Kotor Boat Tours near Slobode 1, close to the Port of Kotor, and ends at the same meeting point. You should arrive at least 30 minutes early.