Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h)

Blue water and island legends in three hours. I love the Blue Cave stop and how quickly the trip goes from Kotor Bay views to time to swim and take photos. You also get a strong island hit with Mamula (Lastavica) and then head to Our Lady of the Rocks for that famous artificial-islet setting. The main drawback is the pace, you move fast between highlights, and rough water can make that feel longer.

For the price, around $42.41 per person, this feels like real value for a short outing. You get bottled water included, English explanations, and a small maximum group size (up to 20 people). The water can be choppy, so plan for some bounce and bring motion-sickness meds if you need them.

Kotor Bay Speedboat Start: What You See Before Blue Cave

This tour begins with a waterside cruise along Kotor Bay, with time to look at the coastline and the mix of shoreline spots that make this area so memorable. You pass by old-looking fishermen villages, lots of green along the slopes, and the kind of architecture you associate with the Adriatic, not generic postcards.

Timing matters here. You are not sitting around waiting for the first wow moment, you are already out on the bay and moving toward the Blue Cave on a schedule that keeps the whole day tight. That means you will likely feel this as an active excursion, not a slow scenic drift.

One practical tip I’d give you is seating. If you want less bump, avoid the very front on speedboat-style rides. A smoother ride is not guaranteed, but you can often reduce the worst of the motion just by where you sit.

Blue Cave: Two Entrances, Bright Water, and Photo Time

The Blue Cave is reached by boat, and it is easier to appreciate once you understand the layout. There are two entrances, one wide but low, and the other narrow and taller. That difference affects where light falls inside, which is a big part of why the water looks so striking when you are close enough to see it clearly.

The cave is also a magnet for scuba fans, but even if you are not doing any water activities, it is still a great “look and photograph” stop. The color effect is best when the boat is positioned just right, so follow the timing and instructions from the skipper rather than wandering off mid-stop.

Do expect boat traffic. One downside of seeing a popular sight quickly is that you can end up sharing space with other boats, and that can shorten the time you personally get in the water or for photos. My advice is simple: use your time in two passes. First, get your photos while the cave area is visually at its best. Then, if swimming is part of your plan, go straight to the water and take advantage of the window you get.

Mamula (Lastavica) Island: The Circular Islet at Boka Kotorska’s Entrance

Mamula, also called Lastavica, is an uninhabited islet that sits at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor area. It is small and circular, about 200 meters in diameter, which means you do not “walk around” it the way you would a town. Instead, you experience it as a dramatic viewpoint stop, from the water, with the Adriatic around it.

This islet sits between the Prevlaka and Luštica peninsulas, and it is about 3.4 nautical miles (6.3 km) away from Herceg Novi. If you like geography, this stop is oddly satisfying because you can picture where the bay opens up to the sea.

Even in a quick stop, Mamula has that remote, watchtower feel. It is the kind of place where your photos look better when you keep the horizon line clean and include some surrounding sea rather than trying to zoom in on rocks only.

Submarine Tunnels and Old Hideouts: War-Era Curiosity on the Route

A major reason people like this short speedboat format is that it covers more than just pretty water. The route includes an area associated with submarine tunnels and old hideouts, which adds a layer of intrigue without turning the trip into a lecture marathon.

You get this kind of context in motion, while the boat is transferring between sights. That is good for most people because it breaks up the day: you see scenic views, then you get a historical angle while the boat is still cutting through the bay.

If you are the type who gets bored by tours that only point and say “nice view,” this is likely your sweet spot. You get a quick dose of story, then you are back to the fun part, the water and the photo stops.

Our Lady of the Rocks: Artificial-Island Church and the 1.5 Euro Fee

Our Lady of the Rocks, locally known as Gospa od Škrpjela, is one of the two famous islets off the Perast coast, the other being Sveti Đorđe. This one is artificial, built as a bulwark of rocks and by sinking old ships loaded with rocks. The result is a small island complex that looks like it grew from maritime work rather than from modern planning.

The Roman Catholic church on the islet is the largest building there, and it has a museum attached. There is also a small gift shop near the church. At the western end you will find a navigation light, a reminder that this is still a working marine zone, not just a sightseeing platform.

One important money detail: admission to the church is not included, and the fee is 1.5 euros. If you plan to browse the museum area, budget that in so you do not get surprised when you step onto the islet.

The value of this stop is not about spending hours there. It is about the setting and the feel of the place. You get a short window to see how people built a spiritual spot out of sea labor and shipwreck history.

The 3-Hour Flow: Fast Stops, Real Views, Limited Time

This is a 3-hour outing, so think of it as a highlight sampler, not a deep, slow travel day. The benefit is obvious: you cover Kotor Bay, the Blue Cave, Mamula, and Our Lady of the Rocks in a short time, which is perfect if you are on a cruise schedule or you just want your Montenegro day to stay active.

The tradeoff is also clear: time at each stop is limited. That is why your “best strategy” is to decide in advance how you want to spend your minutes.

If you want photos, focus on the first moment you arrive at each sight. If you want water time at the Blue Cave, commit to it right away. The boat keeps moving, and the entire point is that you are done, back at the meeting point, and not stuck waiting around.

This setup often works well for families and mixed-age groups because it stays varied. One minute you are on the bay looking at coastlines, the next you are near the cave, then you are on to an islet church stop.

Comfort and Safety on Choppy Water: Simple Tips That Help

Speedboats can be bumpy, and this route can include rougher patches depending on conditions. You should treat this as a “prepare for waves” excursion. If you sit near the front you can get more bounce, so if motion sickness hits you easily, aim more toward the middle of the boat.

Swim time near the caves is a big part of why people sign up, but it also brings logistics. You may need to climb back up a ladder after swimming, and getting in and out can be harder if your sea legs are new. I recommend you wear footwear you can handle on deck and be ready to grab what you are allowed to grab, then let the crew help if you need a steadying hand.

There can also be rules about safety gear when you are in the water. In past experiences on boats like this, some people asked about life jackets for swimming. The best approach is to ask the crew what is permitted before you get into the water.

Good news: many skippers on this route focus hard on safe navigation, and you can often feel it in how the boat handles waves. You will still get movement, but the difference is whether the captain manages it calmly.

Price, Value, and What You Still Need to Pay

At $42.41 per person for about 3 hours, this tour prices itself as a value play. The biggest reason it feels fair is that major scenic stops do not load on extra fees the way some tours do.

• Bay of Kotor and the Blue Cave are listed as free admission stops.
• The only explicit sightseeing fee is the 1.5 euro church admission for Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Bottled water is included, which helps if you are trying to avoid adding costs on the spot.

What you should plan for is your own food and drink. Food and drinks are not included, so if you skip breakfast or you are coming straight from an active morning, you may want to grab a snack before you meet at CQG9+H6W in Kotor.

Also, the tour is offered in English, and the group max is up to 20. For me, that combination matters. You get shared stories without feeling lost, and you are not pressed into a huge group where no one can hear anything.

Should You Book This Blue Cave and Mamula Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-visibility Montenegro experience: Kotor Bay scenery, the famous Blue Cave, Mamula’s remote-island look, and Our Lady of the Rocks all in one outing. It is ideal when you have limited time and you like moving around more than standing still.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you hate speedboats, you want long hours at a single location, or you are very sensitive to motion. This is not a relaxed, linger-on-the-water day. It is a tight schedule built for maximum sights and quick photo opportunities.

One last practical note: if you care about getting the best Blue Cave photos, arrive mentally ready to work with timing. The cave is stunning, but it is also a busy place. When you use your time with intention, you end up with the best set of memories and not just a rushed snapshot.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Mamula, submarine tunnels and Our Lady of the Rocks tour?

It runs for about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $42.41 per person.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water is included.

Do I need to pay anything at Our Lady of the Rocks?

Yes. Entrance fee to Our Lady of the Rocks is 1.5 euros and is not included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at CQG9+H6W, Kotor, Montenegro, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.