From Tivat: Blue Cave, Herceg Novi, Lady of the Rocks

Bay of Kotor, on a real cruise boat.

I like this one because it mixes sea views from a two-floor boat with real time on shore in Herceg Novi and at Our Lady of the Rocks. The second thing I like is the Blue Cave plan built around a swim break at Žanjice, so the day has more than just sightseeing. The main drawback to keep in mind is that bad weather can change the route, and you may not get the open-sea Blue Cave portion.

If you want a full-day “see a lot from the water” outing without driving, this format works. You start in Tivat, roll into Herceg Novi for about an hour, spend a big chunk swimming around Žanjice, then finish with the Our Lady stop and a slow return through the bay. Just know that the most famous parts come with small extras in cost and, in rough conditions, may be skipped.

Key takeaways before you pick a time

• Two-floor MB Vesna comfort: sunbeds, onboard restaurant, WiFi, and a toilet make the long middle hours less painful.
• A realistic, timed day: about 9 hours total, with focused breaks at Herceg Novi, Žanjice, and Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Blue Cave is partly optional and partly weather-dependent: there’s a short Blue Cave moment, plus optional small-boat transport from the swim zone.
• Onboard guide in Russian, Serbian, English: helpful for context, but clarity can vary depending on where you sit on the boat.
• Fair pricing, but read the add-ons: the boat ride is included, while lunch, the Blue Cave transfer, and museum/church entry cost extra.

From Tivat at 10:00, MB Vesna sets the pace

This is a classic Bay of Kotor cruise route, starting with pick-up in Tivat at Restaurant Hotel Pine, with a second Pine-area option listed as well. Then you board the MB Vesna and you’re moving at 10:00. The first stretch goes quickly and matters, because it gets you out onto the water before your day rhythm gets complicated.

You’ll dock in Herceg Novi after about 45 minutes. That early movement is one of the smartest parts of this trip: the day feels like a journey, not just a bus ride with a boat photo stop.

The Herceg Novi stop: about an hour for the waterfront and views

After arrival in Herceg Novi, you get around 60 minutes of free time (some schedules list a longer window, but plan on roughly an hour). This is enough to:

• walk the seafront area,
• grab a drink or snack if you want to,
• and get back to the dock without sprinting.

Why this stop helps: from the water, the Bay of Kotor towns look dramatic and layered. The dock break lets you switch perspective, touch land, and re-orient yourself before you go back to swimming mode.

Practical note: if you end up wanting more time here, don’t panic. Many people treat Herceg Novi as the “stretch and reset” stop, then they spend energy later where the water time happens.

Žanjice Beach swimming: where the day turns into a beach day

The big break is at Žanjice Beach. You get about 90 minutes there, and you can use it however you like, including swimming. This is also the jump-off point if you want to reach the Blue Cave by smaller boats.

Two important reality checks:

1. Your main boat is too large to treat the cave like a simple dock-and-walk spot. The Blue Cave access is tied to smaller-boat transport.
2. Weather can shut down the open-sea plan. If the captain decides it’s not safe to sail toward the open sea portion, the ship may skip the Žanjice and Blue Cave segment.

What you should do at Žanjice: keep an eye on timing. This is where people usually burn time chatting, then realize they’re short on swimming minutes or still deciding about the Blue Cave transfer.

Blue Cave: optional transfer, short visit, and big payoff

The Blue Cave is the headline, but how you experience it depends on two things: safety conditions and whether you take the small-boat ride.

Here’s how it works on this cruise:

• During the swim break at Žanjice, you may go to the Blue Cave by smaller boats for an additional 10€.
• Later, the main route includes a short Blue Cave visit (about 10 minutes).

That second piece matters. Even if you don’t do the small-boat transfer, you still get a brief look during the sailing portion. From a value standpoint, the extra 10€ only makes sense if you really want that cave experience rather than just a quick glimpse.

One more thing I’d take seriously: the language around the day can be split. If you’re on the upper level, clear English (or any language) can be harder to catch. So if Blue Cave timing is a key motivator for you, don’t rely on hearing everything word-perfect. Watch the dock staff and follow the time cues.

Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast: a short stop with the right vibe

After the swim portion, the cruise heads toward Our Lady of the Rocks (linked to Perast). You’ll arrive and get about a 40-minute break.

This is not a long museum day. It’s a focused visit. You can use the time to:

• see the church area,
• and, if you want to go inside, you’ll be paying an extra 2€ for the museum and church entrance.

Why this stop is worth keeping: it gives cultural context after the day’s water highlights. The bay looks beautiful from a boat, but Our Lady of the Rocks gives you a reason those views matter.

Quick decision tip: if you’re interested in the church/museum, don’t leave it to the last minutes. The time limit is short enough that you’ll feel rushed if you hesitate.

Comfort on board MB Vesna: two floors, sunbeds, and practical basics

This cruise isn’t just about moving. The boat has real amenities for a full day at sea:

• two-floor layout
• restaurant on board
• sunbeds
• WiFi
• toilet

That combination is a big deal because the day has multiple waiting periods: after docking, during transit across the bay, and while you’re doing the onboard portion between stops. With sunbeds and a place to sit, the trip feels less like work.

One practical caveat: sound can be an issue on day cruises. If the boat is lively, you may find the guide hard to hear, especially on the second floor. My advice is simple: if you care about narration, position yourself where you can actually hear it, not where the best photo angle is.

The guide on board: helpful context, but language clarity can vary

The guide is included on board, and languages listed are Russian, Serbian, and English. That’s a good sign. You want someone explaining what you’re seeing, not just telling you when to line up for lunch.

In real life, I’d treat the guide as a bonus, not your only source of information. Use the guide to understand the setting and the purpose of the stops, then rely on clear visual cues for timing and boarding.

Also, the tone can affect the experience. One recent incident described a crew member becoming rude, and in general that kind of atmosphere can ruin a day fast. You can’t predict crew mood from a description, so I’d go in expecting professionalism, and if it’s not there, focus on the views and keep your energy on what you came for: water time.

Price and value: $41 base fare plus a few important extras

The published price is $41 per person for a 9-hour outing. Included in the price are:

• boat ride
• guide on board

Not included are the big three cost add-ons:

• lunch (not included)
• Blue Cave transport by smaller boat, 10€
• museum and church entrance on Our Lady of the Rocks, 2€

How to think about value: you’re paying for a full-day cruise route that covers multiple famous Bay of Kotor moments. If you also do the Blue Cave transfer, your day costs more, but you’re also adding the kind of experience people actually travel for.

My practical approach: decide your priority before you board. If Blue Cave is your must-do, budget the extra 10€. If it’s only a wish-list item, you can still enjoy the swim at Žanjice and the short Blue Cave viewing portion.

Weather and safety changes: the Blue Cave plan can switch fast

This cruise has a specific weather rule. If the captain decides it’s not safe to sail toward the open sea area (Žanjice and the Blue Cave), the ship will not go there.

This is crucial information. In other words, the day is not a guaranteed Blue Cave ticket in every weather pattern. You might still do the Herceg Novi and Our Lady of the Rocks parts, but the highlight swim segment can be cut.

So how do you protect yourself?

• Check forecasts for wind and sea conditions the day before and the morning of.
• Keep your expectations flexible about the cave.
• Bring your towel and beachwear anyway, because when conditions allow, you’ll want to jump in quickly.

When logistics go wrong, it can get serious

Most days run smoothly, but it’s worth saying plainly: on-water tours depend on equipment. One incident described a generator breakdown on the boat, followed by a repair stop in darkness and an improvised transfer back across the bay. In that case, people had difficulty accessing refreshments and toilet use, and disembarkation required extra care.

I’m not saying this is normal. I am saying you should be ready for the fact that boats are not buses with a backup plan guaranteed. If you have mobility concerns, health needs, or you strongly prefer predictability, consider this carefully.

Who should book this cruise, and who should choose something else

This trip is a good fit if you want:

• a full-day Bay of Kotor cruise without renting a car,
• a blend of towns plus water time,
• and the chance to add Blue Cave via a small-boat ride.

It may be a poor fit if:

• you want wheel-chair access, since it’s listed as not suitable for wheelchair users,
• you dislike crowds and constant movement,
• or you’re only interested in Blue Cave and nothing else, because weather can cancel that segment.

If you’re traveling with limited patience for delays, I’d also plan for the possibility of uneven pacing. Ferry-style tours often run on water-time, not clock-time.

What to bring: simple gear that actually matters

Pack like you’re going to be in and out of the water:

• towel
• beachwear

And bring basic comfort items that help on a long boat day. The boat has sunbeds and a toilet, but you still spend hours outdoors and in the sun. Having a towel ready saves you from that classic late scramble.

Also, keep your phone charged. WiFi is listed, but it’s better to treat WiFi as a bonus, not your primary plan for maps or messages.

Should you book this MB Vesna Bay of Kotor cruise?

Yes, with two conditions in your head.

Book it if you want a classic Bay of Kotor day route with real sea time, a Herceg Novi break, and the chance to swim at Žanjice and potentially reach Blue Cave. The included guide and onboard setup (restaurant, sunbeds, toilet, WiFi) make it a practical choice.

Don’t book if Blue Cave is the only reason you’re going and you can’t handle weather changes. In rough conditions, the captain can skip the open-sea part. If you’re okay treating Blue Cave as a bonus when conditions allow, this cruise can be a great way to experience the bay without driving.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and when does it depart?

You start in Tivat and board the MB Vesna. Departure is listed for 10:00. The cruise returns to Tivat at the end of the day.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 9 hours.

What stops are included in the day?

The day includes Tivat, Herceg Novi (with free time), Žanjice Beach (swimming/free time), a Blue Cave visit, and Our Lady of the Rocks (Perast) (with a short break).

Is the Blue Cave included in the price?

A short Blue Cave visit (about 10 minutes) is included. If you want transport by smaller boat to the Blue Cave, that part costs 10€ and is not included in the base price.

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

Yes. Entrance to the museum and church on the island of Our Lady of Skrpjela costs 2€ and is not included.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The base price includes the boat ride and a guide on board.

What should I bring for the swim?

Bring a towel and beachwear.