Kotor: Private Blue Cave Tour – Swim & Relax at Your Pace

Blue Cave is better with your own boat. I like the private speedboat feel and how the plan is built around your group, not a rigid timetable, with photo moments you can actually enjoy. I also like the Blue Cave swim time, because the skipper adapts the stop to conditions so you do not feel rushed. One possible drawback is that the tour can be canceled or rescheduled if weather or water conditions are unsafe.

Meet at City Park near the Old Town gate, then settle in for about 3 hours on the water with Wi-Fi and drinking water. If you want to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, plan around seasonal hours, and bring a cover-up since swimwear is not allowed in the church/museum areas.

Key highlights at a glance

• Private, group-paced boating that feels calm instead of hurried
• Blue Cave swimming for about 20 minutes, with the skipper adapting to sea conditions
• Photo stops along Boka Bay that you can actually enjoy, not just pose for once
• Our Lady of the Rocks on Perast’s island with optional tickets and a clear dress code
• Former submarine tunnel viewpoints near Kotor, with quick photo and sightseeing moments

Private speedboat pacing in Kotor Bay, built around your group

This is one of those rare tours where the key word is private, and you can feel it right away. Instead of being herded on a schedule, you move at a relaxed pace that makes time for photos, breaks, and an unforced swim.

In practical terms, that means the day stays enjoyable. You get a smooth ride plus a real chance to enjoy the water, not just jump in, snap a picture, and race back. The Blue Cave stop is the star, and it is timed for swimming and taking in the look and feel of the place.

The other big win is that the skipper is also your guide. That matters, because the tour can flex based on what the sea is doing and what you want from the stops.

Getting to the meeting point near Kotor’s Old Town gate

You start at Kotor Boat Tours, Submarine and Speedboat at City Park (Park Slobode 1). The spot is about 200 meters from the Main Gate of the Old Town and walkable from the Port of Kotor.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, there is a straightforward route. After you leave the ship and go through security, turn left. When you reach the small bridge, turn left again, heading toward the park. Near the seaside, you will see an information desk where the skipper and staff are waiting.

Do not aim for last minute timing. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early, since heavy traffic around the park is common in busy periods, and roadworks can add delays. If you are driving, summer parking near the starting point can be very limited, so build in extra buffer time.

The ride out on the water: Boka Bay views without the crowd pressure

Once you are onboard, you get a first stretch of speedboat cruising, around 20 minutes. This is where the Bay of Kotor shows off its postcard angles from the water, with stone villages, older church silhouettes, and dramatic mountains shaping the scenery.

A private boat does something small but important here. You can slow down for photos without feeling like you are holding up a bigger group. You also get time to settle in and pick your rhythm, sunglasses on, water in hand, camera ready.

If you care about sound onboard, pay attention to the boat setup. One group specifically called out a Bluetooth sound system, and that they could play their own music. Not every captain will run things the same way, but the option is there.

And if you like knowing what you are seeing, you have an audio guide and written local insights in multiple languages via QR code. You just need your smartphone, with internet access, to pull it up.

Our Lady of the Rocks island stop in Perast: quick, scenic, and rule-based

The Perast island stop is built for a short, satisfying break: about 20 minutes total. You get a photo moment, then time to visit Our Lady of the Rocks.

Here is the useful part for planning: the church and museum hours are seasonal. In April, May, September, and October, it typically runs until about 17:00. In June, it typically goes until 18:00. In July and August, it typically runs until 19:00, though it can close earlier on some days.

Also, the island itself can still be visited even if the church or museum is closed. That means you can still enjoy the setting, even when timing is tight.

Tickets are optional, and the cost is small but specific: museum/church admission is not included, and optional tickets cost €3 in cash only. One more important detail: the skip-the-line promise does not apply here since entry is usually quick anyway.

Dress code matters. If you want to enter the church/museum, swimwear is not permitted. Bring a cover-up or suitable clothing so you can enjoy that part without stress.

Former submarine tunnel moments near Kotor: short stops, good photo payoff

After cruising, you hit the former submarine tunnel area in two quick segments, each designed for photos and brief sightseeing. The total time around those stops is short, so think of it as viewpoint time rather than a long stop.

In a rougher sea, this kind of stop can still work well because it lets you capture angles without committing to a long on-foot moment. And if conditions are changing fast, the skipper may adjust the plan to keep swimming comfortable and safe.

One group noted that when the sea was rough, the captain found a nicer swim stop near the entrance of the submarine base. That is exactly the kind of flexibility you want from a private guide who prioritizes safety and comfort.

Blue Cave swim time: vivid reflections, controlled timing, no rushing

The Blue Cave portion is what you are really paying for. You arrive for swimming for about 20 minutes, with the skipper keeping things smooth and safe.

The Blue Cave is famous for its vivid blue reflections, and the timing here matters. Too short and it feels like a photo stop. Too long and the day gets tiring. This setup aims right in the middle, enough time to swim, float, and take photos without feeling like you are on a conveyor belt.

The skipper adapts the stop to sea conditions. That is not just nice to have. It helps you avoid the worst of chop, and it can change where you get your best look and safest entry.

Want to see more than the surface? Snorkeling masks are available, subject to availability. If you want to protect your phone for photos in and around the water, there is also a waterproof phone case, again subject to availability, and it must be returned.

Timing tip: if you are visiting in spring or autumn, the water can feel chilly. Bring a light jacket or warmer layer so you stay comfortable during the cruise stretches before and after the swim.

The return cruise back to Kotor: why the final 70 minutes feels like your reward

The last stretch is a longer one, about 70 minutes of speedboat cruising back to Kotor. This is where the day often turns from excitement into pure relaxing.

After swimming, you get time to dry off, cool down, and enjoy the ride back with less pressure. If you like watching the coastline shift and reframe the views, this part is your second chance to grab photos from angles you did not get earlier.

You also have onboard comfort items working in your favor: Wi-Fi and drinking water are included, and life jackets are provided for everyone. The final run is long enough that you can settle into a calm rhythm.

What you get for $261, and who it is actually a good deal for

At $261 per group up to 6 people, the math changes fast depending on how full your boat is. When you are at six people, it can work out to roughly $43 to $44 per person. That makes a private boat feel a lot more realistic for a small group than it first sounds like.

More importantly, you are not just buying transportation. You are paying for fewer compromises:

• A private boat means your timing and swim time do not depend on other groups.
• The skipper adapts stops to conditions, which helps when seas are choppy.
• You get onboard Wi-Fi, drinking water, and safety gear, plus snorkeling masks if available.

This tour can also be a smart value for couples and families because you can make small choices that group tours often cannot. A birthday, a special anniversary, or just wanting a calmer day on the water tends to be easier when you have the boat to yourselves for the full 3 hours.

One practical note: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. So if you planned on having someone handle transport from your hotel, you will need to arrange that separately.

What to bring for a smooth Blue Cave day

Bring what helps you handle the water and the short land stops. Comfortable shoes help for the island and quick walking breaks. Sunglasses and a sun hat are worth it on the boat. Pack sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear, and bring a camera if you like capturing the exact kind of lighting the cave is known for.

For the Blue Cave swim, think simple and practical. You will want easy-to-rinse gear, and you will be happier if you can change into dry layers after.

Onboard, your essentials are covered. You get life jackets (with child-size available on request), a first aid kit, and insurance. Fuel is included too. The audio guide is included as well, but you will need your smartphone with internet to access it via QR code.

A few things to avoid: luggage or large bags are not allowed. Also, smoking in the vehicle is not allowed.

Safety, sea conditions, and who should reconsider

This tour is not for everyone, mostly because a speedboat day can be rough and the route includes water time. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

If you are unsure about your comfort level in a speedboat, plan conservative. This is a water activity with movement, and safety gear is provided, but comfort is still a personal factor.

Weather also matters. If weather or sea conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. That means it helps to have flexible timing in your schedule.

Finally, remember that church rules can change how you dress. If you plan to enter Our Lady of the Rocks, swimwear is not permitted. Bring a cover-up so you can enjoy the island without getting stuck outside.

My booking checklist before you pay for the private boat

If you want the smoothest day, do a quick pre-trip check:

• Confirm you can get to City Park on time, and plan to arrive 30 minutes early.
• If you want the Our Lady of the Rocks church or museum, check your day’s seasonal hours and bring a cover-up.
• Bring a smartphone with internet, since the audio guide works via QR code and needs connection.
• Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel.
• If you are traveling with kids, ask about child-size life jackets on request.
• If you care about phone photos, plan for the waterproof phone case option, noting it is subject to availability and must be returned.

Also, think about your group size. This is designed for a private group up to 6, so it is at its best when you can fill it with friends or family and split the cost meaningfully.

Should you book this private Blue Cave escape?

Book it if you want a calm, private water day where the skipper can shape the experience around your group. The strongest reasons are the 20-minute Blue Cave swim, the relaxed pacing, and the flexibility of photo stops and timing.

Skip it or look for another option if you need hotel pickup, you have mobility or back concerns, or you know you cannot handle speedboat movement. Also consider that the tour can be canceled or rescheduled for unsafe conditions, so do not schedule it as your only option on a hard fixed itinerary.

If you are the kind of traveler who hates feeling rushed, this is the right style of tour. You get enough structure to know what you are doing, plus enough freedom to make the day feel easy.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

The tour starts at Kotor Boat Tours, Submarine and Speedboat – Montenegro Submarine at City Park (Park Slobode 1), about 200 meters from the Main Gate of the Old Town.

How do I get there if I am arriving from a cruise ship?

After leaving the ship and passing through security, turn left. When you reach the small bridge, turn left again toward the park. Near the seaside, look for the information desk where the skipper and staff will be waiting.

How long is the private Blue Cave tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the price and how many people can join?

It costs $261 per group for up to 6 people.

What stops are included besides the Blue Cave?

You cruise from Kotor and make stops for Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast, plus photo and sightseeing moments at the former submarine tunnel area in Kotor before returning to the starting point.

Is the Our Lady of the Rocks church or museum visit included?

The island visit is optional, and church or museum tickets are not included. If you want to enter, admission costs €3 in cash only, and hours are seasonal.

Can I swim at the Blue Cave?

Yes. The Blue Cave swimming time is about 20 minutes, and the skipper adapts the stop to sea conditions for safety.

What safety gear and swim equipment are included?

You get life jackets (including child-size life jackets on request), a first aid kit on board, and snorkeling masks are available subject to availability.