Kotor: Private Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with Swim Time

Speedboat daydreams come true in Kotor. This private tour trades crowds for open sea time and a real swim stop at the Blue Cave.

I like the mix of “look and learn” plus “wet and enjoy.” You get a walk at the historic Lady of the Rocks in Perast, then you switch modes for snorkeling, warm water, and those light-filled cave walls. One thing to plan around: the tour can be cancelled in bad weather, and it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 70.

Key things to know before you go

• Private group of up to 6 means you control the pace more than on shared boats
• Blue Cave swim and snorkeling is the centerpiece, with masks and life jackets provided
• Lady of the Rocks in Perast is included as a stop, with the church entrance fee extra
• Former submarine base and Mamula Island add strong “Bay of Kotor” scenery variety
• 3 hours total keeps it exciting, but you will be on the move most of the time

Why This Kotor Speedboat Tour Feels Different Than a Bus Ride

If you only know Kotor from old streets and steep stairs, this tour gives you a second angle on the Bay of Kotor. You start on a speedboat, feel the wind, and then hop from one dramatic shoreline scene to the next without the usual waiting.

What makes it work is that it is not just a ride. You get a real land moment first, then a real water moment at the end. I especially like that the schedule is built around swimming time, not just a quick stop for photos. And if you want a calmer day away from the main streets, this kind of private outing is a smart way to do it.

The other “win” is how straightforward it is. You get a live English-speaking guide, a skipper, water and juice, and even one beer. That keeps the outing feeling complete instead of you scrambling for basics mid-day.

The Money Math: $335 per Group and What You Get for It

The price is $335 per group, up to 6 people, for about 3 hours. That sounds high if you are thinking per person, but it gets more reasonable fast if you can fill the group. For example, at full capacity you are effectively around the $50 to $60 per person range, depending on how you split the bill.

You are also not just paying for the boat. The tour includes snorkel mask(s) and life jacket(s), plus travel insurance, and drinks (water, juice, and one beer). You will still want your own snacks if that matters to you, since food and additional drinks are not included. The church entrance at Lady of the Rocks is also extra, at 2 euro per person.

My take on value: if your priority is water time, this is one of those tours where you are paying for access and time on the sea, not for a long checklist of stops. You are booking a shorter, more active day with less friction.

From MontenegroGlobe to the Open Sea: Starting, Parking, and Timing

Meeting is at MontenegroGlobe, near the Port of Kotor and the Kamelija shopping center. That location is convenient because you are already in the right area to board and get moving.

In summer, Kotor traffic can be a headache, so plan to arrive on time and give yourself extra buffer for parking. The boat tour itself runs tight enough that arriving late can squeeze your day. Also remember the tour can be cancelled for bad weather, so if you are traveling over multiple days, you might have more flexibility.

Once you meet, you are quickly into the rhythm: boat ride segments, short stops for sightseeing, then a bigger swim focus later on. It is a “three hours, lots of changes” style of experience.

The 3-Hour Route: How the Pace Keeps It Fun

You should expect a tour that stays active almost the entire time. The morning or afternoon pace is basically: quick boat time, a land stop, more boat time, then the cave swim window.

It is not a slow cruise. There is a brief speedboat segment right after departure, then a 20-minute stop at Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast. After that, you move again, with short photo stops along the bay before you reach the Blue Lagoon and the cave swim time.

That structure is great for people who get restless waiting around. It is also why this works best if everyone in your group is comfortable with being on and off a boat and moving between sights quickly.

Our Lady of the Rocks in Perast: Photo Stop With a Real Landmark

Perast is close enough to Kotor that it feels like a day trip, but the stop here is focused and practical. You get a photo stop plus a visit at Our Lady of the Rocks, with about 20 minutes on site.

There are two smart ways to use this short window. First, do your quick photos early, because your time is limited. Second, if you care about the church specifically, budget the entrance fee since it is not included (2 euro per person). If you just want the viewpoint and the island scene, you can still get a lot from the scheduled time.

Even with a brief stop, it is a meaningful “landmark pause” that breaks up all the sea time. And it gives you a good sense of where the boat is taking you next, because the bay feels different once you see this islet up close.

Former Submarine Base and the Kotor Tunnel Photo Moment

After the Perast stop, the boat keeps the scenery rolling. You pass through areas tied to the region’s maritime past, including a former submarine base stop, plus a photo stop at the former submarine tunnel in Kotor.

These stops are not long lectures, but they add texture. You go from postcard water to the sense that the bay also has a strategic, wartime edge. It is a contrast that makes the day more than just pretty views.

The photo-stop style is worth knowing. You will not have time for a long exploration here, so if you love museums or deep dives on military sites, you may want to pair this tour with other time on land. But if you want a quick “see it, understand the context, move on” moment, this fits well.

Mamula Island and the Fortress Walls Over the Bay of Kotor

Next up is Mamula Island, where you get a photo stop with a view over Austro-Hungarian fortress walls. The walls are from the 14th century, and the island was used as a prison in both World War I and World War II, according to the tour details.

This is one of those spots where the sea makes everything feel bigger. From the boat, the island reads as a strong shape, not just a dot on the water. The quick stop also keeps you from losing time at low-value photo spots. You get the shot and the sense of place, then you continue.

If your group includes both “history people” and “water people,” Mamula is a good compromise stop. It satisfies the curiosity without slowing down the day.

Blue Cave Montenegro: Snorkeling Masks, Swim Time, and Real Blue Light

This is the centerpiece stop, and it is built for action. You reach the Blue Lagoon area and then head into the Blue Cave for swimming and snorkeling, with around 25 minutes in the water.

The cave is named for how sunlight refracts at the right angle, so the water looks like it is shining from below. When you see that light effect in person, it feels different than normal clear water because it changes as you move. That is why this stop is not just about looking from the boat.

Here is how the experience is set up for you:

• You are encouraged to swim from the boat and use the provided snorkeling masks to explore what is happening under the surface.
• If you are not a confident swimmer, you get life jackets for safety.

That safety note matters. You still get freedom, but you are not expected to gamble with your comfort level.

Also: cave access is by boats, and the cave has two entrances. Since the timing is limited, you should think of this as a “best-of” swim window, not a long lesson in water geography.

If you want photos, do it strategically. Try a few quick shots from the boat, then focus on the water for the main part of your time. The best memories here are usually the ones you do not stop to frame.

Tips That Make the Water Time Smoother (and More Comfortable)

This tour asks for a simple packing list, and you will be glad you followed it:

• Swimwear and a towel (you will want quick drying later)
• Sunglasses and a sun hat for the open water
• A camera, if you want to capture the cave light and the bayside views

Also plan your movement like it is a mini adventure day. Bring your items in a way you can access quickly once you are changing from boat to water.

One more practical point: the guide and skipper handle the gear like masks and life jackets, but you still control your comfort. If you are prone to getting cold easily, you might find warm, clear water makes it less of an issue, yet you should still expect you will be in the water for real.

Finally, note the rule: alcohol and drugs are not allowed. If your group normally brings drinks for vacations, you will need to keep it to what the tour provides.

Service and Guide Style: Where the Reviews Put the Focus

What I like about this tour format is how much it depends on the guide and skipper doing the details right. In the past, I have seen this kind of trip become either smooth and confident or chaotic and rushed. Here, the guidance seems to land on the better side.

Names like Peter and Marko/Marco come up, and the common thread is friendly, professional, and good at mixing short explanations with the main event, which is the water time. The tour runs in English, and that helps a lot when you have only a few minutes at each stop. You want to understand what you are seeing right now, not later.

You also get a small but meaningful comfort package: water and juice, plus one beer. It helps you stay sane during the boat pacing and gets the day off on the right foot.

Who This Blue Cave Speedboat Tour Is Best For

This one is best for people who want a short, active day with both scenery and a genuine swim stop.

It is a strong match if:

• You want private speedboat time for up to 6 people
• You care about snorkeling and swimming in a cave setting, not just sitting on the water
• You like a mix of quick sightseeing stops plus hands-on fun

It might be a tough fit if:

• You are not comfortable with boats and limited stop times
• You need wheelchair access, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You are over 70, since the tour is not suitable

Also remember the weather risk. If you are traveling on only one day and the sky looks questionable, you may want a backup plan.

Should You Book This Kotor Blue Cave Private Tour?

If your must-do item is swimming in the Blue Cave with snorkeling masks and you want it wrapped in a well-paced 3-hour private outing, I think this is an easy yes. You are paying for time on the sea, gear support, and a route that includes a landmark stop in Perast plus interesting bay scenery like Mamula Island and submarine-related sites.

You should consider skipping or postponing if the day you are choosing is likely to be rough weather, since the tour can be cancelled. And if your group includes someone who does not do well with boat travel or getting into the water, you may feel the time pressure more than you would on a slower sightseeing day.

FAQ

How long is the private speedboat tour from Kotor to the Blue Cave?

The duration is 3 hours.

What is the price for the Blue Cave speedboat tour?

It is $335 per group, up to 6 people.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at the MontenegroGlobe agency near the Port of Kotor and the shopping center Kamelija.

Is this tour private?

Yes, it is a private group tour.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a speedboat tour, skipper, travel insurance, water, juice, and 1 beer, plus snorkel mask and life jacket.

Do we have time to swim and snorkel in the Blue Cave?

Yes. There is a swimming and snorkeling time of about 25 minutes at the Blue Cave area.

Is the church Lady of the Rocks included?

The church entrance is not included. Entrance is 2 euro per person.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Is the tour cancelled in bad weather?

Yes. The tour will be cancelled in the case of bad weather.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or older visitors?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 70.