Tivat: Blue Cave and Old Submarine Tunnel Speedboat Tour

The Blue Cave is reason enough. I love how this speedboat day mixes big Boka Bay views with hands-on time swimming, and I also like the quick stop at the Old Submarine Tunnel for a cool dose of wartime engineering.

One thing to keep in mind: the schedule moves fast. You get about 20 minutes in the Blue Cave, plus a short photo stop at the tunnel, so it is best if you like action over lingering.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast, scenic ride from Donja Lastva: you start at the dock by St. Roko church and head out for a coastal panorama.
• Blue Cave swim time: about 20 minutes in the turquoise-blue water, with snorkeling gear included.
• Mamula Island and Kotor area views: you pass by key sights from the water for postcard angles.
• Luštica’s old submarine tunnel: a brief stop to see the tunnel cut into the banks and take photos.
• Gear included: bottled water, rain coats, and snorkeling equipment come with the tour.

Meeting in Donja Lastva, by St. Roko church, then straight onto the boat

This tour starts in Donja Lastva, a Tivat suburb, at the dock in front of St. Roko church. You do not get hotel pickup, so plan your arrival to the dock yourself. The upside is simplicity. Show up, get your bearings fast, and you are on the water.

I also like that the meeting point is specific and easy to visualize. In practice, the operator keeps things clear with quick contact by WhatsApp, which helps if you are figuring out where to park or how to walk to the dock.

Once you meet, you board a speedboat and the ride ramps up immediately. If you are sensitive to motion, go steady on your first few minutes, and bring sunglasses so you can enjoy the views instead of squinting.

The coastal speed run: Boka Bay views from Tivat to Luštica

After boarding, you get a 35-minute panoramic ride along the coast from Tivat into Boka Bay. This is where the tour earns its keep, because you are not stuck staring at a screen or waiting around. You travel through a stretch of coastline where sea and mountains seem to trade places, with small villages dotting the shore.

You also get the kind of perspective that is hard to recreate from land. Palaces, houses, and churches appear in layers as the boat changes angles. That matters here, because Boka Kotorska is known as one of the deepest and longest bays on the Adriatic, and it is often described as the southernmost fjord of Europe. Watching the shoreline roll by helps you understand why it is recognized as one of the most beautiful bays.

One more practical point: because this part is done by boat, it tends to feel smoother and quicker than a road transfer. You reach the big stops fast, which is exactly what you want on a 100-minute tour.

Mamula Island pass-by: small time, big postcard angles

On the way, you pass by Mamula Island in the Bay of Kotor. The stop itself is not long, but the boat route gives you sweeping sight lines that you would not get from most viewpoints on land.

This is also a good moment to look toward the broader Kotor area. From the water, the outlines of the old town and surrounding coastline tend to look sharper and more dramatic. It is the kind of sightseeing that feels like a moving photo album, but without the “tour bus window glare” problem.

If you are the type who needs time to shoot photos, keep your camera or phone ready for the side you prefer. Then, when the captain lines up the boat, you can grab your shots before the scenery shifts again.

Blue Cave Montenegro: the swim stop that makes the whole trip worth it

Then you hit the star of the day, the Blue Cave. You arrive and get about 20 minutes for swimming, with a chance to snorkel using the equipment provided.

The Blue Cave is special for a very specific reason: the cave is large, around 300 square meters, with tall arches about 25 meters high. The water depth near the cave is relatively shallow, around 3 to 4 meters, and there are two entrances. The famous color comes from how light refracts through the water. The light makes the walls look blue too, so it seems like the glow is coming from underneath.

What you should expect in real terms:

• You are not just looking at the cave. You are in it.
• The water color is the payoff, especially when the boat ride has warmed you up and the cave water feels cool and clear.
• You will want to keep an eye on your footing when entering and exiting, since you are dealing with wet surfaces and changing footing around the waterline.

Practical tip: if you want the best color and photos, pay attention to when the light hits. Also, use your snorkeling gear soon after you get in the water, because 20 minutes disappears fast.

Luštica’s old submarine tunnel: quick photos, strong atmosphere

On the return leg, there is a 5-minute stop to see the former submarine tunnel on Luštica Bay. This is not a long walk-through moment. It is a viewpoint and photo stop.

Still, it is a striking stop. The tunnel was carved into steep banks during the Yugoslavia era. It was used to hide and repair submarines and ships. The tunnel length can be up to 50 meters, and it is roughly 7 meters wide. The tunnel area is about 8 meters deep on average, and around the exit, the depth increases to around 30 meters.

Why this stop is worth it, even with limited time: it adds contrast to the day. You start with soft beauty, open bay views, and that magical glowing water. Then you end with something more industrial and dramatic, where stone and engineering show up on the coast.

Timing on the water: what “100 minutes” feels like

This tour clocks in at about 100 minutes total. The pace is the point, but it can be a downside if you want slow travel. You spend time cruising, passing by sights, swimming in the cave, and taking photos at the tunnel. That leaves less time to wander.

So think of it like this: you are not signing up for a half-day exploration of every corner. You are buying a focused hit of the region from the water.

If you are traveling with kids or anyone who gets bored on long rides, this format can actually work well. It is short enough to stay energized and structured. If you are the kind of traveler who wants to linger and really soak up one place for an hour, you might find the schedule tight.

Price and value: why $41 makes sense for a speedboat swim tour

At around $41 per person for roughly 100 minutes, you are paying for three big things at once:

1. Speedboat transport along the Bay of Kotor coastline
2. A real swim stop at the Blue Cave
3. Included gear like snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and rain coats

The “value” comes from the combination. If you tried to piece it together yourself, the cost of boat time alone could add up fast, and you would still have to handle equipment and timing. Here, the tour bundles it into a single smooth window.

Also, the route includes a couple of famous sight moments, passing Mamula Island and photographing the submarine tunnel, without requiring you to drive around and find parking.

In other words, $41 is not a bargain if you want lots of time on shore. But if you want the highlights with minimal friction, it is a solid deal.

What to pack, and how to enjoy the pace without rushing yourself

Because this is a speedboat tour with a swim portion, pack like you are going to be in and out of the water.

For warm weather, bring:

• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Sun cream

For colder periods, bring warmer layers:

• Warm clothes and a cap

Other small practical notes:

• Wear something you can get wet easily. You will be near the water for the whole day segment.
• Keep your phone protected. The day is fast, so pockets and dry bags matter.
• If you snorkel, rinse gear if possible after use, and dry it as best you can before storing.

One more detail I really appreciated in this style of tour is that rain coats are included. That does not mean you should ignore the forecast, but it does mean one surprise shower is less likely to ruin your plans.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits you best if you want:

• Blue Cave swimming without spending hours planning
• a quick, scenic boat ride from Tivat area
• highlights done in a short window (a real plus if you are on a tight schedule)

It may not fit if you:

• need long time in one place
• dislike speed and short stops
• want a slow, shore-based exploration of Kotor or Luštica Peninsula

Also, because the meeting point has no hotel pickup, make sure you are comfortable getting yourself to the dock in Donja Lastva.

Should you book the Tivat Blue Cave and Old Submarine Tunnel speedboat tour?

Yes, if you want a compact “sea highlights” day and you are excited to actually swim in the Blue Cave. The included snorkeling gear, rain coats, and bottled water make it easier to travel light. And the combination of Boka Bay panoramas, the Mamula Island pass-by, and the Luštica submarine tunnel stop gives you variety in just 100 minutes.

Skip it if your ideal day is slow, long, and shore-focused. This is a speed-and-scenery format with short time slots, and it rewards travelers who enjoy action and quick photographic moments.

If that sounds like your style, book it with confidence. It is one of those tours where the main attraction does not stay theoretical. You get to be part of it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at the dock in Donja Lastva, in front of St. Roko church.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the speedboat tour?

The total duration is 100 minutes.

How much time do we get at the Blue Cave for swimming?

You get about 20 minutes to swim at the Blue Cave.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are rain coats provided?

Yes. Rain coats are included.

What is the old submarine tunnel stop like?

It is a photo stop with about 5 minutes to see the old submarine tunnel on Luštica Bay.

What languages does the driver speak?

The driver speaks English and Serbo-Croatian.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?

During summer, bring swimsuit, sunglasses, towel, and sun cream. During colder periods, bring warmer clothes and a cap.