Blue Cave Boat Tour from Herceg Novi (1h 45min) (1-6 people)

The most striking part of this trip is the Blue Cave, where sunlight turns the water an unusual blue as you swim inside. I like the private setup, which gives your group room to choose how long to swim and take photos, and I like the easy boat pickup near hotels in Herceg Novi. The main catch is time: 1 hour 45 minutes goes quickly, especially when the sea is choppy or the cave is busy.

I also like that the skipper can make the trip feel personal rather than scripted. Skippers such as Mateo and Matt have helped families, suggested snorkeling spots, shared local facts, and even pointed passengers toward good nearby restaurants. This is a good choice for a short coastal outing, but not for anyone expecting a full-day cruise with many long beach stops.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Cave is the main event: You get about 20 minutes for swimming and exploring inside the cave.
• Žanjice Beach adds a relaxed break: The planned beach stop lasts about 30 minutes.
• Your group has the boat to itself: The price covers up to six people, making it better value with a full group.
• Pickup is by boat near Herceg Novi hotels: The dock near your hotel becomes the starting point when arranged.
• The boat is set up for comfort: You have a sunshade, Wi-Fi, shower, life jackets, and swimming masks.
• Early departures can help: Morning trips may offer calmer conditions and fewer boats around the cave.

A short speedboat trip with a clear purpose

This is a compact Montenegro boat tour built around two things: the Blue Cave and Žanjice Beach. You are not signing up for a long sightseeing cruise with hours of narration. You are paying for a quick ride out to a memorable swimming spot, followed by beach time and a return to Herceg Novi.

The trip is listed from Kotor, but the actual meeting point is 46 Šetalište Pet Danica in Herceg Novi. Pickup can be arranged by boat from docking points near hotels in Herceg Novi. That detail matters, since you may be able to avoid a separate taxi ride to a distant marina.

The speedboat itself gives you a lively ride along the Montenegrin coast. The sea can be choppy, especially when the wind picks up, so this is better suited to people who are comfortable on open water. Jackets and blankets have been provided on cooler or windier outings, but you should still dress for spray and changing weather.

Reaching the Blue Cave in about 20 minutes

The Blue Cave is the reason most people book this outing. The boat takes you to the cave, where you have roughly 20 minutes to look around and swim. Sunlight entering through the opening creates the cave’s blue glow, and the clear water makes this the best part of the tour for photos and a quick swim.

You will want to bring a swimsuit, towel, and a secure way to carry your phone. Swimming masks are supplied, so you can see more clearly in the water without packing your own snorkeling gear. The boat also has a shower, useful after swimming before you continue to the beach.

The cave stop is short by design. Twenty minutes is enough for a swim and a few photographs, but it is not enough for a leisurely session if several boats arrive at once. That is one reason an early morning departure makes sense. The cave can feel more peaceful before the busiest part of the day, and the light may be especially attractive.

Do not expect silence or solitude in high season. This is a popular coastal stop, and the Blue Cave is the kind of place that draws several boats. The private boat gives you your own skipper and group, but it does not reserve the cave for you.

Žanjice Beach and the value of a half-hour break

After the cave, the planned stop is Žanjice Beach, with about 30 minutes to relax. This gives the trip a useful change of pace. The cave is about swimming and close-up scenery, while the beach stop lets you dry off, sit by the water, and take in the coast from shore.

Half an hour is enough for a brief break, but it is not a full beach day. If you want a long lunch, a slow swim, or several hours on the beach, this tour will feel too short. I would see Žanjice as a pleasant pause rather than the main reason to book.

The short schedule does work well for families or couples who want to get out on the water without giving up an entire day. You can see a memorable coastal feature, spend time at a beach, and still have much of the day left for Herceg Novi or another activity.

More than a transfer, less than a full coastal cruise

The boat ride itself is part of the appeal. You move quickly between the stops and see stretches of Montenegro from the water that are easy to miss from the road. The speed adds excitement, though it also means more wind and spray than you would get on a larger, slower vessel.

The skipper’s role makes a real difference here. Mateo has been praised for being patient and helpful, while Captain Matt has been described as funny, kind, and good at explaining the area. You can ask about photo stops, snorkeling locations, and nearby places to eat. The exact route may adjust to the sea and to your group’s interests.

Some outings have also included a visit past an old submarine tunnel. That is an interesting bonus, but it is not one of the two fixed stops described for this experience. Ask the skipper at the start if the conditions and timing allow for extra sights. Do not book this trip assuming the tunnel is guaranteed.

The same applies to extra swimming spots. A skipper may be able to stop somewhere else for snorkeling if time and weather permit. A private boat gives you more flexibility than a shared excursion, but the Blue Cave and Žanjice Beach remain the core plan.

Why the private format matters

The price is $378.08 for the whole boat, up to six people. With six passengers, that works out to about $63 per person. For a private speedboat, hotel-area pickup, safety equipment, and two water-based stops, that is a reasonable group price.

For two people, the cost is about $189 per person. At that point, the trip becomes a special splurge rather than an obvious bargain. The value improves sharply when you fill most of the six available places.

Private tours are useful when your group includes mixed ages or different swimming preferences. One person can focus on photos while others swim. Families can keep the outing at their own pace, and the skipper can respond to requests instead of following the timing of a large group.

The tradeoff is that a private boat does not guarantee private access to the cave or beach. Other boats may arrive at the same time. You are buying control over your own ride, not exclusive use of the whole coastline.

Comfort and safety on a small boat

The boat includes a sunshade, which is important during a bright summer ride. You can enjoy the view without sitting in full sun for the entire trip. Onboard Wi-Fi is also included, though I would treat it as a convenience rather than the main reason to book. The sea and scenery deserve more attention than your phone.

Life jackets and swimming masks are supplied. The boat also has a shower, which is handy after the Blue Cave swim. A cool box has been available on some trips for soft drinks and beer, but bring any food or drinks only if the operator confirms what is provided for your departure.

A small speedboat can feel exposed when the sea gets rough. One outing was described as choppy, and another took place in April when it was too early in the season for comfortable swimming. The skipper supplied jackets and blankets when the wind made the ride cool. Still, spring conditions can limit the swimming side of the experience.

I would check the forecast and bring a light layer even in warm weather. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the skipper advises and consider whether a fast open-boat ride is right for you.

The best timing for calmer water and better photos

Morning is the smart choice if you have flexibility. An early start can help you reach the Blue Cave before the busiest period in high season. It may also give you softer light and a more relaxed swim.

The tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, so departure time has a practical effect on your day. A morning trip leaves room for lunch and further sightseeing. A later trip may fit better with your schedule, but the cave and beach can be busier, and afternoon wind may make the ride rougher.

Season matters just as much. The trip can operate in April, but swimming may not be the main attraction then. If you are booking outside the warmest part of the year, ask about current water and wind conditions before you commit.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to:

• Families wanting a private boat and a manageable time on the water
• Couples looking for a scenic coastal activity without a full-day commitment
• Small groups that can share the $378.08 price
• Swimmers who want a memorable cave stop and a short beach break
• People staying near Herceg Novi who value boat pickup near their hotel
• Visitors who like asking a local skipper for food and sightseeing tips

It may not suit you if you dislike speedboats, want a long beach stay, or prefer a large vessel with more indoor space. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a full coastal tour with several hours of swimming and lunch.

The tour is described as suitable for most people, and it operates near public transportation. Still, the provided details do not explain how passengers with limited mobility board the boat, so ask before booking if that affects your plans.

Small details that improve the outing

Wear swim clothes under your regular clothes so you can get in the water without fuss. Bring sun protection, a towel, and a waterproof phone case if you want photos from inside the cave.

Keep your expectations focused. The tour promises a short, active outing rather than a long guided lesson in Montenegrin history. The best parts are the speedboat ride, the Blue Cave swim, the beach stop, and the chance to shape the outing with your skipper.

You may hear useful local advice along the way. Skippers have recommended restaurants such as Konoba Feral, and one private trip included a well-liked lunch stop at Ribarsko Selo. Those restaurant stops are not part of this 1-hour-45-minute plan, but the skipper may still offer suggestions for later.

The boat returns to the meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from the coast. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking, so check your date, group size, and weather plans carefully.

Should you book the Blue Cave boat tour?

Book it if you want a private, fast-moving coastal outing from Herceg Novi and can gather several people to share the cost. The Blue Cave gives the trip a clear highlight, while Žanjice Beach keeps the schedule from feeling like one quick swim and return.

I especially like this option for families and small groups because the skipper can respond to requests, help with photos, and adjust the feel of the ride. Early morning is the best bet for a calmer, less crowded experience.

Think twice if you want a full-day boat adventure, a guaranteed submarine tunnel visit, or a long beach lunch. For a short taste of Montenegro by speedboat, though, this is a practical and memorable choice.

FAQ

Where does the Blue Cave boat tour start?

The meeting point is 46 Šetalište Pet Danica in Herceg Novi, Montenegro. Pickup can also be arranged by boat from docking points near hotels in Herceg Novi.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Herceg Novi.

How long is the boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $378.08 per group of up to six people.

How long do you spend at the Blue Cave?

The planned stop at the Blue Cave lasts about 20 minutes and includes time for exploring and swimming.

How long is the stop at Žanjice Beach?

The planned beach stop lasts about 30 minutes.

What equipment is provided?

The boat includes life jackets, swimming masks, a sunshade, onboard Wi-Fi, and a shower.

Is the tour refundable or changeable?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.