Private tour – Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks 3 hours tour

The best part of this private Kotor boat trip is the Blue Cave, where sunlight enters through an underwater opening and turns the water bright blue. You get about 30 minutes to swim, take photos, and enjoy the cave without being tied to a large group schedule.

I like the private format for two reasons: your group of up to six can ask the skipper to adjust the timing, and the route combines several very different sights, from a 1630 island church to old submarine tunnels. The main consideration is the weather. This is an open-water speedboat trip, so poor conditions can lead to a cancellation or changed date.

Key points to know before booking

• 30 minutes at the Blue Cave: Plan time to swim, take photos, and use the provided snorkeling equipment.
• Four distinct stops and views: See Our Lady of the Rocks, a submarine tunnel, panoramic views of Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave.
• Private boat for up to six: You share the speedboat only with your own group.
• Early departure can help: An 8 a.m. pickup has provided quieter conditions at the tunnels and Blue Cave.
• Flexible pickup from Kotor: You can meet at the city walls or arrange pickup, depending on where the boat can dock.
• Museum entry costs extra: The Our Lady of the Rocks museum costs 2 euros per person.

Why this short Kotor boat trip works

Kotor Bay is best understood from the water. The steep coastal setting, small islands, naval tunnels, and open sea all make more sense when you leave the old city behind. This tour gives you a quick but varied route rather than spending the entire outing at one swimming spot.

The boat leaves from Kotor and returns to the same general meeting point. The stated duration is about two to three hours, although the timing can stretch longer when extra stops are added. Some groups have spent around three and a half hours on the water, and one private outing lasted five hours while the skipper added more sightseeing.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private trip. You are not simply moving from one stop to the next with a fixed crowd. Skippers have adjusted the schedule for swimming, added time in Perast or Herceg Novi, and stopped at Porto Montenegro on longer outings. Those additions are not guaranteed on the basic three-hour route, so confirm the plan before departure.

The standard price is $330.01 per group of up to six. That works out to about $55 per person for six people, before the 2 euro museum charge. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but a family or group of friends can make the private boat format good value, especially when compared with paying separate fares for several outings.

Our Lady of the Rocks and its 1630 church

The first planned stop is Our Lady of the Rocks, a small island with an old church built in 1630. You get about 20 minutes here, enough to walk through the site and look at the church, though not enough for a long museum visit.

The island gives the tour a cultural start before the speedboat shifts toward swimming and sea caves. The church is the reason for the stop, while the museum adds a little more depth if you want to see the older religious objects and interior displays.

Museum admission is not included and costs 2 euros. That is a small extra charge, but bring some cash or confirm the payment method before you leave Kotor. If you prefer scenery and photos to indoor displays, you can keep the visit short and use your time outside.

The 20-minute stop is also worth keeping in perspective. This is not a full historical tour of the island. You will get a brief look at the church and its setting, then return to the boat. If you want detailed historical interpretation, ask your skipper what can be explained during the stop.

Inside a Yugoslav Navy submarine tunnel

Next comes one of the most unusual parts of the route: entering one of three submarine tunnels built by the Yugoslav Navy. These covered openings were made to keep submarines and smaller ships out of sight.

The tunnel stop changes the pace. After the open views around the bay, you move into a dark, stark military structure cut into the coast. It is not polished or arranged like a museum. Its appeal comes from seeing a practical piece of the former naval system in its original setting.

The boat enters the tunnel, giving you a close view from the water. The exact amount of time here can vary, so ask the skipper how long the stop will last. The tunnel may be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes enclosed spaces, and the transition from bright sunlight into shade can make photography tricky.

An early start can make a real difference. An 8 a.m. departure has allowed one group to have the submarine tunnel to itself, with only one other boat at the Blue Cave. That does not promise empty water every day, but it is a useful reason to choose an early pickup if your schedule allows.

Mamula Island from the speedboat

On the way to the Blue Cave, the boat passes Mamula Island and provides a panoramic view. This is mainly a scenic stop rather than a long island visit, so you should think of it as part of the ride and not a separate shore excursion.

The view helps connect the enclosed bay with the open Adriatic beyond it. After the church and submarine tunnel, Mamula adds another kind of coastal story, this time seen from the water. Keep your camera ready, since the boat may not stop for long.

The route also offers a good chance to ask questions. Skippers Tugay, Egi, Rajan, and Raki have all been singled out for friendly and professional service on different outings. The name of your skipper is not guaranteed when you book, but the company has used several captains for these private trips.

Thirty minutes inside the Blue Cave

The Blue Cave is the main stop and the reason most people book this outing. Bright blue light enters through an opening below sea level, giving the water its unusual color. The effect depends on sunlight and sea conditions, so the cave may look different from one visit to the next.

You get about 30 minutes here for swimming and photos. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water, so you do not need to arrange those basics separately. The 30-minute window is long enough to get into the water and enjoy the setting without making the entire tour a single-purpose swim trip.

The boat may also stop at another cave nearby, depending on the skipper and conditions. One outing included swimming in a cave next to the Blue Cave, while another allowed swimming in the open sea. These additions are possible rather than guaranteed, so treat them as a pleasant bonus.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. WiFi is listed as available on board, but it should not replace your own offline plans or camera protection. Water spray and bright reflections are part of the boat ride.

The cave is not ideal for anyone who wants a dry, quiet sightseeing stop. You are on a speedboat, and the central activity is swimming. If you prefer to stay on board, you can still take photos, but the experience is designed around getting into the water.

What the private format changes

A private boat for up to six is the most important practical feature. You are not sharing the outing with a busload of strangers, and your group can talk directly with the skipper about photo stops, swim time, and the pace of the route.

The private setup has been especially useful for mixed-age groups. One outing included six adults and seven children, with ages ranging from 14 years to three months, although that group exceeded the stated capacity and may have used a different arrangement. The supplied tour price and capacity are for up to six people, so confirm the boat setup carefully if you have a larger party or an infant.

Skippers have also helped with small personal touches. One captain took photos, allowed the group to play its own music, and let swimmers stay in the water longer. Another skipper helped arrange a restaurant after the boat trip and walked the group there. These services are not listed as guaranteed inclusions, but they show why a private outing can feel more personal than a basic transfer.

Do not assume every captain will make the same additions. The advertised route is the safe basis for planning: Our Lady of the Rocks, one submarine tunnel, a view of Mamula, and about 30 minutes at the Blue Cave.

Timing, pickup, and comfort

You can meet at the Kotor city walls, or request pickup. The exact docking point depends on your location and where the speedboat can safely reach you. Get clear instructions before departure, especially if you are staying outside the old town or arriving from a cruise ship.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the activity is listed as suitable for most people. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation.

The stated duration is two to three hours, but allow extra time if you hope for added stops or a longer swim. Private trips can be adjusted, and that is useful, but it also means the end time may not be as exact as a large scheduled cruise.

Weather matters more here than on a museum visit. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

What is included, and what is not

The package includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, fuel, and WiFi on board. Fuel is already covered, which avoids one common surprise on private boat outings.

The museum at Our Lady of the Rocks is the only stated extra, at 2 euros per person. Food is not listed, so eat before departure or plan a meal afterward. One group returned hungry and received help finding a nearby restaurant, but that was personal assistance from the tour team, not a formal meal included in the price.

The boat itself is described in the feedback as suitable for private groups, but no detailed seating, shade, toilet, or storage information is provided. If those details matter to you, ask RIJO Speedboat Tours before booking.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip for a small family or friend group that wants a private boat, several different sights, and a proper swim stop without committing to a full-day cruise. It also suits people with limited time in Kotor who want more than a ride around the bay.

An early departure is the best choice for anyone who dislikes crowds. The reported 8 a.m. outing had notably quiet conditions at the submarine tunnel and Blue Cave. You may also get cooler air and calmer sightseeing before the day fills up, though conditions can change.

This is less suitable if you want a slow historical tour with long museum visits. The church stop is only about 20 minutes, and the main focus is the water, caves, and boat ride. It may also be a poor fit for anyone who cannot swim or dislikes speedboats, although you can remain on board during the swim stop.

Should you book the Blue Cave tour?

Book it if you have up to six people, want the convenience of a private speedboat, and care more about variety and swimming than long guided explanations. The combination of Our Lady of the Rocks, a Yugoslav Navy tunnel, Mamula views, and the Blue Cave packs a lot into a short outing.

The price makes the most sense for a full group. I would request the earliest available departure, confirm the pickup point, ask which stops are included in your exact time slot, and remember the 2 euro museum fee. If the forecast is uncertain, keep your schedule flexible.

For a small group seeking Kotor’s best water-based sights in a few hours, this is a strong choice. Just treat the longer stops and extra swimming locations as possible additions, not promises.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Kotor and ends back at the meeting point. The listed meeting point is by the Kotor city walls.

Is pickup available?

Yes. You can meet at the stated starting point or request pickup. The exact boat docking place depends on your location.

How many people can join the private tour?

The listed capacity is up to six people per group.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is approximately two to three hours. Some private outings have lasted longer when extra stops or more swimming time were added.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How long do you spend at the Blue Cave?

The planned stop at the Blue Cave lasts about 30 minutes for swimming and photos.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included.

Is museum admission included?

No. Admission to the Our Lady of the Rocks museum costs 2 euros per person.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.