REVIEW · KOTOR
Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h)
Book on Viator →Operated by Sea Dog Speed Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator
Blue water in just three hours. This speedboat route strings together Kotor Bay, the Blue Cave, Mamula (Lastavica), and Our Lady of the Rocks, so you get big scenery without needing a full day.
I like two things a lot: the ride is guided in plain English with quick, useful context at each stop, and you get enough time to do what you actually came for—photos, plus a chance to swim near the cave area. The skipper focus also shows up in how the boat handles wake and wave chop, which matters when the water gets rough.
The one drawback to plan for is that it’s a lot of time on the boat between highlights, and conditions can be choppy. If you’re sensitive to motion or climbing ladders, you’ll want to think ahead and choose your spot on the boat carefully.
In This Review
- Key Things That Make This Tour Work
- The 3-Hour Speedboat Plan: Plenty of Stops Without the Long Wait
- Bay of Kotor First: Fisher Villages, Green Slopes, and Calm Before the Cave
- The Blue Cave: Two Entrances, Boat Access, and Busy Water to Expect
- Mamula (Lastavica) Islet: Small, Circular, and Uninhabited for a Reason
- Our Lady of the Rocks: An Artificial Island Built from Rocks and Sunken Ships
- Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Boat Ladder Reality Check
- Price and Value: What $42.41 Really Buys You
- Weather and Water Conditions: The Tour Runs on the Sea, Not a Script
- Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want a Different Day)
- Should You Book This Speedboat Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Blue Cave, Mamula, and Our Lady of the Rocks tour?
- What is the price per person, and what’s included?
- Do I have to pay to enter Our Lady of the Rocks?
- Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?
- How many people are on the boat?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
Key Things That Make This Tour Work

- Kotor Bay first, then the Blue Cave: a straightforward route that keeps the pace high.
- Two cave entrances: a wide low opening and a narrow tall one make for different photo angles.
- Short, efficient stops: you’re not stuck forever at one place.
- Mamula (Lastavica) from the water: a small, uninhabited islet with a big sense of isolation.
- Our Lady of the Rocks island: an artificial rock island with a standout church and a small museum.
- Small-group feel: capped at 20 travelers with bottled water included.
The 3-Hour Speedboat Plan: Plenty of Stops Without the Long Wait

This is built for people who want the Kotor coastline hits, fast. You’re out about three hours, and the schedule is tight enough that it feels like you’re squeezing in a mini road trip—just on water.
That pace is also part of the value. At $42.41 per person, you’re paying for boat time, a guided experience in English, and a sequence of sights that are spread out around Boka Kotorska Bay. For me, the “worth it” question comes down to this: can the timing still leave you feeling like you saw the places, not just passed them? Based on the way the stops are structured, you do get moments to look, shoot photos, and move on.
One more practical point: the tour is limited to up to 20 travelers. Smaller groups tend to mean fewer bottlenecks when boarding, photo-taking, and getting back on the boat.
A few more Kotor tours and experiences worth a look
Bay of Kotor First: Fisher Villages, Green Slopes, and Calm Before the Cave

You start along Kotor Bay’s coastline, where you’ll see the mix of old-world settlement and nature. The route runs past areas with ancient fishing villages, lush vegetation, and standout architecture along the shore.
This first segment matters more than it sounds. It’s your scenic warm-up, and it gives your eyes a reference point for what comes next. By the time you reach the Blue Cave area, you already understand the bay’s shape and scale. That makes the cave stop feel more like a “moment” than a random detour.
Timing is also handled well. You head out and reach the Blue Cave after about 1 hour 10 minutes, so the day doesn’t drag. Admission for the Bay segment is listed as free on this experience, which helps keep the “all-in” cost reasonable.
If you’re planning to take photos, this is where you should start with your wider shots—then save the close-ups for the cave and the island.
The Blue Cave: Two Entrances, Boat Access, and Busy Water to Expect

The Blue Cave is the headline, and it’s approached by boat. The cave’s layout is part of the fun: there are two entrances—one very wide but low, and the other narrow and very tall. That difference changes how light looks inside, and it gives you more than one angle for photos.
This is where the tour really earns its keep. You’re not only looking from the dock. You’re moving through the bay system like locals do, getting right to the cave mouth, and then using the time you have for photos above the water and photos under the surface if conditions allow.
A few practical notes that will save you hassle:
- The cave is popular, so there can be boat traffic near the cave area. That can affect how you time swimming and how quickly you get a clear shot.
- Roughness can happen when leaving the inner bay and returning. If the water is bumpy, this is when you’ll feel it most.
You’ll often find people use the stop to snorkel or simply swim nearby. One review experience also mentioned it can be rough on speedboats and that sitting closer to the front can be bumpier—if you want a calmer ride, you might prefer sitting more toward the middle or rear.
Mamula (Lastavica) Islet: Small, Circular, and Uninhabited for a Reason

After the cave, you’ll head to Mamula, also known as Lastavica. This is a small, uninhabited islet with a circular shape and about 200 meters in diameter.
What I like about this stop is its tone. The cave is bright, enclosed, and busy. Mamula is the opposite: quiet, isolated, and best enjoyed from the water with your eyes doing the work. The islet sits between the Prevlaka and Luštica peninsulas at the entrance to Boka Kotorska Bay, which is a fancy way of saying it’s positioned where the bay’s story opens up toward the Adriatic.
The listed distance from Herceg Novi is 6.3 km (3.4 nautical miles), which helps you understand why this feels like a true “go out and look” stop, not just a quick shoreline photo break.
You might not get a long on-foot moment here (time isn’t specified), but even a brief look from the boat can feel satisfying because you’re seeing a different kind of place—one that’s mostly about shape, position, and atmosphere.
Our Lady of the Rocks: An Artificial Island Built from Rocks and Sunken Ships

Then you shift to Perast’s waters for Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela). This is one of two islets off the coast of Perast, with Sveti Đorđe Island being the other.
Here’s what makes it truly different: it’s an artificial island, made by bulwarks of rocks and the sinking of older seized ships loaded with rocks. The result is an island that feels engineered by human hands, not just formed by nature.
On the islet, the Roman Catholic church—Our Lady of the Rocks—is the largest building there, and there’s a museum attached. You’ll also find a small gift shop near the church. At the western end, there’s a navigation light, which is a nice reminder you’re still in active sea country, not a theme park.
Plan on a small extra cost. The church entrance fee is €1.5, and it’s not included in the tour price. You’ll have around 20 minutes at the island, which is enough for a look, a few photos, and a quick museum peek if you choose.
Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Boat Ladder Reality Check

This tour often includes time in the water near the cave area. That’s why people love it: the Blue Cave region isn’t just something to watch. It’s something you can feel.
But here’s the part people don’t always think about: getting in and out from a speedboat can be physical. One review noted it can be difficult climbing the ladder back onto the boat and that assistance didn’t always happen the way you’d expect. If you have balance issues or limited mobility, you’ll want to consider whether the water time is worth the risk of a tricky climb.
Also, you’ll want to manage expectations about comfort in the water. Another review mentioned there wasn’t much to hold on to during the swim, which can be tiring if you’re not a strong swimmer. If you’re unsure, it’s smart to bring what you can for comfort, like a small floatation device—just follow whatever rules the crew gives you on the day.
For clothing, keep it simple: you’ll likely get wet at least a bit. Bring swimwear you’re fine ruining, and consider a light cover for the boat ride back. Bottled water is included, but food and drinks aren’t.
Price and Value: What $42.41 Really Buys You

Let’s talk value in real terms.
You pay $42.41 per person for about three hours on a speedboat, with bottled water included. Admission is listed as free for the Bay of Kotor segment and for the Blue Cave stop. Your main extra payable item is the €1.5 church fee at Our Lady of the Rocks. So your total likely stays close to the booking price unless you add snacks or drinks on your own.
The reason this feels like good value is the mix of “view + access.” You’re not just seeing the coastline from shore. You’re passing along the bay by boat, entering the Blue Cave area by boat, then visiting an island with a church and museum.
Where you should be honest with yourself: the money buys pace. It’s not slow travel, and it’s not a full-day excursion with plenty of downtime. If you want long swims, long museum time, or a calm unhurried rhythm, you might find the timing a bit brisk.
Weather and Water Conditions: The Tour Runs on the Sea, Not a Script

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because speedboat schedules are sensitive to chop and visibility.
Even in good weather, speedboats can be bouncy. A bumpy ride is more than a comfort issue—it affects how long you’ll want to stay still for photos and how easy it is to get on and off the boat.
One more detail that helps: the better operators handle rain and adjust on the fly. One tour experience mentioned rain gear being provided when weather changed. If you’re going in shoulder season or when storms are possible, bring a small waterproof layer and keep your phone secure.
Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want a Different Day)
This tour is a strong match if you want:
- A first-time Kotor hit list in a short time
- Scenic boat time with a clear sequence of stops
- A chance to swim near the cave area
- A guide who gives quick, useful context during the ride
It may be less ideal if:
- You get motion sickness easily and hate rough water
- You have trouble with ladders or climbing back onto boats
- You want lots of free time on each stop rather than quick transitions
It also works well for mixed groups, including families who can handle a speedboat ride for three hours. One review highlighted that the experience felt organized even with teenagers onboard, and the overall route flew by in a good way for short attention spans.
Should You Book This Speedboat Tour?
I’d book it if you’re prioritizing three things: the Blue Cave experience, fast access to multiple Kotor Bay highlights, and the chance to get in the water instead of only looking.
It’s also a solid pick for cruise-day timing, because the route is built around a tight schedule and it returns you to the same meeting point. And with bottled water included, you’re not scrambling for basics halfway through.
Skip it or choose caution if you know you’ll struggle with choppy water or climbing back onto the boat after swimming. In that case, you can still enjoy the views from the boat, but don’t treat the water time as mandatory.
If the forecast looks decent and you’re okay with a lively speedboat pace, this is one of the best “Kotor in miniature” options on the water.
FAQ
How long is the Blue Cave, Mamula, and Our Lady of the Rocks tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours.
What is the price per person, and what’s included?
The price is $42.41 per person. Bottled water is included.
Do I have to pay to enter Our Lady of the Rocks?
Yes. The entrance fee to the church is listed as €1.5 and it is not included.
Is the tour offered in English, and do I get a mobile ticket?
Yes. The tour is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket.
How many people are on the boat?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at CQG9+H6W, Kotor, Montenegro, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.





























