From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour

REVIEW · KOTOR

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour

  • 5.010 reviews
  • 4 hours
  • From $483
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by MontenegroGlobe · Bookable on GetYourGuide

A fast boat through Kotor Bay feels like a cheat code. You get Blue Cave swimming time, a chance to jump off a 6-meter cliff, and a guided ride past major landmarks like Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Mamula. I like that it’s built for both photos and actual water time, not just a long sit-and-stare cruise.

Two things I’d pick as the best value: drinks and snacks onboard with free Wi-Fi, and snorkeling mask included for the cave swim. One thing to keep in mind: you’re on a speedboat, so it’s not ideal for anyone who’s sensitive to waves or who needs wheelchair access.

Quick hits before you go

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - Quick hits before you go

  • Blue Cave swim with snorkeling mask included for better visibility and easier exploring
  • Mamula Island history stops with a WWII-era story tied to the fortress
  • Free onboard Wi-Fi plus drinks and snacks so the ride stays easy and fun
  • Žanjic Beach break (45 minutes) for sunbathing and a calm reset
  • 6-meter cliff jump option for people who want a thrill without forcing it

A speedboat day built for Blue Cave photos and real swimming

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - A speedboat day built for Blue Cave photos and real swimming
This is the kind of Kotor trip that makes you earn the postcards. You don’t just see the water—you’re in it. The day mixes quick viewpoint stops with actual swim time, so you can balance excitement (cave, cliff option) with calmer breaks (Žanjic Beach).

The Blue Cave portion is the star. The water is described as clear and blue-lit, and the timing gives you a real chance to float, swim, and take photos at the cave entrance and inside the lighted areas. You’ll also have a snorkeling mask, which is a small thing that makes a noticeable difference once you’re in the water.

And the adrenaline isn’t hidden. You can choose whether to jump from a 6-meter tall cliff at Žanjic Beach. If you want the thrill, it’s there. If you don’t, you can simply relax on the pebbly shore and enjoy the sea from ground level.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Kotor

Meeting at MontenegroGlobe: where the day starts

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - Meeting at MontenegroGlobe: where the day starts
You meet at MontenegroGlobe, near the Kamelija shopping center, just a few minutes from the Old Town of Kotor and the port. The note to follow illuminated advertising is a good one—this area has plenty of signage and foot traffic, so it’s worth taking a minute to locate the marked office before you assume you’re in the right place.

In summer, traffic can be slow and parking spots can be limited. The practical move is to plan a little buffer time so you’re not rushing at the last second with swim gear in a bag.

Cruising Kotor Bay: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and fortress storytelling

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - Cruising Kotor Bay: Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and fortress storytelling
Once you’re on the speedboat, you’re up and moving—about a 20-minute ride early on. As you go, you pass the seaside town of Perast. It’s the kind of coast view that feels made for quick camera bursts because everything changes with the boat’s angle.

Then you reach Our Lady of the Rocks, a 15th-century artificial island. You get a photo stop and time to visit the island (around 20 minutes). There’s also a museum option and shops. Just know the Lady of the Rocks entry fee is not included—plan on €2 per person if you want the museum visit.

What makes these stops more satisfying than simple sightseeing is the way your skipper explains what you’re looking at. The guiding style matters on a boat, because you don’t have the slow, detailed pace of a walking tour. People also mention captains like Marko and Nikolai for being friendly and sociable, and for sharing stories linked to each place you pass.

Submarine tunnels and Mamula Island: history with a heavy edge

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - Submarine tunnels and Mamula Island: history with a heavy edge
After cruising, you’ll have a short photo stop at the former submarine tunnel area in Kotor (about 5 minutes). The key detail here is that these tunnels were built by the Yugoslav Army. That fact turns a quick sight stop into something more meaningful—you’re not just seeing a concrete entrance; you’re seeing a piece of Cold War-era military thinking.

Next comes Mamula Island in the Bay of Kotor. You get about 10 minutes for a photo stop, and you can also take a stroll on the island. This is where the tone shifts. Mamula is surrounded by a fortress, and it was used as a concentration camp during World War II. Your skipper shares the history, so even though your time there is short, you’re not standing in silence.

Two things I think you’ll appreciate if you’re paying attention:

  • The fact that the day doesn’t treat history as a footnote. You get told what you’re seeing.
  • The contrast between the scenic boat ride and the darker stories tied to places like Mamula.

If you prefer purely light-and-fun sightseeing, this portion might feel intense. But if you like context—why a place looks the way it does—Mamula adds real weight to the experience.

Blue Cave swim time: the water-light show you can actually feel

Now you’re at the Blue Cave area for the main water break. You’ll have around 25 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The cave is known for its blue-lit glow, and even without specialized equipment, you’ll notice how the light changes as you move.

Because this is a speedboat tour, the timing matters. Too little time and it becomes rushed. Enough time and you can do more than one thing: a quick look at the entrance, a relaxed float, and photo moments as the light shifts.

Also, you’re not stuck without gear. The snorkeling mask is included, which is a simple upgrade from just jumping in with bare eyes. If you wear glasses, you’ll still want to protect them. The water time is practical, but it’s still a sea setting—bring your basics and be ready for saltwater.

Žanjic Beach break: sun time plus the cliff jump option

On the way back toward Kotor, you stop at Žanjic Beach for a longer break—around 45 minutes. This part of the day is your chance to reset. You can sunbathe on the pebble shore, relax, and enjoy the water at a slower pace than the cave.

This is also where the 6-meter cliff jump option comes in. The tour description makes it clear you have the choice: you can jump if you want the adrenaline rush, or you can skip it and just swim casually.

My practical advice: if you’re curious about the jump but unsure, watch first. Sea days can feel calmer for a minute once you’ve seen how the crew handles the space and timing. Then decide with confidence.

There’s also an option to get lunch at a local restaurant during the break. If you’re hungry after swim time, this is usually the easiest window to eat without derailing the rest of your day.

Price and value: what $483 per group really buys

The price is $483 per group, up to 6 people, for a 4-hour private tour. On paper, private boat tours can look pricey. In practice, the value comes from combining several “paid separately” activities into one package:

  • Boat transport plus travel insurance
  • Snorkeling mask
  • Drinks and snacks onboard
  • Free onboard Wi-Fi
  • Time at multiple major stops (Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Kotor submarine tunnel area, Mamula, Blue Cave, Žanjic Beach)

If you’re traveling as a group of 3 to 6, the per-person math becomes much easier to accept. You also get a speedboat format that cuts down transit time, so you actually spend your hours on the water and at the places you came for.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, it can feel like you’re paying for space you’re not using. That’s when you should compare how much you care about private flexibility versus joining a cheaper shared boat. Here, you’re paying for the private, small-group experience plus the specific sequence of stops.

What to pack (and what to skip)

Bring the basics for comfort. The tour lists these as good to have:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Camera (and anything you can safely protect from salt spray)

If you want to take photos in the cave, dry gear matters. Saltwater plus sun can mess up phones and bags fast. You might want a waterproof phone pouch even if you’re careful with your hands.

What you should leave at home:

  • Alcohol and drugs are not allowed
  • Bikes are not allowed

A small reality check: you’re on the water, and you’ll likely get splashed. Pack like you’re expecting it.

Who should book this Blue Cave speedboat tour?

From Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave Private Speedboat Tour - Who should book this Blue Cave speedboat tour?
This tour is a strong match if you want:

  • Real swim time in a famous cave setting
  • A mix of scenic views and landmark history
  • A private setup where you’re not sharing the day with strangers
  • A fun onboard vibe (people note music and a sociable skipper, depending on your captain)

It may be less suitable if:

  • You need wheelchair access (the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users)
  • You’re older than 95 years (not suitable for people over 95)

And if you’re especially sensitive to waves or uneven onboard surfaces, a speedboat day can be tiring. You’ll want to judge based on your own comfort at sea.

Guides and onboard vibe: friendly captains make the difference

What people consistently praise is the skipper’s personality and the way the ride stays lively. Captains like Marko and Nikolai are named as friendly, helpful, and funny, and they share details about the places you see.

That matters because you’re bouncing between sights quickly. When the skipper gives context—like what the submarine tunnels are connected to and why Mamula’s story is so serious—it turns the trip into more than a photo checklist.

You also get onboard convenience that keeps the mood up: drinks, snacks, and free Wi-Fi. It’s a small list, but it helps on a 4-hour outing when the sun and saltwater can make you feel wiped out fast.

Should you book this tour?

Book this if you want a private speedboat day that actually uses your time: Blue Cave swimming, a beach reset at Žanjic, and stops that go beyond scenery with stories tied to Mamula and the submarine tunnel area.

Skip it if you’re looking for a slow, land-based day or if you’d be bothered by the speedboat format. Also think carefully if you’re not comfortable with possible splashes and water time.

If your group is up to 6, you’ll likely feel the value most strongly. You’re not just buying transportation—you’re buying a guided route with included water gear, snacks, and the option to add a cliff-jump thrill if you’re in the mood.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave private speedboat tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private group for up to 6 people per group.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the MontenegroGlobe tour agency near the Kamelija shopping center, a few minutes from Old Town Kotor and the port of Kotor. Look for the office marked with illuminated advertising.

Is the Lady of the Rocks island entry fee included?

No. The Lady of the Rocks entry fee is listed as €2 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included.

Does the boat have Wi-Fi?

Yes. Free onboard Wi-Fi is listed in the highlights.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat (and/or hat), swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Is alcohol allowed onboard?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is this tour good for wheelchair users or elderly visitors?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not suitable for people over 95 years.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Kotor we have reviewed

Explore Montenegro