REVIEW · KOTOR
From Kotor: Boat to Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks &Submarine Base
Book on Viator →Operated by Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor · Bookable on Viator
Blue water beats the postcard. This Kotor Bay speedboat ride packs the Blue Cave with Perast landmarks and wartime stops, all in about three hours. I especially like the built-in swim/snorkel window and the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks on its tiny man-made island. The main consideration is that Blue Cave access depends on sea conditions, so you might end up swimming outside instead.
For the price of $32.53 per person, you’re getting a fast tour loop with no extra paid entrance fees called out for the major sights. It’s also offered in English, with a mobile ticket, and you’ll be back at the meeting point when you’re done—simple. The tradeoff is that comfort and crowding can vary, since the ride is a speedboat and popular spots can get busy.
In This Review
- Key things I’d plan around
- A fast Kotor Bay loop in about 3 hours
- Blue Cave: the highlight swim, with a big weather catch
- Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast: the island stop that turns the tour cultural
- Former Submarine Tunnel: seeing wartime engineering from the water
- Mamula Fortress: the prison-island pass you’ll remember
- Price and value: $32.53 can be a steal or a letdown
- You’ll likely feel you got your money’s worth if
- You might feel it’s not worth it if
- Comfort, safety, and the crowd reality
- Who should book this tour?
- Should you book Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where do we meet for the boat?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Do I need to print a ticket?
- Are any admissions included for the stops?
- What if the sea conditions are poor?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
- What’s the maximum group size?
- Is it okay if I’m traveling with a service animal?
- What should I expect at the end?
Key things I’d plan around

- Weather decides Blue Cave time: sea state can limit or even stop entry.
- Short stops, big variety: cave, island church, tunnel, then Mamula Fortress.
- Speedboat means movement: expect some bouncing and boat traffic outside the bay.
- Crowds can shrink your cave window: if multiple boats arrive, time inside can be brief.
- Snorkel gear may not be consistent: if you snorkel seriously, bring your own mask/goggles if you can.
- Commentary style varies: some captains provide more context than others, so don’t assume a long guided lecture.
A fast Kotor Bay loop in about 3 hours

This is a speedboat day that’s designed for variety without a long sit-in-the-bus feeling. You start in Kotor at Park Slobode 1, then you’re out on the water soon after departure. The schedule is tight: the whole experience runs about 3 hours, and travel time is included, so you’re not losing half your day to transit.
What you’ll actually feel on board is motion. Even when conditions are good, a speedboat ride means you’re dealing with waves and wake. Plan for that if you’re prone to back discomfort or motion sickness. Also, you’ll be sharing the route with other boats moving toward the same famous stops. That’s part of the energy of Kotor Bay, but it can also mean a more chaotic ride outside the bay area.
On timing, the good news is that the stops are short and targeted. The cave stop is about 30 minutes, the island stop is about 20 minutes, and the submarine tunnel and Mamula Fortress are quick look-and-take-it-in moments. If you like seeing a lot in a small window, this works. If you want a relaxed pace with long lingering time on land, you’ll feel rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Kotor
Blue Cave: the highlight swim, with a big weather catch
The Blue Cave is the headline. When it works, the color in the water is unreal, and the chance to swim and snorkel is the real point of coming. The cave stop is listed at about 30 minutes, and admission is included at no extra charge, so your main job is to show up ready to get in.
Here’s the reality check: sea conditions decide access. Rough water or higher swell can prevent entering the cave safely. Sometimes the cave can be open but crowded with multiple boats, which can turn your time inside into a short pass-through. If entry isn’t possible, the captain typically adjusts and takes you to a nearby swimming spot outside the cave.
What this means for you:
- If swimming in the cave is your top goal, keep expectations flexible.
- If the cave entry is limited, you still get a chance to swim in the surrounding area, just with a different visual experience.
- Because so many boats can be in the same zone, snorkeling can feel more busy than peaceful. You’re not alone in the water, and boat traffic can make the experience feel a little less serene than the photos.
One small practical tip: bring or use your own snorkel setup if you can. There have been mentions of gear availability not matching the group size, so if you’re relying on provided goggles, have a backup plan mentally.
Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast: the island stop that turns the tour cultural

After the cave waters, the tour shifts from sea color to story-rich shoreline. You’ll cruise to Perast and the man-made island with the church: Our Lady of the Rocks. The stop is about 20 minutes, and it’s listed as free of extra admission charges.
Even with limited time, this stop lands because the island isn’t just scenery—it’s tied to local legend and maritime culture. In practical terms, that means you’ll have a chance to connect what you’re seeing from the boat with what’s on land in Perast, including the feel of old architecture.
Perast itself is the UNESCO World Heritage backdrop here. Expect a compact old town with Baroque features, historic palazzos, Catholic churches, and defensive towers. You’re not getting a long walking tour of the whole town, but the time is enough to take in the most iconic views and snap photos that match the postcard angle.
A realistic note: twenty minutes is short. So if you want indoor time (church details, museum-style viewing), you may have to prioritize. I’d use this stop for exterior views first—then decide if you want to linger once you’re there.
Former Submarine Tunnel: seeing wartime engineering from the water

Next comes one of the most unusual parts of the day: the Former Submarine Tunnel. The schedule lists this as a 10-minute stop, and the key promise is that you’ll hear stories and then go aboard in a way that lets you see the tunnel structure from closer up, even from inside as you move through.
Why this is valuable: Kotor Bay isn’t just beaches and views. The region also has a defense-and-industry side, and the tunnel is the kind of place that makes you look at geography differently. From the water, the scale and location feel more believable than photos or maps.
What to expect:
- You’ll get a short storytelling moment from the captain.
- You’ll spend limited time on this stop, so the captain’s narration matters. If you prefer lots of live explanation, consider that commentary can be lighter depending on the day and the captain.
Mamula Fortress: the prison-island pass you’ll remember

Mamula Fortress is a quick one—about 10 minutes—and you’ll get it as a scenic approach around the island. Still, it’s worth it because the place has a strong historical tone: it was once used as a prison island, which makes the views more than just pretty coastline.
Even if your time is brief, you’ll typically get:
- A chance to admire the fortress from the water
- Photo opportunities with the island setting
- A few skipper stories to put the structure in context
If you like history that comes with a dramatic setting, this stop delivers. If you’re hoping for a long walk or museum-style experience on land, don’t book this expecting that. This is a viewing stop from the boat.
Price and value: $32.53 can be a steal or a letdown

At $32.53 per person, this tour sits in the budget-to-mid range for a speedboat circuit that includes multiple famous stops. The biggest value lever is that major admission fees for the stops are listed as free, so you’re not adding surprise ticket costs for each segment.
But here’s the honest balance: the value depends on how your day goes.
You’ll likely feel you got your money’s worth if
- Blue Cave entry works, and you’re able to swim on the schedule.
- You enjoy short, intense sightseeing rather than slow pacing.
- You don’t need heavy onboard narration and are fine with the captain focusing on safe driving and navigation.
You might feel it’s not worth it if
- The cave is inaccessible due to weather, and your swim time becomes too short or feels crowded.
- The boat feels tight. Several mentions describe overcrowding and discomfort when the boat is full.
- You specifically want a lot of detail and history explained at each stop. Some captains give more context than others, and some tours may use recorded audio in parts, which changes the vibe.
Also, note that water and onboard comfort aren’t guaranteed in the information provided. One complaint mentions no water offered, so if hydration matters to you, plan to bring your own bottle if rules allow and it’s practical for the deck setup.
Comfort, safety, and the crowd reality

Kotor Bay is popular, and this tour runs during peak demand. That means you should plan for a higher chance of other boats nearby, especially around the cave. When multiple boats arrive at once, you can lose time inside the Blue Cave and get less chance to linger.
On board, expect the basics:
- Speedboat movement and some bounciness
- A compact layout that can make turning around for photos tricky when the boat is full
- Safety briefings that may be more practical than lecture-like (check that you understand where life jackets are and how swimming will be managed before you gear up)
If you have kids, the smaller time blocks can be good. It’s a lot to pack into a short day, but the pacing keeps things moving. If you’re someone who hates crowds, the cave and swimming areas may feel hectic.
And if you’re sensitive to timing: boats leave on a schedule. If your arrival to port or meeting point is tight, build in extra buffer because the tour timing is built around getting everyone back efficiently.
Who should book this tour?

This is a good match for you if you:
- Want a fast Kotor Bay sampler with a real swim component
- Like maritime scenery and want to see more than one type of attraction (cave + island + tunnel + fortress)
- Are comfortable with motion on a speedboat and don’t need long breaks
You may want to skip or reconsider if you:
- Need calm, smooth water for comfort
- Can only accept Blue Cave entry inside the cave and nothing else
- Hate crowded snorkel situations or want a more spacious boat layout
If you’re planning around mid-season weather changes, keep an eye on conditions and be flexible. This itinerary is built for the sea as much as for the sights.
Should you book Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor?
If your goal is a budget-friendly speedboat day that hits Kotor Bay highlights—Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, submarine tunnel sights, and Mamula Fortress—this tour is an easy yes to consider. The structure is efficient, and the price includes admission for the key stops, which is rare at this rate.
Book it if you can handle the reality that the cave may be weather-affected and that boat traffic can make the swim feel busier than you’d like. If you’re looking for maximum comfort, guaranteed inside-cave access, or lots of detailed narration, you should compare options before committing.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour runs about 3 hours (approx.), and travel time is included in that total.
Where do we meet for the boat?
The meeting point is Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor – Blue Cave Tour Official, Park Slobode 1, Kotor 85330, Montenegro.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes. The tour is offered in English.
Do I need to print a ticket?
No. You’ll get a mobile ticket.
Are any admissions included for the stops?
The tour info lists admission tickets as free for the major included stops, including the Blue Cave.
What if the sea conditions are poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. There is free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What’s the maximum group size?
This activity has a maximum of 80 travelers.
Is it okay if I’m traveling with a service animal?
Yes. Service animals are allowed.
What should I expect at the end?
The activity ends back at the meeting point.



























