By Boat Through the Bay of Kotor: Blue Cave & Our Lady of the Rocks
- Benjamin
- Oct 3
- 3 min read
The longer I travel through Montenegro, the more magical moments I stumble upon - and this boat trip is definitely one of them. It’s not just a sightseeing stop, but a little adventure on the water, with caves, islands, history, and crystal-clear sea.
If you’re in Kotor and you’re looking for a mix of nature, photo fun, and culture, this tour is spot on. Here’s my version of a perfectly organized half-day trip (about 3 hours), including tips on what to look out for, how to get the most out of it, and what to expect.
My Itinerary & Impressions
Kickoff & Expectations
The tour starts right in Kotor (meeting point: pretty central at the harbor). I was a bit nervous about the timing, but everything went smoothly. The skipper greets you on the boat, gives a quick rundown (in English), and off you go.
Just minutes in, you realize: this is not your average boat ride. The salty breeze, the Adriatic sparkling in the sun, and the mountains dropping straight into the sea - that alone feels like an experience.And the best part? That instant sense of freedom you only get on the water.
Stop 1: Our Lady of the Rocks – A Church on the Water
First stop: Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela), a tiny island near Perast that looks like it came straight out of a painting. The story behind it is just as fascinating as the place itself: local fishermen once found an icon of the Virgin Mary in the sea here. For centuries after, they threw stones into the water until the island was formed.
Today, a picturesque church stands there, which you can also visit inside – small frescoes, maritime relics, and plenty of history. It’s one of those places where you just have to pause for a moment.
Stop 2: Former Submarine Tunnels - A Cold War Relic
Next up: a piece of history that’s anything but postcard-pretty, but still fascinating - former Yugoslav submarine tunnels. The boats actually drive right inside, and suddenly you’re in a dark, mysterious cave that once served as a military hideout.
It’s a sharp contrast to the peaceful bay outside – and honestly, a pretty cool perspective shift.
Stop 3: The Blue Cave - Nature’s Light Show
The absolute highlight has to be the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja). Even the approach through the rocky arch is impressive, but once you’re inside and the sunlight turns the water into an almost glowing electric blue… it’s unreal.
Here, you can jump right in and swim - and trust me, that feeling is priceless. The sea is crystal-clear, refreshingly cool, and the atmosphere inside the cave is simply magical. For many, this is the goosebump moment of the tour.
On the Way Back: Golden Hour in the Bay of Kotor
Heading back to Kotor, the boat cuts across the bay one more time. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the golden hour – the light draping softly over the old town, the mountains mirrored in the water, and you can’t help but think: wow, this is what freedom looks like.
Practical Info
✅ Included:
Speedboat round trip from/to Kotor
Guide/skipper
Stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, the Blue Cave & submarine tunnels
Swim break in the open sea
❌ Not included:
Entry to the church (small fee at the site, but totally worth it)
Snacks & drinks (best to bring your own)
⏱️ Duration: about 3 hours – perfect to spend half a day on the water and still have time to explore Kotor itself.
Final Verdict: A Must-Do for Water Lovers
This boat tour is short, sweet, and packed with highlights. You get history, nature, adventure, and a good dose of adrenaline - all in just half a day. For me, it’s hands down one of the must-do experiences around Kotor.
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