Blue Cave 3 hours PRIVATE tour with modern speedboat

The best part of this private speedboat tour is its mix of sea time and short cultural stops. You can swim inside the Blue Cave, slip into a Cold War-era submarine tunnel at Kumbor, then walk around Our Lady of the Rocks. I especially like the hotel and port pickup, plus the freedom of having only your own group aboard.

I also like that the price is per boat, not per person, and the group limit is 10. That makes $480.55 reasonable for a full group, but expensive for only two or three people. The main caution is the fast boat ride, changing sea conditions, and the operator’s advice that the tour is not suited to people over 65 or those above 105 kilograms.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Cave swimming lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, so bring a swimsuit and expect time for photos.
• Kumbor’s submarine tunnel is a quick but memorable stop, with about five minutes inside.
• Our Lady of the Rocks gives you 20 minutes ashore, while Perast is viewed from the water.
• Private means private, with only your group participating and room for up to 10 people.
• Pickup can be arranged from the Port of Kotor and several nearby places, including Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, and Perast.
• Snorkeling gear is not guaranteed, so bring your own if you want it.

A fast boat ride from Kotor Bay

This is a short, active outing rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. You meet at Sea Stars Boat Tours on Njegoševa in Kotor, board a modern speedboat, and head across the bay and toward the open water near the Blue Cave.

The boat gives you a wide view of the Bay of Kotor. You can see the steep coastal slopes, old stone towns, and passing boats from a low seat close to the water. The views of Perast and Herceg Novi are part of the appeal, even though you will not have a long stop in Herceg Novi.

The speedboat saves time. That matters on a three-hour trip, since the route includes three distinct experiences. It also means you should expect wind, spray, engine noise, and a ride that can feel lively when the sea is rough. A captain named Surgeon has been praised for handling larger waves carefully, but sea conditions still shape the day.

The boat carries up to 10 people, and this is a private activity. You do not need to share your time with a large excursion group or wait for strangers to finish swimming. If your group wants more photos, less swimming, or a shorter stop at one place, you can discuss your preferences with the captain, though the exact schedule depends on conditions.

The Blue Cave: swimming in a natural chamber

The Blue Cave is the main reason most people book this trip. The boat takes you inside or close to the cave, where sunlight enters through the water and gives the interior its blue color. You get roughly 20 to 30 minutes for swimming and photos.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, and a waterproof phone case if you have one. The tour provides bottled water, but it does not list towels or snorkeling equipment among the included items. Do not assume masks and fins will be available. One past outing had no snorkeling gear, so pack your own if that matters to you.

The cave can be crowded, especially in high season. Several boats may arrive at once, and the water may not feel as peaceful as the photos suggest. You might also notice exhaust from boats inside the cave. If that happens, ask about swimming in a farther cave or nearby spot, as one group did. The captain may be able to make a practical adjustment, but no alternate swim location is guaranteed.

This is also the most weather-sensitive part of the trip. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. Even on a clear day, waves can make boarding and swimming less comfortable. Follow the captain’s instructions carefully, especially when getting back onto the boat.

Kumbor’s submarine tunnel

The stop at Kumbor lasts only about five minutes, but it adds a striking piece of modern military history to the route. The boat enters a submarine tunnel, a concealed passage built into the coast for naval vessels.

You will not spend long inside. The value comes from seeing the tunnel itself and realizing how much work went into cutting and using this narrow passage. It is a stark contrast to the bright water and open views at the Blue Cave.

This stop is best understood as a quick look rather than a full visit. There is no listed admission charge, and there is no separate museum presentation included. Your captain provides the context while operating the boat, but this is not a guided history tour with a specialist walking you through the site.

Our Lady of the Rocks and the view of Perast

Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island built over several centuries, from 1452 to 1722. The boat stops here for about 20 minutes, giving you time to step ashore, walk around, and look across the water toward Perast.

The island’s setting is its greatest pleasure. It sits in the bay opposite the small town of Perast, with mountains rising behind the water. From the island, you get one of the clearest views of Perast, a protected old town associated with UNESCO recognition.

The tour includes entrance to the island, but church and museum tickets are not included. You can still enjoy the island without buying those tickets, but plan for an extra cost if you want to enter the church or museum. Twenty minutes is enough for a quick look and photos, not a long visit.

You also see another peaceful natural island from the boat and from Our Lady of the Rocks. The route does not promise a stop there, so treat it as a scenic view rather than another activity.

What the private format is worth

The $480.55 price is for the group, up to 10 people. That is the key to judging the value.

For 10 people, the cost works out to about $48 per person. For six people, it is about $80 each. For four people, it is roughly $120 each. For two people, the price becomes $240 per person, which is a much harder sell for a three-hour outing.

I like the private setup because the route is short and includes swimming. You do not have to organize yourself around a large boat’s timetable, and your group can talk with the captain about how to use the available time. You also get a more relaxed experience at the Blue Cave than you might on a crowded shared boat, although the cave itself can still be busy.

The price includes fuel, the professional captain, entrance to the Blue Cave, entrance to Our Lady of the Rocks, and bottled water. Coffee and tea are available free at the office before departure, and the office also has Wi-Fi. The listing mentions onboard Wi-Fi among the highlights, but the included details specifically confirm Wi-Fi at the office, so I would clarify the onboard connection before booking if that is important to you.

There is no separate tour guide. The captain handles the boat and offers information, but you should not expect a dedicated historian or a long narrated presentation. That suits people who want scenery, swimming, and a few useful explanations more than people seeking a formal cultural tour.

Pickup from Kotor and nearby towns

The meeting point is Sea Stars Boat Tours on Njegoševa in Kotor. Pickup may be arranged by speedboat from the Port of Kotor for cruise ship passengers and from nearby accommodation areas such as Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, and Perast.

This can save you a taxi ride and make the tour useful during a short port call. Confirm the exact pickup place and time when you book, since the boat collects people along its route from Kotor and not every location is automatically included.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. If you are staying outside the listed areas, ask before paying rather than assuming a hotel pickup is available.

The operator confirms bookings at the time of reservation. Public transportation is nearby, but the exact walking arrangements depend on where you start. Arrive ready to board, since the three-hour schedule leaves little room for delays.

How comfortable is the ride?

A modern speedboat is a good match for this route, but comfort depends on the sea. The boat moves quickly between stops, which gives you more time at the cave and island. The tradeoff is a firmer ride than you would get on a larger, slower sightseeing boat.

People with limited mobility should think carefully about boarding, moving around the boat, and getting in and out for the swim. The operator does not recommend the trip for people over 65 or for anyone heavier than 105 kilograms. Those are broad restrictions, but they signal that the boat and boarding process may not suit everyone.

The tour is also not ideal if you want a quiet, shaded, slow-paced cruise. You will be exposed to wind and sun, and the boat ride can be bumpy. Wear secure footwear, protect your phone, and bring sun protection. Those basic preparations matter more here than on a conventional harbor cruise.

What the captain adds to the experience

The captain is the central figure on this trip. You are not simply being transported from one photo stop to another. The captain chooses how to approach the cave, handles the boat in changing water, and explains what you are seeing.

Captain Surgeon has been singled out for clear explanations and careful handling when waves became rough. Another captain was praised for being considerate of group preferences and for sharing useful information throughout the ride. If you are assigned Surgeon, you can expect a captain with a reputation for calm boat handling. The operator may assign someone else, so do not book solely around a particular name.

An unexpected pod of dolphins has also appeared during one outing. That is never a promised part of the route, but it shows why keeping your eyes on the water matters. The boat ride itself can produce memorable moments between the scheduled stops.

The captain is not a substitute for a full tour guide. Explanations may be brief, and the stop at Our Lady of the Rocks does not include church or museum entry. I would choose this trip for practical guidance and local route knowledge, not for a detailed lecture.

Who will enjoy this three-hour trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to a small group that wants several sights in one compact outing. Families with older children, friends traveling together, couples willing to split the cost, and cruise ship passengers can all benefit from the private schedule.

It is especially useful if you have limited time in Kotor. You get the Blue Cave, a submarine tunnel, Our Lady of the Rocks, and views of Perast without committing to a full-day cruise.

I would be more cautious if you dislike fast boats, get seasick, or want a long cultural visit. The Blue Cave can be crowded, the submarine tunnel stop is very brief, and Our Lady of the Rocks allows only 20 minutes. You will see several places, but none receives a long, slow exploration.

This also is not the best choice for anyone outside the operator’s stated age and weight recommendations. If swimming is not comfortable for you, the cave still offers photos, but swimming is one of the main reasons the stop receives so much time.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and a late cancellation is not refunded.

The tour depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful for a speedboat trip, since wind and waves directly affect both comfort and safety.

The tour is often reserved well ahead, with bookings averaging about 36 days in advance. That does not mean every departure sells out, but it is a reason to reserve early if you need cruise-port pickup or a particular date.

Should you book Sea Stars Kotor?

Book this tour if you want a private, fast-moving taste of Kotor Bay and your group can share the cost. The combination of swimming, the submarine tunnel, and Our Lady of the Rocks gives you more variety than a simple scenic boat ride. Pickup options are helpful, and the captain’s role adds practical value when the water gets rough.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The fixed group price becomes costly with fewer people, and the three-hour schedule leaves limited time at each stop. Also skip it if you need a gentle boat, full accessibility, guaranteed snorkeling gear, or a detailed guided visit inside the church and museum.

For the right group, this is a lively and efficient way to see the bay from the water. Bring a swimsuit, protect your phone, confirm the pickup details, and expect the Blue Cave to be popular rather than empty.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave private tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat can accommodate a private group of up to 10 people.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes the Blue Cave, Kumbor’s submarine tunnel, and Our Lady of the Rocks. You also pass views of Perast, Herceg Novi, and another natural island.

How long do you spend at the Blue Cave?

You spend approximately 20 to 30 minutes inside or outside the Blue Cave for photos and swimming.

Is swimming allowed at the Blue Cave?

Yes. Swimming is part of the Blue Cave stop, so bring a swimsuit if you want to take part.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is not listed as an included item. Bring your own if you want to use it, and confirm current arrangements before departure.

Are church and museum tickets included at Our Lady of the Rocks?

No. The island entrance is included, but church and museum tickets are not included.

Where can pickup be arranged?

Pickup may be arranged from the Port of Kotor for cruise ship passengers and from accommodation areas including Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, and Perast. The tour starts and ends at the Sea Stars Boat Tours meeting point in Kotor.