Kotor in 1 Days - Scenic cruise through the Bay of Kotor
In Collaboration with MONTENEGRO SUBMARINE DOO. Updated on February 25, 2026.
Hop aboard our boat and experience the long tradition, culture, and undeniable beauty of Boka Bay. This 3-hour cruise includes panoramic views of Kotor Bay, a cultural stop at Our Lady of the Rocks islet, a short break at a former submarine tunnel area, and a swim at the Blue Cave.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with MONTENEGRO SUBMARINE DOO, inspired by the tour Kotor: Blue Cave Swim Stop, Lady of the Rocks & Submarine base. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic cruise through the Bay of Kotor
- Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks (Perast)
- Swim/stop at a former submarine tunnel area
- Blue Cave swim and photo moment
More than 4 itineraries in Kotor.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at Park Slobode in Kotor and embark on a 3-hour shared boat cruise around Boka Bay. The route follows the published agenda: scenic Bay of Kotor passage, stop at Our Lady of the Rocks (Perast) for a short cultural visit, a break at the former submarine tunnel for a quick swim/snorkel, and finish with a swim/photo stop at the Blue Cave before returning to the meeting point.
Kotor Bay
This tour starts from the park near the Old Town of Kotor. Enjoy panoramic sightseeing of the medieval fortress, ancient fishing villages, and the Bay of Kotor while boarding and cruising out of the harbor.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at Park Slobode (meeting point) at least 30 minutes before the boat departure to ensure boarding — the operator recommends being early.
- Bring a light jacket for the immediately coastal breeze during the first cruise segment and something warm for photos on deck.
- Special moment: plan for a brief couple photo on the seaward side as you pass the Kotor Old Town and fortress — the captain can slow briefly for photos.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Cruise to the man-made islet of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) and make a short cultural stop. Guides will share the island's legends and point out the church and museum highlights. Note: strict rules about swimwear and drones at the islet — cover up before entering the church.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear a T-shirt or cover-up if you plan to enter the church — swimwear is not allowed inside.
- Allow time for a short onshore walk and quick visit to the small museum and church (opening times vary seasonally).
- Special moment: step together to the islet's terrace for a framed panoramic view of Perast and the Bay — great for a keepsake photo.
Ex-submarine Tunnel
Short break at the former submarine tunnel area known for clear water and a sheltered swim/snorkel opportunity. Historically this area sheltered military craft; today it is a calm, scenic spot for a quick dip and photos from the boat.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready to swim from the boat; bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen — the stop is short and intended for a quick dip.
- Sturdy sandals or water shoes help on boat ladders and any rocky exits; the operator will indicate the safest access point.
- This stop is suitable for quick snorkeling; keep valuables dry in a waterproof pouch and lock them on the main boat.
Blue Cave
Final destination is the Blue Cave — a natural sea cave where light creates striking blue water colors. Enjoy a relaxed swim, time for photos, and take in the natural phenomenon. Note: depending on sea and weather conditions, this stop may be skipped for safety.
Tips from local experts:
- The Blue Cave is best seen in daylight — schedule photography while the sun is up for the vivid blue effect.
- Follow the crew's guidance for safe landing and swimming; if conditions are rough the guide will skip the cave for guest safety.
- Special moment: share an unhurried swim together in the cave's calm water, then dry off on deck while enjoying the bay views on the return to Kotor.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Culture, Outdoor |
Kotor in 1 Day — Bay of Kotor Scenic Boat Cruise
Why this experience
Kotor's Bay is an underwater amphitheater of emerald water, limestone cliffs and centuries of hidden history — and a 3-hour boat cruise is the best way to experience it all in one morning. You'll drift past medieval Kotor Old Town from the water, pay a cultural visit to Our Lady of the Rocks (a 15th-century man-made islet with its own church), slip into the sheltered cove of a former Cold War submarine tunnel, and swim inside the Blue Cave itself, where daylight turns the water turquoise. Guided by Montenegro Submarine DOO, a top-rated operator who runs the Bay daily, you'll understand why locals call Boka one of Europe's most preserved fjords — and why photographers come back year after year.
Before you go
| Factor | Details | |---|---| | Best time | Spring through autumn for calm seas and warm water; winter is possible but sea conditions can be choppy | | Budget | Book directly through TheNextGuide; bring extra cash for tips (10-15% is customary for good service) and small purchases at the islet church/museum if you visit | | Difficulty | Easy; swimming experience helpful but not required | | What to bring | Swimwear, light jacket (sea breeze), reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof phone case, towel, water bottle | | Getting there | Meet at Park Slobode (harbour-side park in central Kotor); arrival 20–30 minutes early recommended | | Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible; boat has steps and no mobility aids |
Frequently asked questions
How long does this take? The full experience is 3 hours from boarding to return. Budget 30 minutes before departure for check-in and safety briefing.
Can anyone do this, or do I need to be a strong swimmer? You don't need to be an expert swimmer. All stops are in calm, sheltered water and crew supervises every swim. Life jackets are available on request.
What's actually included? TheNextGuide connects you to Montenegro Submarine DOO's full tour: boat transport, crew commentary, stop at Our Lady of the Rocks (islet visit + church/museum optional, small fee paid locally), submarine base pass-by, and 40 minutes of swim/snorkel time at the Blue Cave. Snorkel equipment is provided. Bottled water is included.
Is the Blue Cave easy to find if we don't take a boat? The Blue Cave is only accessible by water; there's no walking route. A boat tour is the only way to visit.
Will we definitely go inside the Blue Cave or just pass by? Weather and sea conditions can change hour to hour. If conditions are unsafe when you arrive, the crew may skip the cave entrance for your safety — but the Bay's scenery alone is worth the trip.
Complete your trip in Kotor
Don't stop at the bay. Pair this boat tour with a private Blue Cave adventure if you want a quieter, extended swim, or test your limits with extreme canyoning on the Skurda River. For a shorter half-day alternative, try the speedboat Blue Cave tour.
Browse all Kotor itineraries at TheNextGuide.
