Bay of Kotor Blue Cave: 3-Hour Private Boat Tour to Mamula & Our Lady of the Rocks
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; ability to step on/off a small boat and climb a short gangway helps.
Overview
Board a private boat in Kotor and carve a three-hour loop through the Bay of Kotor: the luminous Blue Cave, Mamula’s fortress silhouette, WWII submarine tunnels and the tiny island of Our Lady of the Rocks. Expect swimming, short walks, and a skipper who weaves local history into the ride.
Bay of Kotor Blue Cave: 3-Hour Private Boat Tour to Mamula & Our Lady of the Rocks
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You push off from Kotor’s small stone quay and the city peels away—red roofs shrinking against steep limestone walls while the boat slips into a narrow ribbon of water that the world calls the Bay of Kotor. The captain steers a steady arc past pastel villages and fortresses until a seam of light appears in the cliff face: the Blue Cave. The water inside answers to the sun, turning a luminous, almost unreal blue that makes boats and swimmers hesitate before diving in.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early
Kotor’s historic center suffers short but regular traffic jams—be at the city park 15 minutes early to board without rushing.
Bring Reef Shoes
The Blue Cave has jagged rock at its entry and seabed—reef shoes protect feet when entering and exiting the water.
Hydrate and Shade
Pack a reusable bottle and sun protection; the bay offers little shade on exposed crossings.
Listen to the Skipper
Guides choose anchoring spots based on currents and visibility—follow directions for safe swimming and snorkeling.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Cormorants and herons along rocky shores
History
Boka Bay was long contested by Venetian, Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian powers; many fortresses and island shrines date to those eras, with Mamula later used as a WWII prison.
Conservation
The bay’s Posidonia seagrass and coastal habitats are sensitive—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid anchoring on meadows and pack out trash.
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Adventure Hotspots in Kotor
Recommended Gear
Reef shoes or water sandals
Protects feet on rocky entries and provides traction while snorkeling.
summer specific
Light wind layer
Keeps you warm on cooler mornings or breezy returns across the bay.
spring specific
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine habitats like Posidonia seagrass.
summer specific
Dry bag for valuables
Keeps phone, passport and a light layer safe from spray.