Blue Cave: Tours and Guided Visits

The Bay of Kotor, often referred to as "Europe's southernmost fjord," is a serpentine stretch of water sheltered between Montenegro's imposing mountain ranges. Its historical towns, such as Kotor and Perast, reflect the period of Venetian rule through their medieval architecture.

The Blue Cave, like its counterpart in Croatia, is a natural marvel on the Lustica Peninsula. Only accessible by boat, the cave takes on a surreal azure glow as sunlight filters through an underwater entrance. Blue Cave guided tours from Kotor are a highlight and must-do on many travel itineraries.

Here's all you need to know about the Blue Cave, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Kotor.

What are the best Blue Cave tours in Kotor?

Small group Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor Day Trip

Blue Cave is located at the base of a steep cliff and is only accessible from the water. On a small group boat tour from Kotor, you will depart from the port with your guide/skipper and head out into Kotor Bay.

Because access to Blue Cave is tide dependent, the order of your sightseeing might differ, but you will typically enter and spend some time in Blue Cave, pass by the island of Mamula, visit the Submarine Tunnels near Luštica, and visit the museum and church of Our Lady of the Rocks. Once you have passed by or visited all the day’s stops, the boat will return to port.

Tours can last from 3 to 4 hours, and those that include round trip hotel transfers will collect and drop you off at your hotel.

Blue Cave private boat tour from Kotor

A private excursion to Blue Cave follows a similar itinerary to that of a small group tour, but in this case, you will have the exclusive use of your boat and guide for the duration of your tour. The best thing about a private activity is the ability to customize your experience to maximize the time at the attractions that hold the most interest for you, or even skip some parts of the itinerary altogether.

Private tours are great for family groups and friends traveling together.

Blue Cave Kayak and snorkel adventure from Kotor

A Blue Cave kayak adventure usually begins close to Veslo Campground, where after a safety briefing and some instruction, you will launch your kayak and paddle out to the cave. An experienced instructor and guide will accompany you on your Kotor kayaking tour as you explore the Adriatic Coastline and its cavernous features.

It is better to do this type of tour in the morning when sea conditions are usually calmer and there is less marine traffic. You will not spend the whole tour paddling though, as there is time for swimming and snorkeling and maybe even take a few underwater photos.

Blue Cave and Zanjic Beach Half-Day Tour from Kotor

Slightly longer tours to Blue Cave often include time on Zanjic Beach along with visits to all the other attractions. Like all the other tours to Blue Cave, there is usually time for a swim or snorkeling off the boat.

The beach visit usually takes place at the end of the tour giving you the chance to relax on the beach, or enjoy lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. This type of tour is generally offered on a small group or private basis.

Which places are visited?

Blue Cave may be the primary focus of this type of tour, but other fascinating and eye-catching attractions may form part of your trip.

Blue Cave

Blue Cave, also called the Blue Grotto or Plava Spilja, is a coastal cave located just south of the Bay of Kotor. Inaccessible from land due to the steep cliff faces, the cave can only be visited by boat during the lower tides. The cave gets its name from the azure water color that results from the sunlight filtering through the clear water.

As you enter the unassuming cave, your eyes will adjust to the lower light and you will see the sparkling blue water that is also reflected on the cavern roof. Swimming and snorkeling is possible in the cave, and during lower tides you may be able to exist using the cave’s rear entrance.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The islet of Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificially created piece of land and is home to a Catholic church of the same name. The church building, a museum and a gift shop are all places of interest and on a visit to the islet, you will learn the legend of its creation and how the traditions relating to the emergence of the island have endured over time.

Submarine Tunnels of Luštica

Kotor Bay is home to three camouflaged  Submarine Tunnels that were constructed by Yugoslavia during the Cold War. A trip to these tunnels provides a fascinating experience that allows one to feel connected to the region’s complex past.

Mamula Island

Mamula Island is only 200 meters in diameter, but is home to a strategic fort that has guarded the bay since the mid-19th century.  Today the island is uninhabited, but during World War II it was used as a concentration camp by fascist forces.

Zanjic Beach

Longer tours often include a swimming and sunbathing stop at Janjic Beach. This white pebble beach is known for its clear, warm water and there are several beachside restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or refreshments.

How much do Blue Cave tours in Kotor cost?

Small group Blue Cave and Bay of Kotor day trips start from around €50 per person for a 3-hour tour or €65 per person for a 4-hour experience.

Blue Cave and Zanjic Beach half day tours cost €55 per adult. You can expect to pay from €40 for children who are between 3 and 12 years old.

Blue Cave kayak and snorkel adventures from Kotor cost around €100 per adult, while adolescents aged 12 to 16 pay from €65 each.

Kotor Blue Cave private boat tours cost from €300 for groups of up to 6 passengers for a 3-hour experience. Private tours that include lunch at a local mussel farm are priced in the region of €600 for groups of up to 7 people.

What is included?

Blue Cave tours in Kotor usually include a guided boat trip to the cave and other nearby attractions. Your tour will be led by an experienced skipper, and you will be provided with life jackets and snorkeling equipment. Some tour operators also offer raincoats in wet weather, as well as bottled water and other soft drinks on board the boat.

Any entrance fees to museums or other attractions are not usually covered. Some tours include round trip hotel transfers, while in other cases this is may be booked at an additional charge.

Where does it start?

Park Slobode or the entrance to the Port of Kotor are two gathering points for trips to Blue Cave. Some tour operators offer a hotel pickup, which you can arrange when booking.

How long does it last?

Blue Cave tours from Kotor generally last between 3 and 4 hours and may include one or two other attractions in the itinerary. Kayaking and snorkeling Blue Cave tours can extend for as long as 5 hours, while tours that cover more of Kotor Bay, usually with beach stops, can last for up to 6 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

As visits to Blue Cave take place by small to medium-sized boat, these tours are generally not accessible by wheelchair. If you have any other special needs or need accommodations, it is always best to check with the tour operator in advance.

When is the best time for a Blue Cave tour in Kotor?

The best time for a Blue Cave tour in Kotor is during the summer, from June to August. This period offers optimal weather conditions, calm seas, and clear, sunlit waters that intensify the cave's mesmerizing blue glow. The morning hours are particularly enchanting, as they tend to be less crowded and the sunlight angle enhances the cave's beauty.

Travel tips

• Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Waterproof bags can be useful for electronics.
• If your tour includes a swimming stop, remember to pack a swimsuit and towel. The water is often cool and refreshing.
• The cave's lighting can be tricky. If you're keen on photography, consider bringing a waterproof camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities.
• Depending on the day and weather, the cave might appear differently. Embrace the experience as it comes!