Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h)

REVIEW · KOTOR

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h)

  • 5.0575 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $42.41
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Operated by Sea Dog Speed Boat Tours · Bookable on Viator

Blue water and island legends, fast. This short speedboat tour links Kotor Bay views with the Blue Cave, plus quick hits at Mamula and Our Lady of the Rocks.

I love the value of packing multiple big names into one outing, without the long ferry hassle. I also like how guides keep the ride moving and the stops meaningful, and when you’re lucky (like getting Andrej), you get clear, organized talk at each location.

One possible drawback: you spend a lot of time on the water between stops, and the speedboat ride can be choppy. If you want lots of time at a single spot or you’re sensitive to motion, plan carefully.

Key highlights in plain terms

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Key highlights in plain terms

  • Blue Cave access by boat with two cave entrances: one wide and low, the other narrow and tall
  • Photo safari angles above and under the sea, plus chances to swim near the cave area
  • Mamula (Lastavica) island: uninhabited, circular, about 200 meters across, near the entrance to Boka Kotorska bay
  • Submarine tunnels/hideouts area included in the route, giving you a historical-leaning coastline moment
  • Our Lady of the Rocks: an artificial island built from rocks and sunken ships, with a church you can visit and a small museum onsite
  • Good group size (max 20) that helps keep the pace brisk and the logistics straightforward

Why this Kotor Bay speedboat loop makes sense

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Why this Kotor Bay speedboat loop makes sense
This is a short and efficient way to see some of Montenegro’s most photographed spots from the water. In about 3 hours, you’ll go beyond the shoreline and view the whole Bay of Kotor like a fjord—curving, dramatic, and full of tiny coastal details you simply miss from land.

The real advantage is the mix: the tour ties together natural wow (the Blue Cave), an iconic isolated islet (Mamula), and a very specific human-built landmark (Our Lady of the Rocks). That balance makes the time feel packed, not repetitive.

Starting points, meeting up, and the ride style

Your tour starts and ends at the meeting point in Kotor (CQG9+H6W). You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English.

Because this is a speedboat set-up, you should expect:

  • brief stretches of travel between stops (so bring patience for the “getting there” part)
  • a more physical ride than a ferry
  • plenty of boat activity around popular sights

Some people love speedboats for the fun factor and the views. Others find the ride a bit jumpy, especially if you sit in a spot that takes more wave hits. If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is the part to take seriously.

Bay of Kotor first: coastline views that set the stage

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Bay of Kotor first: coastline views that set the stage
The outing begins with a water-level trip across the Bay of Kotor. This is where you get the “big picture” fast: the coastline curves into the bay with scattered fishermen villages, lush vegetation, and layered architecture along the shore.

Then, after about 1 hour 10 minutes, you reach the Blue Cave area. For many people, that first leg is the decompression time—settle in, get your bearings, and watch the bay change as you move.

Tip I’d use: have your camera ready on this stretch. The best shots often come before you’re focused on the cave entry time.

The Blue Cave stop: two entrances, boat access, and swim time

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - The Blue Cave stop: two entrances, boat access, and swim time
The Blue Cave is the star. The cave is reachable by boat, and the geometry matters for what you’ll see. There are two entrances:

  • one wide and low
  • the other narrow and tall

That difference creates distinct viewing angles. It also explains why this spot works for different interests: divers come for underwater possibilities, while non-divers still get strong photo opportunities from above and from the cave boat approach.

You’ll spend around 20 minutes at the cave. In that time you’ll typically do a mix of:

  • quick boat viewing for the cave color and shape
  • photos and a look around the entry area
  • sometimes a swim near the cave zone, depending on conditions

Practical consideration: the cave can be busy. Boat traffic around the cave is real, so don’t assume you’ll have perfect solitude. Also, water can be rough at speedboat pace right before and after—time your energy so you don’t feel rushed once you’re in.

One more helpful note from experience-style accounts: if you want to swim for longer, a small float help can make the difference. Some people find there’s little to hold onto once you’re in open water.

Submarine tunnels and the Mamula (Lastavica) island moment

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Submarine tunnels and the Mamula (Lastavica) island moment
After the Blue Cave, the route includes the area known for submarine tunnels / hideouts. You’re not going to get a long, deep museum tour here. Instead, it’s a coastline pass that connects the bay’s geography with the strategic mindset behind it—why this water matters.

Then comes Mamula, also called Lastavica. It’s an uninhabited islet in the Adriatic, at the entrance to the Bay of Kotor. Here are the facts that help you visualize it:

  • circular shape
  • about 200 meters in diameter
  • located between Prevlaka and Luštica peninsulas
  • roughly 6.3 km from Herceg Novi

This stop is short—enough time for photos and the “wow, that’s far out there” perspective from the boat. If you want a slow walk around the island itself, this isn’t your match since Mamula is uninhabited and the tour format is water-focused.

Still, it’s a great counterpoint to the Blue Cave. The cave is intimate and watery. Mamula is isolated and exposed, and that contrast helps the whole tour feel varied.

Our Lady of the Rocks: the artificial island you can actually visit

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Our Lady of the Rocks: the artificial island you can actually visit
The final major stop is Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela). This is the larger church complex on one of the two famous islets off Perast, the other being Sveti Đorđe Island.

Here’s what makes this island special and different from a natural rock outcrop:

  • it’s an artificial island
  • it was created by building up rocks and sinking older ships loaded with rock
  • the Roman Catholic church is the largest building on the islet
  • there’s a museum attached to the church
  • there’s also a small gift shop and a navigation light at the western end

Your time here is about 20 minutes. That short window is just enough to:

  • understand why the island exists
  • see the church complex from different angles
  • grab a quick souvenir if you want one

Cost note: the church entrance fee is 1.5 euros, and it’s not included. If you care about visiting the church interior and museum area, bring a bit of cash or card readiness for that small add-on.

Time management: what 3 hours feels like in real life

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Time management: what 3 hours feels like in real life
This is a tight timeline tour. You’re moving between three major viewing points plus the cave moment. The upside is that you’ll see a lot in one outing.

The downside is that it can feel like:

  • not enough time at each stop if you love lingering
  • a lot of time on the water if you want frequent, short breaks

Rain changes things too. One thing I like about this kind of operation is that they can be flexible if weather hits, including providing rain gear in some cases. But even with gear, a choppy day means the ride will be louder and more jolting than a smooth day.

Price and value: is $42.41 worth it?

Blue cave, Mamula island, Submarine tunnels and Our lady of the Rocks (3h) - Price and value: is $42.41 worth it?
At $42.41 per person, this tour is priced as a budget-friendly way to hit big-ticket scenery without multiple separate transport steps.

What you get that justifies the cost:

  • a speedboat experience (not a slow ferry)
  • multiple named stops in about 3 hours
  • bottled water included
  • the Blue Cave admission is free for the stop time you’re allocated
  • the Our Lady of the Rocks church fee is a small extra (1.5 euros)

Where you should do mental math:

  • If you plan to enter the church interior, factor in the 1.5 euros.
  • If you’re hoping for long time at each site, know you’re paying for an efficient circuit, not a leisurely day.

Overall, it’s good value for people who want variety—cave + islets + a visitable church complex—without committing a whole day.

Comfort and safety: the stuff that matters on a speedboat

The most common practical theme: water conditions and onboard movement. Some rides are smooth; others are bumpy. If you can, dress for splash risk and sun. Keep your valuables secured because fast motion plus waves can mean sudden wet air.

Also keep in mind:

  • boarding and getting back on can involve ladders
  • not everyone finds the transition easy in rougher conditions
  • life jacket expectations can vary by situation, and you may be asked to follow staff instructions

If swimming is part of your plan, don’t treat it like a beach swim. It’s swim time from the boat area with whatever the sea provides that day.

Who should book this, and who should skip

This tour is best for you if:

  • you want a quick hit of the Blue Cave and the Bay of Kotor from the water
  • you like photo stops more than long stays
  • you’re okay with a bumpy speedboat ride
  • you want a small-group outing (max 20) rather than a massive group

You might want to skip or switch plans if:

  • you’re very prone to motion sickness
  • you want lots of time walking around on land
  • you dislike swimming in open water conditions where help and equipment may be limited

Should you book the Blue Cave, Mamula, submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks?

Yes—if you’re the kind of traveler who likes seeing the main sights efficiently and you’re comfortable with a brisk boat schedule. The Blue Cave is the headline, Mamula adds a dramatic isolated-island contrast, and Our Lady of the Rocks gives you a meaningful place to actually step into and look around.

Book it especially if you want one outing that covers both nature and a constructed landmark without extra days. Just go in expecting: short stops, lots of sea time, and a cave experience that can be crowded and weather-dependent.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave, Mamula Island, submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $42.41 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is there a ticket cost for Our Lady of the Rocks?

Yes. The entrance fee to the church is 1.5 euros and is not included.

What is included in the tour price?

Bottled water is included.

Is there an admission fee for the Blue Cave stop?

The Blue Cave stop lists admission ticket as free.

What’s the meeting point?

The tour starts at CQG9+H6W, Kotor, Montenegro, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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