A speedboat circuit around Kotor Bay can feel like a greatest-hits tour—if the sea cooperates. You’re aiming for Blue Cave glamour, plus the Perast island church at Our Lady of the Rocks, then on to the submarine-tunnel look and Mamula Fortress.

I love that this trip packs several highlights into one 3-hour outing, and the crew focus on keeping things safe and moving on schedule. It’s also popular for a reason: many guests call out amazing Blue Cave views, cool tunnel time, and a skipper who drives with skill.

One consideration: the Blue Cave entry is weather-and-sea-condition dependent, and the ride can feel crowded or bumpy on busy days.

Quick hit points (what matters most)

• Blue Cave depends on conditions: if entry isn’t safe, you may swim at a nearby spot instead
• Perast + Our Lady of the Rocks: short, efficient visit to the famous man-made island church
• Submarine tunnel viewpoint: you’ll hear stories and see the tunnel area up close from the water
• Mamula Fortress stop: a fast photo-worthy look at the prison-island fortress
• Small-group feel, sometimes not small: some boats run tight when departures are busy

Speedboat Views of Kotor Bay: What You’re Really Buying

This isn’t a slow sightseeing cruise. It’s a faster, more kinetic speedboat route that uses Kotor Bay as the “moving stage.” You’re paying for two things: first, access to stops most people can’t reach on foot, and second, a chance to experience the famous Blue Cave color—at least if the sea allows it.

The schedule is tight by design. Expect a quick sequence: Blue Cave first, then the Perast area and Our Lady of the Rocks, then the submarine-tunnel portion, and finally Mamula Fortress as a short island loop. That pacing is great if you want highlights in one go. It’s less great if you want long swims or lingering photo stops.

The operator lists the tour as about 3 hours total, including travel time, with a meeting point at Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor at Park Slobode 1 in Kotor. You’ll also get a mobile ticket and the tour is offered in English.

Blue Cave Stop: When the Sea Allows the Magic

The Blue Cave is the headline for a reason. When boats can enter safely, the water inside can look surreal—electric blue, bright enough that you’ll want to swim and snorkel as soon as you’re allowed to. This stop is listed at around 30 minutes, which is usually enough time to see the cave, take photos, and get in the water.

But here’s the reality check that matters for your planning: cave access is not guaranteed. Multiple experiences described that the entrance may be unsafe due to weather or wave conditions, or that traffic inside can limit how long you can stay. In some cases, boats were unable to get inside even after arriving at the entrance.

If entry isn’t possible, the crew typically tries to avoid leaving you empty-handed by taking you to a nearby swimming area outside the cave. That can still be beautiful water time, but it’s not the same as being inside the cave mouth with that blue glow around you.

My practical tip: go into this expecting one of two outcomes. Best case: Blue Cave entry and a short swim inside. Plan B: you’ll swim outside at a nearby spot, and the trip becomes more about the coastline, tunnels, and viewpoints than the cave interior.

Also, bring swim gear you’re comfortable with. Some guests mentioned snorkeling gear availability was limited, so if you have your own goggles, bring them. If you don’t, I’d still go prepared to share or adapt.

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks: The Church Stop That Feels Like a Movie Scene

After the cave portion, you cruise toward Perast, a compact historic town with baroque buildings and the kind of old waterfront that makes you slow down without meaning to. The visit centers on Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island tied to local legend and its historic church.

Your time here is listed at about 20 minutes. That’s enough to see the island church area, look around, and soak up the photo views—just not enough to treat it like a long museum stop. If your goal is quick, memorable sights with minimal waiting, this stop fits the format.

One perk of doing Perast by boat is that you get the island view from the water right away. Many people only see the facade from a distance once they’re ashore; on this tour, the approach is part of the experience.

My advice: keep your camera ready. This is one of those “everything lines up” places where the angles are flattering from the bay. If you’re travel-stressed, this stop is also a good mental reset: less bouncing, more standing still for a minute.

Submarine Tunnel and the Speedboat Storytelling Portion

Then comes the unusual part—former submarine tunnels. Instead of only hearing a generic history talk, you get out on the water and see the tunnel area up close while the skipper shares stories about what the tunnels were built for and how they fit into Montenegro’s past.

This portion is listed as about 10 minutes, and in practice that means it’s more “see and hear” than “tour and wander.” The value is in the scale and the setting. The tunnel system is built into the mountain environment, and seeing it from the sea viewpoint helps the whole concept click.

Some guests felt the narration was light or that they didn’t get much detail beyond what they expected. So if you’re the type who loves deep explanations, you may want to bring extra curiosity and questions. The short format is part of why the day is only about 3 hours long.

Still, the stop gets strong praise for being different. In a sea of standard “caves + town” excursions, this tunnel segment gives you something you can’t easily replicate on your own.

Mamula Fortress: A Quick, Sharp Photo Stop Off the Main Route

Next is Mamula Fortress, with a listed stop of about 10 minutes. You’ll get a view around the island of Mamula and hear stories from the skipper. Many people connect this stop to the fortress’s darker past as a prison island, which makes the architecture feel a bit more intense than a simple scenic lookout.

It’s a brief stop, so it’s not the kind of place you “do.” You mostly photograph, admire the structure from the boat, and move on. Think of it like a living postcard moment.

If the sea is choppy, this is also the moment when you may want to steady your gear quickly. One reason some people dislike speedboats is exactly this: you’re on a moving platform while trying to capture photos. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing motion-sickness support.

Boat Ride Reality Check: Crowds, Comfort, Music, and Timing

This tour can be a blast. It can also feel tight, depending on how full the boat is that day. Some guests reported 12–16 people onboard, which can translate to less personal space than you’d expect. Others said the boat was crowded but not worse than expected.

You’ll also want to be mentally ready for wave action. Several experiences described a bumpy ride, including choppiness once you get outside the Bay of Kotor. If you only enjoy smooth sailing, don’t pretend speedboats will feel like floating in a lake.

A note on comfort: a few guests mentioned the ride wasn’t very comfortable and asked for a more private or roomier boat option. The operator also says they offer private boat tours for more space and a personalized experience. If you’re sensitive to crowding, that’s the easiest upgrade.

Sound and language are also worth considering. One guest described loud techno rock music and limited English from the driver. That doesn’t mean it happens every time, but it’s a good reminder to bring earplugs if you’re noise-sensitive and to expect that narration may be a mix of live commentary and recorded info.

Finally, on-board extras are hit-or-miss. One review mentioned no water was offered, so I’d treat this as a “bring your own” situation. Pack a bottle, sunscreen, and anything you’d need for quick time in the sun.

Price and Value for $32.53: Is It Worth It?

At $32.53 per person, this tour is priced like a value play—especially because it strings together multiple major stops: the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks/Perast, submarine tunnel viewing, and Mamula Fortress. You’re not just paying for one highlight; you’re paying for a full route with limited travel time between spots.

Where value can slip is if the Blue Cave entry doesn’t happen. When you can’t go into the cave, you’re still likely getting swimming time outside the cave and the rest of the sights. But the cave is the emotional payoff for many people, so Plan B matters.

Time value is also a factor. Some guests felt the overall pace was a bit fast, with short time at each location and a longer ride than expected. That pacing is typical of speedboat “sampler” tours: you trade depth for variety.

My take: for the price, you’re buying a high-energy route and a shot at Blue Cave magic. If you’re okay with weather-based adjustments and you want to see multiple sites in one outing, it makes sense.

If you want a guaranteed Blue Cave swim inside, you’ll want to be extra flexible with timing and expectations, or choose an option that prioritizes cave entry more strongly.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is ideal if you:

• want a fast-paced highlights circuit around Kotor Bay
• like snorkeling/swimming and don’t mind short swim windows
• enjoy oddball history moments like the submarine tunnel segment
• are comfortable on a speedboat and okay with some bounce

You might skip it (or upgrade to private) if you:

• strongly need guaranteed Blue Cave entry every time
• hate crowds and want lots of personal space
• are very sensitive to rough water or noise
• need long time in one place instead of quick stop-and-go

One more fit note: many reviews praise captain skill and safety awareness, and there are also a few complaints about safety instructions. So I’d do this simple thing: when you board, confirm where life jackets are and follow any safety directions immediately. Don’t wait for someone to remember to tell you.

Should You Book This Kotor Speedboat Circuit?

Yes, you should book if you’re traveling with a “sea day, not a museum day” mindset. The combination of Blue Cave potential, Perast’s island-church charm, submarine tunnel viewing, and Mamula Fortress in one ride makes this a strong way to use limited time in Kotor.

I’d especially book if you:

• can be flexible if the Blue Cave can’t be entered
• want the highest chance of seeing multiple big sights without juggling separate tickets
• appreciate the speedboat style and can handle some chop

I’d think twice (or book a roomier option) if you:

• know you won’t enjoy crowded boats
• want a calm ride
• need lots of narration detail and long stops

If you’re on the fence, remember the real deciding factor: whether the sea allows the cave. When it does, you’re in for the kind of water that makes people grin for the rest of the day.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 3 hours on average, including travel time.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor – Blue Cave Tour Official Park Slobode 1, Kotor 85330, Montenegro.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How much does it cost?

The price listed is $32.53 per person.

Will I have to pay for the stops?

Admission tickets are listed as free for the tour stops.

What if the Blue Cave is closed due to weather?

Access to the Blue Cave depends on sea conditions. If entry isn’t safe, the tour may take you to a nearby swimming spot outside the cave.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour may be offered a different date or a refund if canceled due to poor weather.