A speedboat day in Kotor.

This is the fast, punchy kind of trip where you jump straight into the Blue Cave experience, then keep moving to Kumbor’s submarine tunnel and Perast’s famous island viewpoint. I like that it’s built for a short 3-hour window—enough time for swimming and photos without eating your whole day—and I also like the small group size (max 12), which helps the schedule feel calm. One thing to plan for: the ride is on open water, so you may get a choppy, bumpy stretch out toward the cave.

You’ll also get real practical extras: coffee/tea (before the tour in their office), free Wi‑Fi there, and blankets in cooler months. And if you’re lucky with timing, you can swim inside and outside the cave; if not, you’ll still get that clear, bright-water swim time.

Sea Stars Blue Cave Tour: the quick version

This is a group speedboat tour running from Kotor, priced around $60.46 per person, typically booked about 47 days in advance. The core idea is simple: modern speedboat, efficient stops, and water time that’s hard to replicate without a boat—especially for the Blue Cave.

Over the day, you’re not just looking. You’re actually in the water, you’re stepping onto an island, and you’re passing through (and entering) unusual WWII/Cold War-era structures like the Kumbor submarine tunnel.

Key things that matter (before you book)

• Max 12 people keeps the day from feeling like a factory line
• Swimming time is the point: think photos + a swim session, inside and outside depending on cave traffic
• Kumbor submarine tunnel stop is brief but memorable—5 minutes, including going inside the tunnel
• Our Lady of the Rocks in 20 minutes gives you Perast views without dragging your day
• Pickup by boat from cruise port or nearby towns can save you a walk
• Open-sea ride = real waves sometimes, even when everything runs on schedule

Speedboat to the Blue Cave: what the 3 hours really feel like

Let’s be honest about the vibe: this is not a slow scenic ferry. It’s a modern speedboat style outing, and that means you’ll feel the Adriatic Gulf movement. If you’ve ever sat near the middle of a small boat while it’s working through wake and wind, you’ll know the feeling.

That’s the trade. In return, you get a trip that compresses a lot of sights into a short time. You’re out of Kotor, at the cave, swimming, then moving on—without needing a full day commitment.

The group size cap of 12 helps here. Even if the captain is following a tight itinerary, the small load keeps things from turning into chaos during boarding or timing.

If you’re sitting toward the back, you might find the ride a bit more tolerable when boats are crossing traffic waves. (That tip pops up more than once, and it matches what you’d expect from how small boats move.)

Blue Cave stop: swimming time, crowd reality, and picture moments

Your main stop is the Blue Cave, with about 20–30 minutes on-site. The big reason this stop exists is also the big reason it’s boat-only: most people can’t reach it the same way from shore, and the cave access is part of the whole magic.

Here’s what you should expect in real terms:

• Time for picturing and swimming inside and/or outside the cave
• Entrance is included
• The cave can be busy, especially later in the day, because it’s not treated like a private cave

In practice, you might get time to go inside the cave itself. But if the cave is crowded with other boats, you may end up doing the swim outside. Either way, the goal is the water—clear, bright, and visually dramatic. Even when you don’t get the inside swim, that “open-water blue” experience can still deliver the wow factor.

Photo tip that actually helps: treat your first minutes as your best chance to get clear shots, because conditions and boat traffic can change fast. Also, bring a plan for where you’ll be when boarding back on the boat—shifts happen quickly because the itinerary stays tight.

Kumbor submarine tunnels: 5 minutes that feels like more

Next comes Kumbor, a short stop focused on the submarine tunnels and going inside the tunnel itself. This part is only about 5 minutes, so don’t think of it as a museum visit where you can read every sign.

Still, it’s a cool contrast to the Blue Cave:

• You’re moving from bright open water to a Cold War-type structure
• You get a quick “what is this and why is it here” moment
• You don’t need much stamina because the stop is short
• Entrance is included for this stop

If you like oddball maritime history and structures that look like they should be props from a movie, this is a strong add-on that doesn’t steal time from the water.

Our Lady of the Rocks: island views in 20 minutes

Then you’ll head to Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island with a long construction span listed as 1452 to 1722. You’ll have about 20 minutes to explore.

What makes this stop worth your time is the viewpoint. Even if you’re not the type who loves churches on principle, this island gives you a strong sightline:

• You can see Perast from the island
• You can also spot the island from the boat as you approach and depart

One practical note: 20 minutes is enough for a walkaround, a few photos, and deciding if you want extra time elsewhere later. It’s not enough for a slow, museum-style linger.

Also check what you’re expecting to see inside. Church and museum tickets are not included, so if you plan to go inside specific buildings, you may pay extra for entry.

Price and value: what $60.46 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $60.46 per person for around 3 hours, the price makes sense if you care about three things: getting to the Blue Cave by boat, having swimming time, and covering Perast-related stops without arranging multiple tickets.

Here’s what your money is covering:

• Fuel
• Professional skipper
• Entrance in the Blue Cave
• Entrance on Our Lady of the Rocks
• Coffee and/or tea before the tour (in their office)
• Free Wi‑Fi before the tour in their office
• Blankets in winter time

What’s not included:

• Tour guide (so don’t expect a dedicated guide in every language format)
• Church and museum tickets

This is where you should calibrate your expectations. You’re paying mostly for transport + access. If you want a deeply detailed lecture in perfect English all day long, you might find the onboard commentary varies depending on the skipper. The good news: many captains are friendly, and the safety-first handling is consistent.

Pickup versus meeting point: how to avoid a stressy start

You start at Sea Stars Boat Tours Kotor – Blue Cave speed boat tour, on Njegoševa, Kotor 85330. The trip ends back at this same meeting point.

Pickup is where the day can get easier:

• Cruise ship guests can be picked up at the Port of Kotor
• Accommodation guests may be picked up by boat on specific locations like Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, Perast, and nearby spots along the way

If you’re staying close to the Old Town but you want less walking, ask for the pickup option that matches your lodging. Some people find the meeting point is easy once you know where you’re going, while others feel the start area is not obvious on first arrival.

My practical advice: confirm your exact pickup time and pin location the day before. If you’re docking with a cruise ship and your schedule is touchy, communication matters—this operator has handled delays by adjusting the time and pickup location in some situations.

Who the tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want water time and fast access to the Blue Cave
• Prefer a small group instead of a big bus-and-boat crowd
• Like doing multiple stops in a short window without planning everything yourself

It’s less ideal if you:

• Get motion sick easily or dislike open-water rides
• Need a slower pace with lots of land time
• Want guaranteed quiet, uncrowded cave access

There are also clear limits listed:

• Not recommended for people over 100 kg (220 lb)
• Not recommended for people older than 65 years

And because this is weather-dependent, keep in mind that poor conditions can change what you actually do. The operator notes good weather is required, and there are cases where the Blue Cave visit may be affected, with an alternate plan offered rather than abandoning the whole day.

Weather and sea conditions: when “speedboat” means bouncy

This tour runs on open water. That means wind and waves can happen even when conditions look fine from shore. Expect:

• A potentially rough stretch along the bay and out toward open sea
• Choppiness that can be felt more in some seats than others
• That the skipper will prioritize safety over comfort and schedule

In reviews, the most common pattern is this: when the water is calmer, the day feels smoother and you get the full experience more comfortably. When the sea is active—especially later in the day or after rain—the cave visit may still happen, but your comfort level can drop.

If you’re planning for the Blue Cave primarily, don’t gamble everything on a perfect weather day. If the operator offers an alternative or rescheduling option, take it seriously.

Smart add-ons to pack: snorkel, water shoes, and a plan B

Even though snorkeling gear is not listed as included, people do recommend bringing your own if you want more time in the water. Helpful items to consider:

• Snorkel gear or at least a snorkel
• Fins if you have them
• Water shoes, especially if you’re planning to step off rocks or climb-jump areas safely

Also, keep your valuables contained. The boat experience is fun, but the movement is real on a speedboat.

If you come with a flexible mindset—understanding that cave crowding can affect whether you go inside versus swim outside—you’ll have a smoother day overall.

Should you book this Blue Cave speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a high-impact, short Kotor day focused on water time: Blue Cave access, a quick submarine tunnel visit at Kumbor, and Our Lady of the Rocks with Perast views—all in about 3 hours.

Skip it or choose a gentler alternative if:

• Open-water rides make you uncomfortable
• You need a long land-based tour with lots of walking and explanations
• You strongly prefer uncrowded caves as the main goal (the cave can be busy)

One last deciding tip: if your schedule is tight, this format is excellent. If your body hates choppy water, treat that as your #1 filter. The Blue Cave payoff is worth it for many people, but comfort on a speedboat isn’t guaranteed.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave group tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Is pickup offered from the Port of Kotor or nearby towns?

Yes. Pickup is possible by speedboat for cruise ship guests at the Port of Kotor, and for accommodation guests at locations such as Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, Perast, and similar areas.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sea Stars Boat Tours Kotor – Blue Cave speed boat tour on Njegoševa, Kotor 85330, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Inclusions include fuel, a professional skipper, entrance in the Blue Cave, entrance on Our Lady of the Rocks, coffee and/or tea before the tour, free Wi‑Fi before the tour in their office, and blankets during winter time.

What is not included?

A tour guide is not included, and church and museum tickets are not included.

Can I expect to swim inside the Blue Cave?

You may be able to swim inside and/or outside the Blue Cave. Conditions like boat traffic can affect what’s possible during your stop.

Who should not book due to physical limits?

The tour notes it is not recommended for people heavier than 100 kg (220 lb) and not recommended for people older than 65 years old.