From Tivat: Blue Cave, Herceg Novi, Lady of the Rocks

This experience is interesting because it strings together some of the Bay of Kotor’s best viewpoints in one day, with Tivat as your home base. You get a classic sea route on the MB Vesna, plus a chance to swing by Blue Cave and then head for the famous Our Lady of the Rocks island area.

I like two things a lot. First, the boat is set up for comfort, with two floors, sunbeds, a restaurant on board, Wi-Fi, and a proper toilet. Second, you travel with a guide on board, so the scenery comes with context instead of just a slideshow.

One big consideration is the weather rule. If the captain thinks it is not safe to go out toward Žanjice and the Blue Cave, the boat may skip those parts of the day.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Traditional Bay of Kotor route with multiple stops, not just one long ride
• Two-floor MB Vesna setup with sunbeds, toilet, and Wi-Fi onboard
• Real time ashore in Herceg Novi and Perast island area, so you are not stuck at the dock all day
• Blue Cave is an add-on by smaller boat, with extra transport cost
• Our Lady of the Rocks visit is short but includes the island’s museum and church option for a small fee
• Weather can change the route, especially the open sea swimming and cave portion

The MB Vesna Day Trip Plan, From Tivat to the Bay

The whole day is built around a simple pattern: leave from Tivat, hit a few stops along the bay, then return to Tivat. You board the MB Vesna at 10:00 in Tivat, and the cruise runs about 9 hours total.

The day is paced with breaks that feel practical. You do not just speed past places, you get time to walk, swim, and look around. The itinerary also includes scenic cruising through the Bay of Kotor on both the way out and back, so even the “in-between” time has value.

Pickup and drop-off are both in the Tivat area, with one stated option being Restaurant Hotel Pine. When you book, double-check your exact meeting point and where you will be dropped back, since the tour lists multiple options.

Herceg Novi Break: A Real Stretch of Time on Land

After about 45 minutes by boat, you dock in Herceg Novi and you get free time for around 1 to 1.5 hours. That window is long enough to wander a bit, find a drink, and simply change scenery after time on the water.

This stop matters because Herceg Novi is where the cruise stops feeling like an “activity” and starts feeling like a day out. You can stretch your legs, take photos of the bay from the town side, and get a sense of how Montenegro’s coast looks when you are not standing on a deck.

One small trade-off: with only about an hour, you do not have time for long bus rides or a deep dive into museums. If you want that, treat Herceg Novi as the warm-up stop and save deeper exploration for a separate visit.

Žanjice Beach Swimming and the Blue Cave Option

Next comes the big water moment near Žanjice Beach. You get roughly 80 to 90 minutes of time here, with the choice to swim right from the area or take a smaller boat toward the Blue Cave.

Here is the key detail for planning: the Blue Cave part is not included in the base price. You may need to pay 10€ for transport by smaller boat to reach the cave area, and the itinerary indicates a short visit time once you arrive.

I like this structure because it keeps flexibility. If you want a quick taste of the cave, you can do it. If you would rather just swim and relax, you can skip the extra boat and spend more time in the water at Žanjice.

The “watch the weather” piece is especially important here. The captain may decide not to go out toward the open sea, which means Žanjice and the Blue Cave might be skipped entirely if conditions are unsafe. On a windy or stormy day, you can still get bay cruising, but plan mentally for missing the cave.

Our Lady of the Rocks Area: Perast’s Island in About 40 Minutes

After your swim break, the cruise heads toward the island area known for the story of Our Lady of the Rocks. You arrive and get a short stop of about 40 minutes on site.

Even with a limited time window, this stop works because the island area is tightly focused. You are not trying to cover a huge city, you are going for the church and museum setting tied to this dramatic bay landmark.

Two practical notes help you decide what to do with your 40 minutes. First, the entrance to the museum and church is not included, and it lists a small fee of 2€. Second, because time is short, you may have to choose between spending more time taking photos and spending more time inside.

If you care more about views than museum time, you can do the essentials outside and decide on the indoor visit depending on your pace. If you want the full island experience, go early in the stop so you do not feel rushed.

Onboard Comfort: Two Floors, Sunbeds, Wi-Fi, and a Restaurant

A big reason this cruise is popular is how comfortable the boat is for a full day. You are not wedged into a bare sightseeing skiff. The MB Vesna has a two-floor layout, and that helps with simple stuff like finding shade or switching decks if you want a different view angle.

The boat also includes a restaurant on board, Wi-Fi, and sunbeds, plus a toilet. That is not just convenience, it affects how enjoyable the day feels. When the bay weather turns bright, sunbeds are a real upgrade. When you want to escape the sun for a bit, shade and deck space become your little reset button.

One caution I take seriously from customer feedback is sound clarity. If you want to catch the guide’s English narration, the upper deck can be challenging due to boat noise, especially if the group gets loud. If you are sensitive to audio, I would position yourself where you can actually hear the guide rather than assuming it will be easy from everywhere.

Price and Value: What You Pay, What Costs Extra

The tour price is listed at $41 per person, and for a 9-hour Bay of Kotor cruise with a guide, it can be decent value. You are paying for boat time, bay scenery, and onboard interpretation, plus the ability to stop for swimming and quick town and island visits.

That said, you should budget for the two stated extras:

• 10€ for transport by smaller boat to the Blue Cave
• 2€ for entrance to the museum and church on the Our Lady of the Rocks island

Lunch is not included. The boat has a restaurant onboard, which likely means you can buy something if you want, but the tour price itself does not cover it.

So, the best way to think about value is: the base fare buys the route and the core stops, and you pay a little extra if you want the full cave experience and the indoor island visit. If you are the type who loves swimming and caves, you will probably feel the money is well spent.

Timing, Pacing, and What You Should Plan Around

The tour is built on short, well-timed windows. You dock in Herceg Novi for about 1 hour to 1.5 hours, then you get a longer water block at Žanjice, and you end with a focused island visit.

That pacing is good for most people because it prevents “cruise fatigue.” You get to enjoy the bay rather than just watch it go by. But it also means you need to manage your own pace. If you spend too long buying food or browsing, your time in the next stop can feel tight.

The day also includes two longer cruising segments, including the final return route through the Bay of Kotor. Even if you are not constantly on land, those sightline moments are part of why this works as a single-day plan.

When Weather Changes the Plan, Know What Happens

The tour has a clear captain rule. If it is not safe to sail toward the open sea, the captain may decide not to go to Žanjice and the Blue Cave.

In real travel terms, that means you should be ready for a day that shifts from swimming and caves toward mostly bay cruising and the inland island area. If you are booking specifically for the Blue Cave, you should treat it as a best-case bonus, not a guaranteed checkbox.

I also recommend building the right mindset if you are traveling in shoulder seasons or around stormy weather. A boat day can turn on wind and safety conditions quickly. You do not have control, but your expectations can be realistic.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good match if you want a straightforward way to see multiple Bay of Kotor highlights without arranging separate transport. It also suits people who like comfort on the water, since the boat has sunbeds and indoor facilities like Wi-Fi and a toilet.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, so mobility needs matter. Also, the Blue Cave requires an extra boat ride by smaller transport, so bring the ability to handle that transfer comfortably.

If you are traveling with kids, you might find the cruising portion engaging, but you will also want to watch how long the sea segments last and whether kids are happy in sun and salt water. If you are an older traveler, focus on how much standing and moving is involved in getting around decks and landing areas.

My Bottom Line: Should You Book This Bay of Kotor Cruise?

If your goal is a classic Bay of Kotor day with time in Herceg Novi, a swimming break, and a short stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, this cruise can make a lot of sense. The comfort features on the two-floor MB Vesna are a real plus for a 9-hour outing.

Book it if you:

• want a guided day that mixes sea cruising with actual time on land
• plan to swim at Žanjice or at least enjoy the water stop
• are okay paying small add-ons for the Blue Cave transport and island entrances

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• the Blue Cave is your top priority and you cannot risk it being skipped due to safety conditions
• you rely on step-free access or need wheelchair-friendly logistics

If you do book, pack towel and beachwear, and go with a flexible attitude about the cave. When conditions cooperate, this is a satisfying way to see Montenegro’s bay in one day, with enough comfort to make the long hours feel worthwhile.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart from Tivat?

The tour departs from Tivat at 10:00 and runs for about 9 hours total.

How long is the stop in Herceg Novi?

You dock in Herceg Novi for free time of about 60 to 80 minutes, depending on the tour schedule.

Is the Blue Cave included in the ticket price?

Blue Cave transport by smaller boat is not included. It lists an additional cost of 10€ for that boat ride.

How much time do you have for swimming at Žanjice Beach?

You get a swimming break of about 80 to 90 minutes at Žanjice Beach.

Do you have to pay for the museum and church on the island?

Yes. The entrance to the museum and church on the Our Lady of Skrpjela island is not included, and it lists a 2€ fee.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

What happens if weather is bad?

If the captain decides it is not safe to sail to the open sea toward Žanjice and the Blue Cave, the boat will not go there.