Blue Cave 3 hours GROUP tour with modern speedboat

What makes this Blue Cave trip interesting is that you reach the cave by boat, then you get real swim time in and around it, where the light does the magic. I love the swimming access and the way the small group keeps the pace relaxed instead of feeling like a cattle run. One thing to consider up front: it is an open-sea speedboat ride, so expect some chop, especially if the water has a mood.

I also like that you can roll from the Port of Kotor or your hotel area straight onto the water. The whole loop is timed to fit a half-day day plan, about 3 hours total, with a few memorable stops rather than one long sit-and-stare.

Sea Stars Blue Cave in Kotor, the “why” behind the hype

If you have been to other caves from shore, you already know the issue. Most “caves” are a viewpoint and a quick glance. This one is different. The Blue Cave is only really special when you are on a boat inside the right spot, with enough time to look up, take photos, and then get into the water when conditions allow.

That matters because the best moment is not the speedboat ride. It is the short window where you can swim and feel how clear the sea looks near the cave walls. And because the cave is public, you should not count on total privacy in the water, but you can still enjoy it.

The vibe here is travel-smart: you get a modern speedboat, you get a skipper who runs the route, and you get a tight loop of Kumbor submarine tunnels and Our Lady of the Rocks afterward. For many people, it becomes the highlight of a Kotor stop because it mixes natural spectacle with a historic island visit without eating your whole day.

Reaching the Blue Cave by boat, and what to expect in the water

The Blue Cave stop is built around one simple idea: you can swim inside and outside the cave, and you cannot do that the same way from the shore. On this trip, you usually spend about 20 to 30 minutes for pictures and swimming.

Here is the practical way to think about your time:

• Plan your photos quickly when you arrive, because boats can be moving through the cave area.
• If you want longer water time, you will probably feel grateful when the captain gives you space to settle in.
• If visibility is limited or the cave area is too crowded, you will still have a chance to swim outside the cave, where the water quality is often what people talk about after.

A useful tip I picked up from the way the experience is described in real-world feedback: the seating can affect how rough it feels. People who sit toward the back often find the ride less jarring when the speedboat is passing other boat traffic.

Also, do not expect constant silence. On some departures the boat music is part of the fun, and that can help the day feel like an adventure instead of a chore.

Kumbor submarine tunnels: 5 minutes that still feel odd in a good way

After the Blue Cave, the tour makes a quick stop at Kumbor for the submarine tunnels. The schedule here is short, about 5 minutes, and the big draw is that you go inside the tunnel area.

What makes this worth doing is that it is not another scenic overlook. It is a Cold War style detour that you can experience on the boat, then step into, even if just briefly. It is one of those stops where the setting is compact, but the contrast is big compared to open-water swimming.

You will want to treat this as a “see it, understand the vibe” stop rather than a long museum visit. Church and museum tickets are not included on this tour anyway, so if you are the type who wants to read every plaque and pay for every ticket, you may decide to do more on your own time later.

Our Lady of the Rocks island: 20 minutes, views, and a quick explore

Your next anchor point is Our Lady of the Rocks, a small artificial island with a long building period, from 1452 to 1722. You get about 20 minutes to explore the island.

In real terms, 20 minutes is just enough to:

• walk around and take photos from the island,
• look back over the water toward Perast,
• and get the “island in the bay” feeling that only works when you are actually there.

This stop also pairs nicely with the boat experience. You spend time in one of the most dramatic water settings in the Bay of Kotor, then you get a calm island moment with panoramic views. It is a nice rhythm, and it helps the day feel like more than just one cave stop.

One detail to note: admission for the island is included, but church and museum tickets are not. If you are hoping to go inside specific spots, you may need to budget extra, depending on what is open and what you want to see.

The modern speedboat ride: comfortable if you know what to expect

This is not a slow ferry. It is a modern speedboat running out across open water, then back into the Kotor area. That choice is what makes the Blue Cave reachable and keeps the trip within a tight 3-hour window.

So yes, you may feel waves. If the sea is rough, the ride can be choppy and at times feel fast. I would plan for that emotionally more than physically. If you are sensitive to motion, bring a motion-friendly mindset, dress for wind, and keep your hands free for your camera quickly, then stow it.

The winter months also matter. Blankets are provided during the tour in winter time, which is a smart touch because it can get cool fast on the water even when the day started sunny.

A small comfort note that can matter: the meeting is close to public transport, and pickup can be arranged by the operator’s speedboat on certain routes. That means less wasted time standing around on land, more time actually doing the fun parts.

Small group size, and how the captain shapes the day

The group limit is 12 travelers, which is a big deal. On big tours, you often lose time to waiting and crowd juggling. Here, your schedule stays tight, and the skipper can adapt to what is happening on the water.

Captain style can also change the experience. Different skippers handle information differently, and some are better at sharing details than others. In feedback you will see names like Ilija, Peter, Paki, Ivan, and Serga mentioned as captains who helped make the day feel smooth and interesting.

Regardless of the exact captain, the core goal is the same: get you to the right places, keep you safe in open water, and manage swim windows around real conditions. That can include short decisions like where to swim if the inside cave area is too busy. Even when the cave inside is limited by crowding, you can still get into the water outside the cave, and many people end up feeling the swim part is the best payoff.

Money and value: what you pay covers, and what you still might pay for

The price is listed at $60.46 per person, for about 3 hours. At that price, you are paying mostly for speedboat access, skipper operation, and the included entrances.

What is included:

• Fuel and a professional skipper
• Entrance in the Blue Cave
• Entrance on Our Lady of the Rocks
• Coffee and/or tea before the tour, plus free water in the office
• Wi-Fi before the tour in the office
• Blankets in winter time

What is not included:

• A tour guide
• Church and museum tickets

Now the value math. If you try to piece together your own boat option plus entrance fees plus a guided-style route planning, the total can climb quickly, and you lose the compact timing. The real reason this is good value is the sequencing: Blue Cave plus Kumbor plus Our Lady of the Rocks in one half-day. That is hard to replicate without either a private boat or multiple connections.

If you are someone who wants extra historical depth, you might wish you had a full-time guide for the island and tunnels. Still, a captain who gives even a light run-down can go a long way toward making stops feel less random.

Pickup from the port or your hotel, and how to avoid the first-minute stress

This is one of those tours where logistics can make or break the day, and this operator helps with pickup.

Pickup is possible by their speedboat at specific locations:

• Cruise ship guests: pickup at the Port of Kotor
• Accommodation guests: pickup areas include Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, Perast, and similar zones

The starting point is Sea Stars Boat Tours Kotor – Blue Cave speed boat tour on Njegoševa in Kotor. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

A practical move: if you are getting dropped at the office meeting point, show up early and use any map reference you have. Some people found that signage was not obvious at first. Giving yourself a few extra minutes helps you find the exact starting point without wasting time.

Also, for cruise passengers, pickup at the port is one of the biggest conveniences because walking from old town viewpoints can add stress when your ship schedule is tight.

What to pack so you can enjoy every stop

This is a swim-first trip, but it is also a boat trip and an island explore. You will be happier if you pack for all three.

Bring:

• A swimsuit, and plan to wear a quick-dry layer afterward
• Water shoes if you plan to step on rocks around the island and jump points
• Towels if you have them, since the tour includes blankets only for winter warmth, not drying
• If you like extra water time, snorkeling gear might help, and fins can make swimming easier if you are comfortable in the water

Also consider:

• A light wind layer for the boat ride
• Sunglasses secured, because speedboat days do not always feel gentle when the sea is moving

One more tip: keep valuables in a safe place during the faster stretches. You want your camera for the cave light, then you want it stowed so you do not worry about it for the rest of the ride.

Weather, rough water, and when the cave plan can change

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

On a day that is not a full cancellation but still choppy, the day often becomes more about flexibility. The schedule is built around short, fixed stops, and the captain may adjust how much time you can spend at certain points. For example, if the Blue Cave interior is crowded or conditions are not favorable, you may end up swimming outside the cave area instead. That is still a highlight, mainly because the water is often crystal clear.

So my advice is simple: check the day’s conditions, dress for wind and spray, and stay flexible about the exact swim location inside versus outside.

Who should book this Blue Cave speedboat tour, and who should skip it

This tour is designed for most people, but there are clear limits.

It is not recommended for:

• travelers heavier than 100 kg (220 lb)
• travelers older than 65 years old

If you fit those limits and you are comfortable with open-sea boat rides, you will likely enjoy it. The small group size also makes it a good match for people who want a controlled schedule without feeling rushed.

This is a strong choice if:

• you want Blue Cave swimming without the hassle of arranging transport on your own,
• you like seeing multiple highlights in half a day,
• you prefer speedboat access over long waits.

It may not be ideal if:

• you hate the idea of a choppy ride,
• you need long museum time or deep guided commentary at every stop,
• you are looking for a private, quiet cave visit.

Should you book Sea Stars Kotor for the Blue Cave day?

If your top priority is the Blue Cave swim and you want a structured half-day with Kumbor tunnels and Our Lady of the Rocks, this tour is an easy yes. The value is strongest when you count what you get: speedboat access, included entrances, coffee and water before you leave, and a tight route that does not eat your whole day.

Book it if you can handle open water and you are okay with a limited amount of time at each stop. Skip it if your body hates motion, if you fall outside the age and weight guidance, or if you need a long, ticket-heavy museum style day.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Cave group speedboat tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

Is pickup available for this tour?

Yes. Pickup is possible by the speedboat in specific locations. Cruise ship guests are picked up at the Port of Kotor, and accommodation guests can be picked up in areas like Dobrota, Muo, Stoliv, Perast, and similar locations.

What stops are included during the 3-hour experience?

You stop at the Blue Cave, then you pass the Kumbor area for the submarine tunnels (including going inside), and you visit Our Lady of the Rocks island.

What entrance fees are included in the price?

Entrance to the Blue Cave and entrance to Our Lady of the Rocks island are included. Church and museum tickets are not included.

Is coffee, Wi-Fi, or anything else provided?

Yes. There is free coffee and/or tea before the tour in the office, free water, and Wi-Fi in the office before the departure. Blankets are provided during winter time.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who should avoid booking this tour based on the listed limits?

It is not recommended for travelers heavier than 100 kg (220 lb) and not recommended for travelers older than 65 years old.