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Visit Blue Cave Montenegro | Routes, Timings, and more

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Located on the Lustica Peninsula, just outside the entrance to Boka Bay, the Blue Cave is a stunning sea grotto accessible only by boat from Kotor, Tivat, or Budva. Expect glowing water, stopovers at historic sites, and 3–5 hours of easy coastal adventure.

Blue Cave Montenegro | Visitor information at a glance

Swimmers exploring the Blue Cave, Kotor, Montenegro.

What are the Blue Cave tour timings?

The Blue Cave tours operate between 8am and 6pm, with the best light inside the cave between 11am and 2pm, when the sun hits the water at the right angle.

Where is the Blue Cave located?

The Blue Cave is located on the Lustica Peninsula, near the entrance to Boka Bay in Montenegro. It lies in the open Adriatic Sea, southwest of Kotor, and is reachable only by boat from Kotor, Tivat, or Budva.

How do you access the Blue Cave?

You can access the Blue Cave only by water. Regular boat tours depart from Kotor, Tivat, and Budva, and may include stops at Mamula Island, submarine tunnels, and Zanjice Beach. There are no roads or hiking trails to the cave.

How many visitors does the Blue Cave receive annually?

Exact numbers vary, but the Blue Cave sees tens of thousands of visitors each summer season, especially between June and September. It’s one of Montenegro’s most popular boat tour destinations.

Route options and highlights

Our Lady of the Rocks island with church, Kotor Bay, speedboat tour in Montenegro.

From Kotor

Departing from within UNESCO-listed Boka Bay, this route offers the most scenic variety.

  • Boats cruise past Our Lady of the Rocks, Zanjice Beach, and submarine tunnels before reaching the Blue Cave.
  • Tour durations: Choose from 3-hour, 6-hour, or full-day (8-hour) tours depending on your pace and interest in swimming or sightseeing stops.
  • Ideal for travelers looking for a short trip or a well-rounded experience with cultural and natural highlights.
Tourists enjoying a private speedboat tour and organic lunch in the scenic Kotor Bay

From Tivat

Tivat offers the fastest access to the Blue Cave—perfect if you want the full coastline experience.

  • Expect to pass Mamula Island, explore tunnel hideouts, and enjoy a swim in the glowing cave waters.
  • Tour durations: Most trips are full-day 8-hour tours and may include stops at beaches and island viewpoints.
  • Great for those based near Porto Montenegro or wanting a less crowded departure point.
View of the tour from Budva through speedboat

From Budva

This route covers the open Adriatic, with waves and wide sea views replacing calm bay cruising. It’s a bit more adventurous and best for those who enjoy long boat rides.

  • Tours often stop at Mamula Island with visits to Our Lady of the Rock and the Blue Cave included.
  • Tour durations: Typically offered as 8-hour full-day experiences, allowing sunbathing, swimming, and scenic cruising.
  • Perfect for travelers wanting to escape Budva’s bustling beaches for a day at sea.

Sights Covered

Tourists enjoying a speedboat tour of Kotor Bay with a view of Our Lady of the Rocks island in the background

Our Lady of the Rocks

A tiny island built stone by stone, Our Lady of the Rocks is home to a centuries-old church and museum. Legend says it was created after sailors found an icon on a rock. Now, it’s one of Montenegro’s most unique photo stops with sea views in every direction.

Blue Cave in Kotor with clear turquoise waters and rocky cave entrance.

Blue Cave

The star of the show. This natural sea grotto glows electric blue when sunlight filters in just right. Swimming inside is surreal—the water looks lit from below. It’s a quick visit, but one that stays in your memory (and on your camera roll) long after the tour ends.

Old fort overlooking Boka Bay with surrounding mountains in Montenegro.

Mamula Island

This eerie circular fortress rises right out of the sea. Once a 19th-century defense post and later a WWII prison, Mamula is now being transformed into a luxury resort. Most tours circle the island while guides share its layered and haunting past.

Submarine canal view on Private Blue Cave & Bay of Kotor Speedboat Tour, Montenegro.

Submarine Tunnels

Built during Yugoslavia’s Cold War era, these tunnels were carved into the cliffs to hide submarines from aerial view. Today, boats slip inside the narrow, echoing channels for a peek into Montenegro’s secret military history—equal parts impressive and mysterious.

Zanjic Beach in Montenegro with clear blue waters and surrounding lush greenery.

Zanjice Beach

Tucked between olive groves and rocky shores, Zanjice is a laid-back stop with calm, swimmable waters. It’s a favorite on longer tours, offering time to relax, float, or enjoy a quick snack before heading back toward town. No roads, no noise—just sea, sun, and space to breathe.

Best time to visit Blue Cave Montenegro

Perast Old Town with Our Lady of the Rocks in Kotor Bay, Montenegro, viewed from a speedboat.

If you want to see the famous electric-blue glow, aim for a visit between 11am and 2pm, this is when sunlight enters the cave at the perfect angle. Morning tours, starting around 9am, often have calmer seas, which is great for a smooth ride, especially from Budva or Kotor.

Female guests enjoying a boat tour on the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro, with scenic coastal views.

  • June to September: This is the peak season for Blue Cave tours. Expect warm water, frequent departures, and a full choice of tour options – from short 3-hour trips to full-day experiences. It’s also the busiest, so book early and prepare for some crowding at popular stops.

  • April to May / September to October: These shoulder months offer a great balance of good weather and lighter traffic on the water. Many group and private tours still operate regularly, and the sea is often calm enough for swimming. If you're looking for flexibility without too much hustle, this is the sweet spot.

  • November to March: Off-season tours do run, but they’re fewer and depend on weather. Swimming isn’t guaranteed, and some smaller boats may not operate at all. However, this is the most peaceful time to see the coastline – ideal for photography or private sightseeing cruises without the crowds.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Blue Cave Montenegro 

How can I reach the Blue Cave?

The Blue Cave is only accessible by boat. Tours depart from coastal towns like Kotor, Tivat, and Budva, each offering different routes and durations.

Can you swim inside the Blue Cave?

Yes! Most tours allow time to swim or float inside, just make sure conditions are calm enough on the day.

How long are the tours?

Tour durations vary by location—Kotor offers 3, 6, and 8-hour trips, while Tivat and Budva usually have full-day options around 8 hours.

Is this a good activity for kids or seniors?

Yes, especially on boats with shade, seating, and smoother rides. Just check ahead for boat type and tour length.

What should I pack for the trip?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, water shoes, and something to cover your shoulders if you're visiting the church.

Is the cave always open for visits?

Not always. If the sea is too rough, boats may not be able to enter safely. In that case, tours may adjust the route.

Information

All screenshots of maps found on this page are sourced from Google in accordance with fair use. All rights to such screenshots lie with the specific platform, and their use is solely for informational or guidance purposes.

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