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Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Blue Cave, Montenegro 2023
Discover the best ways to see the Blue Cave in Montenegro. How to get there, what to bring and what else you can see along the way.
Montenegro is a small but stunningly beautiful country that boasts an array of natural wonders, from soaring mountain peaks to idyllic beaches.
One of its most unique and captivating attractions is the Blue Cave, a natural wonder nestled along the rugged Luštica Peninsula coastline. With its shimmering blue waters and stunning rock formations, the Blue Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Montenegro.
Let's take a look at what makes the Blue Cave such a beloved and awe-inspiring destination and the best ways you can experience it for yourself!
table of Contents
Top 3 Tours to the Blue Cave
About the Blue Cave in Montenegro
How to Get to the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Best Blue Cave Tours
1. Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Speed boat Tour
2. Boka Bay Day Cruise
3. Blue Cave Boat Tour With Beach Stop
4. Speed Boat Adventure With a Private Guide
5. Scenic Boat Trip With Church, Blue Cave and Beach Stop
Best Blue Cave Montenegro Adventure Tours
6. Blue Cave Montenegro Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
7. Coasteering Adventures in Montenegro
Best Blue Cave Tours by Location
Blue Cave Tours from Kotor
Blue Cave Tours from Tivat
Blue Cave Tours from Herceg Novi
What to Bring to the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Top Accommodation Near the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Top Tours to Montenegro
Top 3 Tours to the Blue Cave
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Here are the top 3 tours to the Blue Cave...
About the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Swimming inside the Blue Cave, MontenegroLocated on the Luštica Peninsula, just outside the Bay of
Kotor, the Blue Cave, also known as the Blue Grotto, is a magnificent sea cave that glows with a striking blue
hue. The cave is only accessible by boat, and you’re in for a treat as you
witness the magical play of light on the walls of the cave.
The best way to see the Blue Cave is to take a tour from the Bay of Kotor, which is a great way to experience the stunning coastline of seaside hamlets and turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.
When you get to the cave, you get the full impact of the beauty of the cave's interior. The Blue Cave gets its name from the blue light that reflects off the walls and water. The light is a result of the sun's rays entering the cave through an underwater opening and reflecting off the limestone walls. The result is a mesmerizing blue color that fills the entire cave.
Inside the cave you can swim in the cave's clear waters or explore the cave by boat. The cave is not very large, but its beauty is awe-inspiring. Under the surface you’ll see coloured fish darting around the rocky bottom.
We love visiting the Blue Cave and I think it's a must-see for anyone visiting Montenegro. So, while you’re here, make sure to add the Blue Cave to your itinerary and experience the magic for yourself!
How to Get to the Blue Cave in Montenegro
Blue Cave Montenegro MapMontenegro's Blue Cave is a sea cave so the only way to get there is from the sea, but there are many tour options to suit your time frame and budget.
The most popular way to get to there is on a Blue Cave boat tour, but you can also go there on exciting adventure tours. You'll find more information about each of the options below.
"Get on a tour for this! An experience that you must have if in Kotor! We took the 3 hour tour on the speed boat and as part of the tour we got to have a swim. Bring your own mask if you have one, you will see some amazing fish in blue crystal clear water in a cave! Super beautiful" - Blue Cave Montenegro reviews
Taking a Kotor Blue Cave tour is the most popular way to see the Blue Cave. These tours are speed boat tours that start and finish in Kotor. On these tours you'll be treated to views of the bay's pretty seaside hamlets and dramatic mountain backdrop as you cruise through one of the world's most beautiful bays.
There are boat tours to the Blue Cave departing Kotor daily from April to November. Many Blue Cave boat trips include other attractions like:
- Our Lady of the Rocks - a beautiful 15th century island church and museum
- Submarine tunnel - Yugoslav-era cave used to hide submarines
- Porto Montenegro - the world's only platinum-rated yacht marina
- Rose - a picturesque fishing village
- Mamula Island - a WWII era island prison that has been turned into a luxury hotel
- Žanjice beach - a popular beach with crystal-clear water
Boat tours to the Montenegrin Blue Grotto take anywhere from 3 hours to a full day and they all include swimming in the cave. The longer ones include extra beach and swimming time, and if you have the time, I highly recommend doing a day tour. The water around Luštica Peninsula is so warm and clear, it's a stunning place to spend some time!
Local’s Tip: In Montenegrin the Blue Cave is called ‘Plava Špilja’ pronounced ‘plahva shpil-ya’.
Best Blue Cave Montenegro Tours
1. Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Speed Boat Tour
RATING: 4.7 / 5 (738+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | BOOK NOW
This boat tour is a great way to see the Blue Cave, Bay of Kotor and its top attractions in just 3 hours. In summer it's also a great way to cool off and avoid traffic.
The small group tours depart every three hours from 9am. You can also book the same tour as a private tour for up to 15 people.
"Excellent, must do if in Kotor Bay. Don’t use any other company. Friendly attentive and above and beyond captain called Eno. Easy to locate pick up spot. Right amount of stays at locations. We went out with a group of 20. Tips, do the 9am trip (later the sea is choppier and a swim may not be guaranteed), sit at the bow or the back of the boat and be ready to swim! After blue cave we sat at the back of the boat and enjoyed sun for the 50 minute trip back." - GetYourGuide verified booking, United Kingdom (read more reviews).
This tour includes:
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Yugoslav submarine tunnels
- Mamula Island
- Blue Cave
Duration: 3 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Kotor
Click on a tour to see pricing and availability:
- 3 Hour Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Speed Boat Tour (group tour)
- Private 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour (up to 6 people)
- Private 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour (up to 15 people)
- Our review of this tour
2. Boka Bay Day Cruise
RATING: 4.8 / 5 (233+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours | BOOK NOW
This full-day boat cruise is a popular group tour that includes lots of time for swimming and a fun, relaxed atmosphere. While the speedboat tours are fast and ideal if you're pressed for time, this is a more leisurely cruise on a catamaran with plenty of space for sunbathing while you cruise between attractions!
"5**** Excellent and definitely A Must Do tour! Pickups and transfers were punctual and everything went like clockwork! Our guide, Milosh and his team Marco and Lucas were exceptional. We were so well looked after and Milosh was very informative. The swimming locations were just so perfect. We even had sightings of dolphins! We all had the perfect weather and an amazing day. Highly recommended!!!" - GetYourGuide verified booking, Singapore (read more reviews)
This tour includes:
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Yugoslav submarine tunnels
- Porto Montenegro marina
- Blue Cave
Duration: 8 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Kotor, Budva or Tivat
3. Blue Cave Boat Tour with Beach Stop
RATING: 4.5 / 5 (29+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | BOOK NOW
Like the 3 hour tour, this speedboat group tour includes stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula island and the Blue Cave, but it also gives you an hour to swim and sunbathe on beautiful Dobreč beach.
This is a great option if you don't have the time for a full-day cruise, but you still want some beach time. And who wouldn't? It's gorgeous!
"Upon arriving from our cruise ship, the location of this tour was directly to the left, right next to the port. Our guide provided information for all the sights along the way and plenty of time for a dip near the cave. The capacity of the boat was perfect with only eight people on board. It was a great day out on the water and away from the summer crowds. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area." - Rosanne (read more reviews)
This tour includes:
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Yugoslav submarine tunnels
- Mamula Island
- Blue Cave
- Dobreč beach
Duration: 4 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Kotor
4. Speed Boat Adventure with a Private Guide
RATING: 5 / 5 (8+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | BOOK NOW
This private tour with a licensed guide takes you to the Blue Cave via a speed boat ride through the beautiful Bay of Kotor. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and significance of each stop, the Bay of Kotor and Montenegro. She'll be available to answer all your questions and ensure your comfort every step of the way.
"Ana was a wonderful guide and she was very flexible with our itinerary making sure we got to see all the sights we were wanting to visit . The blue caves were definitely a highlight and on the way back Ana organized a beautiful platter of local food for us to sample at a nearby village. She was very knowledgeable about Kotor and even though we had limited time for our walking tour of the old city, it was very informative and enjoyable." - Bambi F., USA
This tour includes:
- Yugoslav submarine tunnels
- Blue Cave
- Lunch a picturesque fishing village called Rose
- Perast
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Walking tour of Kotor old town
Duration: 5 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Flexible
5. Scenic Boat Trip With Church, Blue Cave and Beach Stop
RATING: 4.3 / 5 (3+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | BOOK NOW
This tour is a great option if you want more time on the beach. The tour stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island and the Blue Cave before dropping you at Žanjice beach.
You have around 3 hours to enjoy the beach, grab a bite at one of the seaside restaurants and relax before cruising back to Kotor.
"The tour was amazing, first we were taken to the church, then to the Blue cave for a very short period of time but it was beautiful and then we were dropped off at the beach where we had an amazing whole fish, drank champagne and enjoyed the water, the food and alcohol are not included in the tour but were very worth it. We had a lovely time and we este picked up right on time." - GetYourGuide verified booking, USA
This tour includes:
- Our Lady of the Rocks
- Yugoslav submarine tunnels
- Mamula Island
- Blue Cave
- Žanjice beach
Duration: 6 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Kotor
Best Blue Cave Montenegro Adventure Tours
6. Blue Cave Montenegro Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
RATING: 4.5 / 5 (61+ reviews) | TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | BOOK NOW
This Blue Cave kayak tour is a fun way to see the Blue Cave and the coastline up close. This tour takes you to explore several sea caves in the area, including two blue caves and a number of smaller ones. You also have the opportunity to go snorkelling and cliff jumping. The water in this area is incredibly clear (over 20 meters visibility), making it perfect for snorkelling and diving.
"Had the most incredible time out kayaking and snorkeling with Molly and Jeffrey. We booked pretty last minute and it ended up just the two of us booked in! We went on the early outing and had the cave to ourselves before all the boat trips arrived. We also got to see some other fantastic caves and got a bit of cliff jumping in too at the end. Thoroughly recommend to anyone who loves getting out and about on the water." - Casperkmcmahon (read more reviews)
This tour includes:
- Kayaking from Uvala Veslo
- Blue Cave
Duration: 5 hours
Pick-up/drop off: Kotor, Tivat or by arrangement
7. Coasteering Tours
This was an awesome cliff jump on a coasteering tourCoasteering is an exciting adventure sport that combines walking, swimming and cliff jumping from one point to another.
Here, you can join coasteering tours of varying length and difficulty that include visits to the Blue Cave and plenty of adrenaline!
Blue Cave Tours by Location
Blue Cave Tours from Kotor
- 3 Hour Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Speed Boat Tour (group tour)
- Private 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour (up to 6 people)
- Private 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour (up to 15 people)
- 4 Hour Blue Cave Tour with Beach Stop
- Full Day Boka Bay Cruise
- Blue Cave Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
- Speedboat Adventure with a Private Guide
Blue Cave Tours from Tivat
- Full Day Boka Bay Cruise
- Speedboat Adventure with a Private Guide
- Blue Cave Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
Blue cave Tours from herceg Novi
- 3 Hour Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Speed Boat Tour (group tour)
- Private 3 Hour Speed Boat Tour (up to 6 people)
- 6 Hour Blue Cave Tour with Beach Stop
- Full Day Boka Bay Cruise
- Speedboat Adventure with a Private Guide
- Coasteering
What to Bring to the Blue Cave in Montenegro
- Warm layers because it can get cold on boats even in summer
- Snorkel and mask or goggles
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Sunhat
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions About the Blue Cave in Montenegro
What is the Blue Cave Montenegro price?
What is the Blue Cave Montenegro price?
The Blue Cave in Montenegro is free to enter and there is no entry fee.
Can you swim in the Blue Cave?
Can you swim in the Blue Cave?
Yes, you can swim in the Blue Cave. It's a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it to all visitors to Montenegro!
Why is the Blue Cave famous?
Why is the Blue Cave famous?
The Blue Cave is famous for the iridescent blue light that reflects off the sea bottom and around the cave's interior. It's the largest of several sea caves along the Luštica Peninsula coastline and one of Montenegro's most popular tourist attractions.
How deep is the Blue Cave in Montenegro?
How deep is the Blue Cave in Montenegro?
The water in the Blue Cave is relatively shallow at around 5m deep.
When is the best time to visit the Blue Cave?
When is the best time to visit the Blue Cave?
The best time to visit the Blue Cave is during the summer months, when the water is warmest and the sunlight is strongest, which enhances the blue color of the cave. However, you can comfortably swim in here from May right through October when the weather is good.
In the busiest months (July and August) it's best to visit early in the morning when there are the least people. The cave can get crowded in the afternoons.
Top Accommodation Near the Blue Cave in Montenegro
The Blue Cave is located on Luštica Peninsula, a rugged and wild part of Montenegro. Since there are daily tours from Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi you can easily stay in one of these centers and book a tour to see the cave. You don't need to stay close on Luštica Peninsula.
However, the peninsula is the ideal place if you're looking for a getaway and there are many great accommodation options here.
The Chedi Lustica Bay is a 5* resort located on Luštica Peninsula. The resort has a private beach, outdoor pools and is set in the exclusive development, Luštica Bay. Somewhat remote, I recommend hiring a car when staying here.
Apartments Art Media is located just 30 meters away from Žanjice beach on Luštica Peninsula. This is the ultimate seaside getaway.
Top Multi-Day Tours to Montenegro
Booking an organized multi-day tour is one of the easiest ways to see the best of Montenegro.
On these tours a local company makes all the arrangements for you including accommodation, some activities. There are both group and private tours for you to choose from and many of them include other Balkan countries like Croatia, so you can experience the best of the Balkans in one trip!
Here are three of the most popular tours in Montenegro:
Pearl of the Adriatic Montenegro Cruise is an 8 day cruise around Montenegro's top spots including Kotor and Budva. Although it doesn't visit the Blue Cave, it stops at two of my favorite swimming spots on Luštica Peninsula: Dobra Luka and Mirišta Bay.
Balkan Adventure is a 15 day group tour that includes Montenegro, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With 2 days in Kotor you have plenty of time on this tour to see the Blue Cave.
Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast is a 10 day tour that takes you to the most beautiful spots on the Croatian and Montenegrin coasts, including top spots Kotor and Dubrovnik.
The Blue Cave in Montenegro is a true gem of the Adriatic coast. Its unique blue waters, intricate rock formations, and underwater life make it a must-see attraction for all visitors to Montenegro.
Whether you're exploring the cave's depths with a snorkel and mask or admiring its beauty from a boat, visiting the Blue Cave is a truly memorable experience that you'll never forget!
RELATED ARTICLES
- Guide to Our Lady of the Rocks: How to Get There and What to See
- Kotor Old Town Guide
- Guide to Visiting Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro
- Visitor's Guide to Lake Skadar National Park: Montenegro's Hidden Gem
- Visitor's Guide to Lovćen National Park
- Visitor's Guide to Durmitor National Park
Book Your Trip With My Recommended Providers
- Accommodation with Booking.com
- Tours and activities with Get Your Guide
- Tours and activities with Viator
- Cheap car hire with Localrent.com
- Cheap flights with WayAway
- Organised adventure tours with TourRadar
- Transfers with Kiwitaxi
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I'm a New Zealander who's lived in Montenegro since 2008. I love exploring this beautiful country and sharing the best of it with you!
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