Why does one activity stand out as a bucket-list experience for nearly every traveler to Montenegro?

Montenegro is a country brimming with natural wonders, rich history, and awe-inspiring coastal beauty. Among all the things to do, one activity stands out as a bucket-list experience for nearly every traveler: a boat tour along the Bay of Kotor, including a visit to the Blue Cave, a journey through WWII submarine tunnels, sweeping views of Kotor and Perast, and a stop at the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks island. This combined tour delivers the very best of Montenegro—sea, scenery, history, and legend—all in one unforgettable day. See & Book the tour here if you are not patient enough to read what expects you.

1. A Perfect Blend of Nature, Culture, and History

What makes this boat tour so special is the unique blend of experiences it offers. You don’t just float past pretty landscapes; you dive deep into Montenegro's soul. You travel from one stunning spot to another, each with its own unique energy. One moment, you're swimming in glowing turquoise waters. The next, you're exploring a hidden tunnel carved during wartime. Then, you're drifting past centuries-old villages and sacred islands. This tour captures everything Montenegro is about.

2. The Magical Blue Cave

The Blue Cave (Plava Špilja), located on the Lustica Peninsula, is one of Montenegro's natural crown jewels. The cave gets its name from the electric blue light that fills the chamber as sunlight reflects off the white seabed and dances through the crystal-clear water.

When your boat enters the cave, you can dive into the glowing water and feel like you're swimming in liquid sapphire. It's not just beautiful—it’s surreal. Few places in the world offer this kind of immersive experience with nature.

Swimming in the Blue Cave is often the highlight of the day for travelers. It’s peaceful yet exhilarating, dreamlike yet real.

3. The Submarine Tunnels of Lustica

Hidden along the rugged coast of the Lustica Peninsula are abandoned submarine tunnels once used by the Yugoslav navy during the Cold War. These long, echoing tunnels were carved directly into the mountains and used to shelter submarines in secret.

Today, you can cruise your boat into these giant rock caverns, which still hold a mysterious, almost eerie atmosphere. The silence, the damp air, the sense of stepping into a Cold War thriller—it’s a fascinating contrast to the sunshine and open sea outside.

This part of the tour offers something different from natural beauty: a glimpse into Montenegro's strategic and military history, hidden in plain sight.

4. Scenic Views of Kotor and Perast

As your boat cruises through the Bay of Kotor, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping views of Kotor's medieval fortifications climbing up the mountain and the fairy-tale town of Perast with its baroque palaces and stone churches.

These views from the water are entirely different from those on land. You see the whole landscape open up in layers—the glistening bay, the red-roofed towns, the green mountains, and the sky blending seamlessly into the sea.

Photographers and romantics alike will fall in love with this vista. It’s an aesthetic feast and one of the most iconic coastal views in Europe.

5. A Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks

One of the most beloved and unique landmarks in Montenegro, the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) sits just off the shore of Perast. Built upon a reef by local sailors, legend says they dropped a rock at the site each time they returned from sea, eventually forming an island.

Today, the small island hosts a beautiful Roman Catholic church and a museum filled with maritime artifacts and gifts from sailors who were saved from storms. The highlight inside is a 17th-century icon of the Virgin Mary, said to have miraculous powers.

Visiting the island feels sacred. It's small, but the history and emotion it carries make it mighty. Walking around the edge, taking in the mountain views, and ringing the bell for luck are moments that stay with you.

6. Easy, Relaxed, and Full of Wonder

Unlike more strenuous adventures like canyoning or hiking, this boat tour is suitable for everyone. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, it offers a relaxed yet deeply enriching experience.

You can sunbathe on the boat deck, sip wine as the sea breeze hits your face, chat with your captain about local legends, or simply lie back and take in the endless beauty.

The tour typically lasts 3–6 hours, which makes it perfect as a half-day or full-day activity. It's easy to fit into any itinerary, but it often ends up being the absolute highlight.

7. A Photographer’s Dream

From the dramatic cliffs and medieval walls of Kotor to the glowing waters of the Blue Cave, from submarine tunnels to the delicate Our Lady of the Rocks church, this tour is packed with iconic photo opportunities.

Sunrise and sunset tours are especially magical. The soft light reflecting off the bay and architecture turns everything golden. No filter needed.

8. Legendary Hospitality and Local Insight

Most boat tours are led by local captains who double as storytellers. They often share legends about the island, the secrets of the tunnels, or personal tales about growing up in Montenegro. Their passion adds authenticity and heart to the experience.

You might hear about how the island was built, the pirates who once raided Perast, or the tragic love stories connected to the church's icons. These stories elevate the journey from a scenic cruise to a cultural adventure.

9. A Journey Through Montenegro’s Identity

In just a few hours, this boat tour touches on everything Montenegro is known for: dramatic natural beauty, deep historical roots, seafaring traditions, resilience, and spirituality. It’s a compressed journey through the identity of a nation—one you can see, hear, feel, and even swim through.

It connects past and present, land and sea, legend and reality. You leave not just with photos, but with a sense of understanding what makes Montenegro so soulful.

10. A Must-Do That Appeals to All

While some travelers come for hiking or history, and others for beaches or wine, this tour cuts across all types. It’s romantic, adventurous, family-friendly, and relaxing. It appeals to young and old, active and laid-back, cultural explorers and nature lovers.

That universal appeal is what makes it the most important thing to do in Montenegro. It’s not just another tourist excursion; it’s a multi-layered experience that touches the essence of the country.

Final Thoughts

Why is the boat tour to the Blue Cave in combination with the submarine tunnels, views of Kotor and Perast, and a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks the most important thing to do in Montenegro? Because it offers everything—beauty, history, emotion, and adventure—in one elegant, unforgettable journey.

It brings together the sea, the sky, the mountains, and the stories of a people. And in doing so, it gives you a perfect snapshot of why Montenegro captures the hearts of all who visit.

Did we make you curios about why this tour is the best in Montenegro? See & Book the tour here.