Blue Cave & Lady of the Rocks Tour: Is it Worth it? (Review)

Planning a trip to Montenegro and wondering if the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks tour is, like, worth your time and money? I mean, you’ve probably seen the stunning photos of that glowing blue water and the picturesque island church, yet figuring out if the actual experience measures up can be a tricky thing, right? I’m going to break down my experience, what to expect, and, too, give you some tips that should assist you in deciding if this three-hour tour needs to be on your Montenegro itinerary, so you can tell.

What’s the Hype Around the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks?

Okay, so what makes these two locations absolute must-sees in Montenegro, you may wonder? First off, the Blue Cave isn’t some cleverly named nightclub; it’s basically a natural sea cave on the Luštica peninsula. Light enters through an opening in the roof, reflecting off the sandy bottom, which then creates this crazy, almost otherworldly blue glow, which is, by the way, super popular with swimmers and photographers alike.

Now, Lady of the Rocks is, kind of, another story entirely. This is that small, man-made island sitting prettily in the Bay of Kotor. According to local legend, some sailors found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock back in 1452. They kept finding it, or another one, the story changes depending on who tells it, very often. They took it as a sign, deciding they probably had to build a church there, a long, slow, continuous action. And that’s why they dropped rocks and old ships into the sea for a good two centuries, creating the island that we get to see. The church itself, the one there now, I mean, is full of paintings and religious artifacts, basically making it a cool cultural and historical spot that is, honestly, just breathtaking.

What to Expect on the 3-Hour Tour

The typical Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks tour is, too, approximately three hours long. Most tours start from Kotor, but others often depart from nearby towns, like Herceg Novi. The boats themselves could be small speedboats or larger, more comfortable vessels, very much depending on the tour operator. I suggest checking ahead, by the way.

The boat trip to the Blue Cave is, arguably, quite scenic, giving you outstanding views of the Bay of Kotor, with its dramatic mountains meeting the sea. As you approach the cave, be ready for it to potentially get a bit crowded, especially during peak tourist season, if you want to be factual. Depending on your tour, you could have the option to swim inside the cave; some tours will provide snorkeling equipment, by the way. Honestly, swimming in that glowing blue water is a special experience that’s so wonderful!

After the Blue Cave, that tour generally heads to Lady of the Rocks. You’ll have around 20-30 minutes to explore the island and the church. It isn’t that much time, but it might be long enough to soak in the history, admire those artworks, and take some memorable photos to remind you, if you want to know my own thinking. The tour commonly returns to the starting point, giving you more time to appreciate the beautiful Montenegrin coastline, you can also catch another tour in other location by following the route. So, is that great?

My Personal Experience: Highs and Lows

So, on my tour, the views truly were incredible; I can tell you that much for sure. Like your typical tourist, I grabbed approximately a million photos of the Bay of Kotor – I mean, that scenery is, like, pure Instagram gold! As a matter of fact, swimming in the Blue Cave was that highlight. The water was bracing but very refreshing, and witnessing that blue light from underneath was so special.

That said, there were, apparently, some downsides, too. Our speedboat was completely packed, which meant it was tricky to move around and snag the best viewpoints. Also, at the Blue Cave, there were a bunch of boats all trying to get in at once, so there was, really, a little bit of a wait. At Lady of the Rocks, I wish we would have had just a little more time – 30 minutes went by super fast!

Is the Tour Worth Your Time and Money?

So, is the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks tour a must-do, you may ask? I’d suggest yes, but with certain expectations. The views and the Blue Cave swimming experience, in particular, are extremely worth it. Still, go in being ready for it to be a little crowded, and that time at Lady of the Rocks, for example, could be limited.

If you’re that person who appreciates incredible natural beauty, are drawn to unique historical sites, and, honestly, don’t mind a bit of a tourist crowd, you’ll, by all accounts, really like this tour. But, if you’re searching for an uncrowded, peaceful experience, I suggest considering an off-season visit or, also, perhaps a private tour, I think that’s great too.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

Book in Advance: In peak season, tours can, too, sell out, so booking in advance helps in that you make sure you snag a spot.

Check the Weather: The Blue Cave is weather-dependent; rough seas can sometimes, you know, cause tours to get canceled. See if it is the season.

Bring Essentials: Remember to pack sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a camera to preserve those moments!

Consider a Smaller Group Tour: If you can, booking a tour with less of those travelers, it would be great too, so you can have more personal attention and a potentially less crowded experience.

Arrive Early: Reach the meeting point earlier than what’s required so you get a good seat on the boat that could give you the greatest views.

Other Montenegro Tours to Consider

When the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks tour can, usually, be the highlight of the trip, I would say it shouldn’t necessarily be the only one, to me. Montenegro comes with more to offer. Look at these ideas:

• Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: Walk with a tourist guide through Kotor’s ancient heart to dive deeply into its amazing background and great cultural significance, if you need to have some facts.
• Perast Boat Tour: Take pleasure in that quiet village of Perast near the coast for stunning seaside scenery as well as scenic trips of charming St. George Island.
• Hiking Excursions in Durmitor National Park: Visit Durmitor park in Montenegro, and challenge to walking expeditions in places as spectacular as the Black Lake.
• Wine Tasting in the Wineries of Lake Skadar: See the interesting local wineries along Lake Skadar with possibilities for tasty Montenegrin wine sampling.

Basically, the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks tour in Montenegro is, really, a memorable experience with some of the very best sights in the Bay of Kotor. While you might have to deal with a small amount of crowds, its beauty makes it special. If you get well set for the minor things you will make an unforgettable tour which could be just the right choice.