The Blue Cave is still one of the best stops near Kotor. Since 21 May 2026, boats can no longer go inside the cave, so we stop just outside, and you can see the blue water from the boat.
Swimming is at a calm spot nearby, with life jackets and your skipper there the whole time.
If you’ve read older tour descriptions that talk about a boat ride inside the cave, this guide explains what actually happens on the water now.
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Quick answer: what changed at the Blue Cave in 2026?
Since 21 May 2026, motorized boats can no longer enter the Blue Cave in Montenegro.
The cave is still open, but boats now stop just outside the entrance.
On our tours, guests see the Blue Cave from the boat and take photos from close to the entrance. For safety reasons, we do not swim at the cave entrance itself.
When sea conditions allow, swimming is organized at a calmer spot close to the Blue Cave, with life jackets available on board.
Our most popular Private Boka Bay Boat Tour from Kotor still includes the Blue Cave area, Our Lady of the Rocks, the submarine tunnels, Mamula Island, Perast, and Porto Montenegro.
What changed at the Blue Cave in 2026
In May 2026, Montenegro’s maritime authorities introduced a new navigation safety rule for the Blue Cave on the Luštica Peninsula, at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor.
From 21 May 2026, motorized boats are no longer allowed to enter the cave.
The reason is mainly safety.
In peak summer, the small cave used to fill with boats maneuvering for space while swimmers were in the water at the same time, and engines and people in a tight stone chamber are a real safety risk.
The rule keeps boats out of the cave itself. The stated goals are to protect visitors, reduce accidents, and preserve the cave.
A few things worth knowing:
- The rule is permanent, not a seasonal restriction, so it applies this season and is expected to stay in place going forward.
- It applies to every operator and every departure point, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi and Budva alike. No tour company is exempt.
- The cave is not closed. Only motorized entry into the cave is restricted.
Can you still visit the Blue Cave?
Yes. The cave is open; you simply experience it from the water rather than from inside. On our tours, we bring the boat right up to the Blue Cave and stop just outside the entrance.
For safety, we don’t swim at the cave entrance itself. Instead, swimming is organized at beautiful, calmer spots close by.
You still get plenty of time in the sea, just in a safer, more comfortable place with more room and less boat traffic.
Is the experience better or worse now?
For most visitors, better. The biggest complaint about the old way was crowding: several boats packed near the cave, engine noise bouncing off the rock, and a rushed visit before the next boat pushed in.
With motorized boats kept out, the spot is quieter and calmer. You get the cave, the light, and the water, without the diesel and the traffic jam, and your swim happens somewhere with more space anyway.
When does the blue water look its best?
The blue glow depends on the sun. It’s strongest from late morning to early afternoon on a clear day, when the light hits the water at the right angle.
Cloudy weather softens the color, and a strong southerly wind can make the sea choppier. That’s true for every operator, since it’s nature, not the tour.
If timing your visit for the best light matters to you, our guide on when to visit the Blue Cave for swimming goes into more detail. visit.
from
€
€
per person
Free cancelation
For a full refund - cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, delay or rerouting of the cruiser
Non-refundable for - cancellation less of 24 hours prior to the tour
Bad weather conditions - full refund or book a new tour
from
€
€
per person
Free cancelation
For a full refund - cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, delay or rerouting of the cruiser
Non-refundable for - cancellation less of 24 hours prior to the tour
Bad weather conditions - full refund or book a new tour
from
€
€
per person
Free cancelation
For a full refund - cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, delay or rerouting of the cruiser
Non-refundable for - cancellation less of 24 hours prior to the tour
Bad weather conditions - full refund or book a new tour
Does this rule affect tours from Kotor, Tivat, Budva, or Herceg Novi?
Yes. The rule applies to the Blue Cave itself, not to one specific tour operator or departure point.
That means motorized boats from Kotor, Tivat, Budva, and Herceg Novi are not allowed to enter the cave.
Boats now stop outside the entrance, and each operator should clearly explain how the Blue Cave stop works on their tour.
If a listing still advertises a boat ride inside the Blue Cave in 2026, it may be using outdated information.
Which of our tours visit the Blue Cave?
FAQ's
Can you still swim on a Blue Cave tour in 2026?
Yes. Boats can no longer enter the cave, and for safety, we don’t swim at the cave entrance itself; instead, swimming is organized at a calm, clear spot nearby, with life jackets provided. You see the Blue Cave from the boat and swim close by.
Why can't boats go inside the Blue Cave anymore?
A navigation-safety rule that took effect on 21 May 2026 prohibits motorized vessels from entering the cave to protect visitors, prevent crowding and accidents in the small chamber, and preserve the cave.
Is the Blue Cave still worth visiting now?
Yes. Boats no longer enter the cave, but you can still see the blue water from close to the entrance. The experience depends on sea conditions and boat traffic, but the Blue Cave remains one of the main highlights of the route.
Does this rule apply to tours from other towns?
Yes. It applies to the Blue Cave itself, so every operator from every departure point now stops outside the cave.
