Submarine Tunnels from Kotor
Submarine Tunnels, Montenegro: Hidden stop on Blue Cave tours
Submarine tunnels from Kotor add a completely different feeling to a boat tour through Boka Bay.
Hidden within the rocky coastline, these former military shelters reveal a side of the bay many visitors do not expect.
They are not a classic sightseeing stop like Perast or Our Lady of the Rocks. The experience is more atmospheric. You approach the dark tunnel entrance from the water, hear why it was built, and get a glimpse of the bay’s military past before the route continues toward Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
This guide explains where the submarine tunnels are, whether boats can enter them, what to expect during the visit, and which boat tour from Kotor includes them.
What are the submarine tunnels in Kotor Bay?
The submarine tunnels in Kotor Bay are old military tunnels built into the rocky coastline. They were used to hide and protect naval boats.
From the sea, they look like dark openings in the rock. As the boat gets closer, you can better see how large they are and why they were built there.
They feel very different from the calmer stops in Boka Bay, like Perast or Our Lady of the Rocks. The tunnels are darker, quieter, and more unexpected. They show another side of the bay, not only its beauty, but also its military past.
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
Why are the submarine tunnels interesting?
The submarine tunnels make the boat route feel more adventurous. After passing islands, churches, and calm bay views, the dark tunnel entrances create a sudden change in atmosphere.
This is the part of the tour where the bay feels less like a postcard and more like a place with a hidden story. The skipper can explain what the tunnels were used for and why this coastline had military importance.
You do not need a long stop here. Even a short visit is enough to understand why the submarine tunnels are one of the most surprising moments on the 3-hour Blue Cave boat tour from Kotor.
History of the submarine tunnels, MONTENEGRO
The submarine tunnels were built during a period when Boka Bay had strong military importance. Its deep water, sheltered position, and narrow coastal passages made the bay useful for naval infrastructure.
The tunnels were carved into the coastline to hide and protect military vessels.
Their purpose was practical: to keep boats out of sight, protect them from weather, and use the natural shape of the bay for defense.
Today, they are no longer used for that purpose, but they remain visible from the water. Seeing them by boat helps visitors understand a different layer of Boka Bay’s past, beyond old towns, churches, and island views.
Remember because it feels completely different from the calmer parts of the bay.
Where are the submarine tunnels located?
The submarine tunnels are located along the coastline of Boka Bay, on the route from Kotor toward the open-sea side of the bay.
From Kotor, the easiest way to see them is by speedboat tour from Kotor. The route usually passes Our Lady of the Rocks first, then continues toward the submarine tunnels, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave.
Because the tunnels are built into the rocky shore, they are best seen from the water. They are usually included on longer routes, not on short Perast or Our Lady of the Rocks tours.
Submarine tunnels route from Kotor
A typical boat route from Kotor to the submarine tunnels looks like this:
Kotor → Our Lady of the Rocks → Submarine tunnels → Mamula Island → Blue Cave → Kotor
The tunnels are not usually the final destination. They are a short but memorable stop along the way to Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
The easiest way to follow this route is on a group Blue Cave boat tour that includes the submarine tunnels, Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave in a single trip.
Can you enter the submarine tunnels by boat?
Sometimes, yes. Boats may enter or come close to the submarine tunnels depending on sea conditions, boat traffic, boat size, and the skipper’s safety decision.
When conditions allow, the boat can approach the dark entrance, giving you time for photos. If entering is not safe or practical on the day, the tunnels are still impressive from the outside.
The skipper always makes the final decision, because safety depends on the sea, weather, and boat traffic at that moment.
Can you visit Mamula Island?
Mamula Island is not usually visited in the same way as Our Lady of the Rocks or Perast. Because the island is now home to a private heritage resort, public access is limited.
The easiest way to see Mamula Island from Kotor is by boat tours. Shorter tours from Kotor usually stay closer to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks. Longer tours continue toward the submarine tunnels, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave.
A typical boat route from Kotor to Mamula Island looks like this:
Kotor → Our Lady of the Rocks → Submarine tunnels → Mamula Island → Blue Cave → Kotor
The easiest way to see this route is on a 3-hour Blue Cave boat tour from Kotor, because it includes Mamula Island together with Our Lady of the Rocks, the submarine tunnels, and the Blue Cave in one trip.
Mamula is usually not the final destination of the tour. It is one of the key sights along the way to the Blue Cave.
What to expect at the submarine tunnels
As the boat approaches the submarine tunnels, the scenery changes. The coastline becomes rockier, the water feels quieter, and the dark openings in the stone create a completely different mood from the rest of the bay.
The stop is usually short. The skipper may slow down, explain what the tunnels were used for, and give you time to take photos. Depending on conditions, the boat may enter one of the tunnels or stop near the entrance.
This is not a swimming or walking stop. It is a short, atmospheric stretch of the route that offers a glimpse of the hidden military side of Boka Bay.
Submarine tunnels and the Blue Cave route
The submarine tunnels are usually visited on the same route as Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
This combination works well because each stop gives the tour a different feeling. Our Lady of the Rocks adds culture. The submarine tunnels add mystery and military history. Mamula Island brings fortress views and open-sea scenery. The Blue Cave adds a natural highlight to the trip.
Together, these stops make the route feel more complete. You do not only see beautiful water and coastal views. You also pass places connected to the history, defense, and character of Boka Bay.
The stop is usually short. The skipper may slow down, explain what the tunnels were used for, and give you time to take photos. Depending on conditions, the boat may enter one of the tunnels or stop near the entrance.
This is not a swimming or walking stop. It is a short, atmospheric stretch of the route that offers a glimpse of the hidden military side of Boka Bay.
Most Blue Cave tours from Kotor include both the submarine tunnels and Mamula Island, giving you two different views of Boka Bay’s military past in one route.
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
Best time to visit the submarine tunnels
The submarine tunnels can be visited throughout the boat tour season, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Morning and early afternoon tours are often a good choice because the sea can be calmer and the light outside the tunnels is better for photos. The tunnels themselves are darker, so the contrast between the entrance and the bright water outside is part of the experience.
During windy weather or rougher sea conditions, the skipper may adjust the route for safety. This can affect whether the boat enters the tunnel or passes nearby.
Are the submarine tunnels worth visiting?
Boat tours that include the submarine tunnels
FAQ's
Can you visit the submarine tunnels from Kotor?
Yes, you can visit the submarine tunnels from Kotor by speedboat tour. They are usually included on longer routes that continue toward Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
Where are the submarine tunnels in Kotor Bay?
The submarine tunnels are located along the Boka Bay coastline, on the route from Kotor toward Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
Are the submarine tunnels included in Blue Cave tours?
Yes, most Blue Cave boat tours from Kotor include the submarine tunnels as one of the stops before continuing toward Mamula Island and the Blue Cave.
Can boats enter the submarine tunnels?
Sometimes. Boats may enter or come close to the submarine tunnels depending on sea conditions, boat traffic, boat size, and the skipper’s safety decision.
What were the submarine tunnels used for?
The submarine tunnels were used as military shelters for naval vessels. They were built into the coastline to hide and protect boats.
Is it safe to enter the submarine tunnels by boat?
Yes, when conditions allow, and the skipper decides it is safe. The final decision always depends on sea conditions, boat traffic, and safety on the day of the tour.
How long do you spend in the submarine tunnels?
The stop is usually short. Most visitors spend enough time to approach the tunnel, take photos, hear a short explanation, and continue the route.
What is the best boat tour to see the submarine tunnels from Kotor?
The best option is the 3-hour Blue Cave boat tour from Kotor, because it usually includes Our Lady of the Rocks, the submarine tunnels, Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave in one route.
Are the submarine tunnels worth visiting?
Yes. The submarine tunnels are worth visiting because they add history, atmosphere, and a hidden military story to the Blue Cave boat route from Kotor.
