May is the perfect time to explore Boka Bay—warm but not scorching, with fewer crowds. I joined a boat tour departing from Park Slobode in Kotor, ready to experience the bay’s history and natural beauty from the water.
The moment the boat left the harbor, the energy shifted. The captain cranked up the speakers, and suddenly, Mamma Mia was blasting across the bay. The mix of classic hits and local favorites added a fun, laid-back atmosphere. We picked up speed, cutting through the deep blue waters, the wind cooling my face. Every now and then, the boat would hit a small wave, causing a light splash, adding to the thrill of the ride.
Our Lady of the Rocks
Our first stop was Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island near Perast. Sailors built this by dropping rocks and sinking old and seized ships into the sea, creating a foundation for the 15th-century church that now stands there.
We didn’t go inside the church—the long lines and limited time made that impossible. Instead, we enjoyed the view from the outside, taking in the stunning blue waters surrounding the island. The façade of the church stood out against the backdrop of the mountains, and the entire place felt like something out of a painting.
Former Submarine Tunnels
From history and religion, we shifted to something completely different—a hidden submarine base from the Yugoslav Wars. The entrance was carved into the cliffs, wide enough to let a submarine slip inside unnoticed. Our boat glided in, and suddenly, we were inside a tunnel, surrounded by rock walls.
The captain didn’t say a word but instead played a track from National Treasure, making the whole experience feel like we were on a secret mission. The quiet tunnel, combined with the dramatic music, made the moment even more surreal.
Mamula Island
Next, we passed Mamula Island, a round fortress built by the Austro-Hungarians in the 19th century. During World War II, it became a prison under Italian occupation. Now, the island has been transformed into a luxury resort, a complete contrast to its dark past. Seeing the old fortress now repurposed as a high-end retreat was interesting—it was hard to imagine that it once held prisoners within its stone walls.
Blue Cave
The final stop was the Blue Cave, one of the most famous spots in Boka Bay. As we approached the entrance, the water shimmered with an almost unreal blue glow, created by the sunlight reflecting off the bottom.
We didn’t spend long inside the cave—just enough to take in the sight before heading back out. Tourists were allowed to swim outside the cave, but I decided to stay on the boat. No life vests were provided, and since I don’t know how to swim, I wasn’t about to test my luck in open water.
Heading Back to Kotor Old Town
On the ride back, the music came back on, and the mood was more subdued. The afternoon sun cast a glow on the cliffs flanking the bay, their sheer faces reflecting on the water. Most of us just sat back, resting after the whirlwind of stops, while the boat cut through the calm sea. The familiar tunes playing over the speakers made the ride even more relaxing, a perfect way to wind down after the short but packed adventure.
As Kotor’s old town came into view, I took one last look at the bay. In just a few hours, we had seen history, nature, and hidden places tucked within Montenegro’s coastline—all from the best seat possible, out on the water. Though short, the Boka Bay tour had offered a glimpse into the Adriatic’s past and present, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for this breathtaking part of the world.
