Can You Still Swim in the Blue Cave? The New 2026 Montenegro Boat Law, Explained

Short answer: yes — you can still swim inside the Blue Cave. As of 21 May 2026, a new Montenegro law no longer allows motorized boats to enter the Blue Cave. But the experience is fully intact: tour boats now anchor just outside, and guests swim straight into the cave to see the famous glowing blue water up close. If anything, it's better — quieter, cleaner, and without boats crowding the chamber.

What the new Blue Cave law actually says

In May 2026, Montenegro's Ministry of Maritime Affairs adopted a new regulation on the safety of navigation that prohibits motorized vessels from entering the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja), on the Luštica Peninsula at the mouth of the Bay of Kotor. The rule took effect on 21 May 2026.

The reasoning is straightforward. For years, during peak summer, the small cave chamber filled with boats jockeying for position while swimmers were in the water at the same time — a genuine safety hazard. The new law separates engines from people: boats stay outside, swimmers go in. The stated goals are to protect swimmer safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and preserve the cave environment.

So… can you still go inside the Blue Cave?

Yes — by swimming. This is the key point for anyone planning a visit or worried about a booking: the cave is not closed. What changed is how you enter it. Instead of the boat carrying you in, the boat anchors close to the entrance and you swim the rest of the way.

Many travellers actually preferred swimming in even before the law — it's the most immersive way to experience the glow, and you're no longer sharing a small space with idling engines.

How it works on a Montenegro Submarine tour

Here's exactly what happens at the Blue Cave stop:

• We anchor 10–20 metres from the entrance. Close enough to see straight in, safely outside the cave mouth.
• Life jackets and kickboards are provided for every guest — so confident and less-confident swimmers alike can reach the cave comfortably.
• You swim into the cave and float in the glowing blue water. The light comes from sunlight refracting through the clear water off the pale seabed.
• The boat waits until every guest is safely back on board before continuing.

The swim is short and the water is calm inside the cave entrance. You don't need to be an athlete — just comfortable getting in the sea with a life jacket or kickboard for support.

Is the experience better or worse now?

Honestly, better. The most common complaint about the old Blue Cave visit was overcrowding — multiple boats packed into a chamber barely wide enough for them, engine noise echoing off the walls, and a rushed few minutes before the next boat pushed in. With motorized vessels kept outside, the cave is quieter and the blue glow is easier to take in. You get the cave, the light, and the water — minus the diesel and the traffic jam.

What to bring

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes — there are no changing facilities on the boat.
• A waterproof phone case or pouch — the interior is spectacular for photos.
• A towel for afterwards.
• Life jackets and kickboards are already on board, so there's nothing to rent.

Want the full visitor guide — best time of day for the blue glow, what the cave looks like inside, and how to get there? Read our complete Blue Cave Montenegro guide.