Tour Kotor – Perast Old Town – Island Our Lady of the Rocks – Every 2 hours

Traveling around Montenegro’s breathtaking Bay of Kotor doesn’t get easier or more picturesque than on this popular speedboat tour. With a mix of scenic cruising, historical exploration, and a touch of legend, this experience offers an excellent blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue—all in just around two hours. It’s a quick escape that truly captures the charm of the region, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager for a memorable adventure.

One of the best parts? The panoramic boat ride along the bay. The views of medieval villages, lush green hills, and rugged coastlines are spectacular and the kind of scene you’ll want to photograph endlessly. Plus, visiting the Our Lady of the Rocks—an island steeped in legend—and wandering through Perast’s well-preserved old town really rounds out the day.

A potential consideration? The timed nature of the stops might feel rushed for some. Reviewers mention that the allotted time at each location can be tight—especially at Perast, where some felt they barely had enough to soak in the sights before needing to reboard. Still, if you’re a traveler who loves quick, scenic excursions with knowledgeable guides, this tour hits the right notes.

This tour suits those who value beautiful scenery, cultural sights, and a relaxed yet efficient itinerary. It’s perfect for cruise passengers, couples, or families wanting a snapshot of Kotor’s highlights without the fuss of a longer, more involved tour.

Key Points

• Scenic boat ride offers stunning views of Kotor Bay and its charming villages.
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks, an iconic artificial island with a church and art.
• Explore Perast, a UNESCO-listed old town with Venetian architecture.
• The tour is affordable at around $27.81, offering great value considering the sights.
• Guides and crew are highly praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness.
• Duration and timing are efficient, with approximately 2 hours including travel and stops, but some may find the time at each site a little brief.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at Kotor Boat Tours’ meeting point, conveniently located near the terminal and close to public transportation options. It’s recommended to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid missing the departure, especially since the tour departs roughly every two hours. As the tour is limited to 25 travelers, it maintains a comfortable, small-group vibe—ample space to ask questions or just enjoy the ride.

The mobile ticket system makes it easy to check in, and the tour’s capacity ensures you won’t feel lost in the crowd. The price of $27.81 includes all fees, taxes, fuel, bottled water, and insurance—an honest price for a scenic, culturally enriching experience.

The Speedboat Cruise

The highlight for many is undoubtedly the speedboat journey itself. The boat is described as silky smooth and well-maintained with a lively, relaxing vibe—often enhanced with music, per reviews. Guides Andrea and Igor are singled out for their warmth and friendliness, making the ride more engaging and fun. Expect the boat ride to take about 45 minutes round-trip—plenty of time to take photos, enjoy the breeze, or just relax and soak in the views.

During the cruise, you’ll observe the coastlines lined with ancient fishing villages and lush landscapes, providing that classic Montenegro postcard scenery. Reviewers mention the “beautiful boat and silky smooth journey,” along with the captivating coastline that resembles Norwegian fjords. The boat ride sets a perfect tone—relaxing but also full of interesting vistas.

Visiting Perast

Next, the tour stops at Perast, a tiny but captivating town that’s part of Montenegro’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The old town is a treasure trove of Venetian architecture, with baroque palazzi, churches, and defensive towers lining narrow cobbled streets. It’s a place to breathe in history, and many reviews emphasize its beauty and authenticity.

However, some reviewers felt the time allocated—about 20 to 30 minutes—was quite limited. One pointed out that they “barely got off the boat before needing to reboard,” which underscores that if you’re a history buff or love soaking in atmospheres, you might wish for more time. Still, what’s offered is enough to walk around, admire the architecture, and maybe grab a quick coffee or gelato.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The island itself is a fascinating blend of legend and art, created by local sailors who placed a rock each time they returned from a voyage. The Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island, topped with a church that houses numerous artworks. The attached museum gives insight into local traditions and legends.

Entry into the church is not included in the tour price, but many reviews mention that the interior is beautiful and filled with art, making it worth the small extra fee (€3). Visitors note that swimming or drone use on the island is strictly forbidden, preserving its peaceful state. Also, proper attire is required—no swimwear inside the church, and a T-shirt or covering is necessary.

Practical Details & Tips

The tour is weather-dependent, so poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling. When the weather is clear, the boat ride shines, and the views are at their best. During the spring and autumn months, you might want to bring a light jacket as it can be chilly even on a sunny day. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera are essentials.

The duration of the entire experience is around 2 hours, with about 45 minutes spent on the boat, and the rest divided between stops. While the trip offers a quick overview, some feel the time at each site could be expanded, especially for those eager to explore more deeply.

Authenticity and Quality

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Andrea and Igor, the main crew members, are highlighted for their helpfulness and ability to keep the atmosphere relaxed and fun. They also provide interesting stories and local insights, adding depth to the experience beyond just the scenery.

The value for money is clear. For less than $30, you get a scenic boat ride, access to a UNESCO site, and a chance to see one of Montenegro’s most iconic islands. It’s a well-organized, hassle-free way to get a taste of Kotor’s highlights without committing to a longer tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for cruise travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a quick yet immersive taste of Kotor’s coastline and cultural sites. It suits families with kids, as the small group size makes it manageable and engaging. If you love picturesque scenery, legends, and authentic villages, this trip hits the right notes.

However, if you’re keen on a more in-depth visit or dislike feeling rushed, you might want to look for longer or more detailed tours. Also, those who prefer to explore at their own pace will appreciate the organized stops but should be prepared for limited time at each location.

The Sum Up

This speedboat tour of Kotor, Perast, and Our Lady of the Rocks offers a compelling blend of breathtaking views, historic charm, and local legends—all wrapped into a compact 2-hour adventure. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a scenic, authentic experience without the hassle of long excursions or complex logistics.

The tour delivers excellent value, with friendly guides and a well-organized itinerary, making it a highlight for many visitors. The boat ride, in particular, is praised for its smoothness and ambiance, often accompanied by music, which enhances the relaxed vibe. The stops at Perast and the island are brief but packed with visual and cultural delights, perfect for a quick dose of Montenegro’s coastal magic.

Overall, if you’re after stunning scenery, engaging storytelling, and a taste of local legends in a small-group setting, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate beautiful landscapes, a little history, and a laid-back vibe—a memorable snapshot of Montenegro’s coast in just two hours.

FAQ

How often does the tour depart?
Every two hours, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule.

What is included in the price?
All fees and taxes, insurance, fuel, and bottled water are included. Entry into Our Lady of the Rocks is extra (€3).

How long is the boat ride?
Approximately 45 minutes round-trip, offering a comfortable and scenic cruise.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but always check with the provider if you have very young children.

Can I swim during this tour?
No, swimming and drone use are forbidden at Our Lady of the Rocks.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, comfortable shoes, a hat, a jacket for cooler weather, and a towel if you want to sit comfortably.

Will I have enough time at each location?
Some reviews mention the time is a little tight, especially at Perast and the island, so plan accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled, you’ll get a full refund or reschedule.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, guides like Andrea and Igor are praised for their friendliness and insights.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely, considering the scenery, cultural stops, and the small-group experience, it’s a very reasonable price.

Can I book this last minute?
On average, it’s booked 23 days in advance, but last-minute availability may vary—check ahead if you’re eager to go soon.

This tour is a straightforward, scenic, and cultural quick fix for those exploring Montenegro’s stunning coast. If you’re after a memorable, well-organized experience that highlights both natural beauty and a touch of legend, it’s definitely worth considering.