Private tour Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks 1.5h

Exploring Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks: A Compact but Captivating Montenegro Experience

When it comes to discovering Montenegro’s scenic beauty and historic charm, a short but well-curated boat tour like the Private Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks offers a fantastic glimpse. This 1.5-hour journey, priced at around $150 for a group of up to 10 people, is ideal for travelers looking for a quick yet authentic taste of Kotor Bay’s treasures. What sets this tour apart is its flexibility—offering a private setting, personalized pacing, and some of the best views around.

One feature we particularly appreciate is the customized nature of the trip. Since it’s private, your group gets the skipper’s full attention and the chance to enjoy the sights at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of bottled water and snorkeling masks means you’ll have some fun opportunities beyond sightseeing.

A minor consideration is the short duration—while 1.5 hours allows for a quick exploration, those wanting in-depth historical insights or extended swimming might find it a bit brisk. Still, for its size and price, this tour hits the sweet spot for travelers eager to see iconic sights without a lengthy commitment.

This experience is perfectly suited for couples, small groups, or families who want a private, picturesque outing with a dash of adventure. It’s ideal if you value flexibility, stunning scenery, and a taste of local culture without the crowds or large tour groups.

Key Points

• Private and Flexible: Tailored for up to 10 guests, your group’s interests come first.
• Stunning Views: 20-minute scenic ride through Kotor Bay offers breathtaking vistas.
• Authentic Experience: Explore UNESCO-protected Perast and the man-made island, Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Value for Money: Includes bottled water, snorkeling gear, and brief but memorable stops.
• Short but Sweet: Perfect for a quick immersion, but may leave travelers wanting more time.
• Accessible and Convenient: Pickup offered from Kotor; easy to book in advance.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Tide and Wave Boat Tours departure point in Kotor, a straightforward and accessible location. The boat ride itself lasts about 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of the bay, making it a scenic prelude to the stops ahead. The vessel is said to be comfortable, and the skipper is praised for being skilled and adaptable—as one reviewer mentioned, their skipper “adapted it for us as we were travelling with 3 very young children,” which speaks to the personalized touch you can expect.

Our Lady of the Rocks: Man-Made Marvel and Cultural Landmark

The first stop, Our Lady of the Rocks, is truly one of the most distinctive sights in the bay. Situated in the middle of the water, this tiny island was created by local residents who laid stones and built a church on top—hence the name. Entry to the island itself is free, but if you choose to explore the church or museum, there’s a small fee (€3 each). The tour provides 20 minutes here—just enough time to walk around, snap photos of the island’s rugged charm, and soak in the atmosphere.

During visits, some travelers have appreciated the ability to explore at their own pace, and reviews highlight that the island’s stunning views and the peaceful setting make it well worth the short stop. The church’s interior and the island’s history are not the main focus here (no museum entry included), but the views alone are worth the visit, especially for photography buffs.

Perast: A Step Back in Time

Next, the boat heads to Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks much as it did centuries ago. This tiny town is a treasure trove of Venetian architecture, narrow streets, and historic charm. Travelers get 30 minutes to walk through the streets, which are lined with old stone houses and baroque churches.

One of the highlights, as several reviewers noted, is simply wandering through Perast’s well-preserved streets and soaking in the atmosphere. The town’s charm is largely visual—its classical facades, quiet squares, and the nearby islands create a postcard scene. Since no entrance fee is required, this stop offers a low-cost way to experience authentic Montenegrin coastal life.

Reviewers have mentioned how easy it was to book the trip via WhatsApp, and how even delays didn’t spoil the experience—”Although we were delayed, we could still do the whole trip,” observed one visitor. This flexibility is key for travelers wary of rigid schedules.

Return Journey and Additional Perks

After exploring Perast, the boat makes a 20-minute ride back to Kotor. During the trip, you’ll receive bottled water, which is a simple but thoughtful touch, especially on warm days. The skipper also provides snorkeling masks, opening up a fun option for swimming in the bay’s clear waters—perfect if you want a quick cool-down or a bit of underwater exploration.

One reviewer described the trip as “crazy atmosphere,” with “amazing views,” and praised the skipper for making it a memorable outing. Others appreciated how the trip was easy to organize, noting that even with a delay, they managed to enjoy everything.

The Value of the Tour

At $150.49 for a group of up to 10, this private tour offers a personalized experience that’s quite competitive for the region. The private setting means you can skip crowded groups and customize your stops within the time limit, which is a significant advantage for travelers seeking flexibility.

While the duration is quite short, the price includes key features like bottled water, snorkeling masks, and the opportunity to visit two of Montenegro’s most photogenic sites—an excellent value for those wanting a quick, scenic escape. The small entrance fees for the church and museum are additional, but minor, costs.

The tour’s capacity to adapt—highlighted by reviews praising the skipper’s skill and willingness to accommodate—makes it particularly appealing for families, couples, or small groups wanting a relaxed, intimate experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a private, hassle-free outing with stunning views and a taste of Perast’s charm. It’s suited for those with limited time but who still want to see the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks and wander through the historic streets of Perast.

It’s also perfect for families traveling with children, as the boat can be adapted for young kids, and the short stops keep it manageable. If you’re someone who prefers a more personalized, flexible approach to sightseeing, this tour provides that with a friendly skipper and the chance to customize your experience.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth historical tour, or plan to spend several hours exploring, this might feel a bit brief. Still, for a taste of Montenegro’s best, it offers a lovely snapshot with fabulous scenery.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Private Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks tour blends convenience, personalized service, and authentic sights into a manageable 1.5-hour window. The boat ride itself promises panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere, with stops that highlight Montenegro’s seafaring history and beautiful architecture. The inclusion of snorkeling gear adds a playful element, especially appreciated by reviewers who enjoyed swimming in the clear waters of the bay.

This experience is best suited for those who value intimacy and flexibility, and who want a quick but memorable peek into Montenegro’s maritime charm. It offers excellent value—especially considering the private setting—and can comfortably fit into a day’s itinerary or serve as a delightful standalone adventure.

For anyone seeking an easy, scenic, and customizable way to see two of the region’s most iconic sights, this tour ticks all the boxes without breaking the bank.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviewers have noted that it can be adapted for young children, and the short duration makes it manageable for families.

How long is the boat ride?
The total boat ride lasts about 40 minutes—20 minutes to Our Lady of the Rocks and 20 minutes back to Kotor.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour includes free exploration of the island and town, but entrance to the church and museum on Our Lady of the Rocks costs €3 each.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers the boat ride, bottled water, and snorkeling masks for swimming.

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
This is a private tour, so the skipper can adapt the experience within the given timeframe, making it quite flexible.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a beautifully simple way to enjoy Montenegro’s coastal scenery and historic sights without the fuss of large groups or lengthy commitments. It’s a straightforward, well-reviewed option that balances value, comfort, and authentic experience—a smart choice for your Montenegro itinerary.