From Kotor: Sunset Boat Tour to Perast & Lady of the Rocks

Taking a sunset boat tour from Kotor to visit Our Lady of the Rocks and the picturesque town of Perast offers a wonderfully balanced mix of natural beauty and cultural discovery. This 2-hour cruise, praised for its stunning vistas and knowledgeable guides, is perfect if you’re looking to unwind as the day winds down and soak in some iconic sights from the water.

What we especially love about this experience is how effortlessly it combines a leisurely boat ride with authentic stops—giving you time to explore both the sacred and the scenic. The golden light of sunset adds an extra layer of magic to the views, making it a highlight among Montenegrin excursions.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s timing is fixed and the Lady of the Rocks church and museum are not open to visitors after 6 PM, so you won’t be able to go inside during the sunset hours. This shouldn’t detract from the experience, but it’s good to know in advance if your main goal is interior exploration.

This tour suits travelers who love breathtaking scenery, cultural sightseeing, and relaxing boat rides—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone seeking a peaceful, memorable evening on the Bay of Kotor.

Key Points

• Stunning sunset views over the Adriatic enhance the experience
• Culturally enriching visit to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast
• Comfortable boat ride with friendly, knowledgeable guides
• Limited inside access to Lady of the Rocks church after 6 PM
• Flexible booking options with full refunds up to 24 hours in advance
• Small group/private experience for a more personalized vibe

Why This Sunset Boat Tour Stands Out

This tour offers a refreshing way to see Montenegro’s most photographed sites. If you’re tired of crowded tourist spots, being on a boat at sunset provides a peaceful, intimate setting to enjoy the views. The 2-hour duration is just enough time to cover two key stops without feeling rushed, making it ideal for travelers who want a taste of local charm without a long day of sightseeing.

The experience provider, Aquaholic Speedboat Tours, ensures a safe and smooth ride with all safety equipment provided, including life jackets, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. Plus, the inclusion of drinks—water, beer, and juice—adds a nice touch of refreshment without extra charges.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point: Aquaholic Speedboat Tours
Your adventure kicks off here, where friendly guides greet you and give a quick safety briefing. Finding the meeting point is straightforward—just look for the Aquaholic Speedboat Tours sign when entering the Local Park area.

First Stop: Our Lady of the Rocks
A short 20-minute boat ride brings you to this artificial island just off the coast near Perast. The island has a fascinating legend of being built by local fishermen who, in the 15th century, laid stones and filled the area with rocks after discovering a picture of the Madonna on the surface. Today, it’s famous for its small church and museum, which you can walk around and admire from outside since the church is not open after 6 PM.

Travelers have shared that visiting Our Lady of the Rocks during sunset makes for “great photo ops” and a peaceful atmosphere, especially since the site is less crowded late in the day. A review from Georgina highlights how the kind and knowledgeable skippers made the visit even more enjoyable, pointing out the importance of a well-guided trip.

Second Stop: Perast
After about a 10-minute cruise, the boat lands in Perast, an old town known for its elegant Baroque buildings and quiet streets. With roughly 40 minutes here, you’ll have time to wander, take photos of the charming facades, and soak up the historic ambiance. Reviewers mention that exploring Perast feels like stepping into a postcard, with one reviewer suggesting a stroll through the cobbled streets and trying local ice cream, which is “to die for.”

The Sunset Return
As the sun dips, the boat begins heading back towards Kotor, offering panoramic views of the coastline bathed in golden light. The final 20-minute stretch is described as tranquil and ideal for reflection, with some travelers noting the “relaxing vibe” and the perfect backdrop for photos or simply soaking in the scenery.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides life jackets, safety equipment, and a knowledgeable skipper who doubles as a guide, making the experience both safe and engaging. You’re also offered a selection of drinks—water, beer, and juice—which helps keep everyone comfortable during the cruise.

On the flip side, entrance fees to the Lady of the Rocks church are not included—and importantly, the church isn’t accessible after 6 PM. If you’re keen to go inside, plan your visit earlier or schedule a different tour that allows interior visits.

Practical Details

The tour departs from Aquaholic Speedboat Tours, with a flexible schedule depending on availability. You can reserve your spot and pay later, giving you flexibility if your plans change. Cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. The experience is designed for small, private groups, ensuring a personalized touch, though it’s not suitable for those with back problems, wheelchairs, or those over 287 lbs (130 kg).

The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most international travelers. Remember, oversize luggage, large bags, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted onboard, maintaining safety and comfort for all.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Zoe described the tour as “a dream,” praising the gorgeous views, calm waters, and lovely atmosphere. She particularly loved the timing for capturing great photos with the golden light. Mariane called it “the perfect way to end the day,” highlighting how cruising through the bay at sunset created a very memorable, relaxing atmosphere. Georgina shared that her experience was “truly incredible,” citing the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the charm of strolling through Perast afterward.

These reviews underscore how the combination of scenic beauty and cultural stops can create a truly memorable evening—whether you’re a photographer, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a peaceful way to appreciate Montenegro’s coastline.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a romantic, relaxing experience with an emphasis on scenic views and cultural highlights, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a peaceful, guided experience with plenty of opportunities for photos.

It’s also well-suited for those who appreciate timed visits to iconic sites, with the sunset adding that special glow that makes everything more magical. However, if you’re eager to go inside Our Lady of the Rocks church or need accessible options, you might want to explore other tours.

Final Thoughts

This sunset boat tour from Kotor offers a beautiful blend of natural splendor and cultural charm in a compact, well-organized format. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, make it a standout activity for travelers wanting to experience Montenegro’s coast in a relaxed, meaningful way.

You’ll love how calm and scenic the cruise feels, especially during the golden hour, making it perfect for photo enthusiasts or anyone wanting to unwind after a day of exploring. The stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast are well-paced, giving you enough time to soak in the ambiance and enjoy the surroundings.

While it’s not suited for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or a need to go inside the church—the overall experience promises a peaceful, authentic taste of Montenegro. It’s a good value for the price, considering the scenic vistas, cultural sightseeing, and the small-group feel.

For anyone seeking a calm, scenic, and culturally enriching way to finish a day in Kotor, this sunset boat tour is highly recommended.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as participants can comfortably sit and enjoy the boat ride. However, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges or on large/luggage-heavy trips.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
No, drinks are provided, including water, beer, and juice, at no extra cost.

Can I visit the inside of Our Lady of the Rocks church?
No, the church and museum are not open after 6 PM. You can walk around the island but not enter at this time.

How long is the boat ride?
The entire tour lasts about 2 hours, with approximately 20 minutes to Our Lady of the Rocks, 10 minutes to Perast, and the return cruise.

Is the tour private or shared?
The experience is offered as a private group, providing a personalized atmosphere.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for a boat ride; layers are recommended as it can get breezy on the water. Bring sun protection if during the day, but since it’s sunset, a light jacket might be helpful.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any restrictions on luggage?
Yes, oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed onboard.

Is this tour available in English?
Yes, the tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

This sunset cruise from Kotor truly combines the best of Montenegro’s natural beauty and cultural charm, all wrapped in a relaxing, scenic package. Whether you’re after the perfect photo, a peaceful moment, or a unique story to tell, this tour delivers—day or night, but especially during that magical sunset hour.