Our Lady of the Rocks two hours private tour

If you’re considering exploring the charming bays and islands around Kotor, Montenegro, a private boat tour of Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast might just be the perfect way to see the highlights without the crowds. While I haven’t personally taken this tour, the details and reviews suggest it offers a thoughtful blend of scenic beauty, history, and comfort.

What really stands out is the stunning panorama ride on a speedboat—giving you that classic Montenegro experience—and the intimate access to key sites like the church and museum on Our Lady of the Rocks. Plus, the tour includes visits to the lovely Perast village, renowned for its baroque architecture and historic charm.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that this experience is quite focused on the sights in a short window—about two hours—so if you’re hoping for an in-depth exploration or time to relax, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, the small group size (up to six people) means you get personalized attention, which is a real plus if you value a more private, tailored experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Boka Bay’s most iconic sites without the hassle of larger group tours. It’s ideal for those who love a mix of history, stunning views, and a touch of adventure on the water.

Key Points

• Stunning Panorama Ride: Expect about 20 minutes of scenic views across Boka Bay villages, mountains, and sea.
• Personalized Experience: Private tour for up to 6 people offers a tailored, intimate outing.
• Visiting Iconic Sites: Includes the church and museum on Our Lady of the Rocks, plus a stroll through Perast.
• Expert Guides and Crew: Reviews highlight friendly, helpful guides and skippers who make the experience smooth.
• Cost and Value: At $151.26 for up to six people, it’s a good value for a private, scenic tour with included amenities like WiFi and snorkeling gear.
• Accessibility and Convenience: Pick-up from central locations in Kotor Bay and a mobile ticket make this easy to organize.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour kicks off from the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town of Kotor, or other nearby locations like Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, or Dobrota, depending on your preference. The small size of the group means you’ll likely be picked up from a convenient spot close to your accommodation or docking point. The meeting point is straightforward: Park Slobode in Kotor.

The Scenic Speedboat Ride

Once aboard, you’ll enjoy a roughly 20-minute panorama ride across Boka Bay. As you speed along, you’ll get sweeping views of tiny villages, with their pastel houses and centuries-old churches, set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains. This ride is often praised for its beauty—reviewers have called the scenery “stunning”—and it sets the tone for the entire experience. The boat provides WiFi on board, so you can share your favorite snapshots in real-time.

First Stop: Our Lady of the Rocks

The highlight of the tour is the visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, an island created by local fishermen who, legend has it, found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock sticking out of the sea. They vowed to build a church and an island—this is the result. You’ll get around 30 minutes to explore the church and museum, which houses religious artifacts, historic items, and art. Keep in mind, admission to the museum isn’t included, so you might want to budget a few extra euros if you want to go inside.

The Church and Museum

The church is an impressive structure, built over centuries, and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rocks. From the reviews, visitors loved the way the church’s architecture and history add layers to the visit. The museum next door offers a glimpse into local tradition and maritime life, enriching the overall experience.

Second Stop: Perast

Next, you’ll head to Perast, a small, beautifully preserved baroque town. Despite its modest population of around 350 residents, it’s packed with history—reportedly, it had 18 churches and 19 palaces at one point. The most iconic is the church of Saint Nicholas, with its imposing 55-meter-high bell tower, though sadly, it was never finished due to funding issues.

You’ll spend around 40 minutes wandering the narrow streets, admiring the old stone houses, and taking in the views of the bay and islands. The town’s peaceful atmosphere combined with its historical charm makes it a favorite for many visitors, as one reviewer noted, “we loved the views and the old town’s quiet beauty.”

The Island of Saint George (Off Limits for Tourists)

Across from Perast lies the Island of Saint George, a natural island with a monastery dating from the 12th century. It’s off-limits for visitors, but seeing it from the boat adds to the sense of history and mystery in the bay.

Returning to the Starting Point

After exploring, you’ll cruise back to the original starting point, completing this roughly two-hour journey. The return trip offers more scenic vistas, giving you one last chance to soak in the views.

What Makes This Tour Special?

From the reviews and details, the combination of scenery, history, and personalized service stands out. People consistently mention the friendly guidance—”the guide Lily and captain Philips” are praised for their kindness and helpfulness, especially in making the experience accessible and enjoyable.

The stunning views are often described as “beautiful” or “breathtaking,” and the small group size ensures you get a more intimate look at these iconic sites. If you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized way to see some of Montenegro’s most famous landmarks, this tour hits the mark.

The Value of the Experience

At around $150 for a private two-hour tour, you’re paying for exclusivity, personalized attention, and access to sites that larger groups often can’t match. The cost includes bottled water, fuel, and snorkeling equipment, adding to the overall value. The only extra expense is the museum admission fee, which is a small addition for access to the island’s interior.

Many reviews highlight the good service and the fact that the tour is worth the price for the quality of views and comfort offered. Reviewers also appreciated the timing—most booked 42 days in advance, indicating that this is a popular choice among travelers seeking a curated experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private tour is perfect if you’re looking for a scenic, manageable trip that covers the main highlights of Boka Bay without the crowds or the rush of larger tours. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or friends wanting a relaxed, personalized experience.

While the tour isn’t specifically tailored for children or families, the gentle pace and ease of access might appeal to travelers with mobility concerns, especially since guides are helpful with transfers. However, keep in mind the duration—if you’re traveling with very young children, you might want to plan for longer or more flexible options.

Final Thoughts

This Our Lady of the Rocks private boat tour delivers a beautiful, hassle-free way to enjoy Montenegro’s iconic sights. The combination of stunning vistas, historical sites, and attentive guides makes it a worthwhile choice for travelers who appreciate a personal touch and scenic comfort.

While it’s a relatively short experience, it packs in some of the best views and cultural highlights of the area. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate introduction to Boka Bay, this tour offers a practical balance of beauty, history, and convenience.

For those who want a glimpse of Montenegro’s maritime charm without the crowds, this private boat tour is a gentle, memorable way to do it.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about two hours, including the boat ride, stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, and Perast.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers private transportation, fuel surcharge, bottled water, WiFi onboard, and use of snorkeling equipment. The museum admission fee for Our Lady of the Rocks is not included.

Can I be picked up from anywhere in Kotor Bay?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from the UNESCO Old Town of Kotor or other locations within Kotor Bay such as Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, and Dobrota.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically advertised as family-focused, the small group size and gentle pace make it accessible. However, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a two-hour boat ride.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 42 days ahead. The tour operates with high demand, so early booking is recommended.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there any hidden costs?
Apart from the museum admission fee, no hidden costs are mentioned. Extras might include souvenirs or additional activities.

Is there a way to customize this tour?
Since it’s a private experience, you can discuss with the operator if you’d like to extend stops or add other sites, though this isn’t explicitly mentioned.

If you’re after a smooth, scenic, and culturally enriching way to see Boka Bay’s highlights, this private Our Lady of the Rocks tour seems like a solid choice. Just prepare your camera and a sense of curiosity!