Private tour with speed boat – Perast and Lady of the rock

Planning a visit to Montenegro’s stunning Bay of Kotor? If you’re after an experience that combines scenic beauty, cultural spots, and the flexibility of a private boat, this tour might be just what you’re looking for. It’s a 90-minute cruise that whisks you out on a private speedboat to explore two of the bay’s most iconic sites: the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks and the picturesque village of Perast. Based on reviews and details from the tour provider, this is a streamlined, personalized way to see the bay, especially if you’re short on time or prefer avoiding crowded group excursions.

What I really like about this tour is the exclusivity—you’re not just another face in a large group, but part of a small, private crew, which means more flexibility and a more intimate experience. The second standout is the stunning scenery; the views of the bay, the island, and the old town of Perast are genuinely eye-catching and worth every penny. However, a potential consideration is the weather—since this is an outdoor activity on the water, poor weather can impact your experience or lead to cancellations.

This tour suits travelers who are looking for a quick yet meaningful way to see Kotor’s highlights without the fuss of crowded tours or long sightseeing schedules. It’s perfect if you value personalized attention, enjoy scenic boat rides, and want a flexible experience that can adapt to your needs.

Key Points

• Private and personalized: You’ll enjoy a custom experience with your own group on a private speedboat.
• Flexible itinerary: The stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast are designed to be relaxed and unhurried.
• Stunning views: Expect breathtaking panoramas of the bay, especially from the boat and around the island.
• Value for money: For about $166 per group, you get a nearly two-hour tour with exclusive access, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized service.
• Weather dependent: The experience is outdoor and weather-sensitive; poor conditions might affect your plans.
• Ideal for those wanting a quick, scenic overview of the bay rather than an exhaustive tour.

Exploring the Bay of Kotor by Speedboat

When you’re in Kotor, it’s easy to get caught up in the old town’s charm—narrow alleyways, historic walls, and lively cafes. But stepping onto a private speedboat transforms the experience. You’re not just walking around; you’re gliding across the water, feeling the breeze, and getting a fresh perspective of the bay’s natural beauty and historic sites.

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully executed. You start from Kotor and head directly to the small island of Our Lady of the Rocks. As the boat approaches, the sight of the island with its church perched on a manmade island is striking. The boat stops here for about 30 minutes, enough to visit the church and enjoy the views. The church is a central symbol of the bay, built on an artificial island filled with stories and history. The reviews praise the guide’s explanation, suggesting you’ll learn a bit about its significance during the visit.

Next, you’ll cruise over to Perast, an old town with a distinctly Venetian feel. The town is often described as “Venice-like,” with its baroque palaces, churches, and towers. Many reviews highlight how untouched and authentic Perast feels, almost as if time has stood still. You’ll be given free time to explore at your own pace, which is a nice touch—whether you want to stroll along the waterfront or snap photos of the picturesque architecture.

The final leg of the trip involves heading back to Kotor, passing by more scenic vistas and possibly enjoying some music or drinks—reviews mention free drinks on board, adding to the relaxing vibe.

The Experience on the Water

What makes this tour stand out is the quality of the boat and the guide. Many reviews mention the boat as “lovely” and “comfortable,” which is important when spending nearly two hours afloat. The skipper is often praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating—some reviewers note that even when weather wasn’t perfect, the captain was flexible and willing to adapt the schedule.

The personalized element really shines here. Since it’s only your group, you can ask questions, linger longer at a stop, or adjust the timing if needed. The guide’s storytelling is often appreciated for being engaging and informative, making the stops more meaningful.

Another highlight discussed in reviews is the scenery. From the boat, the views of the bay, the islands, and the old town are described as “out of this world,” “gorgeous,” and “simply stunning.” These vantage points provide opportunities for fantastic photos and memorable moments that you won’t get from land.

The Value and Price Consideration

At $166.16 for up to 10 people, this tour offers a good deal for a private experience. When you compare it to group tours that might cost similar or more for less personalized service, the value stands out, especially if you value comfort and flexibility. Reviewers seem to agree, often mentioning how this tour is a good alternative to more crowded or less intimate options.

However, keep in mind that entrance tickets to the Our Lady of the Rocks church are not included in the price. That adds a small extra expense, but it’s a minor one compared to the overall experience. The tour also doesn’t include lunch, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry after or before the cruise.

Booking and Practicalities

The tour is typically booked about 35 days in advance, which indicates it’s popular but still accessible. Meeting at MontenegroGlobe in Kotor is straightforward, and the tour ends back at the starting point, so it’s easy to incorporate into your day.

If you’re arriving by cruise ship, just make sure to provide your ship’s details and docking times when booking. The tour is flexible enough to accommodate different schedules, especially since reviews mention that the captain is willing to adapt to weather conditions or timing needs.

Since the activity is weather-dependent, if the weather turns poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if that’s the case.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This private speedboat experience is perfect for travelers who want a personalized, scenic overview of Kotor Bay without the fuss of large groups. It’s great if you enjoy boat rides, beautiful vistas, and a relaxed pace. It’s also suitable for those wanting a flexible schedule or who prefer a more intimate encounter with Montenegro’s coast.

While it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the relaxed nature and smooth ride suggest it’s suitable for most ages, provided everyone’s comfortable on a boat. Non-swimmers might want to stay on the boat, but the opportunity for swimming is often included, so bring your swimwear if you’re keen.

The Sum Up

This private speedboat tour offers a delightful way to see some of Montenegro’s most iconic sights with a personal touch. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Kotor from the water, visit the manmade island of Our Lady of the Rocks, and wander the charming streets of Perast—all in just under two hours. The reviews are glowing, highlighting the knowledgeable guides, comfortable boat, and breathtaking scenery as major perks.

If you’re someone who values exclusivity, flexible scheduling, and an intimate connection with the landscape, this tour delivers. It’s especially a good pick for travelers looking to maximize their time while avoiding large crowds or rigid schedules. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather, and you’ll likely find this experience well worth the cost.

For those who want a relaxed, scenic, and personalized taste of Kotor Bay, this private tour hits the spot. It combines comfort, beauty, and local insights into a memorable little adventure that’s hard to beat for the price.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
Since the tour involves a boat ride and some stops where swimming might be included, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, including families. However, always check with the provider for specific age restrictions or safety considerations.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, which includes traveling time, stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, and free time in Perast.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the private speedboat rental and the guide’s narration. Entrance tickets to Our Lady of the Rocks are not included and cost extra if you choose to visit the church.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, it offers some flexibility. The guide is willing to adapt the schedule if needed, especially in case of weather issues.

What if the weather is bad?
Since this is an outdoor activity, poor weather might lead to cancellation or rescheduling. If canceled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Are drinks or snacks provided?
Yes, reviews mention free drinks on board, including music to enhance the experience. Lunch is not included, so bring snacks if you’re hungry.

This well-reviewed, personalized boat trip combines scenic beauty, historic charm, and great value—making it a memorable way to experience Montenegro’s Kotor Bay.