Kotor: Our Lady of the Rocks & Perast Old Town Boat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Montenegro, chances are you’ll hear about the stunning Bay of Kotor and the charming towns along its shores. One experience that stands out is the Our Lady of the Rocks & Perast Old Town Boat Tour—a compact but beautifully curated trip that promises scenic views, cultural insights, and a touch of local elegance. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but from what travelers report and the details available, it seems like a great way to get a taste of this special corner of the world.

What we especially like about this experience is how it combines short but meaningful stops—the visit to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks is a highlight, with its centuries-old church and museum. Plus, the chance to walk through Perast’s UNESCO-listed streets and soak in its Baroque architecture promises a bit of history and beauty without the long commitment of a full-day excursion. One consideration, however, is the weather dependency—bad weather could lead to rescheduling or cancellations, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast.

This tour feels best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic escape, with plenty of opportunities for photos, cultural exploration, and enjoying the stunning bay views. It’s ideal if you’re in Kotor and looking for a well-organized, small-group experience that doesn’t take up your whole day but leaves you with memorable moments.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: With a duration of just 1.5 hours, it’s perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary.
• Incredible views: Cruising through the Bay of Kotor offers unforgettable scenery, especially if you enjoy boat rides.
• Authentic visits: The stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast provide cultural and architectural highlights.
• Guided insights: A live tour guide in English, Turkish, or Serbian adds context and stories to each stop.
• Flexible booking: The option to reserve now and pay later helps plan your trip more freely.
• Weather sensitive: Keep in mind that the tour may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point at Park Slobode

The tour begins at the centrally located Park Slobode, a convenient spot in Kotor. From here, you’ll hop onto a speedboat—a fun way to kick off your adventure. The boat ride itself is quite scenic, giving you that rush of wind and the chance to see the bay from the water. Travelers often comment on how much they enjoyed the sense of freedom and excitement that comes with cruising through the bay.

First Stop: Our Lady of the Rocks

After about 20 minutes on the water, you’ll arrive at the islet of Our Lady of the Rocks. This tiny island has been a site of pilgrimage and cultural significance for centuries. On your visit, you’ll explore the 15th-century church, which is packed with religious art and icons, and the museum that tells stories of local traditions and legends.

One traveler mentioned, “Great activity, beautiful views, enjoy every minute,” highlighting how memorable this stop is. The guided tour helps bring the site to life, sharing tales of how the church and island have evolved over the centuries. This stop offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and scenic beauty—a snapshot of Montenegro’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Second Speedboat Ride and Perast

After about 15 minutes on the island, you’ll hop back onto the boat for a short 15-minute ride to Perast. This charming town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its Baroque architecture, picturesque streets, and luxurious villas. You’ll enjoy a brief photo stop and a walking tour, soaking in the timeless atmosphere.

According to a review, “everything was very well organized,” and the town’s ambiance is described as “grandeur and grace.” The 30-minute visit also includes wine and food tastings, which add a delightful gustatory element to the experience—not a full-blown tasting but enough to give you a taste of the local flavors.

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Return to Kotor

The tour wraps up with a final 20-minute boat ride back to the starting point, completing your scenic loop. The entire experience is designed to be a relaxing yet enriching snapshot of the bay’s highlights.

The Experience: What Makes It Special

This tour’s key appeal lies in its combination of swift transport and meaningful stops. You get a chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the water, which is often a highlight for visitors. The boat rides are relatively short—around 20 minutes each way—making it manageable even for those who aren’t keen on long boat trips or are traveling with children or less tolerant boaters.

The visit to Our Lady of the Rocks is a deeply atmospheric experience, with the church and museum offering insights into local devotion and centuries-old maritime traditions. Many travelers mention the guidance and storytelling aspect, which helps make the history come alive, especially since the tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, Turkish, and Serbian.

As we noted earlier, the small group or private options provide a more intimate experience, avoiding the busyness of larger tours, and allowing for better interaction with the guide. Plus, the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the trip** makes it easier to plan without stress.

Value for Money

For about an hour and a half, the price seems quite reasonable, considering it includes a boat ride, guided visits, and tasting opportunities. It’s a compact experience but packed with scenic views and cultural stops, making it worthwhile for those who want an overview without dedicating an entire day.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring a sun hat and sunscreen, especially if visiting during summer. The boat rides are outdoors and expose you to the sun.
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around Perast and the island—cobblestone streets can be uneven.
• Camera or smartphone is a must-have for capturing the stunning views and charming streets.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as tours may be canceled or rescheduled in bad weather.
• Be mindful that museum tickets are not included, so if you want to explore the museum on Our Lady of the Rocks, you might need to buy a ticket separately.
• The tour isn’t suitable for people with back problems or seasickness, so plan accordingly.

The Bottom Line: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This boat tour is especially suited for those who want a short, scenic escape from Kotor, with a focus on beautiful vistas and cultural highlights. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the charm of the bay, and for those who enjoy guided storytelling and photo opportunities. The mix of historical sites, architectural beauty, and stunning water views makes it a well-rounded choice for curious travelers.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, well-organized, and visually rewarding activity—without long boat rides or complicated logistics—this tour hits the right notes. It’s also a solid pick for couples, solo travelers, or small groups who prefer a more personal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Park Slobode, a central location in Kotor, with pickup and drop-off included.

What is included in the tour?
Your package covers the speedboat ride, guided visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, and exploration of Perast.

Are museum tickets included?
No, museum tickets are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you wish to visit the museum on Our Lady of the Rocks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the short boat rides and manageable stops could work well for older children. However, consider the weather and comfort levels.

Can I book a private or small group tour?
Yes, options for private or small groups are available, offering a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
A sun hat, camera, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen are recommended. Don’t forget your sense of adventure.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are poor. Keep an eye on the forecast.

Is there any food or drink included?
While not a full meal, the tour offers some wine and food tastings during the Perast stop, adding a local flavor to your visit.

In all, this boat tour from Kotor offers a compact yet rich experience that balances scenic beauty, history, and cultural charm. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a taste of Montenegro’s stunning bay without committing to a full-day trip. Whether you’re snapping photos, learning about local traditions, or simply enjoying the breeze on the water, it’s a small adventure that sticks with you.

You can check availability for your dates here: