Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rocks Tour by Speedboat

Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rocks Tour by Speedboat — An Honest Look

If you’re eyeing a quick escape from Kotor and want to see the highlights of the Bay of Kotor, this speedboat tour to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast could be just what you need. We haven’t personally taken this trip, but based on the details and reviews, it looks like a well-rounded experience that offers a taste of Montenegro’s beautiful coastline, charming towns, and cultural sights.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines a short boat ride with meaningful visits—not just a scenic cruise, but an opportunity to step ashore and explore some of the most iconic spots. Another plus is the inclusion of local drinks and WiFi, making it comfortable and a bit more relaxed than just a standard tour. That said, it is a fairly quick option—just two hours—so don’t expect a long, in-depth exploration.

One thing to keep in mind is that entry to the Our Lady of the Rocks museum isn’t included in the price, which means you’ll need to budget extra if you want to visit the inside of the church or museum. This tour seems best suited for those who want a short but scenic and culturally interesting experience that’s easy to fit into a busy itinerary around Kotor.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Short and sweet: It’s a quick 2-hour trip, perfect for travelers with limited time.
• Beautiful scenery: Expect stunning views of the coast from the water, and scenic stops in Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
• Includes local drinks: Water, local wine, and beer are part of the experience.
• Small group size: Limited to 9 participants for a more intimate feel.
• Flexible and convenient: With pick-up from a pre-arranged location and WiFi onboard.
• Additional costs: Entry to the museum and church is extra, so plan accordingly.

Setting the Scene: What You’re Signing Up For

This tour is centered around a speedboat ride from Kotor to two of the most popular sightseeing spots in the area: Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast. The entire experience lasts around two hours, which makes it ideal if you’re after a quick, scenic jaunt rather than a full-day excursion.

The Speedboat Experience

The journey starts at the Kotor city harbour, where you’ll hop onto a speedboat operated by Rijo Speed Boat Tours. The boat ride itself offers immediate appeal—fast, fun, and with panoramic views of the coastline. Expect to take in the sparkling waters, rugged cliffs, and historic towns from the water, which many reviews highlight as especially beautiful.

Scenic Stops and Short Visits

Your itinerary includes a 20-minute stop on Our Lady of the Rocks, one of the most photographed scenes in the area. This is a man-made island—built by locals over centuries—adorned with a church and a museum. The quick visit means you’ll get enough time to snap photos, walk around, and take in the view, but if you’re a museum enthusiast or want to explore in depth, you’ll need to go back for that separately.

Next, you’ll head to Perast, a tiny town with a surprisingly grand history. The free 20-minute stop here allows you to see the charming old town, take some photos of the historic architecture, and get a feel for its quiet, almost untouched atmosphere. The reviews suggest that the views from the coast are striking, and many travelers find just wandering around here a rewarding experience.

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Return Ride with Views

After your visits, you’ll hop back onto the boat for the ride back to Kotor. The return trip is often described as a highlight, offering great panoramic views of the bay, the cliffs, and the surrounding mountains.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s inclusions make it a bit of a good deal—transportation, WiFi, and drinks are all covered. You’ll be able to sip local wine or beer, or just refresh with water, all while enjoying the scenery. The guidance from the captain adds a layer of local insight, which many travelers appreciate.

On the flip side, the museum admission to Our Lady of the Rocks isn’t included, which could be a downside if you’re eager to see inside the church or the museum. You’ll need to budget extra for that if interested. Also, soft drinks and other alcohol can be purchased before departure, so if you’re craving other beverages, you’ll have options.

Practicalities

• The tour starts at Kotor harbour (Park Slobode), with pickup usually arranged from a nearby location.
• It’s a small group experience—limited to 9 people—which means a more personalized feel but also a need to book in advance.
• The tour is conducted in English and Serbian, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Cancellation policy is flexible—cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund—and you can reserve now and pay later, adding some peace of mind.

The Experience: Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, we gather that travelers generally find the experience very worthwhile. One reviewer simply called it “Good” but appreciated the opportunity to see the coast from the water. Another highlighted how “Veldig fint å se kystlinjen fra sjøen,” emphasizing how stunning the coastline looks from the boat. They also appreciated having enough time at both stops to “just look around,” which suggests the schedule is well-paced for a quick glimpse rather than an exhaustive tour.

Many mention the scenic views and the charm of Perast as highlights, and the inclusion of local drinks adds a laid-back, relaxed vibe. The limited group size also seems to contribute to a more intimate experience, allowing everyone to enjoy the ride and views comfortably.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting Point: Rijo Speedboat Tours

This is where the adventure kicks off. Located conveniently in Kotor’s harbor, it’s easy to find, and the staff are generally friendly and helpful. The ride begins with a quick safety briefing and some background on the spots you’ll visit, setting expectations for the trip.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

The highlight here is the photo opportunity—the island’s dome, the tiny chapel, and the little museum all add a cultural touchpoint. The 20-minute free time might seem brief, but most travelers agree it’s enough for a quick walk and some photos. If you’re interested in inside visits, be prepared that the museum isn’t included, and you’ll have to budget extra and possibly visit separately.

Exploring Perast

This small, picturesque town offers a charming glimpse into old Montenegrin life with its stone houses and narrow streets. The 20-minute stop isn’t enough to explore in depth, but it’s just enough to get a feel for the place and take some photos of the scenic harbor. Many find this part especially relaxing, and the views of the bay from the shore are often described as “unreal.”

Returning to Kotor

The boat ride back offers a panoramic view of the bay, with the mountains and cliffs framing the water. Many travelers say this part is the perfect way to wind down and take in the landscape.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers short on time who still want a meaningful taste of Montenegro’s coast. If you enjoy scenic boat rides combined with quick cultural stops, you’ll likely find this satisfying. It’s also great if you prefer small groups for a more personalized, relaxed experience.

People who love photo opportunities will appreciate the beautiful views and the chance to snap some memorable shots of the coast, islands, and historic towns. If you’re a wine or beer enthusiast, you’ll enjoy the local drinks included in the tour.

However, if you’re seeking a deep dive into museums or extensive exploration, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, those who are extra keen on inside visits will need to plan for additional costs and time.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In terms of value, this tour offers a nice balance of scenery, cultural spots, and comfort. The speedboat ride is a highlight that many travelers rave about, while the stops in Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks give a quick but meaningful glimpse of local life and history.

It’s especially suitable for those who want a relaxed, scenic experience without committing an entire day. The fact that it’s a small group and includes drinks and WiFi makes it feel more personal and comfortable.

If you’re after a short, scenic, and slightly indulgent way to see some of Montenegro’s highlights, this tour delivers on that promise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is mostly about the boat ride and quick stops. If children are comfortable on boats and enjoy sightseeing, it can be suitable, but it’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. Bring a hat or sunglasses for sun protection, especially if it’s sunny.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, since it’s a small group experience limited to 9 participants, booking ahead is recommended.

Can I just show up without a reservation?
It’s better to reserve in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Is the WiFi reliable during the tour?
Most travelers report having WiFi throughout, making it convenient for sharing photos or staying connected.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are usually subject to cancellation or rescheduling in case of bad weather, so check with the provider if you’re unsure.

Are drinks included?
Yes, water, local wine, and local beer are part of the experience.

How long is the boat ride?
The total duration of the tour is about two hours, with most of the time spent traveling and brief stops.

Do I need to buy tickets for the museum on the island?
Yes, entry to the Our Lady of the Rocks museum isn’t included and requires additional purchase.

What’s the best time of day to do this tour?
Availability varies, but mornings or late afternoons often provide the best lighting for photos and more comfortable weather conditions.

This tour strikes a solid balance for travelers who want to experience Montenegro’s coast with a few key sights, comfort, and a touch of local flavor. It’s not the most extensive or in-depth trip, but for what it offers, it’s a satisfying way to see the Bay of Kotor from the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: