Kotor: Speedboat Tour to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Traveling in Montenegro? If you’re eyeing a quick but scenic way to see some of Kotor’s most iconic sights, this speedboat tour might catch your interest. It’s a short outing—lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours—that hits the highlights without demanding a full day. We’ve looked into it, and here’s what you need to know if you’re considering jumping aboard.

What’s good about this experience? First, the stunning panoramic views of Kotor Bay are worth the price alone. Second, the chance to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, an island built by human hands, is pretty special. That said, it’s not a deep-dive into the area’s history or culture; the stops are brief, and the overall experience is kind of a quick overview. If you’re someone who loves a laid-back boat ride with some sightseeing thrown in, this tour could be a good fit. But if you’re craving more time exploring each stop, you might find it a bit rushed.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a short, scenic escape—especially those with limited time or looking for a quick taste of Kotor’s bay. It’s also reasonably priced at just $26 per person, making it an accessible option for many budgets. Just keep in mind that the stops are brief, so don’t expect to spend hours exploring the islands or villages.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery of Kotor Bay and nearby fishing villages
• Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks, an island with a 17th-century church
• Short stops in Perast with options for climbing the church tower
• Affordable price point at around $26 per person
• Small group sizes or private options available for a more personalized experience
• Timing is tight—most of the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which may feel rushed to some

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

We’re here to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This tour provides a quick yet scenic way to see parts of Kotor Bay that many travelers find captivating. The boat ride itself is often described as a fast, fun experience—sailing through calm waters with views that make you want to snap photo after photo.

Starting Point and Ease of Access

The meeting spot is at Park Slobode in Kotor, marked clearly by the Sea&Sun Adventures company sign. From there, it’s just a 20-minute boat ride to the islands and Perast. The small group setting (around 8 to 10 people) is ideal if you’re someone who enjoys a more intimate tour, rather than a large, crowded excursion.

The Speedboat Ride

The boat ride itself is speedy but comfortable. It’s a great way to get a fresh perspective of the bay—you’ll get a sense of the area’s scale, the coastline, and the tiny fishing villages that dot the shoreline. Most travelers note that the ride is smooth and the skipper knowledgeable, often sharing stories about the sights you’re passing.

Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks

This is the highlight for many. Built by humans during the 15th and 16th centuries, the island is a fascinating feat of human effort. The church on the island is small but charming, and visitors get around 25 minutes to explore. You can walk the island, snap photos, and visit the 17th-century church—though, be aware that the entrance to the church isn’t included in the tour price.

One traveler remarked, “We loved the way they made the island accessible for a quick visit and appreciated the brief but informative stop.” It’s a quick snapshot, but you’ll get a good feel for the place.

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Perast and its Charm

Next, you arrive in Perast, a 17th-century baroque village with beautiful buildings and scenic views. You get about 50 minutes of free time here—enough to walk around, soak in the vibe, or climb the 57-meter-high church tower for a sweeping view of the bay.

Some travelers find this time sufficient for a quick look, a coffee, or a photo. Others mention that the time feels a little tight if you want to do more—like visit local shops or really explore the town’s alleys.

The Return Journey

After Perast, the boat takes you back to Kotor, completing the loop in about 20 minutes. The return trip offers more views of the bay, and many enjoy reflecting on the experience.

The Value of This Tour

At $26 per person, this tour offers good value for a quick, scenic ride with some highlights. It’s especially appealing if you’re not a big fan of long tours or want a brief taste of the area. Keep in mind, the actual sightseeing time is limited—most reviews mention the stops lasting around 15-30 minutes, which feels more like a quick overview than an in-depth exploration.

Some reviews point out that the tour lasts about 1.5 hours, even though it’s marketed as up to 2 hours. One traveler noted, “Short stops on the islands of 15 to 30 minutes, enough for a first impression but too little to really see anything.”

What to Expect in Terms of Organization

The tour includes the boat ride, gasoline, a skipper, water on board, and life jackets. It does not include entrance tickets for the church or tower, so plan to pay those separately if you wish to go inside. The meetings are straightforward, and the guides are fluent in English, making for an easy, smooth experience.

Would We Do It?

For a speedy, scenic trip that’s perfect for a quick overview, this tour works well. It’s not designed for those wanting extensive exploration, but if you’re after the highlights and some fresh water on a warm day, it’s a solid choice. Just be prepared for the brief stops and the limited time on each site.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers short on time but eager to see two of Kotor’s most iconic sights will find this tour a good fit. It’s suitable for those who enjoy short, scenic boat rides with a touch of history and culture. People who love to take photos and enjoy stunning bay views will appreciate the experience.

If you’re traveling with kids, the short duration and calm boat ride make it manageable, but bear in mind you’ll need to supervise during the stops, especially if climbing towers or visiting churches.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour offers a nice snapshot of Kotor Bay. It’s a quick, affordable way to see the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and the charming village of Perast. The views are often described as stunning, and the guides are generally knowledgeable, making for an enjoyable ride.

While it’s not a tour for those wanting to spend hours exploring each site, it does provide a convenient, scenic overview—perfect for travelers with limited time or those seeking a light, fun activity. The small group setting and scenic boat ride add to the appeal, making it a memorable little adventure.

Overall, if you’re looking for a short, scenic, and well-organized trip that captures some of Montenegro’s best bay views, this tour is worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the amount of time you’ll spend at each stop.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour may be manageable for children, especially since it’s a short boat ride with brief stops. However, you’ll need to supervise children during walks and climbing the church tower, and ensure they’re comfortable with the boat ride.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the boat ride, gasoline, the skipper, water on board, and life jackets. Entrance to the church on Our Lady of the Rocks and the church tower in Perast is not included and costs extra if you choose to go inside.

How long is the tour exactly?
Most travelers report the tour lasting about 1.5 hours, with the actual stops being between 15 and 50 minutes. The tour is marketed as up to 2 hours, but it tends to be on the shorter side.

Can I climb the church tower in Perast?
Yes, you can climb the 57-meter-high church tower if you wish, but you’ll need to pay an entrance fee separately. The tower offers great views of the bay.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at Park Slobode in Kotor, near the Sea&Sun Adventures booth, marked by a tall monument and a commercial sign.

Is the tour canceled if the weather is bad?
Most boat tours are weather-dependent. It’s best to check with the provider if you’re concerned about weather conditions; they usually allow cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after a short, scenic experience that hits a few highlights without getting too involved, this Kotor speedboat tour might be just what you need. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy some of Montenegro’s best bay scenery without a big time commitment.

You can check availability for your dates here: