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

If you’re looking for a memorable way to experience Montenegro’s stunning coast, the Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks speedboat tour offers a lively and scenic adventure. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and small-group intimacy.

What truly appeals here are the breathtaking views, the chance to visit a legendary island, and the personalized feel of a small group tour. Plus, at just $33 per person, it promises excellent value for a quick, scenic escape. On the flip side, some travelers note that weather conditions can affect the experience, especially with seasonal hours at the island’s church and museum.

This tour is perfect for those who want a compact, engaging experience without the fuss of bus crowds or long waits. It’s ideal for travelers craving a mix of natural landscapes, local stories, and cultural sights—all in just an hour and a half. If you’re short on time but eager to see the highlights of Boka Bay, this might just be your go-to.

Good To Know

• Short and Sweet: At 1.5 hours, this tour offers a quick but immersive taste of Boka Bay’s beauty.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Expert Skipper: A professional, English-speaking guide who shares local stories and navigates the scenic route.
• Cultural Highlights: Visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and explore historic Perast.
• Value for Money: At $33, it includes the boat ride, island visit, water, and safety gear.
• Weather Dependency: The experience can be affected by seasonal hours or weather conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Departure

Your adventure begins at the Garni Hotel Tianis reception, a convenient and easy-to-find meeting spot in Kotor. From there, the group boards a comfortable speedboat, ready for a 20-minute cruise across the shimmering waters of Boka Bay. The boat is small and nimble, making the trip feel intimate—perfect for taking photos and soaking in the views.

Scenic Cruise and Coastal Views

Once underway, you’ll glide past dramatic coastal cliffs, charming fishing villages, and historical sites. The skipper provides commentary in English, sharing snippets of local legends and insights about the coastline. Think Romanesque churches perched on rocks, Byzantine palaces, and traditional boats bobbing in the harbors. The scenery is a highlight, with plenty of chances to snap photos of the rugged terrain and azure waters.

Visit to Our Lady of the Rocks

The first stop is the iconic island of Our Lady of the Rocks, a spot wrapped in legend and devotion. The story goes that sailors built the island after finding an image of Madonna and Child on a sea rock—a gesture of thanks for safe voyages. Over centuries, the island grew into a treasure trove of votives, paintings, and relics.

Visitors can explore the church and museum (note the seasonal hours), and many reviews mention the tranquil atmosphere and the stunning views from the island. The tour includes around 20 minutes here—a good window to take photos, enjoy a coffee or ice cream, and soak in the spiritual ambiance. Some reviewers noted that while the church might close early in certain seasons, the island can still be visited outside of the museum hours.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Exploration of Perast

Next, after a quick 5-minute boat ride, the tour heads to Perast, a UNESCO-listed coastal town packed with baroque architecture and maritime charm. With about 30 minutes to walk around, you’ll have time for photos, a quick stroll along the promenade, and a peek into the elegant palaces and churches.

The reviews highlight how Perast’s charm lies in its well-preserved buildings and stories. One reviewer appreciated the “incredible views and the chance to walk through history”, while another noted that it’s a peaceful spot, far from the tourist crowds of Kotor.

Return Journey

The boat ride back takes about 25 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy the vistas and reflect on the experience. The entire tour wraps up back at the starting point, making it a compact but satisfying adventure.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Affordable Price Point: At just $33, this tour packs in a lot—an island visit, scenic boat ride, and a walk through history—making it excellent value.

Personalized Small Group Setting: The limited group size ensures you’re not just another face in the crowd. Our reviews mention attentive guides and a friendly atmosphere that make the experience more meaningful.

Expert Guidance: The English-speaking skipper not only navigates safely but also shares stories, legends, and insights, enriching the experience beyond just the sights.

Beautiful, Authentic Experience: From the legend-laden island to Perast’s elegant facades, you’ll get a taste of Montenegro’s seafaring soul and architectural heritage.

Practical Considerations

Timing and Duration: The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, perfect for a quick side adventure or a first taste of Boka Bay. Make sure to check the available departure times, as they vary seasonally.

Weather Factors: The experience can be impacted by bad weather or rough seas, so keep an eye on the forecast. The tour may be canceled or rescheduled in poor conditions.

What To Bring: Pack essentials like a passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and camera. Remember that modest dressing is required if you plan to visit the church on Our Lady of the Rocks.

Seasonal Hours: The church and museum on the island have seasonal opening hours, closing early in some months, but the island itself remains accessible.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility limitations, or wheelchair users. Assistance dogs are allowed.

Parking: In summer, finding parking in Kotor can be tricky, so early arrival is recommended.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler from Mexico raved, “We loved everything! It was very personalized, and the guides were super attentive.” This points to the value of small groups and personalized attention. Another reviewer from Hungary simply said, “Very good trip, great experience, nice and friendly staff – really worth taking part,” emphasizing the friendly service and overall experience.

A reviewer from Moldova had a cryptic comment—”….. !”—but it hints that even the simplest trip can leave an impression, especially with stunning scenery and a friendly guide.

Is This Tour for You?

This tour suits travelers who want a compact, scenic, and culturally engaging experience without the fuss of longer excursions. It’s ideal for those with limited time in Kotor but eager to see the iconic island and explore Perast’s charm. If you enjoy small-group adventures, helpful guides, and stunning coastal views, this experience will likely delight.

However, if you’re looking for in-depth historical tours or want accessibility options, you might want to consider other options or tours with more extensive offerings.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour offers a lively and intimate way to experience Montenegro’s coast, combining natural beauty with a sprinkle of local lore. The small group size makes it feel personal, and the value for money ensures you get a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour provides a quick escape to picture-perfect scenery and cultural highlights. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see the best of Boka Bay in a short, enjoyable outing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including boat rides and time spent at each stop.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at the reception of Hotel Tianis in Kotor.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the speedboat ride, visit to Our Lady of the Rocks, a guide, water, and safety equipment.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, the entrance fee to the church museum on Our Lady of the Rocks is 3 euros per person and is not included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with boat rides and walking; it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchairs.

Will the tour operate in bad weather?
The tour may be canceled or rescheduled due to rough seas or bad weather, so check the forecast beforehand.

Can I visit the church if it’s closed?
Yes, the island can still be visited even if the church is closed, though access to the museum and church interior might be limited.

Is it necessary to bring anything special?
Bring a passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

To sum it up, this speedboat tour from Kotor to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast offers a well-balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and good value. It is perfect for travelers who want a quick, memorable glimpse of Montenegro’s coast with a friendly, guided touch.

You can check if your dates are available here: