Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks 1,5 hours tour – ticket tour

Exploring Boka Bay: A Detailed Look at the 1.5-Hour Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Speedboat Tour

If you’re after a quick but immersive glimpse into the beauty of Montenegro’s coast, the Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks tour offers a compact adventure with plenty of scenic highlights. This tour stands out as an efficient way to enjoy some of the most picturesque spots without committing to a full-day excursion.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the stunning views during the 20-minute panoramic boat ride offer a unique perspective on the charming villages and the dramatic mountain backdrop. Second, the visit to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum reveals a fascinating local story and beautiful architecture. Lastly, the quaint Perast village, with its baroque buildings and peaceful streets, provides a perfect spot for some memorable photos and relaxed wandering.

However, note that the tour’s brevity means limited time at each stop—mainly just 20 minutes—so if you’re craving a deep dive into each location, this might not satisfy you. Still, it’s an ideal choice for travelers looking for a quick, scenic snapshot of Boka Bay with ample opportunities for photos and light sightseeing.

This tour is well-suited for those who want to experience Montenegro’s coastal charm without a lengthy commitment, whether you’re short on time or prefer a relaxed, guided boat trip. It’s also perfect for visitors who appreciate a balanced mix of sightseeing and scenic cruising, all at a reasonable price.

Good To Know

• Stunning panoramic views of Boka Bay villages and mountains during the boat ride
• Affordable price point offers good value for a scenic experience in Montenegro
• Visiting Our Lady of the Rocks combines history, art, and architecture in one compact stop
• Authentic local stories and guidance add depth to the sightseeing experience
• A flexible pick-up option from various locations in Kotor Bay makes it accessible
• Limited time at each stop requires efficient sightseeing, but really good for a quick overview

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off from the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor Old Town, or a pickup point of your choice in Kotor Bay—such as Muo, Pranj, Stoliv, or Dobrota—where the speedboat can dock. This flexibility is a bonus, especially if you’re staying in different parts of the bay or prefer a more personalized pickup.

The vessel itself is a comfortable, modern speedboat that can accommodate up to 15 travelers, ensuring a relatively intimate atmosphere. The boat ride begins with a 20-minute panorama cruise across the bay, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of small villages, historic palaces, and churches clinging to the coastline. The boat glides smoothly, and the open-air seating provides an unobstructed photo opportunity.

Our Lady of the Rocks

The first major stop is the Our Lady of the Rocks island, which is made entirely by local inhabitants over centuries. The story behind its creation adds a layer of charm to the visit: two fishermen found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock, prompting villagers to build both the church and the island itself. Today, the church is decorated with numerous paintings, and the small museum inside features maritime artifacts and the famous icon.

Visitors get about 20 minutes to explore both the church and the museum. This limited time means you’ll want to prioritize your must-see spots, but the visit is quite enriching. Reviewers mention the church’s beauty and the story’s emotional pull, noting that it’s a highlight of the tour. Entrance to the church and museum is included in the tour price, but note that museum entry fee is not included.

Perast Village

Next, the boat brings you to Perast, a tiny baroque town with a rich maritime history. With just 20 minutes on the ground, you can stroll along the waterfront, admire the old stone houses, and take photos of the impressive church of Saint Nicholas with its towering bell tower. The town’s quiet streets and well-preserved architecture make it a lovely spot for a quick walk and some souvenir shopping.

From reviews, it’s clear that the guide’s local stories add a lot of color—one mention highlights the legend of the Tre Sorelle Palace, built in the 15th century, and how it’s wrapped in a love story that your skipper will be happy to share. The town’s small size means even a short walk feels authentic and charming.

Additional Islands and Landmarks

The tour also mentions the possibility of viewing the Island of Saint George, a natural island with a 12th-century monastery—though travelers aren’t allowed ashore. It’s a quick photo stop that adds to the scenic variety.

Another highlight is the Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj, a Baroque church dedicated to the Holy Virgin, which took over 120 years to build. Although you don’t get time to enter, the impressive exterior and the story behind its construction are worth noting.

Return and Overall Experience

After about 20 minutes back at Our Lady of the Rocks, the boat returns to the starting point in Kotor, wrapping up a compact but engaging outing. The entire experience, including the boat ride, stops, and sightseeing, lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

What Reviewers Say

Multiple reviewers express satisfaction with the friendly and professional guides—one mentions a skipper named Nemanja, who was attentive and eager to meet guest requests. The value for money is often praised, especially considering the inclusion of bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi onboard.

One guest mentioned that the timing was flexible, with the tour being adapted to suit their plans, highlighting the accommodating attitude of the local operator, Sea Horizon. The scenery, stories, and ease of access make this a highly recommended option for those seeking a quick but scenic taste of the Montenegrin coast.

Practicalities and Tips

• Price: At around $23.26 per person, this tour offers a lot of value, especially considering the scenic views, stories, and included amenities like water and WiFi.
• Duration: The 1.5-hour window is perfect for a quick overview—ideal if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Boka Bay’s highlights.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 25 days ahead, which is a good idea to secure your spot in high season.
• Meeting Point: The flexibility of pickup locations within Kotor Bay makes it easier to fit into your itinerary.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, the small group ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so keep an eye on the forecast.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, camera, and perhaps a light jacket—especially if you’re sensitive to wind on the boat.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re after a concise yet scenic adventure that combines natural beauty, history, and charming villages. It’s especially suited for travelers with limited time in Kotor or those who prefer a guided boat experience.

If you love stunning views and stories that add context to your photos, then this tour will satisfy. It also appeals to families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a relaxed, informative outing without the hassle of navigating on your own.

However, if you’re a history buff craving more time at each site or want to explore the islands thoroughly, you might find the 20-minute stops a bit rushed. Still, for a taste and photo opportunity, it hits the spot.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour starts from designated pickup points in Kotor Bay where the speedboat can dock, offering convenient access from various locations.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including the boat ride and stops at key sights.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the boat ride, bottled water, WiFi onboard, snorkeling equipment, and access to Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum. Museum entry fee is not included.

Can I customize the timing or stops?
Most reviews mention some flexibility, such as extending time in Perast or adjusting pickup times, but the standard itinerary is fixed to keep the experience smooth.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the small group size and scenic nature make it family-friendly; just ensure children are comfortable on boat rides.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but check with the provider if you have very young children or special needs.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a camera, light snacks, and if you wish, a light jacket or hat. Snorkeling equipment is provided if you want to try.

Is it possible to get a private tour?
Yes, some reviews mention private tours lasting longer, with dedicated skippers like Nemanja—an option if you want a more personalized experience.

How busy is the tour?
Limited to 15 travelers, so it remains intimate and avoids overcrowding, even during peak seasons.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations are possible if conditions aren’t safe, but you’ll receive a full refund or rescheduling options.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour of Boka Bay offers a nicely balanced blend of scenic cruising, quick cultural stops, and storytelling—making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a cost-effective, memorable snapshot of Montenegro’s coast.

The friendly guides, beautiful vistas, and relaxed pace make it suitable for leisure travelers, families, or anyone looking to skip the hassle of self-guided exploration. With a small group setting, you’re more likely to enjoy personalized insights and a more intimate experience.

While the time at each site is brief, the tour’s charm lies in its efficient itinerary and striking views, giving you a genuine taste of this stunning region. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to see Boka Bay without a long commitment, this tour hits the right notes—beautiful scenery, engaging stories, and good value.

Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, this trip is a lovely way to appreciate the highlights of Montenegro’s coast, especially if your schedule is tight but your desire for scenic beauty is high.