Perast is a small town packed with charm, and its location on the Bay of Kotor makes it ideal for boat tours. Whether you’re after a quick jaunt around the bay or a comprehensive day cruise, Perast offers options that showcase its stunning scenery, historic sites, and beautiful islands. The Our Lady of the Rocks island, with its church and museum, is a must-see, and many tours focus on this highlight. I personally like the private boat tour from Kotor because it combines history, culture, and the thrill of a speedboat ride—all in just two hours. It’s an intimate way to experience the bay, with knowledgeable guides explaining the stories behind the islands and towns. If you’re short on time but want a taste of blue waters and mountain views, the Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks trip is a fantastic choice. For a more in-depth exploration, the 8-hour private bay cruise covers a lot, including lunch and swimming.
For those seeking a flexible, personalized experience, the private tours are hard to beat. But if you want a lively, group adventure, the 3-hour boat from Tivat with stops at Blue Cave and Mamula Island offers excellent value. Whichever route you pick, you’ll find that Perast’s proximity to stunning landscapes makes every boat trip memorable.
1. Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rock Private Boat Tour
At number 1, the Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rock Private Boat Tour stands out for its personalized approach. This 2-hour private trip takes you from MontenegroGlobe directly to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks and the charming streets of Perast. The tour emphasizes history and culture, with a guide explaining how the man-made island was built—an incredible feat considering it’s made entirely of rocks and filled with stories.
What makes this tour special is the speedboat ride, which adds a sense of excitement and allows for quick, scenic travel across the bay. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the fun, swift ride, with one traveler noting, “What a fabulous way to see the beauty of Kotor Bay.” The visit to Perast includes free time to walk the old streets and enjoy coffee or a snack. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a compact, private experience that combines sightseeing with some local flavor. The tour’s strength lies in its intimacy and direct storytelling, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, private way to see the islands and Perast’s historic streets, this is a top choice.
2. Boat tour from Tivat – Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks 3h
Coming in at number 2, the 3-hour boat tour from Tivat offers a compact yet adventurous experience. This trip is known for its visit to the Blue Cave, one of the most photographed spots in Boka Bay, and a highlight that’s hard to beat for its stunning lighting and unique atmosphere. The tour includes 30 minutes for swimming and photo sessions inside the cave, making it a favorite for travelers who want some time in the water and a chance to snap memorable photos.
The itinerary also features a 10-minute stop in the old submarine tunnel, adding a touch of local history. The visit to Our Lady of the Rocks allows for 20 minutes of free time, giving you a chance to explore the church and museum at your own pace. A quick 5-minute stop at Mamula Island offers panoramic views of the bay, perfect for photos. The speedboat ride is lively and scenic, and reviewers mention the captain’s expertise and friendly attitude.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for travelers who want a quick, lively adventure with water activities, spectacular scenery, and some history—all in a short time.
3. Perast Kotor Bay: boat ride to Our lady of the Rocks & back
Number 3 on our list is the Perast Kotor Bay boat ride that takes you directly to Our Lady of the Rocks and back. This short trip is perfect for those who want a quick, scenic ride with a focus on the iconic island. The 10-minute speedboat rides between the starting point in Perast and the island make it a breeze to see the sights without much fuss. It’s an excellent choice for travelers short on time who still want to experience the blues of the water and the mountains framing the bay.
Reviews note the well-organized nature of the tour and the beautiful scenery, with visitors appreciating the helpful guides. The tour’s simplicity makes it highly accessible, especially for families or those with limited mobility.
Bottom line: Ideal for a brief but beautiful glimpse of the bay and the island, perfect if your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of Perast’s scenic beauty.
4. Perast: Cruise & Explore Our Lady of The Rocks island/church
Ranking number 4, this full-day cruise offers a more leisurely exploration of Our Lady of the Rocks and the bay. The experience includes a cruise from Perast with stunning views of mountains and water, followed by time to explore the island’s church and museum. This tour is unique because it combines a scenic cruise with guided visits and free time for photos and shopping.
The tour review mentions that “tickets include entrance fees to the church and museum,” though some note that arriving in front of the church might incur additional costs. The boat ride itself provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and mountains, making it a relaxing way to see the area’s natural beauty.
Bottom line: A great pick for history lovers and those wanting a relaxed day with time to wander and soak in the views.
5. Kotor: Private Bay Cruise and Guided Sightseeing Tour
Coming in at number 5, the 8-hour private cruise is a comprehensive day trip designed for travelers who desire an in-depth experience. Starting from Kotor, it includes a scenic cruise along the UNESCO-listed bay, a stop at Porto Montenegro, and a visit to ex-Yugoslavian submarine tunnels. The itinerary features lunch and a chance to swim in the clear waters, making it perfect for active travelers wanting both cultural and outdoor activities.
The guide shares insights into local history, and the route takes in iconic sights like Mamula Island and the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks. The full-day format allows for a relaxed pace and plenty of photo opportunities. Reviewers comment on the professionalism of the guides and the amazing scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a full-day, all-in-one experience that combines sightseeing, swimming, and local culture.
6. Private boat tour Kotor – Perast and Lady of the Rocks
Finally, at number 6, the Private boat tour from Kotor offers a tailored experience lasting about 1.5 hours. This quick trip takes you from Kotor to visit the island of Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast town, emphasizing flexibility and personal attention. The boat ride provides panoramic views of the bay, and the tour includes visiting the church and museum on the island.
This tour is praised for its personalized service and ability to customize routes based on your interests. It’s ideal for travelers who want an intimate, short experience without the crowds. Some reviews mention that the tours are suitable for families or couples, particularly those wanting a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Perfect for a quick, personalized trip focusing on the highlights of Perast and the island.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in Perast
When selecting a boat tour, consider how much time you have and what interests you most. If you’re after a private experience with in-depth storytelling, the Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rock Private Boat Tour or the Private boat tour Kotor are solid choices. For a quick taste of the bay’s most photogenic spots, the Blue Cave trip from Tivat offers fantastic scenery with some water fun packed in.
If you’re interested in a full day of exploration and want to combine culture, swimming, and scenic cruising, the 8-hour Kotor Bay cruise is worth the investment. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter rides that highlight the main sights without much fuss. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and tour.
Final Thoughts
Perast’s waters are a playground for boat trips, with options ranging from short, private rides to full-day excursions. For a mix of history, scenery, and personal touch, the private tours are hard to beat. Meanwhile, those eager for adventure and photo opportunities may love the Blue Cave trip or the 8-hour full cruise. Whatever your level of interest or time, booking your boat tour in advance will ensure you get the experience you want.
Whether you want a quick snapshot or a full immersion in the bay’s beauty, Perast’s boat tours promise memorable moments on the water. So pick your adventure, and enjoy the sea, sky, and stories of this stunning corner of Montenegro.