Perast, a charming town in Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, is a perfect place to explore by boat. Its calm waters, scenic islets, and historic sites are best experienced from the water, where every view feels like a postcard. Whether you want to snorkel in pristine waters, uncover the story behind Our Lady of the Rocks, or enjoy a private cruise with personalized touches, Perast offers a variety of cruise and boat tour options that cater to different interests and schedules. Among these, the private speedboat trips stand out for their intimacy and flexibility, allowing you to explore off the beaten path and enjoy swimming in secluded bays. For a deeper cultural experience, guided tours to the famous Our Lady of the Rocks provide insight into local traditions and history, making each journey both educational and relaxing.
For those who love combining scenic beauty with local flavors, a Kotor Bay cruise that includes mussel tasting and sightseeing offers a tasty way to connect with Montenegro’s culinary and natural heritage. And if you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of the bay’s highlights, a short, well-paced half-day tour can be just enough to leave you eager for more. No matter your style, these boat tours provide a wonderful way to see more of Montenegro’s stunning coast and islands.
1. Kotor: Private Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave with Swim Time
If you’re craving an adventure on the water, the Private Speed Boat Tour to Blue Cave is a fantastic choice. Starting from Kotor, this tour offers a fast-paced exploration of iconic sites like the Our Lady of the Rocks and an opportunity to swim and snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the area. You’ll also get to explore the ex-submarine base, which is a quirky slice of Cold War history, and relax with drinks onboard. The Blue Cave is the star attraction, with its vivid blue glow creating a surreal backdrop for your swim or photo session.
This tour is rated 5/5 by 12 reviewers, who praise its energetic pace and the chance to escape the crowds. The boat can accommodate up to 6 people for around $324, making it a good value for small groups or couples. The highlight is the swimming in secluded bays, perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with water fun. The guide navigates efficiently, giving you time to enjoy each spot without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: If you love fast-paced, flexible tours that include swimming, snorkeling, and a visit to the Blue Cave, this private speedboat trip is hard to beat. Just be prepared for a lively ride and bring your swim gear.
2. Kotor: Perast and Lady of the Rock Private Boat Tour
For a more relaxed but culturally rich experience, the Perast and Lady of the Rock Private Boat Tour is a perfect pick. Lasting about 2 hours, this tour combines visits to Perast’s historic streets and museums with a trip to the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks. The guide shares stories about the island’s construction and the history behind its church, adding depth to your visit.
Rated 4.9/5 by 11 reviewers, this tour is praised for its personalized attention and smooth navigation. The boat ride itself is a scenic 20-minute trip, with additional stops that are ideal for photo ops and brief explorations. The tour is flexible enough to fit into a morning or early afternoon slot, making it a great choice for travelers on a tight schedule. Guests love the chance to see Perast’s Baroque architecture and enjoy the panoramic views.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in history and culture and want a quiet, intimate experience, this private tour offers a perfect mix of sightseeing and storytelling in just a couple of hours.
3. Boat tour from Tivat – Blue Cave and Lady of the Rocks 3h
This 3-hour boat tour from Tivat hits all the high notes in a short time. It’s ideal if you want an efficient, well-rounded experience with plenty of photo stops and swimming. The Blue Cave is the main attraction, with about 30 minutes allocated for swimming and photo sessions inside its glowing waters. The tour also includes a quick stop in an old submarine tunnel, where you can peek into Montenegro’s maritime past.
Rated 5/5 by two reviewers, it’s praised for its value for money and the engaging guide. The 20-minute visit to Our Lady of the Rocks is a highlight, offering a chance to explore the church and museum. The tour finishes with a panoramic view of Mamula Island, making it a great snapshot of the bay’s diverse scenery.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the Blue Cave, Perast, and key sights in a compact format. It’s a quick, scenic way to experience the bay’s highlights.
4. Perast Kotor Bay: boat ride to Our lady of the Rocks & back
This short boat ride is designed for those who want a quick, scenic glimpse of Kotor Bay. Starting from Muzej grada Perasta, the tour takes about an hour and covers the famous island of Our Lady of the Rocks and the surrounding bay. The ride offers spectacular views of the black mountains and the blue waters, perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Rated 4.6/5 from 7 reviews, visitors appreciate the organization and helpful guides. It’s a straightforward trip that’s ideal if you’re already exploring Perast or Kotor and want a concise water experience.
Bottom line: If your time is limited and you just want a taste of the bay’s beauty and the island’s charm, this ride provides a memorable snapshot.
5. Perast: Cruise & Explore Our Lady of The Rocks island/church
For those looking for a more immersive cultural visit, this cruise and exploration tour offers a full day of sightseeing. You’ll cruise to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, where you can learn about its history and see the church and museum. The tour includes free time for exploring the island’s artifacts and panoramic views of the bay.
Rated 4.7/5 by three travelers, people enjoy the combination of scenic cruising with scheduled visits. The tour is ideal for those interested in local traditions and the story behind the island’s creation, although the review mentions that some additional explanation about the site’s history would improve the experience.
Bottom line: If you’re eager for a full-day, in-depth visit combining boat travel with cultural discovery, this tour is a worthwhile choice.
6. 3-Hour Kotor Bay Cruise: Perast, Rocks & Mussel Farm Visit
This 3-hour cruise blends sightseeing with tasting Montenegro’s local delicacies. Starting from Kotor, the tour includes stops at Our Lady of the Rocks, with ample time for photos and exploration. Afterward, you’ll visit a mussel farm, where you can enjoy fresh mussels and wine—a delicious way to connect with local food traditions.
Rated 5/5, travelers praise the authentic experience and the informative stops. The tour combines scenic views with a taste of Montenegro’s culinary scene, making it a great option for food lovers or those wanting a more relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a taste of local flavor alongside their sightseeing, and don’t mind a slightly longer tour to enjoy both culture and cuisine.
7. Kotor: Private Bay Cruise and Guided Sightseeing Tour
For travelers seeking a comprehensive day on the water and land, this private bay cruise combines a full-day cruise with guided visits to key sites like Our Lady of the Rocks, Mamula Island, and Porto Montenegro. The 8-hour itinerary includes a lunch break and time for swimming, offering a flexible, personalized experience.
Rated 4.8/5 by several reviewers, it’s perfect for families or groups wanting to combine sightseeing with leisure. The guide’s knowledge and the itinerary’s variety make it a top-tier option for those wanting a full immersion in Bay of Kotor’s sights.
Bottom line: This all-day private tour is best for those who want an in-depth, tailored experience blending history, scenery, and relaxation.
8. Private boat tour Kotor – Perast and Lady of the Rocks
Last but not least, this half-hour private boat tour offers a quick, intimate visit to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast. It’s ideal if you have limited time but still want to see the main sights from the water with a personal touch.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers appreciate the panoramic views and the easy booking process. The short duration makes it perfect for adding to a day of exploring or as a private add-on.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with limited time, this quick tour offers a memorable glimpse of Montenegro’s water-facing highlights.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Perast
When selecting a boat tour, consider your time availability, your interest in history or culture, and whether you prefer a private experience or a group outing. If your primary goal is swimming and adventure, the private speedboat tour (#1) is hard to beat. For a cultural deep dive, the cruise to Our Lady of the Rocks offers fascinating insights. Food lovers will enjoy the mussel farm visit and tasting in tour #6, while those wanting a full-day exploration should consider the private bay cruise.
Booking early during peak season (May-September) is recommended, especially for private tours, which can fill up quickly. Check the availability and decide whether you want a quick snapshot or a more immersive experience blending sightseeing, history, and local cuisine.
Final Thoughts
From short, scenic rides along the bay to full-day explorations with cultural stops, Perast’s boat tours cater to a wide range of interests. For those seeking an adrenaline rush with swimming and snorkeling, the private speedboat (#1) is a top pick. History enthusiasts will appreciate the depth offered by the Perast and Lady of the Rock tour. And for a culinary-culminated day, the mussel farm cruise (#6) delivers on flavor and scenery.
Whichever you choose, be sure to book early, especially if traveling during the busy summer months. Perast’s water adventures promise unforgettable views and experiences — a true highlight of your Montenegrin trip.