Kotor & Perast: Speedboat Tour, Lady of the Rocks, Small Groups

Summary

Speedboat ride Kotor Bay, Perast’s old stones and island legends

You’ll feel the wind as you speed across Kotor Bay, wander Perast’s quiet alleys with stories echoing off old stones, then step onto Our Lady of the Rocks where legends linger in candle-lit silence. With a local guide and small group energy, each stop feels close-up — not rushed or crowded. It’s less about ticking boxes and more about letting Montenegro surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of water against the hull and this salty breeze that just cuts through whatever mood you arrived with. We’d barely left Kotor when our guide, Marko, pointed out how the hills lean right into the bay — he said locals call it “the fjord that isn’t a fjord.” I tried to take a photo but gave up; it’s one of those places that just refuses to fit inside a phone screen. The smell of sun-warmed rope and diesel mixed with something floral from shore — maybe wild rosemary? Hard to say.

We pulled into Perast after maybe twenty minutes (I lost track — got distracted watching a heron glide by). The old town felt quiet in that way only stone villages can be, like everyone’s whispering out of respect for the past. Marko told us about Venetian palaces and pointed at a church spire — apparently every family wanted theirs taller than their neighbor’s. There was a wedding party spilling out onto the quay, all laughter and bright dresses. I tried to say “congratulations” in Montenegrin; pretty sure I butchered it because an old woman cackled and patted my arm.

Next was Our Lady of the Rocks — this tiny island that looks almost made-up from afar. The legend is wild: two fishermen found an icon here centuries ago and just started piling rocks until there was enough land for a church. Inside, it smelled like candle wax and cool stone, with these embroidered votive offerings hanging everywhere (some are centuries old). You can walk around the whole place in five minutes but somehow it sticks with you longer than that. No swimming allowed here — not that you’d want to break the silence anyway.

The boat ride back was quieter; everyone sort of lost in their own thoughts or staring at those blue-green hills. I still think about that view as we curved back toward Kotor — sometimes you don’t realize how much space you needed to clear your head until you’re out on water with strangers who suddenly feel like friends. So yeah, if you’re thinking about this day trip from Kotor or want something more personal than a big ferry crowd, this small group speedboat thing is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat tour of Kotor Bay and surroundings

• Cruise along Kotor Bay coastline
• Explore Old Town of Perast
• Visit Our Lady of the Rocks island

Top questions

How long does the Kotor & Perast speedboat tour take?

The tour runs every 2 hours; each loop includes stops at Perast Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks before returning to Kotor.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Kotor?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet at the starting point near Kotor park—arrive 30 minutes early due to possible traffic delays.

Can children join the speedboat tour?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap and strollers are allowed on board.

What should I wear when visiting Our Lady of the Rocks?

You must wear at least a T-shirt inside the church—swimwear alone isn’t permitted on the island or inside buildings.

Is swimming allowed during this boat tour?

No swimming is allowed at Our Lady of the Rocks or during stops; it’s mainly sightseeing from boat and land.

Are there any restrictions for drones?

Drones are not permitted at Our Lady of the Rocks island or during any part of this tour.

How many people are on each speedboat?

Each boat carries between 10–25 travelers for a small group experience—not crowded ferries.

Is lunch included on this private wine tour Bordeaux style cruise?

No lunch is included; water is provided but food is not part of this particular itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes all fuel costs, insurance coverage while on board, bottled water to keep cool under Montenegro’s sun, plus entry fees and taxes for both Perast Old Town and Our Lady of the Rocks church complex—all led by a local guide who knows every curve of Boka Bay before bringing you back to Kotor by boat.