Kotor: 3 Hours Speedboat to Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks

Kotor looks best from the water. This three-hour speedboat trip gives you a quick, scenic way to see the Bay of Kotor, with stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and the Venetian town of Perast. I like the compact route and the chance to view Saint George Island without spending a full day on a boat.

I also like the reasonable $29 price, the shaded seating, and the friendly English-speaking skipper. The main drawback is time: 20 minutes in Perast and 20 minutes on Our Lady of the Rocks lets you see the highlights, but not explore either place at a relaxed pace. A breeze can also make the ride chilly in spring and autumn.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast route with two real stops: You get 20 minutes on Our Lady of the Rocks and 20 minutes in Perast, plus views of Saint George Island.
• Aki has earned special praise: A verified June 2025 booking specifically praised Aki for his stories about Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
• The $29 fare covers the main experience: The boat, skipper, safety equipment, shade, and island visits are included, but the museum costs an extra €3.
• Saint George is a photo stop only: You see the island and its medieval monastery from the water, but the route does not include a landing there.
• Golden hour can improve the trip: The bay can look especially appealing in the softer evening light, if your departure time allows.
• Church hours matter: The church and museum close earlier in spring and autumn, though you can still walk around the island when the buildings are closed.

Why this short Kotor boat trip works

Kotor’s old town is impressive from street level, but the bay gives you the full picture. Steep mountains close in around calm water, and the shoreline shifts from medieval stone towns to small islands and quiet coves. A speedboat lets you cover the route without committing to a long cruise.

The boat leaves from Hawaii Boat Tours Kotor, near the main marina inside the park area by the Old Town entrance. The exact meeting spot is shared after booking, and the skipper should be near the boat wearing a branded shirt or cap. If you have trouble finding the departure point, a contact number is provided for help on the day.

The ride is described as comfortable and safe, with seating, shade, life jackets, and standard safety equipment. You should still expect a proper boat ride, not a slow sightseeing vessel. The faster pace is useful for fitting both stops into three hours, but people prone to seasickness may find it uncomfortable.

The route is offered in English, and the skipper provides stories about the bay and its landmarks. Aki received specific praise for his explanations, especially during a golden-hour departure. That detail matters because a good skipper can turn a simple boat transfer into a more useful introduction to the area.

The first 20 minutes across the Bay of Kotor

The initial speedboat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks takes about 20 minutes. This is the time to settle in, put on sunscreen, and look back toward Kotor as the town becomes smaller behind you.

You will have open views of the bay and its mountains along the way. Keep your camera ready, but secure loose items before the boat picks up speed. Sunglasses and a hat are useful in direct sun, while a light jacket helps during cooler months.

The boat includes shade, which is an important comfort feature in summer. You can move between sun and shade rather than spending the entire ride exposed. Bring water because drinks are not included.

The departure point is close to Kotor’s Old Town, so this works well as a half-day activity before or after sightseeing on foot. If you arrive by car in summer, allow extra time. Parking in Kotor can be very limited, and the marina area may be busy.

Twenty minutes on Our Lady of the Rocks

Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island, built up over time through local maritime traditions and legends. The island is home to a church and museum, giving this brief stop more substance than a simple photo break.

The boat stops for about 20 minutes. You can walk around the island, take pictures, and visit the church if it is open. The site is small, so the short stop can cover the basics, but it is not enough for a slow museum visit or a long look at every detail.

The museum entry fee is €3 and is not included in the tour price. Church and museum opening times change with the season:

• April, May, September, and October: open until 5:00 pm
• June: open until 6:00 pm
• July and August: open until 7:00 pm, though closing can sometimes be earlier

If the church is closed, you can still walk around the island and enjoy the views. Check your start time before booking if entering the church is important to you.

There is also a dress code. Swimsuits and very casual beachwear are not suitable for church entry, even during hot summer weather. Carry a light cover-up if you are coming straight from a beach or boat day.

The booking information refers to skipping the ticket line, but that does not apply to entry at Our Lady of the Rocks. The church is a small site with limited capacity, so access depends on opening hours and the conditions at the island. The boat ride itself remains the main part of the experience.

Saint George Island from the water

After leaving Our Lady of the Rocks, the boat makes a short five-minute ride toward the Saint George area. The itinerary includes about five minutes of sightseeing and passing by, followed by another short five-minute ride.

Saint George is the more mysterious-looking of the two islands, with a medieval monastery surrounded by water. You do not get off the boat here. Instead, the skipper provides a view from the bay and time for photographs.

This stop is best understood as a scenic viewpoint, not a full island visit. If you want to explore Saint George on foot, this tour will not meet that goal. Still, the view adds variety to the route and gives you a chance to see both famous islands in one outing.

The passing time also helps break up the ride between the two main stops. Your skipper may share local stories and background as the boat moves past, but the exact amount of commentary can depend on the timing and conditions.

Twenty minutes in historic Perast

Perast comes after the island visits, with another speedboat ride of about 20 minutes before arrival. The town is known for Venetian-style buildings and its long connection to seafaring.

You get about 20 minutes to stop, take photographs, and walk through part of the historic area. That is enough to get a feel for the stone architecture and waterfront setting, but it is not enough for an extended town visit, a leisurely meal, or a detailed museum program.

I like placing Perast near the end of the route because the town gives you a change of pace after the open-water views. The islands are compact and highly scenic. Perast lets you stretch your legs and see one of the bay’s best-known historic settlements from ground level.

Keep your expectations measured. This is a short orientation visit, not a deep town tour. If Perast is your main reason for coming to the Bay of Kotor, plan separate time here on another day. On this boat trip, focus on the waterfront, the architecture, and the quick chance to walk around.

The skipper’s local explanations are especially useful here. Aki was singled out for his stories about Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, which suggests that the historical context is an important part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

What $29 really gets you

At $29 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want the bay’s main sights in a short window. The price includes the speedboat ride, the skipper, life jackets, shade, the Perast stop, the Our Lady of the Rocks stop, and the Saint George viewpoint.

You pay extra only for personal food and drinks, along with the €3 museum ticket. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the marina near Kotor’s Old Town yourself.

The value depends on your preferred pace. You are paying for transport, views, and a guided introduction rather than long time at each destination. A slower boat tour could give you more time on the water, while a private charter might offer greater flexibility at a higher price.

The activity notes that the duration can be customized based on your schedule and preferences. Confirm the details before relying on that option, since the standard experience is presented as three hours with set stops. For most people, the regular route is the clearest value.

Timing, weather, and comfort

The bay can be sunny and hot in summer, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, and comfortable clothes. The boat has shade, but you should not assume every seat will feel equally cool throughout the ride.

Spring and autumn can be more changeable. A light jacket is a smart addition because wind on the water may feel chilly even when Kotor itself feels warm. Weather can also affect the schedule. Tours may be canceled or rescheduled for safety if conditions are poor.

The ride is not recommended for people prone to seasickness. The speedboat format is efficient, but it can feel sharper and more active than a large boat. The stated restrictions also exclude people over 95 years old and include weight limits. The supplied information lists both 130 kilograms and 140 kilograms in different places, so confirm the current limit before booking if that applies to you.

The activity is marked wheelchair accessible, but no detailed information is provided about boarding, seating, or access on the islands. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking and ask about the boat ramp, transfer process, and the short walks at Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.

Smoking is not allowed on the activity.

Who will enjoy this route most

I would choose this tour if you have only a few hours in Kotor and want to see more than the old town. It suits first-time visitors, cruise passengers with a defined window, couples looking for a scenic outing, and anyone who prefers a small, active boat over a long cruise.

It also fits photographers well. You get open-water views, Perast’s stone buildings, both famous islands, and the chance to time the trip around softer evening light. The golden-hour departure praised in the June 2025 booking shows how much the start time can affect the mood and pictures.

Families may appreciate the short duration, though the fast boat and limited stop time may be less suitable for very young children who need frequent breaks. People who want a slow cultural visit should choose a longer format or arrange extra time in Perast.

This is not the best choice if you dislike boat motion, need a relaxed schedule, or want to enter every church and museum along the way. The experience moves briskly, and the two main stops last only 20 minutes each.

Practical booking advice

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility is useful when weather on the bay is uncertain.

Check the available departure times before booking, especially if you want to visit the church and museum. Their closing times vary by month, and summer hours can sometimes change.

Wear comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops. You will walk on the island and in Perast, and the surfaces may not be ideal for unstable footwear. Bring a camera, but also bring a secure way to carry it during the speedboat ride.

The exact meeting point is supplied after booking. Look for the main marina inside the park area near the Old Town entrance, and identify the skipper by the boat or branded clothing. Keep the provided contact number handy in case the marina is crowded.

Should you book the Kotor speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a well-priced three-hour overview of the bay, with two short land visits and a clear view of Saint George Island. The strongest reasons are the efficient route, the low price, the shade and safety equipment, and the added value of an English-speaking skipper such as Aki, who was praised for his explanations.

Skip it if your priority is slow exploration. Twenty minutes at Our Lady of the Rocks and 20 minutes in Perast provide a taste, not a full visit. For most people with limited time, though, this is a practical way to see Kotor’s best-known bay sights without spending the whole day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour leave from?

It departs from Kotor, near the main marina inside the park area by the Old Town entrance. The exact meeting location is shared after booking.

How long does the tour last?

The standard tour lasts three hours. Check availability for the departure times offered on your chosen date.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route stops at Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast. It also passes by Saint George Island for sightseeing and photographs, but it does not include a landing there.

Is entry to the museum included?

No. The Museum of Our Lady of the Rocks costs €3. Food and drinks are also not included.

Can I visit the church if it is closed?

No, you cannot enter when it is closed, but you can still walk around the island. Opening hours vary by season, with earlier closing times in April, May, September, and October.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing. A light jacket is recommended in spring and autumn because the breeze on the bay can be chilly.

Can the tour be canceled because of bad weather?

Yes. The tour may be canceled or rescheduled when weather conditions make the boat ride unsafe. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.