Private Tour – Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town (2hrs)

Kotor by speedboat feels like flipping the view to the Bay of Kotor in 3D, and this private run is a fast way to do it. You’ll get big-mountain views from the water right away, then step onto Perast for an easy on-foot wander and get a close look at Our Lady of the Rocks, the famous artificial islet with its stone-built story. The one watch-out is simple: you’ll want decent weather, since this tour is weather-dependent.

The best part for me is how the timing works for a short trip, roughly 2 hours from Kotor, with only a quick 15 minutes at Our Lady and about 1 hour in Perast. That makes it great if you’re trying to fit in sights without losing an entire afternoon. The main trade-off is that Museum time at Our Lady costs extra, so if you’re a slow reader in churches and galleries, you’ll need to decide whether the €3 ticket is worth it for your pace.

Key things I’d plan for on this 2-hour speedboat tour

• Private for up to 6 people, so you’re not squeezed into a loud swarm.
• Two different vibes: a quick islet stop (Our Lady of the Rocks) and a longer shoreline wander (Perast).
• Snorkeling gear is included, even if you only use it for a quick check of the water.
• Museum entrance is extra at Our Lady of the Rocks, so budget €3 if you want inside.
• You’re served onboard with water, apple juice, and a small pour of white wine.
• Time pressure can be real, and guides like Paolo are known for keeping the schedule tight.

A fast, scenic start from Kotor’s waterfront

This is a speedboat tour, so the experience starts before you even land anywhere. As you head out, the bay opens up with steep mountain walls and calm water, and you quickly see why people fall for Kotor Bay. You’ll also spot Perast from the water, with the town’s stone edges and the little boats gently moving on the waves.

What I like about doing this by boat is that it changes your perspective fast. In a normal walking day, you’re always looking uphill or along the waterfront. Here, you get the bay’s geometry immediately, and it makes the rest of the day feel more connected.

One practical note: bring something that works for sun and spray. Even when the ride is smooth, you can get a light mist off the water. A hat, sunglasses, and a light layer can make the 2-hour loop feel more comfortable.

Our Lady of the Rocks: an islet with a human-made origin story

Our Lady of the Rocks is one of the two islets off Perast (the other is Sveti Đorđe Island). This is not just a pretty photo stop. The islet is artificial, made from a bulwark of rocks and by sinking older ships loaded with rocks. That mix of engineering and local legend is part of what makes it memorable.

You’ll have about 15 minutes here, so it’s a “brief but meaningful” stop. Plan for a short walk around the immediate area and enough time to take in the church setting. If you want the museum side, the Our Lady of the Rocks Museum entrance ticket is €3 and not included.

Here’s the trade-off I’d think about. With only 15 minutes, you can either:

• Focus on the exterior, views, and photos, then move on, or
• Add the museum ticket if you’re really curious about the place’s story and artifacts.

If you’re the type who loves walking in and out quickly, you’ll likely fit it. If you’re slower, you might skip the museum to avoid feeling rushed.

Perast on foot: small town streets, big bay viewpoints

Then comes the part that stretches out a bit: Perast. You get about 1 hour on foot, and that’s enough time to do the core without turning it into a stress test.

Perast has a special feel because it’s small and man-made in the way it sits off the shoreline. The streets are compact, and the waterfront viewpoints pop up quickly. You can do a casual loop, take your time with the church fronts and facades, then step back toward the water for one last look before you return to the speedboat.

This stop is also where you get the contrast. Our Lady is quick, bright, and story-driven. Perast is slower, more personal, and more about wandering at your own speed.

Practical tip: in an hour, don’t try to “cover everything.” Pick a direction, let the street pattern guide you, and build in two or three planned photo pauses. The town is scenic from multiple angles, so you’ll get payoff even if your route is simple.

Snorkeling gear included, but keep it realistic

You’ll be provided snorkeling equipment as part of the tour. That’s a nice bonus because you don’t have to pack your own gear for a short day.

Still, you should treat it as optional. This tour is primarily about the boat ride, the islet stop, and the on-foot time in Perast. If the water is inviting and you’re comfortable doing a quick swim, you’ll likely enjoy the added freedom. If not, the tour still works perfectly well without using the gear.

I’d suggest you only plan on snorkeling if conditions feel safe and comfortable in the moment. If you’re unsure, ask the guide right after boarding. They’ll know what the water and timing look like for that day.

Price and value: what you get for $178.71 per group

At $178.71 per group (up to 6) for about 2 hours, this tour is priced for people who want a private speedboat experience without paying for multiple separate tickets or joining a large group. The value depends on how you split costs.

If you’re traveling as a small group, this can land in a reasonable range per person because the boat is the main cost driver. Plus, you’re not just buying transportation. You’re getting:

• Bottled water plus domestic apple juice and domestic white wine onboard (small pours)
• WiFi on board
• Insurance
• All fees and taxes covered, with the one clear exception of the €3 museum entrance at Our Lady of the Rocks

That “one extra fee” piece matters. It’s easy to budget, and it keeps the main price from turning into a surprise list at the dock.

If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll still be getting a private boat, but your per-person value will depend on whether you’re comparing it to other shared boat options you might otherwise consider. For solo or couples, it can be worth it if you want the schedule flexibility and quieter ride that comes with a small group.

The guide factor: keeping time tight and the mood light

Small-group private tours live or die by the guide’s tempo. One standout from the tour team is that Paolo is described as personable and focused on keeping things on time, especially when a cruise departure is involved.

That matters because this tour is short. With only about an hour in Perast and a 15-minute islet stop, you can’t afford to drift off schedule. You want a guide who moves you along at a comfortable pace, without rushing you so hard that you miss the point.

There’s also a human touch. Paolo is noted for playing 80s music, which makes the speedboat ride feel less like a checklist and more like a fun, shared moment.

Timing, weather, and cruise-day reality

This experience runs only when conditions are right. It’s explicitly described as requiring good weather. If weather is poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

For planning, that means you should avoid locking this tour into a day where you have no flexibility. If you’re on a cruise, you’ll want to be confident you can reach the meeting point on time. The tour’s short duration helps in that situation, but weather still controls the schedule.

Also, consider what you’re pairing it with. Since the tour is about 2 hours and ends back at the start point, it can fit before another nearby activity, or as a tight sightseeing block on a port day.

Meeting point and what to expect when you arrive

Your start location is Park Slobode in Kotor. The meeting point is listed with coordinates (CQG9+H6W), and the end returns to the same spot.

It’s also said to be near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t plan to use a private car. For the smoothest start, I’d arrive a few minutes early, not because you need extra time, but because you’ll be stepping onto a speedboat and getting oriented fast.

Language is English, which helps if you want clear explanations about what you’re seeing and why Our Lady of the Rocks is built the way it is.

Who this private tour suits best

This is a smart match for:

• Couples and small friend groups who want private boat time without stretching the day
• Cruise passengers who need a compact plan with clear time blocks
• People who love views and photos but still want some on-foot time on shore
• Anyone who wants a straightforward taste of Perast plus a quick look at Our Lady of the Rocks

It’s less ideal if you want a long guided walk through Perast museums and churches, or if you’re hoping for a slow, linger-everywhere pace. The durations are intentionally short. That’s great for efficiency, but it won’t satisfy someone craving hours of museum time.

Should you book this Private Tour to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast?

I think you should book it if your priority is the water view and an efficient, private day plan. The combination works well: speedboat scenery up front, a story-filled stop at Our Lady of the Rocks, and then a simple Perast walk where you can wander at your own speed.

Skip it if you know you’ll struggle with weather-dependent plans, or if you’re the type who needs more time inside museums. With only 15 minutes at Our Lady and just 1 hour in Perast, you have to be comfortable making choices.

If you like structured freedom, meaning a planned route but time to look around, this tour hits the right balance.

FAQ

How long is the Private Tour to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s private, and the group size is up to 6 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Park Slobode in Kotor, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need to buy tickets for Our Lady of the Rocks?

The entrance ticket to the Our Lady of the Rocks Museum is not included and costs 3€. The rest of your tour is included.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for use during the experience.

What drinks and amenities are included onboard?

Bottled water is included, along with domestic apple juice and domestic white wine. WiFi on board and insurance are also included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.