Book a Tour
Bay of Kotor Boat Tours: Types, What's Included & How to Choose
A guide to Bay of Kotor boat tours: group vs private vs speedboat, what's included, Perast and the Blue Cave, sunset trips, prices, seasickness and weather, and what to bring.
Some links below are affiliate links — book through them and we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only point you to partners we'd use ourselves. Full disclosure.
The quick answer: the classic Bay of Kotor boat tour is a half-day trip taking in Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave, with a swim stop — expect about €25–€50 per person for a shared group boat. Pick a Perast-only trip if you’re short on time or on a cruise, a speedboat for the Blue Cave and more adventure, or a private boat for comfort and a route you control. The inner bay is sheltered and usually flat calm, so seasickness is rare; the Blue Cave leg near the open sea is the weather-dependent part. This page covers the tour types and what to expect on the water — for a side-by-side of every tour, use the Kotor Bay tours hub.
The one choice that shapes your day. Perast versus the Blue Cave. A Perast-focused trip is calm, reliable and village-pretty; a Blue Cave speedboat is faster, more thrilling and more weather-sensitive. Decide which mood you want first, then pick the tour.
Book a Bay of Kotor boat tour
Compare live availability across group boats, speedboats and private charters — most include Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, with the Blue Cave on longer trips.
Bay of Kotor boat tours Compare on Viator
The main types of boat tour
| Tour type | Typical length | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perast & Our Lady of the Rocks | 2–3 hrs | First-timers, cruise days | Calm, reliable, village time |
| Perast + Blue Cave (group) | 3–5 hrs | The classic all-rounder | Includes a swim stop |
| Blue Cave speedboat | 3–4 hrs | Adventure, swimming | Faster, more weather-dependent |
| Sunset cruise | 1.5–2 hrs | Couples, photos | Golden light over the bay |
| Private charter | Flexible | Groups, comfort | Your route and pace |
What’s usually included (and what’s not)
Most group boat tours include the boat, a skipper/guide, life jackets and a swim stop, and follow a set route with photo stops. What’s typically extra: the small entry fee to the Our Lady of the Rocks church and museum, drinks and snacks, and sometimes snorkel gear. Private charters are priced for the whole boat and often let you add food, drinks and a custom route. Always check whether the Blue Cave is included or weather-permitting before you book.
Perast, the Blue Cave and the swim stops
The inner bay highlights are Perast and the islet church of Our Lady of the Rocks — calm water, Baroque scenery and a short stop ashore. Longer trips push out toward the Blue Cave near Luštica, where sunlight turns the water an electric blue, plus other sea caves and a swim stop in clear water. The trade-off: the Blue Cave is at the open mouth of the bay, so it’s the leg most affected by wind and swell. Read our honest take in the Blue Cave tour review, and for the village itself see the Perast day trip guide.
Seasickness and weather
Inside the sheltered inner bay, the water is usually flat calm, so seasickness is uncommon on Perast and inner-bay trips — they suit families and nervous sailors. Speedboat runs toward the Blue Cave can be bumpier near the open sea; if you’re sensitive, choose an inner-bay tour, sit mid-boat, and go on a calm morning. Choppy days can shorten or cancel the Blue Cave leg, so build in flexibility and book free-cancellation where you can.
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel for the swim stops.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — little shade on open boats.
- A light layer or windbreaker for speedboats.
- Water, and cash for the church entry and drinks.
- A waterproof pouch for your phone on speedboat trips.
Pick your boat tour
Choose a calm Perast trip, a Blue Cave speedboat or a private charter — then book the slot that matches your day and the weather.
Book a boat tour Compare all tours
Where boat tours fit in your trip
A boat tour is the single best-value half-day on the water, and it slots neatly alongside the town’s other highlights. Pair it with the Old Town walking tour, the fortress hike, or a gentle kayak paddle, and browse the full Kotor Bay tours hub and day trips from Kotor. Cruise visitors should also read the Kotor cruise port guide for timing.
FAQs: Bay of Kotor boat tours
Frequently asked questions
What's the best boat tour in the Bay of Kotor?
For most people the best Bay of Kotor boat tour is a half-day trip combining Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave, with a swim stop. Choose a shorter Perast-only tour if you have limited time or are on a cruise, a speedboat for the Blue Cave and more adventure, or a private boat for comfort and a flexible route.
How much do Bay of Kotor boat tours cost?
Shared group boat tours typically cost around €25–€50 per person for a half day. Speedboat and small-group trips sit at the higher end; private boat charters run from roughly €150 upwards for the boat depending on length and size. Entry to the Our Lady of the Rocks church and any drinks are usually extra.
Is the Blue Cave part of a Kotor boat tour worth it?
The Blue Cave is worth it if you want a faster, more adventurous speedboat day and the sea is calm. It sits at the open mouth of the bay, so it's weather-dependent — choppy seas can shorten or cancel the visit. In rough weather, or if you prefer slow village time, a Perast-focused tour is the safer pick.
Do Bay of Kotor boat tours make you seasick?
Rarely inside the bay — the inner Bay of Kotor is sheltered and usually flat calm, so seasickness is uncommon on Perast and inner-bay trips. Speedboat runs out toward the Blue Cave near the open sea can be bumpier; if you're sensitive, choose an inner-bay tour, sit mid-boat and travel on a calm day.
What should I bring on a Kotor boat tour?
Bring swimwear and a towel for the swim stops, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, water, a light layer or windbreaker for speedboats, and some cash for the Our Lady of the Rocks church entry and drinks. A waterproof pouch for your phone is handy on speedboat trips.