A Review of the 2025 Private Speedboat Tour to Perast & Lady of the Rocks

You know, some places just have a certain feeling, and the Bay of Kotor is definitely one of them. We figured a private speedboat trip was just the right way to see it properly. As a matter of fact, there’s a real calm that comes over you when those big, dark mountains surround the water. So, booking the ‘Private Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town’ felt like the only choice, really. It’s almost a little overwhelming, in a good way, thinking about the old stories and the layers of time right there in front of you. Honestly, we just wanted to get out on the water and away from the busy parts of town for a bit. The idea of having a boat to ourselves, to just stop and stare when we wanted to, was, well, pretty much perfect. It’s sort of the best way to soak in the atmosphere, you know?

I mean, there’s a difference between just seeing a place and actually experiencing it, right? We felt this tour would give us the second option. Basically, it seemed less about checking boxes and more about making a real memory. So, with the sun just starting to get warm, we went down to the meeting point, you know, kind of full of excitement. At the end of the day, you hope these things live up to what you imagine. And to be honest, as we saw our own little boat waiting, we had a pretty good feeling this one would.

Setting Off: What to Expect from Your Private Speedboat

Alright, so the speedboat itself was actually very comfortable and just the right size for our small group. You kind of get a sense of freedom that you just don’t find on those bigger, packed tourist boats. Our skipper, a local guy, was, well, more of a guide, to be honest. He didn’t just steer the boat; he was sort of pointing things out and telling us little stories along the way, which was really nice. Actually, you can tell he genuinely likes his job. This private setup is basically about flexibility; for instance, if you see a cool spot for a picture, you can just ask to stop. There’s literally no fixed, rigid schedule to worry about.

Leaving the dock, the boat picks up speed, and you really feel the wind and the light spray of the water on your face; it’s honestly refreshing. The views of Kotor Old Town from the water give you a completely different perspective, you know? As a matter of fact, you can see the whole defensive wall system snaking up the mountain, and it’s quite a sight. The skipper pointed out some tiny, old fishing villages as we went, places you’d probably miss from the road. Anyway, this part of the trip is almost like a quiet introduction, getting you ready for the main events. It’s pretty much the perfect way to begin.

The Floating Wonder: Our Lady of the Rocks

So, you see it from a distance first, a little smudge of blue and stone in the middle of the bay. Honestly, as you get closer, Our Lady of the Rocks becomes more and more special. The fact that this island was apparently built by sailors over hundreds of years is just incredible to think about. I mean, they supposedly dropped rocks into the water for every safe return home. The church sitting there is, in a way, a monument to their faith and their connection to the sea. Actually, stepping onto the island feels like you’re stepping into a story.

Okay, so you should bring a few euros with you for the small entry fee to the church and its museum, which is absolutely worth it. Inside, it’s fairly cool and quiet, a nice break from the sun. The walls are covered in silver plaques, you know, gifts from sailors thanking the Lady for her protection. Some of them show little ships in storms, and it’s actually quite moving. Then there’s this famous tapestry that a local woman supposedly worked on for 25 years while waiting for her sailor to return; she even used her own hair, which is sort of amazing and a little sad. You probably only need about 30 to 45 minutes here, which is plenty of time to see everything without feeling rushed at all.

Stepping Back in Time in Perast Old Town

Next, it’s just a very short boat ride over to Perast. At the end of the day, this little town is the real star for a lot of people. Unlike Kotor, it’s extremely quiet and has, like, this very peaceful feeling about it. Seriously, it’s just one main road along the water, so you can’t get lost. The buildings are all these grand old stone palazzos from when Perast was a big deal in the shipping world; now they just seem to be sleeping in the sun. Basically, walking here feels a bit like you’re on a movie set. You’re just waiting for something to happen, but its charm is that nothing really does.

I mean, what you should do here is pretty simple. First, you just have to climb the bell tower of St. Nikola Church. Okay, the stairs are a little narrow, but the view from the top is, frankly, one of the best in the whole bay. You can see both islands, the blue water, and the mountains framing everything perfectly. After that, we just wandered around for a bit. We found a lovely little cafe right on the water’s edge and just sat there with a coffee. It’s sort of the main activity in Perast, and it’s honestly perfect. You could also just find a spot and go for a swim; the water is incredibly clear here.

Is a Private Tour Worth the Extra Coin?

Alright, let’s talk about the money, because private tours obviously cost more than the group ones. Is it worth it? To be honest, for us, it was an absolute yes. With a group tour, you’re on their clock, you know? You have to wait for everyone, and you spend a set amount of time at each place. On this trip, we basically told the skipper we wanted a little more time in Perast and a little less on the island, and he was just like, “No problem.” That kind of freedom is what you are really paying for.

You’re not just a passenger on a boat; in a way, the whole bay feels like it’s just for you for a few hours. That’s a feeling you really can’t put a price on.

Think about it like this: for a family with young kids, or maybe a couple wanting a romantic day, this is pretty much ideal. You don’t have to worry about other people, you can play your own music if you want, and you can just relax. If you’re a solo traveler on a very tight budget, then maybe a group tour makes more sense. But for a small group of friends, when you split the cost, it’s actually not that much more expensive. At the end of the day, the experience is just on another level. It’s more personal, more relaxed, and, well, just more memorable.

Tips for Making Your Day on the Water Perfect

Okay, so you’ve decided to go. Here are just a few little thoughts to make your day even better. Honestly, the sun in Montenegro is no joke, especially on the water where it reflects back at you. So, definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, and some sunglasses; you’ll be very glad you did. Also, throw a bottle of water in your bag, too. Even if the boat has some, it’s just always a good idea to have your own.

I mean, bring a bit of cash with you. You’ll need it for the entrance fee at Our Lady of the Rocks and if you decide to climb the bell tower in Perast or, you know, grab that coffee by the sea. A swimsuit and a towel are also a good idea. As a matter of fact, our skipper knew a great little spot away from everyone else where we could just jump off the boat for a quick swim. Just ask! Seriously, the skippers are locals and know all the best places. Don’t be shy; if you want to do something or have a question, just speak up. They are usually more than happy to make your trip special for you. It’s sort of their whole job.

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Final Thoughts & Takeaways

This private speedboat tour turned out to be the highlight of our visit to the Bay of Kotor. It offered a mix of history, natural beauty, and pure relaxation that you can’t quite get from the shore. The personal touch made all the difference.

• Privacy is a Plus: Having the boat to yourselves creates a much more intimate and flexible experience.
• History Comes Alive: The stories behind Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast are fascinating when told by a local.
• Perast is Peaceful: The quiet charm of Perast is a perfect contrast to busier tourist spots.
• Views are Unbeatable: Seeing the bay from the water, especially from the Perast bell tower, offers perspectives you won’t forget.
• Be Prepared: Sunscreen, water, and cash are your best friends for this day trip.

Read our full review: Private Speedboat Tour Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town 2025 Full Review and Details

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