Bay of Kotor Boat Tours — Islands, Caves, Cruises
The Bay of Kotor is best experienced from the water. Boat tours range from a quick €5 ride to an island church to full-day cruises through Europe's southernmost fjord, with stops at hidden caves, medieval towns, and secluded swimming spots.
Our Lady of the Rocks from Perast
The most popular and accessible boat trip on the bay, and one that should be on every visitor's list. From Perast waterfront (25 min drive from Krimovica), small wooden boats shuttle visitors to the man-made island of Our Lady of the Rocks for €5 per person. The ride takes just 5 minutes across calm water, passing close to the haunting cypress-covered island of St. George. On the island, the 15th-century church contains 68 paintings by the Perast artist Tripo Kokolja and the remarkable tapestry woven by Jacinta Kunić-Mijović over 25 years using silk, gold thread, and her own hair — you can see the thread change colour from dark to grey to white as she aged. The small museum has votive silver tablets left by sailors who survived storms. Boats run continuously all day from about 9am to 6pm — no booking needed, just walk to the waterfront and a boat will be waiting. Allow 30 minutes on the island. The best combination: arrive in Perast by 10am, take the boat, explore the island, walk through the town, and have a waterfront lunch watching the light change on the water.
The Blue Cave (Plava Špilja)
Near the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, where the fjord meets the open Adriatic, a sea cave creates one of nature's most spectacular light shows. Sunlight enters through an underwater opening and refracts through the water, turning the entire cave interior an electric, luminous blue. The effect is strongest on calm, sunny mornings between 9am and noon — on overcast days or when the sea is rough, the blue is muted or absent. Tours depart from Kotor (20 min from Krimovica) and typically combine the Blue Cave with a swimming stop in a secluded bay and a visit to Mamula island, a 19th-century fortress with a dark wartime history that is being converted into a luxury hotel. Half-day tours cost €25–40 per person and last 3–4 hours. From Herceg Novi (1 hour from Krimovica), shorter tours focus just on the cave and nearby beaches (€15–25). Book a day ahead in July–August; in shoulder season, walk-ups are fine. Ask specifically about sea conditions before booking — if the sea is rough, the cave visit may be cancelled and replaced with an alternative stop.
Full Bay Cruise
For those who want to see everything in one day without driving, full-day cruises from Kotor circle the entire Bay of Kotor — one of the most beautiful enclosed bodies of water in Europe. A typical itinerary: depart Kotor at 9–10am, cruise past the old town walls and along the southern shore, stop at Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, continue to the Blue Cave and a swimming stop, visit a waterfront village for lunch (usually included in the price), and return to Kotor by 5–6pm. Prices range from €40–60 per person including lunch and all stops. The cruise gives you a perspective impossible from the road — you see how the mountains plunge directly into the water, how the medieval towns cling to the shoreline, and how the bay narrows and widens like a series of connected lakes. Several operators run these tours; book at the Kotor waterfront or ask us at Mata Apartments to recommend one. The boats range from traditional wooden vessels to modern catamarans — the wooden boats are slower but more atmospheric.
Sunset and Private Charters
For a special experience, sunset boat tours depart from Kotor in the late afternoon and cruise the inner bay as the mountains turn gold and the old towns light up. These are smaller boats with a more intimate atmosphere — expect wine, cheese, and a guide who knows the bay's stories. Prices are €30–50 per person. Private boat charters are also available for groups — a skipper takes you wherever you want to go, at your own pace, with stops for swimming wherever the water looks inviting. Half-day private charters cost €200–400 for the boat (up to 8 people), making them surprisingly affordable for groups. This is the best way to experience the bay if you want flexibility and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book boat tours in advance?
The Perast–Our Lady of the Rocks boats need no booking. For Blue Cave and full-day tours, booking a day ahead is recommended in July–August but walk-ups are usually possible.
How much do boat tours cost?
Our Lady of the Rocks: €5. Blue Cave half-day: €25–40. Full bay cruise: €40–60. Kayaking: €35–50. All per person.
Are boat tours suitable for children?
The Perast island boat is fine for all ages (5 min ride). Full-day cruises suit children 6+. Kayaking tours usually require age 12+.
Stay at Mata Apartments
3 apartments in Krimovica from €35/night. Free parking, WiFi, sea views.
