Kotor Boat Tour Review: Relax to Perast & Lady of the Rock

Kotor Bay is truly a treasure and taking a boat tour might be just the best way you can experience its calm water, dramatic mountains, and picturesque little towns. A boat tour from Kotor which includes Perast and Lady of the Rock? That sounds amazing, very wonderful actually. So, I took that boat tour and, I’ll be sharing everything with you. From what the experience is like to helpful tips that will ensure you, too, have the best trip ever.

Setting Sail from Kotor: Getting Started

The start of any tour is kind of important, right? The departure point in Kotor is super easy to find; it’s right near the Old Town’s sea gate. Before booking the boat, do just a bit of research and maybe compare tour operators. I went for one that seemed like it had good reviews, offered comfortable seating (this seems important when you think about being on a boat), and provided, basically, some interesting information in a language I can understand. I found that booking a bit ahead helps avoid some last-minute price increases. Show up a bit early, that is to say about 15-20 minutes, to grab a good spot on the boat.

The boats themselves? Well, you’ll find a mixture. Some are smaller, offering maybe a more intimate experience; others are larger, able to accommodate bigger groups. Most will have both indoor and outdoor seating. If you, like myself, like to take photos? An outdoor spot is more your vibe. I found the crews usually very friendly and ready to answer questions; it helps if you smile a bit at them.

Cruising Kotor Bay: A Relaxing Experience

Once you move away from Kotor Old Town and into the bay itself? Well, it’s where the tour actually finds its rhythm. The scenery is certainly fantastic: very tall mountains rise sharply from the water. Small, sleepy villages sprinkle the coastline. The water is usually a really inviting shade of blue-green.

The feeling is super calm, that is. Just sitting on the deck, feeling the gentle breeze, and maybe hearing some stories about the area makes you want to sink right into your bones and stay forever. Many tours offer commentary, often pointing out places of interest and giving you a quick dive into local history. Keep in mind the volume could change so just adjust a bit.

For picture lovers, this part of the tour provides endless opportunities. Whether you want to capture grand views, quiet moments in the smaller villages, the camera never rests. A charged battery is your best friend here.

Perast: A Step Back in Time

Perast might seem like a tiny town, however its beauty packs a punch. As you approach by boat, the baroque architecture kind of stands out beautifully against the backdrop of the bay. Disembarking here, you can almost get the sense that you’re traveling backward, since everything seems to be just as it was many years before.

A walk through Perast is probably best at a very relaxed pace. The streets are maybe narrow and cobblestone. The houses, a testament to Perast’s wealthy history (mainly maritime), invite wonder and excitement to know how they look inside. You should visit St. Nicholas Church; that might be a landmark. Consider climbing the bell tower. It might offer spectacular views of the area.

Perast does have its little cafes and souvenir shops. These actually provide a chance to just pause, get some refreshment, or perhaps get something as a reminder of your trip. I would probably allow about an hour or so to explore Perast; then you would get to experience it without rushing.

Lady of the Rock: A Man-Made Marvel

Next on the tour might be the intriguing Lady of the Rock island, that is. It’s the only artificial island in the Adriatic Sea that was built by throwing rocks and sinking old ships. On that island sits a church, bearing the same name. From stories passed down by sailors, they built it after finding an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock. True or folklore? Make you wonder a bit, right?

The church at Lady of the Rock, while small, is quite wonderful. Inside, you will discover numerous paintings, including a very interesting one painted by a local artist. Did I mention, it’s painted with the artist’s own hair? Pretty fascinating, actually.

Many also find the votive tablets; that are displayed inside the church, particularly captivating. They act like tokens of gratitude from sailors who, long ago, survived dangerous experiences at sea. The view from the island? That is another reason to visit, that is to say especially great photo opportunities.

Tour Variations and Options

There are so many boat tour options in Kotor Bay, and so finding the perfect tour? Well, you should shop around. Some tours may focus just on Perast and Lady of the Rock, which might work well if you have kind of limited time. Other tours can offer a longer exploration of the bay. Some will even add in a visit to the Blue Cave; that might be a very striking natural grotto.

Prices may be based on the duration, stops included, and any extras, such as onboard drinks or meals. Pay attention to what is and isn’t included in the price. Some tour operators sometimes offer private tours, so that could provide a far more custom-designed experience.

The time of year can play a large role, that is to say in tour availability. In the peak summer months, the tours are often pretty frequent. Some tours, might not operate during the off-season.

Tips for an Amazing Tour

Book in Advance: Tours in the peak season actually fill up quickly, right?
Consider the Time of Day: Morning tours might offer a quieter experience. The late afternoon or sunset tours? Amazing photos but can get a bit more crowded.
Dress Comfortably: You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A hat and sunglasses are, to be honest, a must, especially during the sunnier hours.
Bring Sunscreen: Seems basic, right? The sun’s rays can be rather intense, especially when you’re on the water.
Stay Hydrated: Carry water with you, even if drinks are available for purchase on board.
Be Camera-Ready: Fully charge your phone or camera before the tour. It can feel bad when you run out of memory or your phone dies.
Ask Questions: Do just a bit of chatting with the crew! I assure you they have knowledge, and are normally really willing to share.

If, like me, you just love a boat ride, then taking this kind of trip through Kotor Bay could be amazing, actually, since you’ll get so much more than that; you can also learn history, culture and a beautiful nature view! A boat trip such as this is more than simply viewing spots. It really captures the feeling that many experience in Kotor Bay!

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