The BEST Bay of Kotor Boat Trip From Kotor: Guide + Review
The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of Montenegro is from the water – with a Bay of Kotor boat trip from Kotor!
One minute you’re sailing past Kotor’s famous medieval walls surrounded by mountains, the next you’re visiting the tiny island of Our Lady of the Rocks, with its breathtaking church.
There are also swim stops in glassy water, eerie former submarine tunnels carved into the cliffs, the fortress island of Mamula, and that surreal moment cruising into glamorous Porto Montenegro, with its harbour lined by superyachts!
I took a 7-hour Bay of Kotor cruise during my own solo trip to Montenegro, and it ended up being the highlight of my entire trip!
So in this guide, I’ll share exactly what the boat trip is like, which cruise is best, all of the stops you’ll fall in love with, and everything you need to know to plan your dream day.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛
Bay of Kotor Boat Trip at a Glance
Best time to visit: June or September are warm enough to swim and sunbathe, but with fewer tourists and a much quieter boat. July and August are also beautiful, but a lot busier.
Best tour: This small-group 7-hour Bay of Kotor boat trip that I took, on board a luxurious catamaran!
Best stop: The Blue Cave swim for pure wow-factor. But sailing past Kotor’s old town walls from the water is a close second!
Is it worth it? Yes! Out of all the amazing things to do in Montenegro, this was my highlight! Seeing the fjord-like Bay of Kotor from the water is truly unforgettable.
Where Is the Bay of Kotor?
If you’ve seen photos of the Bay of Kotor, you’ve probably thought: “Wait. Is that a fjord?”
Because, yep, me too.
It looks exactly like Norway’s world-famous fjords – just a whole lot sunnier!
But it’s actually a submerged river canyon, formed over many thousands of years, on Montenegro’s glittering Adriatic coast.
The bay is located in the southwest of Montenegro, about 1.5 hours from Dubrovnik in Croatia, wrapping around popular towns like Kotor, Perast, Tivat and Herceg Novi.
In terms of its geography, it’s made up of several smaller bays that connect together, which is why it feels endless when you’re sailing through it!
And understanding this is so important, because when most visitors think of the Bay of Kotor, they’re just picturing Kotor Old Town.
But there is so much more to the fjord-like bay than just Kotor.
And a proper Bay of Kotor boat trip will show you that!
Katie’s Top Tip: Base yourself in Kotor if you want the most convenient departure point. Most of the best boat tours of Kotor Bay leave from the harbour right next to the old town, which makes things super easy.
Why a Boat Is the Best Way to See the Bay of Kotor
You can technically drive around parts of the bay.
For example, you could visit charming Perast by bus. Or drive to Herceg Novi. Or explore Kotor’s famous Old Town on foot.
(And I recommend you do all of that in its own right, during your Montenegro itinerary!)
But no amount of driving or walking will give you the same experience and breathtaking views of the fjord-like Bay of Kotor as a boat trip will.
From the water, you’ll see how the mountains rise above you from all sides.
You’ll see Kotor’s medieval walls climbing high above the town.
You’ll pass tiny stone villages you’d miss travelling any other way.
You’ll visit places completely inaccessible by road – like the island of Our Lady of the Rocks, the former submarine tunnels, or the stunning Blue Cave.
And you’ll see all of that without the stress of navigating narrow roads or parking – just sitting back and relaxing on your own luxurious catamaran!
The Best Bay of Kotor Boat Trips
Not all Bay of Kotor boat tour options are the same, and choosing the right one depends on your budget, the time you have, what you want to see and do, and how you like to travel.
As a general rule, you have three main types of boat trips to choose from:
- Half-day speedboat-style tours (3 hours)
- Full-day relaxed sailing tours on a luxurious catamaran (7 hours)
- Private boat charters
For me personally, I chose the full-day catamaran tour because it felt more comfortable and relaxed for my travel style, but let’s compare all three options:
1. The Half-Day Bay of Kotor Boat Trip
This is the classic Bay of Kotor boat trip that covers a lot in just 3 hours.
You’ll leave from Kotor by speedboat on one of the few daily sailings (usually 9am, 12pm and 3pm), and cruise through the bay for panoramic views of Kotor, Perast and Tivat.
The first stop is a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks island church, where entry is included to the island but NOT to the museum (unlike on the full-day tour, where entry is included).
The stop on the island is around 20 minutes, which is plenty of time to admire the breathtaking views of the small town of Perast, but I would have found it limiting to enter the museum.
Next, the tour enters former submarine tunnels, carved directly into the mountainside, and also passes the island of Mamula, once used as a fortified prison during WWII.
And finally, you’ll visit the Kotor Blue Cave, where you’ll have around 30 minutes to swim.
But of course, being a speedboat tour, the boat is smaller and sails a lot faster than the catamaran does.
This means there is less space to spread out and sunbathe, and it is also a bumpier ride.
Who it’s best for: This half-day speedboat tour is perfect if you’re short on time and want to see the beauty of the bay without committing to a full day!
2. The Full-Day Luxury Catamaran Tour (My Choice!)
This is the boat trip I took, and honestly, it was the highlight of my entire trip to Montenegro!
You leave Kotor under the stunning morning light and slowly sail past the medieval walls, seeing the old town and surrounding mountains from the water.
Throughout the cruise, there’s time to properly relax and sunbathe on the loungers or one of the cushioned chairs.
And you’ll even enjoy a welcome glass of champagne on arrival and fresh fruit during the sailing!
Like on the half-day tour, you stop first at Our Lady of the Rocks island church, but this time, entry to the museum is included, and I loved learning more about the island’s history.
And, of course, there is plenty of time to admire those breathtaking views back to Perast!
You’ll also sail past Mamula Island and into the former Yugoslav submarine tunnels, where your guide will share more about the history.
There’s also plenty of time for swimming at the stunning Kotor Blue Cave, as well as other bonus swim stops in quieter, more sheltered parts of the bay.
Finally, I loved the stop in Porto Montenegro for lunch, where superyachts line the marina.
It was the perfect end to the most relaxing, scenic day, before sailing slowly back to Kotor with even more impressive views!
Because it’s slower-paced, it feels relaxing rather than rushed. So you have time to enjoy each stop properly, take plenty of photos, swim, sunbathe and just enjoy the scenery.
Who it’s best for: This full-day catamaran tour is what I would recommend to everyone! The boat is bigger, so you can relax and sunbathe. Plus, the pace is slower for photos, you get to stop at more places (including beautiful Porto Montenegro), and there are bonus swim stops.
3. A Private Boat Tour
If you’re celebrating something special (or travelling with friends), a private Bay of Kotor boat trip gives you full control over your route, timings and swim stops.
You can spend longer at Our Lady of the Rocks, add in extra time for swimming, skip any stops that aren’t your vibe, or spend extra time exploring hidden corners of the bay.
Plus, you can often arrange your tour length too – anywhere from 3 hours to a full day.
However, if you’re a solo traveller (like me!), this option is more expensive. It’s great if you want total flexibility or privacy, but it’s rarely necessary to see the highlights of the bay.
Personally, I think the full-day catamaran cruise still feels relaxed and high quality, while being significantly more affordable.
Half Day vs Full Day: Which Should You Choose?
When you’re travelling somewhere new, your time (and energy!) is so valuable, so you want to make sure you’re picking the right experience for you. Right?
A half-day Kotor Bay boat trip is around 3 hours and covers the highlights by speedboat. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want an overview of the Bay of Kotor.
A full-day Kotor boat trip is on a slower, bigger catamaran. There are more swimming stops, loungers for sunbathing, and even bonus stops like Porto Montenegro or visiting the Our Lady of the Rocks museum. It feels less like ticking off things to do and more relaxed.
Personally, I loved not watching the clock at every stop. The slower pace of the full-day trip made it easier to relax, sunbathe, take photos and actually enjoy the day!
Katie’s Top Tip: Hopefully, what I’ve shared about each trip has helped you decide which option is best for you. But if you’re still undecided, I’d 100% recommend the full-day catamaran cruise.
Is the Bay of Kotor Boat Trip Worth It?
Yes! The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro may look impressive from land, but it is a whole other level of stunning entirely from the water!
From a boat, you see medieval walls climbing steeply, tiny stone villages tucked along the shore, and dramatic mountains rising from the deep blue waters of the fjord-like bay.
And for solo travellers especially, I think it’s one of the best things to do in the Bay of Kotor.
You don’t have to navigate narrow coastal or mountainous roads, you don’t have to figure out the (very unpredictable or even non-existent!) bus timetables, and you’re not just seeing one town.
I keep saying this, but it was genuinely the highlight of my entire trip to Montenegro!
Katie’s Top Tip: Book your boat tour for your first full day in Kotor. It gives you context for everything else you’ll explore independently later, and I can’t think of a more perfect, bucket-list way to start your trip!
Stops You’ll See Along the Way
1. Our Lady of the Rocks Church & Views of Perast
Our Lady of the Rocks is a tiny man-made island just off the coast of Perast.
According to local legend, two fishermen from Perast found an icon of the Virgin Mary on a rock in the 15th century and began dropping stones there after safe voyages. Over time, the island was built up stone by stone by sailors from Perast who continued this tradition.
On the island today, there’s a small Catholic church (built in 1632) and a museum inside, filled with maritime artefacts and fascinating information about this incredible tale.
Plus, as you approach the island and explore, there are panoramic views back to the stunning, baroque town of Perast and the surrounding mountains!
I highly recommend visiting inside the small church and museum (which is included on the full-day catamaran cruise!), rather than just taking photos from the outside.
Katie’s Top Tip: Dress respectfully if you want to enter the church, with shoulders and knees covered, as this is a very spiritually important building for many.
2. Swimming Stops in the Bay
If you’re on the half-day boat trip, you won’t get any bonus swimming stops in the bay (only in the Blue Cave), but if you’re joining the full-day cruise, this one’s for you!
On my tour, there were several bonus stops in sheltered parts of the bay, where you can swim off the back of the boat.
There is a ladder for easy entry and exit to the water. And even when I visited in late September, the water was warm enough for swimming.
I loved the swim stops, but if they’re not for you, that’s okay too! Several people on my boat didn’t swim and just relaxed on board and enjoyed the stunning views.
3. The Ex-Yugoslav Submarine Tunnels
This is the part of the Bay of Kotor boat trip that surprised me most!
Carved directly into the mountains during the Yugoslav era, these submarine tunnels were built to hide naval vessels from aerial detection (you’ll learn all about this from your guide!)
From the outside, they look like dark slits in the rock. But as the boat enters, it’s like the tunnel expands before your eyes, the light changes, and the temperature even drops.
It’s slightly eerie, but fascinating!
Plus, it gives more depth and history to your trip to Montenegro, beyond the beautiful photo opportunities and amazing places to visit.
4. Passing Mamula Island
Originally built as a 19th-century fortress by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Mamula was later used as a concentration camp and prison during World War II under Italian occupation.
Many prisoners suffered there, and it remains a complex part of local history.
Today, the island has been redeveloped into a luxury hotel (although the island is protected, so it still looks like a fortress), which has sparked debate among locals.
You won’t stop here, but you will pass by slowly to take photos and listen as your guide explains its complex and sensitive history.
5. Kotor Blue Cave
The Kotor Blue Cave is located near the entrance to the Bay of Kotor, in the open sea.
It’s a natural sea cave where sunlight reflects off the sandy seabed and creates a glowing blue effect inside the water.
You’ll stop here on all tours and swim inside the cave to admire the bright blue water.
If you are going to swim, just know that the water here can feel slightly cooler than inside the more sheltered inner bay.
6. Porto Montenegro
Located in Tivat, Porto Montenegro is a luxury marina on the site of a former naval base!
Today, it’s home to Montenegro’s wealthy locals and tourists, with sleek superyachts, luxury homes, five-star hotels, designer boutiques and fine dining restaurants.
If you’re on a full-day Bay of Kotor boat trip, you’ll dock here for a late lunch!
I’ve gotta be honest, don’t visit Porto Montenegro expecting old-world charm, like in Kotor or Perast or Budva. It’s polished, international and seriously opulent.
But I actually loved seeing such a different side to usually quaint Montenegro!
I really enjoyed walking along the palm tree-lined promenade and admiring all of the superyachts, and also relaxing on one of the many benches by the harbour.
For lunch, Marea Porto Montenegro or Agape Porto Montenegro are good options.
Or, if you’re on a budget, you could bring your own packed lunch to enjoy on one of the benches.
7. Scenic Views From the Water
Honestly, the in-between moments on this boat trip don’t get enough credit!
Throughout the day, as you sail through the bay, you’ll pass tiny stone villages, quaint churches, towering mountains, and constant spectacular fjord-like scenery.
As a keen photographer, I left this trip with hundreds of photos – just from sailing!
But what I loved most was how peaceful it felt. You can just relax on a sun lounger with your camera (or without), and take in the stunning views all day.
Best Time of Year for a Bay of Kotor Boat Trip
Timing makes a big difference to how your Bay of Kotor boat trip feels.
The main season is from May to September (although the full day tour runs from April to October, and the half day tour runs all year).
July and August are the peak season, when Montenegro is at its hottest, busiest and liveliest. The sea is warm and perfect for swimming, but boats are fuller, and the stops can feel crowded.
Personally, I think the shoulder months of June and September (when I visited!) are the sweet spot. The weather is still warm enough for swimming, but the atmosphere is so much more relaxed – both on the boat and at the stops.
On my sailing in September, my boat wasn’t even full, so there was even more space to spread out and sunbathe!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re travelling in July or August, book your boat tour in advance and check availability regularly. These tours are super popular and do sell out.
What to Wear and Pack for a Bay of Kotor Boat Trip
You don’t need to overpack for a Bay of Kotor boat trip, but there are a few non-negotiables.
First: wear swimwear under your clothes. Even if you think you might not swim.
The swimming stops are super tempting, so you don’t want to feel disappointed if you change your mind. But even if you know you won’t, swimwear is more comfortable for sunbathing.
In terms of footwear, wear sandals or trainers that you can easily slip on and off, but that are sturdy and comfortable enough for hopping on and off the boat.
Also, pack:
- A lightweight towel (microfibre is easiest and quickest to dry)
- Sunglasses
- SPF
- A light, long-sleeve button-down to throw on over swimwear
- Something to cover your shoulders (for visiting Our Lady of the Rocks church)
- A small crossbody bag that zips fully
- A reusable water bottle
- A hair tie (in case the wind gets up in the open sea!)
- Motion sickness tablets (if you suffer from that)
- A waterproof pouch for your phone
- Your camera
Final Thoughts: Doing a Bay of Kotor Boat Trip From Kotor
If you only do one big experience in Kotor, make it a Bay of Kotor boat trip!
You can wander the old town, hike the fortress or day trip to Perast or Tivat. But it’s not until you’re actually out on the water that you truly appreciate the beauty of the fjord-like bay.
Sailing past quaint villages, visiting a tiny island church, stepping back into Montenegro’s past in the submarine tunnels, and soaking up the sun in Porto Montenegro are just some of the bucket-list-worthy stops you’ll experience on this boat trip.
But what makes this whole experience so special – and so worth doing – is the incredible scenery you’ll enjoy throughout every second of the day!
So whether you choose the half-day trip or relax on the full 7-hour catamaran cruise, this will be an experience to remember – and might just end up being your highlight in Montenegro too!
FAQs About the Bay of Kotor Boat Trip
Is the Bay of Kotor boat trip safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. Boat tours in the Bay of Kotor are licensed, operate on fixed routes, and are run by experienced skippers who do this daily during the season.
Groups are mixed (so on my boat there were a few couples, one family, and even a couple of other solo female travellers), and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than party-heavy.
How much does a Bay of Kotor boat trip cost?
Prices vary a lot depending on the duration of your boat tour and also whether it’s a large boat, a smaller catamaran or a private charter.
As a general guide:
A half-day Kotor Bay boat trip is the most budget-friendly choice, lasting 3 hours and taking you on a highlight tour by speedboat.
A full-day boat trip on a smaller, more luxurious catamaran is a little more expensive – but you enjoy a quieter sailing and more stops, including at beautiful Porto Montenegro. This is what I booked on my trip and I loved it!
And then booking a private charter is the most expensive option, but it does mean you get the boat to yourself.
Do I need to book in advance?
In shoulder season (May, June, September), you can sometimes book a day or two ahead. But in peak summer (July, August), yes, you absolutely should book in advance.
Personally, I recommend you book any boat trip in advance (at least by a few days), just to guarantee your spot and avoid disappointment.
Bay of Kotor boat trips are popular throughout the summer and shoulder months!
How long is the boat trip?
Most tours last between 3 and 7 hours, depending on whether you choose half or full day.
A typical itinerary includes views of Kotor Old Town from the water, a visit to Our Lady of the Rocks island, sailing inside the submarine tunnels and past Mamula Island, and a swim stop at the Blue Cave.
On longer itineraries, you will also enjoy more swim stops in the bay and a visit to the beautiful harbour of Porto Montenegro.
What if I don’t want to swim?
That’s totally fine – swimming is optional! On my trip I didn’t swim at all of the dedicated swim stops and never felt out of place. And other people on my boat didn’t swim either.
You can stay on the boat and relax during cave swims or bay stops and you’ll still get to enjoy the incredible scenery (which is honestly the main reason to do this trip!)
Is the Bay of Kotor boat trip okay if I get seasick?
The waters of the bay are more sheltered and calm compared to open sea excursions, but parts of the route (especially near the Blue Cave) can get choppier.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, I recommend sitting towards the back or middle of the boat, avoid looking at screens, or take seasickness medication (if that’s suitable for you) beforehand.
But honestly, most of the route within the inner bay is calm sailing, and I never had any issues.
Can you visit the Bay of Kotor without a boat tour?
Yes, you can explore popular towns like Kotor, Perast, Porto Montenegro and Tivat independently by bus, taxi or car during your Montenegro itinerary.
However, you won’t be able to access Mamula Island, the submarine tunnels, swimming in the incredible Blue Cave, or appreciate the full beauty of the fjord-like bay without a boat.
Read More About Travel in Montenegro:
- The BEST Bay of Kotor Boat Trip From Kotor: Guide + Review
- How To Visit Lovcen National Park From Kotor, Montenegro
- How To Visit Durmitor National Park From Kotor (2026)
- The BEST Time to Visit Montenegro Without the Crowds (2026)
- Where To Stay in Kotor, Montenegro (For Solo Travellers)
- The 17 Best Things to Do in Budva for First-Time Visitors
- 10 Magical Things To Do in Perast, Montenegro in One Day
- Is Kotor Safe for Solo Female Travellers? My Honest Take
- Is Montenegro Safe for Solo Female Travellers? An Honest Guide
- How to Plan the Perfect Montenegro Day Trip from Dubrovnik
- 10 Magical Day Trips from Kotor, Montenegro You’ll Never Forget
- 14 Best Things To Do in Kotor, Montenegro (Don’t Miss These!)
- Perfect 7-Day Montenegro Itinerary Without a Car
Grab Your Solo Female Travel in Europe Starter Kit:
Pin Me For Later!
