The Best Boat Rentals in Kotor

Group speedboat tours to the Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks typically run about €30–€50 per person for 3 hours and include a licensed captain, fuel, and bottled water. Private speedboats in the bay generally start around €80–€120 per hour, with popular half-day outings from roughly €250–€350 and full-day charters from about €500–€700, depending on boat size and season. Sailboats and catamarans often range from about €600 to €1,200 per day, while larger yachts are higher. Inclusions commonly cover the skipper, fuel for standard routes, safety gear, and sometimes snorkel masks; entrance fees at sites and additional food or drinks are usually extra.

You’ll find modern speedboats and RIBs for fast sightseeing, comfortable motorboats for families, sailing yachts and catamarans for full-day cruising, and classic gulets or small motor yachts for upscale group events. Semi-submarine sightseeing boats also operate short scenic runs in the bay. All are well-suited to calm bay cruising, with faster boats commonly used for Blue Cave runs on the open Adriatic.

Most visitors choose captained trips because it simplifies navigation, docking, and timing around popular stops. If you want to drive yourself, you’ll need a recognized boating license (such as an ICC or equivalent national skipper’s license). Many providers will ask for proof of competence, and some also expect VHF knowledge for coastal runs. If you don’t hold the right license—or you simply want to relax—book a captained charter and let a local expert handle the route and weather calls.

Common meeting points include Marina Kotor/Port of Kotor on Park Slobode by the Old Town walls and the small pier at Kotor City Park near the Kamelija shopping area. Many operators also offer convenient pick-ups from nearby waterfronts like Dobrota, Muo, and Perast, and some departures originate across the bay at Porto Montenegro in Tivat. Your captain will confirm the exact dock and can often arrange hotel-side pickups along the promenade.

Even a short cruise delivers big views: Kotor’s UNESCO-listed walls and the San Giovanni fortress above town, the narrow Verige Strait, baroque Perast, and its two iconic islets—Our Lady of the Rocks and St. George. Longer routes often add the WWII-era submarine tunnels on the Luštica peninsula, the circular fortress on Mamula Island, and the Blue Cave for swimming in luminous water. You may also pass sleek marinas like Porto Montenegro and spot peaks of Lovćen rising dramatically over the bay.

Yes. To operate a motorboat yourself in Montenegro, you should present a valid skipper’s license recognized locally (for many travelers, that’s an ICC or an equivalent such as RYA or a national certificate). Providers will verify your credentials before confirming a bareboat booking. If you don’t have a license—or prefer a stress-free day—choose a captained charter, which is the norm for most visitors.

Children are welcome on most boats, and operators provide life jackets in adult and child sizes; ask in advance if you need infant vests. Captained trips include a safety briefing, and speed is adjusted for comfort inside the bay. If you plan to visit the Blue Cave, note that the ride includes a short open-sea stretch; morning departures are usually calmer for families who prefer gentler conditions.

On most private speedboats and day charters you can bring snacks, picnic items, and drinks, and many crews supply chilled water and a small cooler. Some shared tours include soft drinks; others sell refreshments dockside. Glass is often discouraged for safety, and alcohol is allowed in moderation if you’re with a captain. For church visits at Our Lady of the Rocks, cover-ups are required to enter the chapel.

Pet policies vary by operator and boat type. Many private charters allow small, well-behaved dogs with advance notice, while some shared tours do not permit pets. If you’re traveling with a dog, request a private boat, bring a towel or mat, and confirm boarding rules when you reserve.

Summer brings long, sunny days with generally calm bay conditions, though an afternoon sea breeze can create light chop. The Blue Cave sits on the open Adriatic, so captains may adjust or skip that stop if swell or crowds make it unsafe or impractical. In shoulder and off-season months, occasional rain or northeasterly winds can prompt rescheduling. Most operators offer weather-based rebooking or a refund if the captain cancels for safety; standard change and cancellation windows apply if conditions are fine but your plans change.

Absolutely. Private speedboats and small yachts are popular for celebrations and can be tailored with swim stops, scenic photo spots, and dock-and-dine breaks in Perast, Prčanj, or Tivat. Tell your captain the occasion, preferred music and pace, and any beverage or catering needs. For larger groups, consider multiple boats running together so everyone stays comfortable and within capacity limits.

Peak boating season runs June through September, with warm water and the broadest selection of boats. May and October are great shoulder months with lighter crowds and milder prices. Mornings are calmer and less busy on the water, while mid‑day light between about 11:00 and 14:00 is best inside the Blue Cave. The bay also hosts signature summer events that can affect availability: the centuries-old Fašinada in Perast on July 22, KotorArt concerts from mid‑July to mid‑August, and Boka Night, the decorated boat parade held the last Saturday of August. Weekdays and early departures typically book more easily than weekend afternoons.

Yes—on a sunny day it’s a highlight. Most tours run about three hours round-trip from Kotor and often bundle the cave with sights like Mamula Island, the submarine tunnels, and Our Lady of the Rocks. Expect a fast but scenic run along Luštica to reach the open sea. Captains may briefly enter the cave or stop just outside for swimming, depending on swell and traffic. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, choose a morning slot and mention it to your skipper so they can pick the smoothest route.