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The Best Kotor Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers in Kotor

Find the perfect Kotor excursions for your stop in Kotor port. Discover the top sights to visit and best ways to see them.

Kotor port is a fantastic stop on any cruise itinerary. 

Your arrival in Kotor includes a scenic cruise through one of Europe's most stunning bays, the Bay of Kotor, which is also often called Boka (which means 'bay' in Montenegro) or Boka Bay.

As you cruise through the bay, you'll glide past island churches and seaside hamlets, pass through the narrow Verige Strait with its ferry that carries cars from one side to the other and feel dwarfed by the mountains that jut up on either side of the bay.

It's a sight that's definitely worth getting up early for!

Aside from the scenery, the port of Kotor is fantastic cruise destination because the port is right in front of the old town. You can step off your ship and be in the centre of town within five minutes.

There are also lots of attractions to see and activities to choose from. You can join a group tour to some of the top sights, book a private guide to show you around or get off the beaten track and deep into some authentic Montenegrin culture. 

In fact, everything is so close, there’s no reason why you can’t take a sightseeing tour in the morning and do a fun activity in the afternoon!

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What to See on Kotor Excursions

Kotor old town, with its terracotta roofs, winding alleyways and incredible fortress is the must-see attraction when you visit Kotor.

But there are also lots of other attractions to visit within striking distance of Kotor:

  • Perast - a beautiful UNESCO- protected Baroque village
  • Our Lady of the Rocks - Catholic church and museum on a man-made island
  • The Blue Cave - a sea cave where the sun and sea create an iridescent blue inside the cave. You can swim in the cave
  • Lovćen National Park - you'll get incredible views of Kotor from here
  • Cetinje - the old royal capital of Montenegro
  • Njeguši village - famous for its smoked prosciutto and cheese. A great place to try local cuisine
  • Budva - a 2,500 year-old old town on the Adriatic Sea
  • Sveti Stefan - a 15th century islet that's now a five star resort

You can group some of these together, but you won't be able to get around all of them during your day in Kotor. Here's how you can group them:

  • Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks
  • Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and the Blue Cave - only doable on a boat tour
  • Lovćen National Park, Njeguši village and Cetinje
  • Budva and Sveti Stefan

In addition to the time you need for these tours, you should leave one to two hours to see Kotor and an hour and half to climb San Giovanni Fortress if you want to do that.

I also have a guide to Kotor that you can use to plan your visit. It covers all the sights, tells you about the history of Kotor, has a self-guided walking tour included and gives you tips on what to eat and drink in Kotor.

Basically, it's all you need to visit Kotor!

I also have done-for-you itineraries that are perfect for people who have just one day to spend in Kotor. There are itineraries for people who want so see the highlights, adventure-lovers, history-lovers and even puzzle-lovers! Click here to see the best ways to spend one day in Kotor.

Here are the most popular Kotor tours for cruise ship passengers...

Local's Tip: Stop at the information kiosk at the main entrance to the Kotor old town (also known as the sea gate because it's opposite the marina) and pick up a map of the old town. It'll make navigating the alleyways much easier. 

Kotor Walking Tours

I highly recommend doing a walking tour in Kotor; you'll get so much more out of your visit. There are small group tours throughout the day and you can book a private tour for whenever suits you.

Kotor Walking Tour

This 1-hour walking tour of Kotor old town is a great introduction to Kotor. There are several departures daily to choose from and the group size is limited to 15 people.

  • Start/finish: Kotor old town
  • Duration: 1 hour
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Private Walking Tour

Private Tours in Kotor MontenegroKotor. Image: Deposit Photos

An in-depth and intimate private walking tour of Kotor, including top attractions St Tryphon Cathedral and the Maritime Museum.

  • Start/finish: Kotor
  • Duration: 2 hours
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Sightseeing Kotor Excursions

kotor Open Tour

Kotor Open Tour is Kotor’s hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s designed for cruise ship passengers and it only goes when there’s a ship in port. The tour visits Risan Roman Mosaics, Perast, Bajova Kula Beach and Kotor.

  • Start: Kotor
  • Duration: 1 ½ hours minimum
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tUK tUK bOKA bAY rIDE

The Tuk Tuk Boka Bay Ride is an open-air tour that goes around the less-visited side of the bay. It takes you around the narrow seaside road to Prčanj village, to one of the best photo stops in the bay, 16th century Our Lady of Angels Church, to Porto Montenegro marina and over the hill back down into Kotor. This is a really nice scenic tour that’s off the beaten path.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor
  • Duration: 3 hours
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The Old Captain's Smile

Private Tours in Kotor MontenegroPerast. Image: Deposit Photos

The perfect private Kotor Bay tour - visit Kotor, Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks by car or speed boat.

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 4 ½ hours
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I Want to Stay in Boka Bay Forever

Private Tours in Kotor MontenegroPorto Montenegro, Tivat. Image: Deposit Photos

Take a thrilling Kotor speed boat tour to Kotor Bay's seafaring past and future with visits to Kotor, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and Porto Montenegro.

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 5 ½ hours
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Historical Zig-Zag Tour

Perfect private tours in Kotor Montenegro.Historical Zig-Zag Tour

The Lovćen tour from Kotor takes you through Montenegro's historical towns to see some of the country's most spectacular scenery.

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 8 hours
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Private Kotor Excursions

Booking a private tour with a guide is the ultimate way to explore Kotor and the surrounding areas. You can choose from a standard itinerary or ask your guide to arrange an itinerary based on your interests and the time you have available. 

Your guide will meet you at the port, or other designated meeting place, and take you on the agreed tour. They'll make all the arrangements in advance and stay with you throughout the tour, so they're always on hand to answer questions.

It's important your guide is friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. I've found a fabulous guide I highly recommend and you can choose from her tried-and-true itineraries or ask her to create one for you.

Local’s Tip: Always make sure you book a licenced guide on any Kotor excursions. All guides must be licenced and are regularly checked. The last thing you want is to book a tour and have your guide get stopped from taking you because they’re not licenced. All of these tours have licenced guides.

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Kotor Boat Tours

Taking a Kotor boat trip is one of the best ways to spend your time in Kotor. There are lots of options to choose from and there's something for you, no matter how much time you've got to spend. 

You'll get stunning views of the coastline from a boat. The shore is lined with ancient stone palaces and the mountains make a stunning backdrop.

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks Group boat Tour

This 2-hour boat tour is the ideal way to see Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks in the warmer months. You’ll get great views of the bay and see two of the bay’s most beautiful sites. Tours depart every two hours and in luxury speed boats.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor Park
  • Duration: 2-hours
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Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave Group boat Tour

This 3-hour tour takes you to Our Lady of the Rocks, the Yugoslav submarine caves and for a swim in the Blue Cave. Tours depart every three hours in luxury speed boats.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor park
  • Duration: 3 hours
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Private Our Lady of the Rocks and Blue Cave boat Tour

This is a 3-hour private boat tour that takes you to Our Lady of the Rocks, the Yugoslav submarine caves and for a swim in the Blue Cave. Departure times are flexible so you can book a time that suits you.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor park
  • Duration: 3 hours
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Speed Boat Adventure

Private Tours in Kotor MontenegroSpeed Boat Adventure

Spend the perfect day out on this Kotor Bay boat tour that includes Kotor, the Blue Cave, submarine caves and a seaside lunch at a fishing village.

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 5 hours
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Wine and Gastronomy Tours

Kotor Winery Tour

Perfect private tours in Kotor Montenegro.Kotor Winery Tour

This Kotor wine tour includes all the ingredients that make up the perfect Montenegro tour: sun, sea, magnificent views, delicious wines and traditional cuisine… živjeli!

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 5 hours
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Olives and Donkeys

Private tours in Kotor MontenegroOlives and Donkeys Tour

See the real Montenegro on this private Kotor tour that takes you to a 300 year old olive mill to experience authentic Montenegrin cuisine and lifestyle.

  • Start/finish: Kotor, flexible
  • Duration: 4 ½ hours
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Feel and Taste Lustica Peninsula Tour

Lustica Peninsula is one of the last untouched places on the Montenegrin coast.

This tour will pick you up and take you to experience the essence of Lustica: olive groves, fresh cuisine, religion and the simple life. 

You'll visit local olive mills and learn about olive oil production. A three-course meal of local specialties is also included. 

Start /finish point: Lustica or Kotor
Duration: 4 1/2 hours

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Montenegro Helicopter Tours

These helicopter tours take you to see either the coast or mountains of Montenegro. The tours start from Tivat airport, which is just 15 minutes from Kotor.

Coastal Helicopter Tour

This is a great way to really appreciate the stunning scenery of Montenegro's coast. On the tour you fly over Kotor Bay, Lustica Peninsula and the Budva Riviera as far as Sveti Stefan.

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Tara Canyon Helicopter Tour

This tour takes you flying over Montenegro's dramatic mountain scenery. You see Piva Lake, Morača Canyon and Tara Canyon, the second-deepest canyon in the world.

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Water Sports Tours

Those azure waters of Kotor Bay and the Adriatic Sea practically shout your name in summer, and there are some fabulous ways to get out on - and in! - those waters and see some of Montenegro's top sights.

Blue Cave Kayak and Snorkel Adventure

On this tour you kayak along Luštica Peninsula’s wild and rugged coast to top attraction, the Blue Cave.  There’s lots of time for snorkelling, swimming and cliff jumping opportunities on the tour, and the water is so clear it’s the perfect place to bring your underwater camera. The tour ends with a relaxing beer and Montenegrin favourite, crepes, at a local campground.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor or Tivat
  • Duration: 5 hours
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Kotor Bay Stand Up Paddle Tour

The calm waters of the Bay of Kotor are perfect for stand up paddling, especially if you’ve never tried it before. This tour takes you to explore Tivat Bay on stand up paddle boards and includes lots of swimming. It’s a great option for active families.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor or Tivat
  • Duration: 4 hours
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Kotor Bay Stand Up Paddle and Bike Adventure

On this tour you explore the Bay of Kotor coastline between Kotor and Prčanj on stand up paddle boards. Then you return to Kotor by bike, stopping wherever you like along the way.

  • Start/finish point: Kotor
  • Duration: 4 hours
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Biking and Hiking Tours

Epic 25 Turns Bike Descent

The Serpentine Road that leads from Kotor to Lovćen National Park has 25 hairpin turns and the view of Kotor Bay just keeps getting better the further you go up. This tour starts with a drive to the top of the road and then you bike back down into Kotor. You’ll get the best views in Kotor on this tour, guaranteed!

  • Start/finish point: Kotor or Tivat
  • Duration: 3 hours
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Cycling and Hiking Through the Bay of Kotor

This tour is ideal if you’re a nature-lover who loves to get off the beaten track. On the tour you cycle the narrow road through the pretty seaside villages and then hike up to an abandoned 14th century village. You’ll get great views of the bay from up here and you can explore the ruins of the settlement. 

  • Start/finish point: Kotor, other locations on request
  • Duration: 4 hours
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Vrmac Ridge Guided Hike

The guided ridge hike starts just outside Kotor and takes you up the old switchback military trail to the top of the ridge.

The tour takes around 4 hours and there are plenty of stops along the way for photos and to grab a drink. 

It includes transport from your accommodation anywhere in Kotor Bay. 

It also has a flexible start time so you can request any date and start time you like when you make a booking. 

Tour Details

Start/End Point: Bay of Kotor
Start Time: Flexible
Price: €45 per person (minimum 2), groups of 3 or more qualify for a discount.

Book a Guided Vrmac Ridge Hike

Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

Local's Tip: Most cafes and restaurants in the old town have free WiFi - you'll just need to ask your waiter for the password. Drinks are reasonable at about €1.50 for a coffee and €2.50 for a beer.

What to Pack for Excursions

If you book some Kotor excursions, pay close attention to what they ask you to bring with you. You might need your swimsuit or shoes that can get wet. That's another reason why it's a good idea to book your Kotor excursions in advance. 

Whether you book Kotor excursions or not, I also recommend bringing:

Walking shoes – the cobbled streets are treacherous for heels. Local women seem to have mastered the art of teetering along and not breaking their ankles, but flats will make your visit more comfortable. You'll need trainers if you plan to do the Kotor walls walk or hike the Ladder of Kotor.

Euros – there are a couple of banks in the old town that are open from 8am to 3pm. They don’t open on Sundays. You can pay by bank or credit card almost everywhere.

Camera – obviously! If you choose one of the activity excursions, a GoPro can help you make a lasting memento of your tour.

The Best View Kotor Bay for Cruise Guests

PerastA cruise ship passes Perast

When you come into Kotor you’ll get a beautiful view of the Bay of Kotor. The town is tucked right in the back, so you’ll travel through the bay to get there. Lots of ships come in in the early hours of the morning though, so you might have to get up early to see it.

It’s worth it though!

First you sail in past Mamula Island, a former Fascist prison during WWII. Then you come along the Herceg Novi Riviera and through the Verige straits – the narrowest part. This opens up to the most photogenic part that you definitely won’t want to miss. You’ll want to be on the left side of the ship for this because the ship will turn right towards Kotor. When the ship turns you’ll have a stunning view of two island churches and the UNESCO Heritage-protected town of Perast.

This is a view you don’t want to miss!

You can visit Perast and one of these islands when you take one of the excursions. I highly recommend visiting these. Going by boat will give you the best views. 

PerastOur Lady of the Rocks and St George Islands in front of Perast

related Articles

Kotor
Bay of Kotor
Kotor Hotels
Kotor Walls Walk - San Giovanni Fortress
Ladder of Kotor

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