Bay of Kotor at a Glance
The Bay of Kotor, known locally as Boka Kotorska, is one of the most visually dramatic stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean. Steep limestone mountains rise directly from deep blue water, sheltering medieval stone towns, island churches, and hidden coves that have barely changed in centuries.
Often described as Europe's southernmost fjord, the bay winds 28 kilometers inland from the Adriatic Sea, creating a series of interconnected basins separated by narrow straits. Though geologically it's a submerged river canyon rather than a glacial fjord, the visual impact is the same: an enclosed body of water surrounded by mountains reaching over 1,700 meters.
As captains who have navigated these waters for over a decade, we've put together this guide to share everything visitors need to know about exploring the Bay of Kotor, whether you're arriving by cruise ship, driving the coastal road, or booking a boat tour.
Geography and Layout of the Bay
The Bay of Kotor consists of four smaller bays connected by narrow channels. From the open Adriatic moving inland, you'll pass through:
- Bay of Herceg Novi (Topla Bay) - The outermost bay, home to the resort town of Herceg Novi and the entrance from the Adriatic Sea.
- Bay of Tivat - Where you'll find Tivat airport and the luxury Porto Montenegro marina. The Verige Strait connects this bay to the inner bays.
- Bay of Risan - The northern arm, home to the ancient town of Risan with its Roman mosaics, and surrounded by the highest mountains.
- Bay of Kotor - The innermost and most dramatic bay, where the walled Old Town of Kotor sits at the foot of Mount Lovcen. This is where cruise ships dock.
The narrowest point is the Verige Strait, only 300 meters wide, where medieval chains once stretched across the water to block enemy ships. Today it creates a natural division between the outer and inner bay, and passing through it by boat remains one of the most impressive moments of any bay tour.
Must-See Highlights
Kotor Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed by 4.5 kilometers of medieval walls. The Old Town is a labyrinth of narrow stone streets, Romanesque churches, and small squares. The main attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166), the Maritime Museum, and the city walls that climb 1,200 meters up the mountainside to the Fortress of San Giovanni.
Our Lady of the Rocks
This man-made island sits just offshore from Perast and is one of the most photographed sites in Montenegro. According to local tradition, the island was created over centuries by sailors who dropped rocks at the site after each successful voyage. The church dates to the 17th century and houses an impressive collection of paintings and votive silver tablets.
Visiting by boat is the only way to reach the island. Both our shared and private speedboat tours include a stop here with time to explore the church and museum.
Perast
A tiny baroque town of stone palaces and churches sitting directly on the waterfront. With a permanent population of under 300, Perast feels frozen in time. The 16 palaces and 17 churches that line its single street were built during the town's golden age as a maritime republic. Walk along the waterfront promenade, visit the Perast Museum, and admire the views of the two islands just offshore.
The Blue Cave
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Located on the Lustica Peninsula near the entrance to the bay, the Blue Cave (Plava Spilja) is a natural sea cave where sunlight refracting through the underwater entrance creates an extraordinary turquoise-blue glow. The cave is large enough to enter by boat, and the water inside is calm and clear for swimming.
The blue color is most intense during morning hours when the sun is at the right angle. This is why our most popular tours depart at 9:00 AM.
Experience the Bay of Kotor by Speedboat
Our 3-hour Blue Cave Adventure covers all the highlights: Blue Cave swimming, Our Lady of the Rocks, and a panoramic bay cruise. From €45/person.
Best Ways to Explore the Bay
By Speedboat Tour
A speedboat tour is the most efficient and scenic way to see the bay's highlights. In 2-3 hours, you can visit the Blue Cave, Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, and cruise through the dramatic inner bay, covering distances that would take a full day by car and ferry. Shared tours start from €30 per person, and private tours from €90 per boat (up to 6 passengers).
By Car Along the Coastal Road
The road circling the bay (approximately 80 km total) offers continuous mountain and sea views. Allow a full day if you want to stop at viewpoints, visit towns, and have lunch along the way. Key stops include the panoramic viewpoint above Risan, the charming waterfront of Perast, and the Old Town of Kotor.
From a Cruise Ship
Cruise ships dock directly at Kotor Old Town, giving passengers immediate access to the historic center. For those wanting to see more of the bay, the speedboat tour departure point at Park Slobode is a 5-minute walk from the cruise port. The 2-hour Perast tour and 3-hour Blue Cave Adventure are the most popular shore excursions, and we guarantee you return to port on time.
By Hiking
The hike to the Fortress of San Giovanni (1,350 steps) above Kotor Old Town takes 60-90 minutes and rewards you with an aerial view of the entire inner bay. For a more challenging option, the Ladder of Cattaro trail continues above the fortress to the village of Krstac on the mountainside above.
Captain's Tip
If you only have a few hours, take a speedboat tour. The bay's highlights are spread across 20+ kilometers of coastline, and a boat covers them all without the traffic and parking challenges of driving. For cruise passengers especially, a boat tour is the best use of limited port time.
When to Visit
The Bay of Kotor has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Here's a seasonal breakdown for planning your visit:
- May - June: Warm weather (20-28°C), uncrowded, water warming up for swimming. Ideal for boat tours and hiking. Wildflowers on the mountains.
- July - August: Peak season. Hot (30-35°C), busiest period with the most cruise ships. Water temperatures at their best (24-26°C). Book tours in advance.
- September - October: Still warm (22-28°C), fewer crowds, great swimming conditions. Many consider this the best time to visit. October may see occasional rain.
- November - April: Cooler (8-16°C) and quieter. The bay is still scenic, though many boat tours operate on reduced schedules. Kotor Old Town remains open year-round.
Practical Tips
Getting There
- By Air: Tivat Airport (TIV) is right on the bay, a 20-minute drive from Kotor. Podgorica Airport (TGD) is about 90 minutes away.
- By Cruise Ship: Ships dock at Kotor Old Town or occasionally anchor in the bay with a tender service.
- By Bus: Regular services from Dubrovnik (2.5 hours), Podgorica (2 hours), and Budva (30 minutes).
- By Car: Drive from Dubrovnik via the border crossing at Debeli Brijeg. Allow 2-3 hours including the border wait in peak season.
Where to Eat
Seafood dominates the local cuisine. In Kotor Old Town, look for konobas (traditional restaurants) in the quieter back streets rather than the main square. Perast has several waterfront restaurants where you can eat fresh fish with a view of Our Lady of the Rocks. For something different, our Organic & Hedonistic Discovery tour combines a boat ride with a seaside organic lunch.
What to Bring on a Boat Tour
- Swimsuit and towel (for swimming in the Blue Cave)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Light jacket (it can be breezy on the water)
- Camera or phone in a waterproof case
- Cash for entrance fees at Our Lady of the Rocks (€2 per person)
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions our team is asked most often by visitors planning a trip to the Bay of Kotor.