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Essential Herceg Novi Maritime Heritage Tours for 2026

Traditional tour boat cruising the stunning blue waters of Boka Bay Montenegro past the historic Our Lady of the Rocks islet

⚓️ Uncover centuries of seafaring history, from ancient fortresses guarding the bay to the legendary island church built by sailors. Dive into the deep blue heart of Montenegro’s coast.

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Did you know?

Local Insight:The iconic Our Lady of the Rocks islet in Boka Bay is entirely man-made. For over 500 years, passing sailors upheld a vow to drop a rock after each successful voyage, gradually creating the island and its stunning church—a true monument to maritime tradition.

Highest Rated & Most Popular Tours

1.Top Rated Boat Trip – from €85 per person
Kotor: Scenic Boat Trip with Church, Blue Cave, & Beach Stop
  • ⭐ 4.7 stars from verified reviews
  • Full 6-hour exploration of Kotor Bay’s highlights
  • Visit the historic Our Lady of the Rocks church
  • Swim & snorkel in the mesmerizing Blue Cave
  • Relaxation & sunbathing time at Zanjice Beach
  • Panoramic views of hidden bays & Mamula Island
* click on image for more similar tours
2.Full-Day Cruise – from €70 per person
From Budva: Boka Bay Guided Full-Day Tour and Cruise
  • ⭐ 4.2 stars from over 50 reviews
  • Comprehensive bus & boat tour from Budva
  • Guided visit to UNESCO-listed Kotor Old Town
  • Stop at the artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks
  • Swimming stop at Miriste Lagoon or the Blue Cave
  • Explore Herceg Novi’s historic fortresses
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Feeling the History?

Boka Bay isn’t just beautiful—it’s a strategic masterpiece. For centuries, empires from Venice to Austria built fortresses like Herceg Novi’s Kanli Kula to control this natural harbor. Today, you can sail past these stone sentinels, hearing tales of pirates, traders, and naval battles.

Luxury & Premium Experiences

3.Private Black Pearl Tour – from €599 per group
7 hr Private Tour Perast, Kotor Bay & Blue Cave, Lunch Break
  • ⭐ 4.8 stars for an exclusive private experience
  • Luxury 7-hour speedboat tour for up to 4 guests
  • All-inclusive snorkeling gear & underwater scooter
  • Guided visit to Our Lady of the Rocks island & museum
  • Stop at a fine seaside restaurant for a meal (optional)
  • Panoramic views of Porto Montenegro & Mamula Fort
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4.Private Car Tour – from €299 per group
Boka Bay Private Guided Tour to Kotor, Perast and Our Lady
  • ⭐ 5.0 stars from private tour guests
  • 7-hour land-based tour in a premium hybrid sedan
  • Hotel pickup from Herceg Novi or surrounding area
  • Licensed guide for UNESCO Kotor & scenic Perast
  • Optional boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks island
  • Flexible itinerary with local restaurant advice
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A Secret for You…

The narrow Verige Strait is the bay’s most dramatic natural point. Here, the mountains seem to touch the water, creating a breathtaking gateway. Ancient sailors believed it was the entrance to a mythical kingdom, and even today, passing through by boat feels like entering another world.

Affordable & Budget-Friendly

5.Classic Bay Cruise – from €35 per person
Tivat/Kotor: Boka Bay Full-Day Guided Cruise with Swim Stop
  • ⭐ 4.3 stars from over 700 reviews
  • Excellent value 8-9 hour comprehensive cruise
  • Comfortable three-deck wooden ship with bar & sunbeds
  • Licensed guide narrates the history of the bay
  • Visits to Our Lady of the Rocks & Herceg Novi
  • Swimming stop at Blue Flag Miriste Lagoon
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6.Speedboat Discovery – from €34 per person
Bokokotor Bay, Blue Cave and Panorama of Mamula
  • ⭐ 4.4 stars for a compact 3-hour adventure
  • Affordable speedboat tour covering key landmarks
  • Sail through the narrow Verige Strait
  • See the historic submarine tunnels & Mamula Island
  • Swimming stop inside the famous Blue Cave
  • Panoramic views of Tivat, Herceg Novi & fishing villages
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The Best Part? ✨

From the deck of your boat, you’ll witness a living museum. Every cove has a story, every fortress a legend. You’re not just sightseeing—you’re tracing the routes of Venetian galleons, Austro-Hungarian frigates, and local fishermen who built this unique maritime culture.

⭐ Our Top Pick (Likely to Sell Out!)

Ultimate Private Tour – from €285 per group
Perast, Kotor, Porto Montenegro Private Tour from Herceg Novi
  • ⭐ 5.0 stars for a flawless private experience
  • Perfect blend of land exploration and island visit
  • Hotel pickup in Herceg Novi for maximum convenience
  • Visit three UNESCO-protected gems in one day
  • Boat ride to the iconic Our Lady of the Rocks islet
  • Leisure time at the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina
* click on image for more similar tours

What is the best way to see Herceg Novi's maritime heritage?

A combined boat and land tour is ideal. The “Perast, Kotor, Porto Montenegro Private Tour” offers this perfectly, covering UNESCO sites, the legendary Our Lady of the Rocks island, and the modern luxury of Porto Montenegro for a complete picture of Boka Bay’s history.

Are the Blue Cave and swimming stops included in all tours?

Most full-day Boka Bay cruises and speedboat tours include a swimming stop at the Blue Cave or Miriste Lagoon. Always check the itinerary details. Booking a guided cruise or private speedboat tour ensures you won’t miss this iconic natural wonder.

What should I book first for a trip to Herceg Novi?

Secure your spot on a guided bay cruise or private tour first. These are the best way to understand the region’s scale and history. Popular tours, especially private boat tours and those in peak season, can sell out well in advance.

Is it worth taking a private tour in Boka Bay?

Absolutely. A private tour like the Black Pearl speedboat or a private car tour offers flexibility, personalized stories from your guide, and access to hidden spots. It transforms a standard visit into an in-depth exploration of Montenegro’s coastal culture and history.

Can I visit Our Lady of the Rocks island on my own?

You need a boat to reach the island. While you can hire a local water taxi from Perast, joining a guided Boka Bay cruise or Kotor boat trip is easier. It includes the transfer, historical context, and often the church entry, making your visit seamless and informative.

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Category: Europe, Montenegro
Tags: herceg novi,herceg novi tours,boka bay tours,kotor bay,maritime heritage tours,our lady of the rocks,blue cave montenegro,montenegro boat tours,private tour montenegro,unesco kotor,perast montenegro,porto montenegro
Latest post update: January 2026