The Bay from Water Level
The Bay of Kotor was built for boats. For centuries, the only way to move between the bay's towns was by water — roads came later and, in some places, barely at all. Seeing the bay from a kayak restores that original perspective: the mountains rise higher, the palazzi of Perast look even more improbable, and the islands are close enough to touch.
Combining kayaking with a rental car creates the perfect bay day. Drive to a launch point, paddle for two or three hours, dry off, and continue to the next destination along the coast road. No guided tour can offer this flexibility.
Launch Point 1: Kotor Waterfront
Several kayak rental operators set up along the waterfront between the Old Town and Dobrota from May to October. Guided group tours depart in the morning and evening, typically paddling to the submarine tunnel at the base of the Vrmac ridge. Self-hire is available for experienced paddlers. Park at the Tabacina lot or along the Dobrota road.
The morning tour typically departs at 09:00 and lasts 2.5 to 3 hours, paddling along the base of the fortress walls, past the Dobrota waterfront, and into the mouth of the old Yugoslav submarine tunnel carved into the Vrmac ridge. The evening tour, departing at 17:00 or 18:00 depending on season, catches the golden hour light on the bay — the fortress walls glow amber and the water turns glassy. Both options cost approximately 25 to 35 euros per person including equipment.
Launch Point 2: Orahovac
The small settlement of Orahovac, between Kotor and Perast, has a pebbly beach where you can launch directly into the bay. From here, it is a manageable paddle across to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks — a perspective few visitors experience. The water is typically calm in the morning, with afternoon winds picking up from the south.
The crossing from Orahovac to the island is roughly 800 metres — about 15 minutes of moderate paddling. Landing on the island is permitted at the small jetty on the southern side. Bring euros for the small museum entry fee inside the church. The return paddle can be done via a different route, skirting the shore of St George island (landing not permitted) for a close look at the monastery walls and cypress trees.
Launch Point 3: Perast Harbour
Perast's waterfront offers the most scenic launch point on the bay. Paddle out toward the two islands — St George and Our Lady of the Rocks — with the backdrop of sixteen palazzo facades and the mountain wall behind. Kayak rentals are available from operators near the harbour. Park at the northern end of Perast.
From Perast, the paddle to Our Lady of the Rocks takes about 10 minutes. Circumnavigating both islands adds another 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop to photograph. The water between the islands and the shore is sheltered and typically calm, making this an excellent option for less experienced paddlers. Watch for the occasional taxi boat crossing between Perast and the island — they have right of way.
Launch Point 4: Stoliv
The village of Stoliv on the bay's western shore is one of the quietest launch points. The water here is deep and calm, sheltered by the Vrmac ridge. Paddle south toward the Verige strait, where the inner and outer bays meet through a gap barely 300 metres wide. The current through the strait can be noticeable — stay close to the shore if unsure.
Stoliv is the best option for experienced paddlers who want solitude. There is no kayak rental operation here — you would need to bring your own or hire from Kotor and drive it to Stoliv on the car roof (most rental operators offer roof racks for this purpose). The reward is paddling in water that sees almost no boat traffic, with the abandoned village of Gornji Stoliv visible on the cliff face 400 metres above.
What to See from the Water
Kayaking reveals details invisible from the road. The fortress walls of Kotor descend directly into the water at several points — from a kayak, you can see the original waterline markings and the moss-covered stone steps that once served as boat landings. Along the Dobrota waterfront, the palazzo gardens that are hidden behind high walls from the road are visible from the water side. And the submarine tunnel entrance near the Vrmac ridge — a dark cavern carved into the cliff during the Yugoslav era — is only accessible by water.
The wildlife perspective is different too. Herons stand motionless on the rocky shore, invisible from the road but startled into flight as a kayak passes. Fish jump near the surface in the early morning — mullet mostly, in silvery schools that scatter when a paddle breaks the surface. In the quieter sections near Stoliv, the water is so clear you can see the seabed at four or five metres, with sea grass waving gently below.
Renting Equipment
Several operators in Kotor rent single and double kayaks by the hour. Expect to pay 15 to 20 euros per hour for a single kayak, 25 to 30 for a double. Guided tours are more expensive (25 to 35 euros per person) but include safety briefing, equipment, and a guide who knows the bay's currents and conditions. Most operators provide a waterproof bag, life jacket, and paddle. A few also rent stand-up paddleboards, which work well in the calm morning conditions closer to shore.
Kayaking Tips
- Experience: Join a guided tour if you have not kayaked before. The bay is calm but distances can be deceiving.
- Wind: Morning is almost always calmer. Afternoon winds from the south can create choppy conditions, especially near the Verige strait.
- Sun protection: Water reflects UV intensely. Wear a hat, apply waterproof sunscreen, and bring a long-sleeve rash guard.
- Season: May through October. July and August are busiest. September offers warm water and fewer boats.
- Dry bag: Bring a waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and car keys. Kayaks can tip, and the bay is too deep to retrieve anything dropped overboard.
Combine With
After paddling, dry off and drive to one of the bay's less-visited swimming spots for a final dip. Our guide to the best swimming spots around the bay covers nine options within 30 minutes of Kotor.
