The still, sheltered waters of the Bay of Kotor have been used to farm shellfish for generations, and the rewards are served all along the shore: briny oysters, plump mussels and seafood stews eaten on terraces beside the water. A farm tour takes you out by boat to see where it all begins, with rope lines, floating frames and a host who explains how the shellfish are grown, how long they take to mature and why the mix of fresh spring water and sea water in the bay gives them their character. The highlight is the tasting: oysters opened in front of you, mussels cooked simply, bread, lemon and a glass of local white wine or a shot of rakija. The trip is usually combined with a visit to Perast and a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, so it works both as a food experience and a classic bay sightseeing outing. Small boats keep the group intimate, and the setting, with mountains rising straight out of the water, is hard to beat for a meal.
How it works
The tour meets near Perast or Kotor, boards a small boat and heads to the farm for the explanation and tasting. It then continues to Our Lady of the Rocks and Perast, leaving time to walk the waterfront. Durations vary, but plan on a few hours in total.
What to expect
The tasting is the centrepiece, so arrive hungry. Oysters are served raw, and cooked options such as mussels are usually available for those who prefer them. If you have a shellfish allergy, this is not the right tour. Boats can be bumpy on windy days, and the farm is a working place, so wear flat shoes with grip.
Making the most of it
Aim for a morning or early afternoon departure so you can enjoy the light on Perast. Ask about vegetarian options before booking, as the focus is on seafood. Combine the outing with a swim at a quiet beach afterwards, and keep your evening plans light, because the tasting is generous.
What to expect
The experience
A small-boat tour to a shellfish farm in the bay with an oyster and mussel tasting, plus Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Best time
Mornings and early afternoons; the calm months of late spring to early autumn.
How long
Three to four hours.
Tips
Arrive hungry, wear flat shoes, tell the operator about allergies and avoid this tour if you cannot eat shellfish.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seafood lovers who want to taste the bay at its source.
- Families
- Better for older children who eat seafood and enjoy boat rides.
- Couples
- Seafood, wine and island views make a memorable afternoon.
- Pair with
- Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks and a relaxed dinner in the Old Town.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What do you eat on the farm tour?+
Fresh oysters and mussels are the main items, usually with bread, lemon and local wine or rakija.
Is it suitable if I do not like oysters?+
Cooked mussels are usually served too, but this is a seafood experience, so it may not suit non-seafood eaters.
Does the tour include Perast?+
Yes, it is combined with a visit to Perast and a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks.
Can I join if I have a shellfish allergy?+
It is not recommended, because the experience is built around shellfish.
What is the best season?+
Late spring to early autumn is the most comfortable on the water, though operators run in other seasons.
