If you’re planning a visit to Montenegro and wondering how to experience its wild side, a Skadar Lake boat tour should be at the top of your list. This natural paradise offers an unforgettable combination of rich biodiversity, peaceful waters, and authentic local experiences – all best explored by traditional wooden boats. Here’s everything you need to know before setting sail.For more details or to book your private boat tour at Skadar Lake, feel free to give us a call – we’re happy to assist.
Where Is Skadar Lake and How to Get There?
Skadar Lake (also known as Lake Skadar) is the largest lake in the Balkans, located on the border between Montenegro and Albania. The majority of the lake, and most of the boat tours, are on the Montenegrin side, particularly near the picturesque village of Virpazar.
Visitors often ask where exactly to go when booking a tour. The meeting point for most tours is in Virpazar, a small town easily accessible by car. For those coming from coastal cities like Budva or Kotor, transportation can be arranged in advance. The team at Old Bridge – Skadar Lake partners with reliable taxi services, ensuring a safe and smooth ride to the lake.There is a public parking area available near the harbor. While it may not always be easy to find a spot during peak season, the tour team is happy to guide guests to secure places where they can park safely.
Why Wooden Boats Make the Difference
Skadar Lake tours are known for their authentic wooden boats, handcrafted for this very purpose. These eco-friendly vessels allow for a more intimate experience with nature—you’re close enough to the water to dip your hand, or even take a refreshing swim in summer.These boats are quiet, traditional, and fully open, giving passengers a 360° view of the lush surroundings. You can lie back, enjoy the warm sun, take amazing photos, or even sunbathe while gliding through the tranquil waters.
Flora Highlights – Lotus Fields and Water Lilies
One of the most breathtaking features of Skadar Lake is its floating gardens of lotuses, white lilies, and yellow water-lilies. These natural wonders bloom between May and September, creating spectacular scenery that feels like a fairytale.Guests are encouraged to take early tours or late afternoon tours, as the lotus flowers tend to close around 5 PM, especially on sunnier days. A two-hour boat ride is typically enough to reach the best spots where these plants bloom in abundance, offering plenty of time for photography and peaceful admiration.
Tailor-Made Private Tours With a Personal Touch
At Old Bridge – Skadar Lake, all boat tours are private and customizable. Each group has their own captain and guide, who not only ensures safety but also shares fascinating stories about the lake’s history, flora, and fauna.Onboard, guests enjoy complimentary refreshments, and if desired, the team offers a photo cruise service—perfect for families, couples, or influencers looking for that perfect Instagram moment.
What to See and Do: More Than Just a Boat Ride
While the cruise itself is the highlight, there’s much more to explore in and around Skadar Lake, especially when you book through Old Bridge. Their two-hour cruise not only brings you close to the floating fields of lotus and white lilies, but also includes birdwatching opportunities, where you might spot species like the Dalmatian pelican, grey heron, or great cormorant, depending on the season.
Beyond the water, the experience continues. After your boat ride, you can stroll through nature trails near Virpazar, explore medieval monasteries and historic fortresses along the lakeshore, or visit a family-owned winery to enjoy local wine made from the indigenous Vranac grape. If you’re hungry, several charming restaurants by the water serve fresh lake fish such as carp and bleak, prepared traditionally.
The location is also perfect for cycling or walking if you want to stay active, and the surrounding hills provide panoramic viewpoints ideal for photos. If you’re staying longer in the area, the hosts can help organize multi-day experiences that combine boat tours, hiking, wine tasting, and cultural visits.What makes the entire experience truly special is how effortlessly you can go from sailing through blooming water lilies, to sipping wine at a rustic terrace, to listening to birds in a quiet reed canal—all within a single afternoon. It’s nature, heritage, and hospitality—woven into one perfect journey.
Useful Tips Before You Go
Swimming Is Allowed—and Encouraged!
Yes, you can swim in the lake! The water is clean and calm, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring swimwear and a towel if you’d like to take a dip.
Book Ahead During Peak Season
Skadar Lake boat tours are a favorite among international visitors. Booking ahead – especially during June through September – ensures availability and a smoother experience.
Annual National Park Pass: A Smart Investment
For those planning to visit multiple national parks in Montenegro, including Lovćen and Durmitor, it’s best to purchase an annual pass. It’s a cost-effective alternative to paying for each park individually and is valid at all national parks in the country. You can read more about this at National Parks of Montenegro.
Why Skadar Lake Tours Stand Out
Skadar Lake tours offered by Old Bridge are not just excursions—they’re thoughtfully curated experiences designed to give you the best of Montenegro’s nature and culture. What sets them apart is their authenticity, sustainability, and personalized approach. Unlike crowded group tours, every cruise is private, ensuring you get undivided attention from your licensed captain and local guide, who will share fascinating insights about the lake’s ecosystem, local history, and hidden spots.
Each tour takes place on eco-friendly wooden boats, which are custom-built for a slow, quiet cruise through narrow channels, water lily fields, and open lake areas. Their open design lets you fully immerse yourself in the environment—whether you want to lie back and sunbathe, jump into the water for a swim, or capture the perfect shot with your camera.
The addition of a professional photo service makes your experience even more memorable—whether you’re a couple celebrating a special moment or a traveler documenting a once-in-a-lifetime journey. With optional refreshments served on board, it truly feels like your own floating lounge in the middle of untouched nature.Most importantly, the tours are deeply rooted in eco-tourism values—preserving nature, supporting local communities, and creating meaningful experiences that leave a light footprint and lasting memories.
Ready to Set Sail?
Skadar Lake boat tours offer more than just sightseeing—they offer connection. To nature, to local culture, and to yourself. Whether you’re visiting from the Montenegrin coast or planning a trip inland, make sure to include this hidden gem on your travel itinerary.
Location: Virpazar, Montenegro
Tour type: Private, eco-friendly, customizable
Photo service included upon request
Highlights: Birds, water lilies, swimming, lotus fields
Best time to visit: May to SeptemberVisit skadarlake-oldbridge.com to book your boat tour and experience the peaceful beauty of Montenegro’s most iconic lake.
What Others Have Said About Us:
Maureen – Switzerland
Montenegro had been catching my eye for a few years, and I finally decided to visit in June 2024 for a 7-day road trip. Between the Adriatic Sea, the Bay of Kotor, charming villages, mountains, and Lake Skadar, the landscapes of this Balkan country are absolutely breathtaking. Let’s go — I’m taking you to discover Montenegro!You can read all about this beautiful place and what you can explore in detail on her blog.
