Budva: Mariolo Boat Tours – 3.5 hours panoramic tour

Imagine cruising along Montenegro’s shimmering coastline on a beautifully crafted wooden boat, absorbing views of gorgeous beaches, historic sites, and the glint of the Adriatic sun. That’s exactly what the Budva: Mariolo Boat Tours promises, offering a 3.5-hour panoramic voyage that highlights all the must-see spots around Budva Bay. If you love nature, history, and a touch of luxury (without the hefty price tag), this tour could be just the thing for your Montenegro trip.

What really draws us in about this experience is how personalized it feels. You’re not just stuck with a rigid itinerary—you get to decide if and where you want to swim, and how long your breaks are. Also, the boat itself is quite special: a sturdy wooden vessel, heavier and more stable than typical plastic boats, offering a smoother ride and a more authentic maritime vibe. But, like any experience, it’s not all perfect. It might not suit those with mobility issues or very young children, and the focus on swimming means you’ll want to be comfortable jumping into the sea.

This tour is a great pick for travelers who appreciate stunning scenery and want a flexible, relaxed way to explore Budva’s coast from the water. If you’re after a family-friendly, easygoing boat trip with a touch of history and glamour, this could suit you well. Just keep in mind that if you’re a non-swimmer or prone to seasickness, you might want to consider your comfort level before booking.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows guests to choose swimming stops and durations
• Stunning panoramic views of beaches, islands, and coastline
• Comfortable, stable wooden boat designed for safety and authenticity
• Multiple swimming opportunities on different beaches
• Passes iconic sites like Sveti Stefan and Tito’s residence
• Ideal for those wanting a relaxed, scenic experience with personal touches

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why the Mariolo Boat Tour Stands Out

When you’re exploring a new destination like Montenegro, seeing it from the water offers a fresh perspective—one that allows you to appreciate the coastline’s natural beauty and historic landmarks at your own pace. This tour hits that sweet spot. It’s not overly long, making it manageable even if you’re tight on time, but it’s long enough to soak in the scenery and enjoy a couple of swim breaks.

What makes this tour special is its focus on guest choice and comfort. You can tailor your experience by opting for swimming stops at locations you find appealing, whether it’s the deep waters of Drobni Pijesak Beach or the lively atmosphere at Ploce Beach. Guests have praised the flexibility, with one reviewer noting, “We loved the way the stops were based on our wishes, making it very personalized.”

The views are another highlight. As the boat passes by the likes of Slovenska Beach, Becici, and the famous Sveti Stefan, the scenery is consistently breathtaking. Passing by Tito’s villa and the private gardens adds a touch of historical and cultural context, enriching the experience beyond just the natural sights.

The Itinerary in Detail: What You Can Expect

Starting from the Budva Marina, the tour kicks off with an easy, well-organized check-in next to the Old Town. From there, the boat heads east along the coast, giving you a perfect vantage point of some of Montenegro’s most recognizable beaches. Slovenska Beach, Becici, and Rafailovici glide by, their sands and resorts visible from the deck.

As the boat moves further, it reaches Kamenovo, a smaller, intimate stretch of sand, then continues to Przno, a peaceful spot popular among locals. The highlight here is Queen’s Beach with the Queen’s Chair, where a rock formation offers a picturesque backdrop and a slice of local legend—once enjoyed by Queen Marija, wife of Montenegro’s King Nikola.

Next, the boat arrives at Milocer Beach, a place of both natural beauty and historical significance. Here, you get a view of Tito’s former residence and lush gardens that surround the villa. This spot is a favorite for its combination of history and natural beauty, and you might find yourself imagining the stories of past VIP visitors.

One of the most iconic sights along the route is Sveti Stefan, a luxurious island-hotel that has hosted Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. The boat circumnavigates the peninsula, offering fantastic photo ops of this legendary resort.

The first swim stop often takes place at Drobni Pijesak Beach, famous for its white sands and deep waters, making it an ideal spot for a quick cool-off. Guests often comment on how inviting the water looks, and the 20-minute break here is usually enough to relax and take a few selfies.

From there, the boat heads to the western side of the bay, passing Saint Nicola’s Island and the lively Ploce Beach, known for its beach parties and music. This stop is perfect if you want a lively atmosphere or simply want to enjoy the scenery while listening to some tunes.

The final swimming break usually occurs at Trsteno Beach, where the surrounding nature is wild, and many guests take a second dip to wind down. The route then heads past Jaz beach and the Mogren Beaches, some of the most beautiful on the coast, with their striking green backgrounds and natural sands flowing from streams.

As the tour concludes, the boat passes by the Avala and Astoria Hotels before returning to the Budva Marina, completing a scenic loop that covers history, culture, and nature in just over three hours.

Practical Details and What to Keep in Mind

The boat itself is quite special—constructed from oak and pine, making it heavier and more stable on the water. This stability means a smoother ride, which is appreciated if seasickness or balance is a concern. The boat is officially registered for 43 passengers plus crew, so it’s not overly crowded, allowing for a relaxed atmosphere.

Included in the tour are visits to all the notable beaches and sights around Budva Bay, with the flexibility to stop for swimming at your preferred spots. The duration of about 3.5 hours is just right to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. Plus, there’s no extra charge if the boat stays out for an extra half-hour—an easy way to extend your time in the water.

You are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, and snacks or drinks if you want to personalize your experience. The boat allows guests to bring their own food and beverages (except strong alcohol), which makes it convenient to enjoy a picnic at sea or sip a soda while taking in the views.

A few things to consider: this tour isn’t suitable for non-swimmers, very young children, or those with mobility issues, as boat access and swimming are core parts of the experience. Also, if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s worth taking precautions, as the boat does venture around the bay and past open waters.

Authentic Guest Feedback

Many travelers have spoken highly of the stunning views and the ability to customize their swimming stops. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the flexibility—being able to choose where to swim made it so much better,” while another appreciated the stability of the wooden boat, noting it added a sense of safety and authenticity.

Some guests pointed out that the soundtrack of the sea and the panoramic views alone made the trip worthwhile, even if they skipped the swimming. Conversely, a few noted that the duration was just enough—long enough to see everything without fatigue—and appreciated the relaxed pace.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a laid-back, scenic boat ride with the option to swim and take photos. It’s perfect if you enjoy beautiful coastlines, historical sites, and personalized experiences. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a more stable and heavier wooden boat over lighter, plastic alternatives.

Remember, it’s not ideal for non-swimmers, very young kids, or those with mobility concerns, due to the nature of swimming and boat access. Also, if you’re after a longer or more active adventure, this might feel a bit limited.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children? This tour is best suited for children who are comfortable swimming and sitting on a boat. Very young children or non-swimmers should consider their comfort level before booking, as swimming is part of the experience.

Can I bring my own food and drinks? Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and beverages, except for strong alcohol. Just remember to bring a bag for waste so you can leave the boat clean.

How long are the swimming stops? Typically, each swim break lasts about 20 minutes, but you can request a third break if desired. This allows enough time to cool off and enjoy the scenery.

What if the tour runs over 3.5 hours? No problem—there’s no extra charge if the tour extends by half an hour. The captain is flexible to ensure everyone enjoys their time.

Is the boat stable and comfortable? Yes, the wooden boat is heavier and more stable than plastic alternatives, providing a smoother ride and a more authentic maritime feel.

Do I need to worry about seasickness? If seasickness is a concern, consider taking precautions beforehand, as the boat moves around the bay and open waters.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at the Budva Marina, right across from the Old Town, and finishes back at the same spot.

Is there any extra cost for sightseeing or stops? No, all the major beaches and sights are included, and no additional charges apply for extra time within the duration.

Wrapping It All Up

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic, and customizable way to explore Montenegro’s stunning coast, the Mariolo Boat Tours offers a genuine, memorable experience. The combination of beautiful views, gentle sailing, and personal swimming choices makes it stand out from more rigid tour options. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a bit of history, natural beauty, and the chance to cool off in the sea.

While it might not be perfect for non-swimmers or very young kids, it suits most adults and older children who enjoy gentle boat rides and panoramic scenery. The stable wooden vessel adds a touch of authenticity and safety, ensuring you can relax and take in the sights comfortably.

In the end, this tour delivers an engaging way to see Budva bay from the water—without overwhelming schedules or rigid plans. It’s a peaceful, beautiful journey that lets you connect with Montenegro’s coast on your own terms, making it a worthwhile addition to any beach or nature lover’s itinerary.

Enjoy your trip and happy sailing!

You can check availability for your dates here: