Budva: Private 5 hour boat trip: Beach hopping tour

If you’re considering a day on the water along the beautiful Montenegrin coast, this private 5-hour boat trip from Budva might just be your next highlight. We haven’t personally taken it, but based on the detailed info and traveler reviews, it offers a well-rounded mix of relaxation, adventure, and sightseeing that appeals to many types of travelers.

What we love about this experience? First, the opportunity to explore hidden caves and dramatic cliffs that are often inaccessible from land—these natural wonders are a real treat for anyone who loves discovering less-trodden spots. Second, the chance to visit iconic beaches and St. Nicholas Island, making it a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural charm.

A possible consideration? The tour’s duration of five hours means you’ll want to be prepared for a fair amount of time on the water, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a boat trip. Also, since the tour is private, it’s a more premium experience, so it might be pricier than group tours, but the personalized attention can make it worth the splurge.

This tour suits travelers who want a flexible, scenic day out, especially those eager to combine beach relaxation with some exploration of Montenegro’s breathtaking coastline. It’s also ideal if you appreciate having a guide share stories and interesting facts along the way, enriching the experience beyond just the scenery.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Perfect for those who want an intimate day on the water with a dedicated guide.
• Varied stops: From hidden caves to famous beaches and the legendary Sveti Stefan, the tour covers diverse highlights.
• Comfortable and well-equipped: Includes snorkel gear upon request, drinks onboard, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance your understanding of the area.
• Flexible itinerary: Stops at Jaz Beach, Queens Beach, Kings Beach, and Sveti Stefan offer options for sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the scenery.
• Ideal for water lovers: Swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches make this a memorable aquatic adventure.
• Accessible start and end point: The tour launches just next to the Old Town in Budva, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting Off from Budva: What to Expect

Starting right next to the ancient ruins of Budva’s Old Town, the tour kicks off with a traditional boat captained by a licensed guide. From this point, your adventure immediately begins with scenic views of the coastline and the promise of discovering Montenegro’s natural treasures.

The boat itself is a comfortable vessel, ideal for exploring the bays and caves, and it’s clear that safety and passenger comfort are priorities. Travelers consistently mention the friendly professionalism of the crew and the ease of boarding, which makes the experience accessible even for first-timers on a boat trip.

The Scenic Journey

Once underway, the boat takes you along the coast, offering fabulous views of the cliffs and inviting waters. The guide’s narration enriches the experience, sharing stories and facts about the area’s history and geology. We’ve heard from reviews that the guide’s knowledge really helps bring the scenery to life, making the trip educational as well as beautiful.

Visiting St. Nicholas Island

One of the trip’s highlights is the visit to St. Nicholas Island, a small, picturesque island just across from Budva. Here, travelers can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the island’s shores. The water around the island is often described as crystal clear, perfect for a refreshing dip. Some reviews mention that the swim here is especially enjoyable, with many taking advantage of the snorkel equipment to explore underwater.

Exploring Hidden Caves and Cliffs

The boat cruise also offers access to hidden caves and dramatic cliffs along the coast. These caves are a real treat for those interested in natural formations, and some travelers note that the guide’s stories about these sites add a layer of intrigue. Keep your camera ready—these spots are photogenic and feel like discovering secret corners of the coastline.

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Beach Stops and Swimming

The tour includes stops at four of Montenegro’s most famous beaches:

• Jaz Beach: Known as one of Montenegro’s longest beaches, Jaz is a lively spot, perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching.
• Queens Beach: Smaller and more secluded, offering a peaceful environment—great if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
• Kings Beach: A charming little spot to enjoy a swim in calmer waters.
• Sveti Stefan: The iconic sandy islet, with its luxurious villas and picturesque beaches, representing Montenegro’s glamorous side.

Guests often mention that these beaches provide a perfect break from the boat, with opportunities to sunbathe, swim, or just take in the scenery. The water here is usually described as inviting and clear, making it a highlight of the trip.

Optional Lunch and Water Sports

The tour includes drinks like water, juices, wine, and beer, which are perfect for staying refreshed. However, lunch is not included, so if you’re hungry, it’s worth bringing some snacks or planning to eat afterwards. Water sports are available on request, but you’d need to arrange this in advance with the provider.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour follows a logical flow, starting from the Old Town and then heading out along the coast. The boat cruise moves through different scenic spots, with several stops for swimming and exploring. Highlights include:

• Starting at the Old Town: Easy to reach and provides a picturesque setting to begin your journey.
• Cruising along the coast: Expect stunning views and informative commentary from your guide.
• Visit to Sveti Stefan: The tour usually includes a swim here, offering a chance to relax on the famous island’s beaches.
• Multiple beach visits: Jaz, Queens, Kings, and Sveti Stefan each offer unique experiences, from lively to tranquil.

This structure ensures a good mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing, with flexibility depending on your interests and weather conditions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers a private 5-hour boat trip with a captain and guide, ensuring personalized attention. You’ll be provided with water, juices, wine, and beer, making the trip more enjoyable. Snorkeling gear is available upon request, which is great if you want to explore underwater.

While exploration of four beaches and a visit to St. Nicholas Island are included, lunch is not, so plan accordingly. If you want to add water sports, you’ll need to inform the provider beforehand—making it easy to customize your experience.

The meeting point is conveniently located right next to the Old Town’s main entrance, so you won’t have any trouble finding it. The activity ends back at the same spot, making it simple to incorporate into your day.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring essentials: Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a change of clothes.
• Stay hydrated: The boat provides water and drinks but bringing extra snacks or beverages can be helpful.
• Prep for swimming: Snorkel equipment is available if you request it, but bringing your own mask and fins could enhance your experience.
• Weather considerations: Check the forecast before booking, as a choppy sea could impact comfort and safety.
• Group size: Since it’s a private tour, expect a small, intimate group—ideal for a relaxed experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This boat trip is especially suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, water-based activities, and beach relaxation. If you’re eager to see Montenegro’s coastline from the water and appreciate knowledgeable guides sharing stories, you’ll find this experience engaging. It’s also great for those who like a flexible, personalized experience rather than a crowded group tour.

While families with children could enjoy it, keep in mind the boat trip’s duration and the need for comfortable swimming ability, especially at the caves and beach stops. It’s best for those comfortable on a boat and in open water.

Final Thoughts

This private boat trip from Budva offers an excellent way to experience Montenegro’s stunning coastline in a relaxed, personalized setting. The combination of scenic views, hidden caves, and famous beaches ensures that you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments and stunning photos. The knowledgeable guide makes all the difference, sharing stories that bring the landscape to life and making the trip both fun and informative.

If you’re after an experience that balances exploration and relaxation with a touch of luxury, this tour is well worth considering. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy comfort, a bit of adventure, and the flexibility to customize their day on the water.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to see the best of Montenegro’s coast without the feeling of rushing through a busy group tour. Just be prepared for a few hours on the water, and you’re likely to have a day to remember.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly labeled as a family tour, the experience involves swimming and boat travel, so children comfortable with water and boat rides should enjoy it. You might find it best suited for older kids or teenagers.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a charged smartphone are recommended to make the most of the trip.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. It’s suggested to bring snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

Can I request snorkeling equipment?
Yes, snorkeling gear is available upon request—just let the provider know in advance.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins next to the Ancient Ruins in front of the Old Town Budva main entrance and ends back at the same location.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts five hours, but check the schedule for specific starting times when booking.

Is drinks included?
Yes, water, juices, wine, and beer are provided onboard.

Can I customize this experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can probably discuss specific requests with the guide, like water sports or additional stops.

What if the weather is bad?
Check the cancellation policy—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance—and weather conditions can impact the trip.

How much does it cost?
Pricing isn’t specified here, but as a private experience, it tends to be more premium. Consider the value of personalized service and the included stops when evaluating the price.

If you’re looking to combine adventure, scenic beauty, and a touch of luxury, this boat trip is definitely worth considering for your Montenegro itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: