Cycle & SUP: A Complete Circumnavigation of Kotor Bay (new tour)

If you’re considering a day of active exploring in Montenegro’s stunning Kotor Bay, the new Cycle & SUP tour promises a unique way to see the sights from both land and water. While it’s not a tour for the faint of heart or those with limited mobility, it offers a well-rounded experience for travelers craving a bit of adventure combined with cultural highlights.

What really makes this experience stand out? First, the value for money is quite good for what you get — a full day’s worth of activity, equipment, and guide support. And secondly, the scenic routes and beautiful views of Kotor Bay are genuinely memorable, especially if you love being outdoors and on the water.

However, one potential caveat is that the biking portion may feel a bit risky if you’re uncomfortable navigating narrow streets with traffic, as reviews mention this as a concern. This is something to keep in mind if safety or traffic are worries for you.

All in all, this tour seems best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of physical activity and sightseeing, and who are comfortable with modest physical effort. If that sounds like your kind of day, read on for a detailed breakdown of what to expect.

Key Points

• Good value for the price considering it combines two different activities
• All necessary gear provided, making it more convenient
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive intro to Kotor Bay
• Moderate difficulty — suitable for those with decent fitness levels
• Potential safety concerns during biking in narrow, traffic-heavy streets
• Beautiful scenery and various stops that showcase local culture and nature

A Closer Look at the Tour

This self-guided experience lasts around 6 hours, making it a solid half-day adventure. It’s organized by Montenegro+, with your group exclusively participating, which often means a more personalized feel. The tour starts in Kotor, with a mix of cycling and paddling designed to give you a well-rounded taste of the area.

What’s Included and How It Works

Your ticket covers bike and helmet use, as well as SUP and PFD (personal flotation device), so you don’t need to worry about renting gear separately. The guide’s role is more of a support presence rather than hands-on guiding, which appeals if you’re confident navigating on your own with provided directions.

Confirmation is quick, and the activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, particularly confident on a bike and comfortable on a paddleboard. It’s a private experience, so you won’t be sharing the journey with strangers. That’s nice if you prefer a quieter, more flexible pace.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting Point and Initial Activities

Your adventure kicks off at a meeting point in Skaljari, Kotor — an area that some reviewers described as “sketchy,” but just a local spot with a bit of character. From there, you’ll begin with a bike ride along the scenic streets of Kotor. This part is especially appealing if you want to soak up the atmosphere, passing through landmarks like cathedrals, churches, and monasteries, as well as Porto Montenegro.

Biking from Kotor to Tivat

The bike route takes you around the bay to the luxurious Porto Montenegro. While the scenery is undoubtedly stunning, some reviews highlight a warning: the streets are narrow and traffic can be fast. If you’re not comfortable riding near cars, this could be a stressful part of the day. That said, those who enjoy biking and are confident will likely find this a highlight, especially with the chance to stop and take photos or enjoy the vibe of the marina.

The SUP Experience: Paddleboarding Across the Bay

After your bike ride, you’ll switch gears and grab a paddleboard to cross the bay, passing Sveti Marko Island along the way. The paddling segment, which takes about an hour, is generally well-received for its stunning views and peaceful waters. One reviewer said, “I really enjoyed the paddling down the bay,” noting it’s a “beautiful way to see Kotor.”

However, it’s worth mentioning that some travelers, like Erin R, pointed out an unexpected aspect: if you’re on your own during paddling, it might feel a bit uncertain—so if you prefer to be guided more closely, this could be a consideration.

Cultural Stops: Porto Montenegro and Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj

Following the paddle, the tour stops at Porto Montenegro, the largest superyacht marina in the world. Here, you’ll find a naval museum, luxury shops, and, notably, two of Montenegro’s best gelato shops — perfect for a quick treat or sightseeing break.

Next, you’ll visit Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj, a grand Baroque church completed in 1908. Its architecture, with Doric and Corinthian columns, combined with an impressive collection of art and artifacts, makes it a worthwhile cultural stop. It’s a brief visit, about 10 minutes, but packed with historical and artistic value.

Final Notes on the Tour

The entire experience is flexible, with directions, sightseeing suggestions, and equipment provided, so you can explore at your own pace. The tour concludes back at your starting point, making it convenient for those with tight schedules or plans afterward.

The Experience from Reviews

The reviews reflect a generally positive impression with some reservations. One traveler noted, “The bike ride around Kotor Bay was the highlight — stopping mid way for some drinks and swim with the locals.” That’s a vivid picture of how memorable the trip can be.

On the other hand, safety concerns during biking were raised, with one review mentioning the streets are narrow, and cars zoom around, making the biking portion potentially risky. This is something to keep in mind if you’re not comfortable biking in traffic or prefer more controlled environments.

A honeymooner described the paddleboarding as “incredibly beautiful,” emphasizing the visual payoff. The gear was in good condition, and the tour was described as “great,” with the guide meeting at the cruise terminal, adding to the convenience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys active experiences, appreciates scenic views, and doesn’t mind a bit of physical exertion, this tour could be a good fit. It offers a balanced mix of land-based exploration and water adventure, giving you a comprehensive feel of Kotor Bay.

Those who are new to paddleboarding or cycling might find the experience manageable, especially since all equipment is provided and instructions are included. It’s particularly appealing for first-time visitors who want to get a taste of the area without organized tours that are overly structured or rushed.

However, if you’re easily overwhelmed by traffic or uncomfortable on a bike in busy streets, this might not be the best option. Also, keep in mind that the quality of the biking experience depends heavily on your confidence and comfort level.

In summary, this tour provides excellent value, especially given its length and the variety of activities packed into it. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for an active, scenic day with cultural highlights, and if you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as you have moderate physical fitness and are confident on a bicycle and familiar with SUP, you’ll be fine. Equipment and instructions are provided, and the activities are designed to be accessible for first-timers.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the use of bicycles, helmets, SUP, and PFDs. You won’t need to rent gear separately, which adds convenience.

Is there a guide during the tour?
This is a self-guided experience, but the guide is available to meet you at key points, monitor your progress, and ensure smooth transitions between activities.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The total duration is around 6 hours. The biking segment can take about an hour, the paddleboarding around an hour, with additional time for stops at Porto Montenegro and Our Lady’s Temple.

Are there any safety concerns?
The main concern is during the biking portion, as the streets are tight and traffic can be busy. Use caution and stay alert if you choose to bike on these roads.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations are also possible, with options for a different date or a full refund.

What if I’ve never paddleboarded before?
The tour is suitable for those with prior SUP experience. Equipment and instructions are provided; just ensure you’re comfortable on the water.

Does the tour run rain or shine?
Yes, but it requires good weather for safety and enjoyment. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Final Words

This Cycle & SUP tour offers a compelling way to see Kotor Bay if you’re looking for an active day out. With scenic routes, cultural stops, and water adventures, it caters well to those who enjoy combining movement with sightseeing. While the biking portion may not be ideal for everyone, the overall experience delivers great value and memorable views, especially if you love being outdoors.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone familiar with the area, this tour provides a flexible, engaging way to explore Kotor’s natural beauty and local charm. Just be prepared for some narrow streets during the bike ride and ensure you’re comfortable with the physical aspects. If that sounds manageable, you’re in for a rewarding day.