Albania, Montenegro · Boating

Skadar Lake National Park: Guided Boat Tour with Wooden Boat

2 Hours Round trip from Virpazar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Cruise Lake Skadar on a traditional wooden boat
  • 02 See Lesendro fortress and the Tanki Rt bridge
  • 03 Admire views of the Albanian Alps and Vranjina
  • 04 Spot local birdlife including cormorants, herons, and gulls
  • 05 Glide past water lilies and lush lakeside vegetation
  • 06 Enjoy wine and juice during the tour
  • 07 Take a refreshing swim in Lake Skadar

Discover the wild beauty of Lake Skadar National Park on a guided boat tour aboard a traditional wooden boat. Cruise through narrow channels and open waters as you take in mountain views, floating carpets of water lilies, and the peaceful atmosphere of one of Southern Europe’s largest lakes.

Along the way, pass the historic fortress of Lesendro, look out for birds such as cormorants, herons, and gulls, and hear stories about the region from your guide. Round off the experience with refreshments on board and, when conditions allow, a refreshing swim in the lake.

Prepare for beautiful views as you glide out of the channel, surrounded by the lake's rich vegetation.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Lake Skadar (Montenegro)
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Serbian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

We will meet in Virpazar: The central getaway of Lake Skadar National Park

Your journey begins in Virpazar, where the murmurs of nature around Lake Skadar mix with the echoes of a lively fishing village.

Nestled in Montenegro's wine region, surrounded by breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and clear waters, this picturesque townlet is a perfect place to begin (or end) your Lake Skadar journey. Whether you enjoy tasting local wine, watching colourful sunsets or trying local cuisine - Virpazar will accommodate your wishes. Take your time to explore this village and soak in the rustic charm of Montenegro's countryside. 

We will meet at the Kingfisher's information desk, where one of our team members will assist you during the check-in. We will verify your reservation vouchers, exchange them for tickets and guide you through the steps smoothly and hassle-free. 

After completing all the necessary formalities, we are ready to set sail and begin our Lake Skadar adventure!

Small river channel and Albanian Alps: A ravishing backdrop to Lake Skadar's fresh waters

Join us inside our traditional wooden boat docked at the small Virpazar river pier. Prepare for beautiful views as you glide out of the channel, surrounded by the lake's rich vegetation.

Admire the stunning mountain ranges of Albania - The Accursed Mountains and Vranjina, the nearest island, as they tower over one of Southern Europe's largest lakes. It's a magical journey where nature's beauty takes centre stage, and this is just the beginning!

Discover Lesendro next: A beautiful fortification steeped in history

Navigate left, pass under the Tanki Rt bridge, and be embraced by the enchanting meadows of water chestnuts spread all over the top of Lake Skadar. The serene ambience will soon reveal the stunning Lesendro, an 18th-century fortress gracing the lake's shores.

Known as Bishops' Sorrow, this fortress carries a profound historical legacy, dating back to the reign of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, a prominent figure in Montenegro's past. Strategically positioned, it once served as a safeguard against potential enemy threats. 

Today, Lesendro and its surroundings draw birdwatching enthusiasts to its diverse ecosystem. Cormorants, herons, and gulls are just a glimpse of the vibrant birdlife awaiting discovery.

The queen of the tour: Amazonia, the three wild islands and the view they hide

Discover the enchanting nature of Montenegro and the Amazonian vibes it holds as you continue your tour to three wild islands. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery, where the delicate dance of white and yellow water lilies forms an endless carpet across the water. The expansive, dark green leaves gently float between them, creating a captivating tapestry that will leave you breathless.

Savour the lovely return journey to Virpazar: Refresh yourself with a swim in Lake Skadar's waters

Swim in the fresh, deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar with a beautiful backdrop of mountain ranges and typical Montenegrin countryside. Enjoy the views on your return journey with a cup of local wine and take one last deep breath of the lake's tranquillity before returning to Virpazar.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Virpazar 1 city · 2 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Written guides in several languages
  • Refreshments: wine & juice
  • Life vests and other safety equipment
  • National Park Lake Skadar fee

What's Not Included

  • Lunch/meals
  • Tips

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • We do not provide transportation to and from Virpazar.
  • We do not provide parking spots.
  • Join us at the Kingfisher information desk near the central bridge in Virpazar. Search for on Google Maps (not just 'P16, Virpazar, Montenegro' - it will show the incorrect address). Exchange this voucher for your boat ticket at the location.
  • Check-in is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you are running late for check-in, please notify us immediately via message. Send us your name, scheduled departure time, and estimated arrival time.
  • Please note that the info desk is the designated meeting point, and you should arrive there only after parking and being ready to start the tour. If you have trouble finding a parking space, please search on Google Maps.
  • Also note that parking is free and public throughout the village (except for the one near De'Andros Hotel). Avoid unauthorised operators at the entrance and on the street who may offer services or say the parking is private; decline their offers and park your car freely.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Virpazar, ME
Tour start
Virpazar, ME
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 hours finish where they began, in Virpazar.

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