Status: National Park since 1983. IBA (International Bird Area) status since 1989. Enrolled on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance since 1995.
Location: Southeast Zeta-Skadar basin, along the Albanian border
Area: 40,000 ha
Area of Lakes: 370 km² (summer water level) to 540 km² (winter water level)
Elevation: 5 meters above sea level
Climate: Wetland habitat with sub-Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Points of Interest
Grmožur: Nicknamed the Island of Snakes, Grmožur is an island prison and fortification complex built by the Ottomans in 1847 and conquered by Montenegrins in 1878. Soon after, it was converted into a prison under the rule of Prince Nikola. The abandoned island and ruins are known as the Montenegrin Alcatraz.
Lesendro Fort: Erected in 1843 by Petar II Petrović Njegoš on the island near the Vranjine fortress area. It was often called the “key of the lake” as it served as a military outpost for the defence of the Rijeka Crnojević. It was reclaimed after falling into the hands of the Turks and was used as an armory until after the First World War.
Centuries-old Orthodox monasteries such as Vranjina, Beška, and Kom are scattered around the region, largely untouched. They are tucked away on tiny islands or sheer slopes deep in the marshland and best accessed by boat.
Full day tour to Skadar Lake from Kotor
Language: English Type: Charming Villages, Culture, History, Nature, Scenic Boat Ride, Walking Length: Up to 8 Hours Walking: Medium Guide: Licensed Guide Language: English, Spanish, French, Italian
After meeting in Kotor or surrounding areas we will start our driver towards the Skadar Lake National park having many stops for the following panoramic views : Kotor old town and panoramic of the Bay from behind Kotor, Jaz beach, Budva old town, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac Panoramic.
We will continue towards Virpazar the small town of Skadar lake where we will embark our boat to enjoy and learn about the history of this area while cruising. The boat will go through beautiful water lilies and wetland vegetation that will help you understand why we call this lake – paradise for birds. More than 270 different sorts of birds are living on this lake and among all of them the most impressive is Dalmatian Pelican, one of the largest pelicans, that still uses this lake for nesting. After the cruise, we will have an optional visit to a local winery for wine tasting or time for lunch and try lake specialties like marinated or smoked carp fish, bleak, maybe eel.
On the way back we will have a stop in Budva for a walking tour and leisure time by the sea for some afternoon cocktail or a cup of coffee after your leisure time we will continue our drive towards Kotor.
This tour will last up to 8 hrs.
Entrances and fees Lake Skadar tourist tax 4eu pp lunch and beverages at guests expense
Kotor accommodation or Port of Kotor personal pick up and drop off
Private transfers in a fully equipped car, minivan or minibus, parking fees, fuel
Stops along the way including the panoramic view of the Bay from the mountains behind Kotor town
Private motor boat tour, skipper service and fuel cost
Private Licensed Guide service up to 8 hours
Included Interior Visits :
Touristic taxes Old town Budva
Tourist tax at the National Park Skadar Lake
Shore Trip Breakdown- All times are approximate based on traffic conditions and your personal interests, order of visits might change however the tour will not be affected.
Meet your guide by your accommodation or port entrance
Drive above Kotor for panoramic views
Drive towards Budvan riviera for panoramic views and optional stops
Drive towards St. Stefan- 10 Minutes Photo stop
Meet your skipper and start your boat tour (2 hours)
Free Time for Lunch - 1 Hour
Drive towards Budva Old town - 45 minutes
Walking Tour of Budva and leisure time - up to 1.5 Hour