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Adriatic Coast, Montenegro Birdwatching

Our most recommended Adriatic Coast, Montenegro Birdwatching

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery

1. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery

Join us for an unforgettable sightseeing boat tour from the charming townlet of Virpazar, nestled right within the heart of Lake Skadar. Explore the stunning beauty of this magnificent lake and visit the medieval Kom Monastery. Set sail on a traditional wooden boat known as čun, and let your guide reveal the hidden gems of the region. Indulge in delicious local wine and take in the breathtaking scenery. Come and join us for an adventure of a lifetime! Experience the breathtaking sight of Vranjina's two majestic peaks as you sail through a narrow river canal. Admire Lesendro, the Key of Lake Skadar, an 18th-century structure where birds often perch atop the ruins. Discover the hidden beauty of three islands adorned with thousands of water lilies next, just before arriving at the medieval monastery Kom. Perched atop Odrin Hill, this hidden gem is accessible only by boat and is home to the best-preserved frescoes in the area. Immerse yourself in the sweet aroma of wild thyme during your 30-minute visit. Finally, enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Lake Skadar, and take in the picturesque views of the untouched nature that surrounds you on the way back.

From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

2. From Virpazar: Scenic Lake Skadar Boat Tour to Little Venice

Begin your journey in Virpazar, the tiny fishing village located in the heart of Lake Skadar. Leave its dock, sailing along a narrow river channel bordered by reeds and rows of willows. Uncover the deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar as you exit. Admire views of mountains far away in Albania; and Vranjina, the island just in front of you, with two peaks proudly standing against the largest lake in southern Europe. Turn left, and go under the nearby bridge. Discover the 18th-century fortress Lesendro as you glide through the endless fields of water chestnuts carpeting the lake. Spy birds lining up along the remains or soaring through the sky. Observe them dry their feathers and enjoy their beauty and sound as you start smelling the wild thyme in the summer breeze. Marvel at the three nearby islets and the view they hide - meadows of white and yellow water lily flowers with their large, floating, dark-green leaves. Pass through the fjord Pavlova strana and reach Little Venice - the old fisherman's village named by the river - Rijeka Crnojevića. The historical meaning of this townlet, authentic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings construct a perfect atmosphere for you to experience true Montenegrin mentality. After exploring the village (you have around 1 hour to do that), climb aboard your boat again and head back to Virpazar. In the meantime, don't forget to pack your sunscreen, swimsuits and towels! Grab your opportunity and swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Skadar, surrounded by magnificent views.

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Wilderness Boat Trip

3. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Wilderness Boat Trip

Start your sightseeing cruise in Virpazar, the lovely fishing village built on the shore of Lake Skadar. Depart from its pier through a small river canal fringed with reeds and willow trees. Admire the views of the mountain ranges far away in Albania and Vranjina - the nearest island, rising defiantly from the fresh waters of one of the largest lakes in southern Europe. Go left under the nearby bridge and discover Lesendro - the Key of Lake Skadar. Built in the 18th century this beauty still hides the eternal sorrow of Njegoš. Approach this beautiful fortification as you glide through meadows of water chestnuts and observe remarkable birds dry their wings on top of its walls. Watch Cormorants, Gulls, Herons, Coots and Kingfishers, among many others, enjoy the sun touching their feathers. Have your breath taken away by the view hidden behind the three islets - thousands of white and yellow water lilies and their large, floating, dark green leaves. If you are lucky enough, get the chance to see some nests and baby birds. Witness sights on the return journey that will not disappoint either. Take your time and enjoy the perfect wilderness while taking a refreshing swim. Seize your chance and have a dip in the fresh, deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar, wrapped by scenic views. After immersing in fresh waters, return to Virpazar.

Virpazar: Kayak Rental for National Park Skadar Lake

4. Virpazar: Kayak Rental for National Park Skadar Lake

You start at the centre of Virpazar - a small fishing village located on the shore of Lake Skadar. First, you will paddle through a small channel connecting the village and the open lake. Next, you aim for the bridge that is on your left side. After passing under the bridge, on your right, you will see a fortress called Lesendro. Unfortunately, this fortress has not withstood the test of time and, nowadays, you can see only her ruins. If you enjoy watching the birds, you should paddle around the fortress, which will lead you inside the beginning of river Morača - a bird sanctuary. After that, paddle to the three islands - standing in the middle of the lake. You will aim for the first one and make a circle around it from the right to the left side. You will have the opportunity to go through the most beautiful part of the lake - a small channel that is surrounded by water lilies and reeds covering the waters of Lake Skadar. Take your time and marvel at the wildlife surrounding you. When on the other side of the island - looking at the shore, you will see a few small beaches. If you want to take a break and swim to refresh yourself, any of these beaches is the perfect spot. After your break, you will just need to go back under the bridge, aiming for the entrance to the channel leading you back to Virpazar.

Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

5. Virpazar: Private Guided 2-Hour Lake Skadar Boat Tour

Your 2-hour tour begins in Virpazar from where you will travel through the river channel surrounded by lotus flowers and cane before reaching the open lake. Throughout your boat tour, explore islands which are protected by UNESCO, fishing villages, and hidden passages, among other attractions. Skadar Lake is a treasure trove for a large number of birds which you will see during the tour. As you travel, your knowledgeable guide will also dig into the lake's history through providing expert commentary. There will be some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim on the open lake or on the private beach, following which you can enjoy a refreshing drink on board. At the conclusion of your experience, return to Virpazar.

Virpazar: Skadar Lake Guided Nature Cruise with Drinks

6. Virpazar: Skadar Lake Guided Nature Cruise with Drinks

Begin your journey in Virpazar - a tiny townlet situated in the heart of Skadar Lake. Navigate along a small river channel surrounded by reeds and willow trees. Throughout your boat tour, explore islands which are protected by UNESCO, fishing village and hidden passages, among other attractions. After exiting the first river, find yourself on the open lake while the boat proceeds to peninsula and island Lesendro. Meanwhile, soak up the incredible views of peninsula and fishing village Vranjina. The fortress Lesendro was built in the 18th century. It is located on the peninsula that was an island until the construction of the Belgrade – Bar railway line. The fortes of Lesendro is an example of the long lasting struggle of the Montenegrin people for independence. It is key of Skadar Lake. This tour includes sailing threw Moraca river channels, passing by bird reservat and few small islands (Small and Big Cakovica and Kamenik), cruising surrounded by carpet of lotus flowers which is together with narrow reeds channel highlight of the tour. It is perfect spot for photo-shooting. There will be some free time to enjoy a refreshing swim on the open lake, following which you can enjoy a refreshing drink(water, juice, local wine) on board. Finally, return to the starting point where the tour concludes.

Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

7. Virpazar: Lake Skadar Private Wildlife Cruise & Wine Tasting

Leave the old fishing village of Virpazar through a narrow little canal enclosed with willows and reeds. Head left, under the bridge, and discover the remains of the centuries-old fortress Lesendro. Observe cormorants, herons, gulls, coots, and kingfishers - among many others. Challenge your luck and look for the pelicans - these rare birds are at the official Lake Skadar National park logo. Pass near the Morača River - an International Birding Area and head for the three nearby islands. Gaze in awe as you glide through the hidden, narrow channels concealed with reeds and covered in lotus flowers and their big, floating, dark-green leaves. Guess what - this is the perfect place for you to spot some nests and baby birds! As you leave the wilderness behind, immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of Lake Skadar - just before you return to Virpazar.

The medieval Monastery Kom: Scenic Boat Tour & Winetasting

8. The medieval Monastery Kom: Scenic Boat Tour & Winetasting

Begin your journey in Virpazar, the tiny townlet on three bridges, located in the heart of Lake Skadar. Leave the dock following a small river channel surrounded by fields of reeds and rows of willows. Find yourself on the open waters of vast Lake Skadar and watch Vranjina and its two peaks rise from the largest lake in southern Europe. Turn left and pass under a nearby bridge. Glide down paths enclosed with endless fields of kasaronja - water chestnuts. The ruins of Lesendro, the fortress built in the 18th century, appear soon after, along with their bird visitants, treating you with a beautiful view. Observe the birds dry their wings on the remains of the old fortress while enjoying their beauty and sound. Have fresh air flow through your body as you pass near the place where Lake Skadar meets its richest tributary - Morača River. Let the view melt before your eyes into thousands of white and yellow water lily flowers hidden behind three islets. After that, take the narrow passage between the uneven coast and marshy fields. You will arrive at the foot of Odrin hill - the home of the medieval monastery Kom. Let the aroma of wild thyme tickle your senses as you marvel at the swampy marshlands and enjoy the summer breeze. With such a pristine environment, you can be sure that the monastery honey is equally delightful. Examine the best-preserved frescoes in this area. Standing in the swampy northwestern reaches of Lake Skadar, the monastery has withstood the test of time and has the best-preserved frescoes in the region. When building its church (1415), the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Venice surrounded the Slavic State Zeta. Therefore, all the monasteries of that period resembled a fortress. Kom was not an exception – built on a high hill, fringed by marshland with a protective wall with two gates. This medieval monastery can often be reached only by boat and has only one inhabitant - a Serbian-Orthodox monk. Leave this picturesque view after 30 minutes and return to Virpazar. In the meantime, pack your swimsuits, towels and sunscreen and prepare to swim in the deep-blue waters of Lake Skadar, surrounded by extraordinary views and untouched nature.

Virpazar: Skadar Lake PRIVATE Boat Tour to Kom Monastery

9. Virpazar: Skadar Lake PRIVATE Boat Tour to Kom Monastery

Journey through Skadar Lake on a 3-hour boat tour from Virpazar. Look for local birds and listen to music along the way to the Kom Monastery. Have some free time to enjoy a dip in the lake.  Meet your guide in Virpazar and make your way through a river channel surrounded by lotus flowers before you reach the open lake. Let your guide show you UNESCO-protected islands and charming fishing villages nestled on the shore.  Visit Kom Monastery and take in panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. Hear about the unique history of this monastery from your local guide. View colorful frescoes in this rustic religious retreat.  Use the provided birdwatching book and equipment to look for birds like pygmy cormorants, spoonbills, and Squacco herons. Learn about the history of the lake as you listen to commentary from your guide.  Take time for a refreshing swim on the open lake or at a private beach. After your swim, relax with a drink onboard. Return to Virpazar at the end of your tour. 

From Virpazar: Visit Karuč, the hidden pearl of Lake Skadar

10. From Virpazar: Visit Karuč, the hidden pearl of Lake Skadar

Start your journey in a tiny townlet on three bridges - Virpazar. Leave its harbour sailing through a small, narrow river with the sides sheathed in reeds and willow trees. Find yourself at the open lake and marvel at its size while observing the distant mountains in Albania. Then turn left and under a nearby bridge. Discover Lesendro there, an 18th-century fortress, as you glide through the fields of water chestnuts. Locals call them - kasaronje. Observe birds and enjoy their unique beauty and lovely sound. Admire them as they soar proudly through the sky, showing that you are in their realm. Sail near the three islands. Impassable and overgrown with low vegetation, they are home to wild goats. Have your breath taken away by the view hidden behind them. Take a look at thousands of water lilies and their huge floating leaves. As you continue gazing at the proud Montenegrin coast, you will find yourself in a small fishermen's village named Karuč. Like any other village on Lake Skadar, Karuč is tiny - yet, it is a giant in terms of history and nature. Karuč was the village from where fishermen used to go fishing, as the Karuč Eye was known for the abundance of bleak. There are still ruins of the houses the fishermen were using to store their nets and other equipment. If you have any investigative flair, you will also search for the ruins of the winter home built by Petar I Petrović Njegoš. Being a place with a mild climate where winters are not very cold and rarely windy, Karuč is a perfect choice from November to April. Feel the spirit of past times and enjoy the mesmerizing environment and untouched nature. Take your time and explore the village. Then return to Virpazar after you immerse in the crystal clear waters of Lake Skadar. In the meantime, well, pack your swimsuits, sunscreen and towels!

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What people are saying about Adriatic Coast, Montenegro

The boat trip was canceled due to bad weather. Very good communication with the local organization via whattsapp who kept us informed whether or not it could go on the next day. Wonderful boat trip in a fantastic nature. Fritters, wine and water provided for everyone and more than enough. Recommended!

The trip on the lake was lovely and the guide funny and chatty. He slowed down in places where there was something to sea. It was late summer so we didn’t swim. We all enjoyed the wine. Pity there were very few birds on the lake perhaps because of the time of year or time of day?

Very friendly welcome and superb walk. Just for us (we were a group of 6). The managers even recommended an excellent restaurant for us to eat before the tour. This lake is superb. We highly recommend.

Everything went smoothly, I recommend the trip to everyone.

Amazing Cruise with a very kind Captain. Wort every penny.