Rijeka Crnojevića

Climb aboard your boat and set off to see the magnificent 18th-century fortress of Lesendro while admiring the breathtaking scenery around you. Cruise along the Moraca River, a bird reserve with up to 15 different species. Depending on the time of year, you'll spot native birds such as cormorants, seagulls, and if you're lucky, even pelicans.  Cruise along the narrow channels of the Skadar Lake and gaze in awe at the carpets of beautiful lily flowers and reeds. This area is often called the safari part of the lake because it resembles wild passages in old forests. If you are lucky, you will have the chance to see some nests with baby birds in it. Discover the three beautiful islands of Small Cakovica, Big Cakovica, and Lipovnjak and continue through a similar small channel leading you to Odrinska Gora, the home of the Monastery Kom. Listen to the tales and stories about its past and get acquainted with the lifestyle of the monks residing here. Marvel at the artworks inside the monastery and take time to explore this hidden island gem.  Then, board your boat again, returning to the meeting point. On the way back, your captain will take an alternate route so you can admire the three islands from the other side. You'll also have the chance to go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the lake. Be sure to bring your swimsuit!

First, you will cruise towards the 18th Century fortress of Lesendro. You will see breathtaking scenery with birds, especially cormorants and seagulls, but if you are lucky enough you will get to see pelicans as well, they love drying their wings on top of her walls, with the beautiful mountain of Vranjina and light blue sky in the backgrounds. After cruising near the fortress of Lesendro you will proceed inside the small and narrow channels that are surrounded by, as we like to call them, carpets of water lily flowers and reeds. This area is often called the 'safari' part of the lake. In this area if you are lucky enough, you will have the chance to even see some nests and baby birds. The boat will then cruise around three beautiful islands - Small Cakovica, Big Cakovica, and Lipovnjak. The boat will than proceed inside the breathtaking fjord Pavlova Strana, which is considered to be the most beautiful place on Skadar lake. It will lead you to an old fisherman's village called the river of Crnojević. Over there you will have around an hour to explore the village.  On the way back the boat will stop at a place surrounded by open water and rough coast and you will have extra time provided for swimming, so be sure to bring your swimsuit.

As the boat leaves Virpazar, you will first cruise past Fort Lesendro, built in the 18th century. As you head out onto the lake, you will be able to see many species of birds, especially cormorants and seagulls. You may even see pelicans drying their wings on top of the fort’s walls.  After that, you will cruise along the Moraca river. This area is a bird reserve and you will have the privilege to see up to 15 different bird species, depending on the time of the year.  Next, the boat will proceed inside the small and narrow channels that are surrounded by water lilies and reeds. If you are lucky enough, you may have the chance to see some nests and baby birds. The boat will then cruise around three beautiful islands - Small Cakovica, Big Cakovica, and Lipovnjak. On the other side of the islands, you will have free time to go swimming, with the beautiful mountains of Vranjina in the background.

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.

Upon your arrival someone from the team will provide you all of the information necessary for you to do this experience safely. You start at the center of Virpazar. First you will paddle through a small channel that leads you to the open lake. Next, you aim for the bridge that is situated on your left side. You will go under it. After passing the bridge, on your right side you will see a fortress - Lesendro. If you enjoy watching the birds you should paddle around the fortress which will lead you inside the beginning of river Morača which is considered as an bird reserve. You proceed your experience to the three islands that you have already seen, that are in the middle of the lake. You will aim for the first one and make a circle around it, from right to left side of it. You will have the opportunity to go through the most beautiful part of the lake - small channel that is surrounded by water lillies and reeds covering the water. When on the other side of the island, looking at the shore, you will see few wild beaches and a private one. If you want to take a break and swim to refresh yourself, any of these beaches is the perfect spot. After your brake you just go back under the bridge, aiming for the entrance to the channel leading you back to Virpazar.

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. 

After meeting your local guide in Virpazar, cruise to the Lesendro Fortress and admire it from approximately 20 meters (66 feet) away. While there, see breathtaking scenery and a variety of birds, including cormorants, seagulls, and, if you’re lucky, pelicans. The birds love drying their wings on top of the walls of this fortification, with the beautiful mountain of Vranjina and the light blue sky in the background. Next, proceed inside the small and narrow channels surrounded by carpets of water lilies and reeds. This area is often called the safari part of the lake because it resembles wild passages in old forests. There, if you’re lucky enough, you will have the chance to see some nests and baby birds.  The boat will then cruise around three beautiful islands — Small Cakovica, Big Cakovica, and Lipovnjak — before continuing in a similar small channel surrounded by the rough Montenegrin coast. This channel will lead you to the bottom of the hill where the village is situated.  Upon arrival in Poseljani, enjoy a nice walk to explore the wild beauty around the lake and the village’s architecture, old mills, and bridges. After approximately 15 minutes, reach an area of natural waterfalls and have some time to refresh and enjoy this hidden pearl of the lake. Finally, return the same way to the boat and then cruise back to Virpazar across the open lake.

Start the tour by boarding the boat at the dock in Virpazar. Then, set off on your scenic 1-hour cruise across the beautiful blue waters of Lake Skadar. First, navigate along a small river channel, surrounded by water lilies, reeds, and trees until you reach the open lake.  Out on the open water, soak up the incredible views of Mount Vranjina and the impressive ranges in Albania. Cruise up close to Snakes Island for a closer look at the Montenegrin Alcatraz. Admire this impressive fortification called Grmožur from approximately 20 meters distance as you circle around it.  During the journey, marvel at the breathtaking panoramas, and keep you eyes peeled for many species of native birds including cormorants, seagulls, and, if you are lucky, maybe some pelicans. Observe them drying their wings on the top of the walls of Grmožur.  Next, the boat will stop in the middle of the open lake for the chance for you to take a refreshing swim. Ensure you bring your bathing suit and towel so you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear blue waters. Finally, return back to the starting point where the tour concludes.

Join this tour to meet a local winemaker who is bound to leave a strong impression on you. Meeting the locals in Montenegro is that what makes this tour authentic. The tour officially begins with a panoramic ride through small villages to the almost forgotten town of Rijeka Crnojevica. From the town, there is a possibility to rent a 1-hour boat ride in the National Park Skadar Lake, on the river Crnojevica. After visiting a small historic town and getting to know the history of the country, go further towards one of the villages. All villages around the lake have a long tradition of winemaking. Visit a household offering some of the best wines in the region. Spend some time tasting different wines and spirits, and enjoy homemade snacks. Along the way down via Pavlova Strana, make a few photo stops over river Crnojevica and part of the Skadar lake.

Discover nearly 300 species of birds on Skadar Lake — the third largest lake in the Balkans – on a private birdwatching boat tour. Glide over dark blue waters and through brilliant green lily pads, taking in the surrounding majestic mountains on your tour. Keep a lookout for cormorants, herons, kingfishers, and more. Let your inner birdwatcher out on this tour of Skadar Lake. See communities of nesting birds, resident birds, migratory birds, as well as vagrant birds during your journey on the lake. Recognized as an Important Bird Area, Skadar Lake is a fantastic birdwatching spot. Led by your local guide, see pygmy cormorants, squacco herons, red-necked grebe, kingfishers, and more. If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of a pelican — the lake's symbol. Aside from birds, marvel at the picturesque surrounding nature. From green lotus carpets covering big areas of the lake to the ancient lakeside Lesendro fortress nearby the charming fishing village of Vranjina, you'll have your share of beauty. If you'd like to cool down, jump into the water for a refreshing swim, before heading back to your starting point.