Lake Skadar tour from Virpazar: Kom Monastery by boat

Medieval monastery accessible only by boat, set on a hilltop above the water

A private guided boat tour of Lake Skadar departing from Virpazar that reaches the medieval Kom Monastery, perched on Odrin Hill and accessible only by water. The tour includes entry to the monastery, a swim in the lake, local wine and juice, and a live English-speaking guide. The journey passes Vranjina's peaks, Lesendro (an ancient bird-perch ruin), and three islands thick with water lilies before arriving at the monastery for a 30-minute visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Skadar Lake and Kom Monastery

• Start in Virpazar fishing village
• Board traditional wooden boat
• Sail past Vranjina peaks and Lesendro ruins
• Visit three islands with water lilies
• Tour Kom Monastery on Odrin Hill
• Enjoy a swim in Lake Skadar

The experience

The tour departs from Virpazar, a fishing village a half-hour drive from Podgorica, where you board a traditional wooden boat. Your guide checks your voucher at the meeting point, then the boat heads into a narrow river canal where Vranjina's two peaks rise on either side. Along the way you pass Lesendro, a centuries-old structure where birds perch on the ruins, then three islands carpeted with water lilies before the boat reaches Kom Monastery.

Kom Monastery sits on Odrin Hill and can only be reached by water. The 30-minute visit lets you walk through the building and see the best-preserved frescoes in the area. The air carries the scent of wild thyme that grows on the hillside. Your guide shares the stories and history of the region and the monastery itself. Wine and juice are served aboard the boat, and a map of Lake Skadar is included so you can follow where you've been.

After the monastery visit, the boat returns across the lake and stops for a swim in the water before heading back to Virpazar. Life vests and safety equipment are provided, and the tour runs about three hours total. The national park fee and monastery entry are included in the price.

What’s included

• Kom Monastery entry fee.
• Lake Skadar National Park fee.
• local wine and juice.
• life vests and safety equipment.
• a map of Lake Skadar.
• English-speaking live guide with written guides available in multiple languages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:50 and 12:45Last departure this season: 31 Oct

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (12 to 14 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Join us at the Kingfisher desk near the bridge in Virpazar. Search "Kingfisher Boat & Kayak - Lake Skadar, P16, Virpazar, Montenegro" on Google Maps (not just "P16, Virpazar, Montenegro" -it will show the incorrect…”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kingfisher

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private boat experience with a small group and time to explore a medieval monastery that sits isolated on a hilltop, reachable only by water. The three-hour length fits a morning or afternoon without consuming your entire day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Serbian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 14 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Can I swim in Lake Skadar during this tour?

Yes. After visiting Kom Monastery, the boat stops for a refreshing swim in the lake on the way back to Virpazar.

What is Lesendro and why do birds gather there?

Lesendro is a centuries-old structure on the lake known as the Key of Lake Skadar, where birds often perch atop the ruins. You'll see it from the boat as you travel toward the monastery.

How long do we spend at Kom Monastery itself?

The monastery visit lasts 30 minutes, giving you time to walk through the building and see the frescoes while your guide explains the site's history.

Is transportation from Podgorica to Virpazar included?

No. The tour departs from Virpazar, and you'll need to arrange your own transport there from Podgorica (about 30 minutes by car). Public transportation options are available nearby.