Skadar Lake boat tour from Podgorica: Small group, wild swimming

A local captain takes you past 281 bird species and into the water where the lake opens up.

A two-hour group boat tour on Skadar Lake departing from Virpazar, led by a captain born on the lake who shares first-hand stories about the region. The boat cruises through narrow channels lined with water lilies and reeds, passes the 18th-century Lesendro fortress, and stops for wild swimming in the open water. Drinks, binoculars and bird guides are included. The tour runs year-round with a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Group boat trip on Skadar Lake

• Depart from Virpazar
• Cruise through channel with plants and birds
• Pass under Podgorica-Bar bridge
• View Lesendro fortress peninsula
• Cruise through bird reservation and narrow channels
• See big and small Cakovica islands
• Stop for wild swimming break
• Return to Virpazar

The experience

You board at Virpazar and head into a narrow channel where water lilies, reeds and water nuts crowd both banks. The boat passes under the Podgorica–Bar bridge, then reaches Lesendro, an 18th-century fortress built on a peninsula that was once an island. Your guide, a captain born in the national park, explains the fortress's role defending against Turkish attacks during the reign of Bishop Peter II Petrović-Njegoš, and talks through the ecology and history of the lake itself: the kind of detail you only get from someone who grew up here.

After Lesendro, the route narrows again through a bird reservation and the Moraca River channel. Skadar Lake is home to 281 bird species, and you'll spot some of them from the boat. Then the channels open into the big water, and that's where the tour stops for wild swimming. You get in, cool off, and float in the open lake before heading back to Virpazar. Water, juice and local wine are served throughout. Binoculars and illustrated bird and lake guides are on board so you can identify what you see.

The two-hour loop is small-group only, never a full boat, so there's room to move and ask questions. The captain speaks English and knows the lake well enough to point out what's worth watching for on any given day.

What’s included

• Local wine, water and juice.
• binoculars for spotting birds.
• illustrated guides to birds and the lake.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 May 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Infant (under 7): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 5

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eagle boat and kayak - Skadar lake

Is this one for you?Book this small-group boat tour if you want a captain-guide who grew up on Skadar Lake to share local stories while you float past 281 bird species and stop for swimming in open water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years); Infant (under 7): 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 24 h before the start.

What is Lesendro and why does it matter on this tour?

Lesendro is an 18th-century fortress on a peninsula in Skadar Lake near Vranjina. It was built as a defense against Turkish attacks and served during the reign of Bishop Peter II Petrović-Njegoš. The boat passes it on the way through, and the captain explains its history and role in the region.

Can I swim during the two-hour tour?

Yes, the tour includes a wild swimming stop in the open lake after you pass Lesendro and the bird reservation. You'll have time to get in the water before the boat returns to Virpazar.

What birds might I see on Skadar Lake?

Skadar Lake is home to 281 bird species. The tour passes through a bird reservation where you'll spot some of them from the boat. Binoculars and illustrated bird guides are provided so you can identify what you see.

Is this a private tour or will there be other people?

This is a small-group tour, not private, so you'll share the boat with other travelers. The group stays small, which means there's room to move and interact with the captain-guide without feeling crowded.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes drinks (water, juice and local wine), binoculars, and illustrated guides about birds and the lake. The national park entrance fee (5 euros per person for ages 15 and up) is separate.