From Budva: Day Cruise to Boka Bay

If you’re looking for a way to see Montenegro’s spectacular coastline without the hassle of planning every detail, this Day Cruise to Boka Bay from Budva might just be what you need. With nearly 320 reviews and a solid 4.7-star rating, it’s clear this experience resonates with many travelers — and for good reason.

We love how this tour combines multiple highlights into one seamless day: crystal-clear swimming spots, historic towns, and stunning islands, all aboard a comfortable boat. The onboard lunch, served with views that could make a postcard jealous, is another perk. Yet, it’s worth noting that the itinerary can feel a bit packed, and some stops are brief — so if you prefer more relaxed, extensive visits, this might not be your ideal trip.

For those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and light cultural exploration, this tour hits the mark. It suits travelers who want a balanced day of relaxing in beautiful settings and learning about Montenegro’s coast — especially if you’re pressed for time but want a full taste of Boka Bay.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal scenery and memorable photo opportunities at every stop.
• Well-organized itinerary with a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and cultural highlights.
• Knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with interesting stories.
• Good value for money considering the combination of transport, boat trip, and multiple attractions.
• Flexible options for start points, with multiple pickup locations in Budva.
• Food options available onboard, with vegetarian and vegan choices upon request.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

This tour is designed to give you a rundown of Montenegro’s coastline in just about nine hours. Starting from Budva, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable bus that takes you along the scenic road to your first stop, Zanjice Beach. This area is often praised for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches like Jaz and Ploce. The highlight here is the chance to swim in the Blue Cave or at Zanjice Beach itself, making this a perfect spot for anyone craving a refreshing dip in pristine waters.

What makes Zanjice Beach special? Many reviews highlight its stunning blue waters, perfect for swimming or just relaxing on the sand. One traveler mentioned that they “opted out of the Blue Cave but still had an amazing time in the water,” emphasizing how flexible the tour can be if you prefer more time in the water and less on land.

Next, the boat sets sail toward Mamula Island, a former WWII fortress turned hotel and restaurant, which provides a striking photo opportunity. The cruise then continues along the coast through the Verige Strait, a narrow passage between two mountains, offering sweeping views that will make your camera work overtime.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy an lunch on board with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor. Multiple reviews praise the quality of the food, noting options like fish and meat, with vegetarian choices available if you inform the crew in advance. One traveler remarked that the onboard meal was “delicious,” and many appreciated having a sit-down meal served while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

After lunch, the journey takes you to Herceg Novi, a lively town with charming streets and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll have around an hour here to explore, shop, or simply enjoy the coastal vibe. Reviewers often highlight how Herceg Novi offers a nice blend of local culture and scenic beauty.

From there, the boat proceeds to the island of Our Lady of the Rocks near Perast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, visitors can explore the church and museum—the stories and legends behind this island are often described as enchanting. One review called it “enchanting” and noted that the visit was brief but memorable.

The final stops include a scenic cruise past Perast itself, with its impressive architecture, and finally, the UNESCO city of Kotor. The highlight here is strolling through the narrow streets, squares, and historic landmarks, many of which are praised for their authentic charm. You’ll get around an hour to soak in the atmosphere, shop for souvenirs, or simply wander the medieval streets.

The journey concludes with a bus ride back to Budva, where you’ll enjoy one last panoramic view of the bay. The entire day offers a well-rounded experience—a little bit of everything Montenegro’s coast has to offer.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a consistent picture of value and enjoyment. Many mention the friendly and knowledgeable guides who share stories and history, adding depth to the sightseeing. One review enthusiastically states, “The guide was very informative and repeated all information in multiple languages,” reflecting the tour’s effort to cater to international guests.

Swimmers especially love the opportunity to dive into the Blue Cave’s waters or relax at Zanjice Beach, often describing the scenery as “stunning” or “breathtaking.” Several reviewers point out the reasonable price, considering the amount of ground covered and activities included, making it a solid value.

Food on board garners praise, with some travelers mentioning the delicious meals and the option for vegetarian or vegan dishes if requested beforehand. One review summed it up nicely: “The lunch was great, and the views made it even better.”

A few minor drawbacks are mentioned, mainly about the short duration at each stop — a common challenge when trying to pack so much into one day. For travelers who prefer longer explorations or more leisure time, this might feel rushed. Plus, some reviews mention the importance of bringing sunscreen, change of clothes, and snacks, as the day can be long and sunny.

The Practical Side: Planning Your Day

Transport is straightforward, with round-trip bus transportation included in the price, departing from several conveniently located spots in Budva. The duration of about 9 hours means you should prepare for a full day, but most find the experience well worth it.

The tour runs every other day, with the reverse route also available, starting with a bus ride and ending with a boat trip. This flexibility allows you to choose a schedule that suits your plans.

What to bring? Pack sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes — the boat trip is the highlight for many, so you’ll want to enjoy the water comfortably. Remember, food and drinks are not allowed on the bus and alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle, but there are options to buy snacks and drinks onboard the boat.

The Overall Value

Considering the transport, boat cruise, guided commentary, and multiple stops, this tour offers excellent value. Many reviews mention that the experience exceeds expectations for the price paid, with travelers feeling they’ve seen some of Montenegro’s best sights without needing to plan or pay separately for each. The quality of the scenery and the friendliness of the crew stand out as major pluses.

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Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a quick but comprehensive introduction to Boka Bay’s highlights. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but crave a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and cultural visits. The tour’s organized, friendly atmosphere makes it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

However, if you’re highly dedicated to in-depth exploration or extended stays at each site, you might find the brief stops limiting. It’s also less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or non-swimmers, as parts of the trip involve swimming and walking on uneven cobblestone streets.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Most reviews suggest it’s family-friendly, especially since there’s plenty of water-based fun and short walks. However, it isn’t recommended for mobility-impaired travelers or wheelchair users.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat ride from Budva to Kotor and around Boka Bay lasts about 110 minutes, with additional cruising time between stops.

What is included in the tour?
Round-trip bus transportation, a licensed guide, and the boat cruise are included. Entry to Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor’s Old Town tourist tax are extra.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Food and drinks are not allowed on the bus, but onboard the boat, you can buy reasonably priced meals, snacks, and drinks.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, you can request vegetarian or vegan lunch options in advance, and the crew will accommodate.

What should I bring for the day?
Sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, change of clothes, and perhaps a camera for the incredible views. It’s also wise to have some cash, as some stops and onboard purchases require it.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The tour follows a fixed route, but the sequence can change depending on weather or operational considerations, such as departing from Kotor by bus and returning by boat.

Final Thoughts

This From Budva day cruise offers an engaging way to see Montenegro’s coastal jewels in one well-organized trip. It balances scenic cruising, cultural highlights, and swimming opportunities, all delivered by a friendly, knowledgeable crew. While the timetable is busy and the stops are short, most travelers find the experience worth the effort for the spectacular views and hassle-free planning.

If you’re after a moderate-paced, scenic day that takes you through some of Montenegro’s most beautiful sights without the need for extensive planning or multiple tickets, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a good combination of relaxing water time, history, and stunning landscapes.

For anyone eager to tick off key spots in Boka Bay while enjoying the comfort of a guided trip, this adventure promises a memorable taste of Montenegro’s coast — all in one satisfying day.

You can check availability for your dates here: