5.0
(280 reviews)
Cruise Lake Skadar at dawn aboard a traditional wooden boat and watch the wetlands come alive. Listen to bird calls echo across the lake, and spot rare species like Dalmatian pelicans, kingfishers, and herons in their natural habitat.
From €45 / person
Scenic moments
Designed around photogenic spots with time to capture memories
Wild nature immersion
Plenty of time to enjoy landscapes, sounds, and wildlife deep in nature
Wildlife with respect
Spotting done at proper distances with leave-no-trace practices
Perfect timing
Scheduled for the best time of day for light, atmosphere, or fewer crowds
Deep expertise
The host is a true specialist able to answer niche questions and share hidden details
Glide across Lake Skadar in a traditional wooden boat
Drift quietly through narrow morning channels from Virpazar, perfect for spotting wildlife without disturbing the calm
Watch the lake wake up with the sunrise
See birds take flight and fish break the glassy surface as the first light spreads across the lake
Spot rare and resident bird species at close range
Use provided binoculars while your guide helps you find cormorants, herons, gulls, coots, and, in season, the elusive Dalmatian pelican
Sip hot coffee or tea as you learn about the lake
Warm your hands on a morning drink while your guide shares stories about Skadar’s biodiversity & birdlife
Wake up with nature on this early morning boat tour through Lake Skadar’s quiet channels. Departing from the small town of Virpazar, you'll step aboard a handcrafted wooden boat known locally as a 'čun', perfect for slow, silent movement through narrow water paths.
As the lake stirs to life, sip fresh coffee or tea while your guide Ivana points out flocks of cormorants, gulls, coots, herons, and other birds beginning their morning routines. Binoculars are available to help you observe closely as they soar overhead or dive for breakfast.
Your guide will tell stories about the lake’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, from how birds choose their nesting grounds to ancient traditions tied to Skadar’s waters. Depending on the season, you might even spot the rare Dalmatian pelican, a majestic and symbolic presence in the park.
This 3-hour tour is not just for avid birders, but for anyone looking for a peaceful, informative, and deeply local experience on one of Montenegro’s most stunning lakes.
Center of Virpazar, next to the main stone bridge
Check for the dock with 2 yellow flags
(Exact location details will be provided after booking)
Ivana
Hi, I’m Ivana, and the lake has always been my home. I’ve spent countless mornings watching the sun rise over these waters and listening to the birds greet the day. Now, I get to share that magic with you. As your guide, I’ll help you spot everything from playful kingfishers to rare Dalmatian pelicans. I always make sure my guests feel at ease, whether you’re a passionate birder or just looking to experience the peace of Lake Skadar at dawn. This is more than a tour, it’s a glimpse into the quiet beauty of a world I know by heart.
Hi, I’m Ivana, and the lake has always been my home. I’ve spent countless mornings watching the sun rise over these waters and listening to the birds greet the day. Now, I get to share that magic with you. As your guide, I’ll help you spot everything from playful kingfishers to rare Dalmatian pelicans. I always make sure my guests feel at ease, whether you’re a passionate birder or just looking to experience the peace of Lake Skadar at dawn. This is more than a tour, it’s a glimpse into the quiet beauty of a world I know by heart.
Important information
Includes
What to bring
Not suitable for
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Jan Corns
We had a three hour early morning bird watching trip on 19 October and it was the highlight of a very enjoyable stay in Montenegro. Firstly, the information from Ivana was prompt, informative and very helpful. She enabled us to change the day of the trip, due to weather conditions and was clear that it was a little late in the season to see some bird species. On the day, we set off just as the sun rose with Marija our lovely guide and the skipper. The lake was so beautiful in the early light and due to the expertise of the team, we saw pelicans, a number of kingfishers, a raptor and many other birds. The skipper was very careful not to disturb the peace of the early morning, and wonderful at spotting kingfishers. They were both so knowledgeable and friendly. We highly recommend to anyone wanting a boat trip with a genuine company, who care about the lake, wildlife and their customers. Thank you Ivana and team.
Willa Bos
Beautiful tour early in the morning. It was serenity to see the reflections of the mountains in the water. The guide and the captain told us a lot and showed us birds, and all the nature abudantly present.
Elias Ferhat
An incredible experience! We were able to choose the amount of time we wanted to spend on the lake and the route with our guide, who speaks excellent English, and her skipper, who took the time to slow down when needed. A dream team! We spent four hours cruising on the lake and watching the birds. It was really lovely, with refreshments available throughout, and advice and information provided regularly. It was four hours of pure relaxation with breathtaking views! If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely do it again in the same place, perhaps with a different route and maybe even a sunset :) Go for it without hesitation!
Marylène Amanda
I booked a trip with my friend to experience the sunset at the Lake. It was beyond our expectations 🤩 everything was perfect from the boat to the team. It was worthy, we Even received some drinks on the boat. It was one of our best moment in Montenegro for sure !
Marcel
Loved it! Very friendly and informative crew. The tour will be customized to your wishes 😀. Drinks included and time for a quick swim is nice (aka lekker)! Highly recommended for bird watchers and people who enjoy being on the water.
