Montenegro
Experiences near Kotor
Experiences near Skadar Lake
Experiences near Durmitor National Park
Experiences near Budva
Discover all the 27 experiences in Montenegro
Sunrise Birdwatching Boat Tour on Lake Skadar
Sunrise Birdwatching Boat Tour on Lake Skadar
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 €50 / person
Check datesFrom €50 / person
Check datesHighlights
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
Full description
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.
Meeting point
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)
About your host
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.
Things to know
Important information
- This tour starts before sunrise around 5AM to experience the lake's tranquil beauty during prime bird activity hours
- Children under the age of 15 can join free of charge
- At least 3 hours are recommended to truly enjoy the experience but a 4-hour option is available at check-out
Includes
- Guided tour on a traditional wooden boat
- English-speaking local guide
- Life jackets
- Coffee or tea
- Binoculars to observe birds more closely
- Lake Skadar National Park fee (5€ / person, free for children under 15)
- Food
- Transportation to meeting point
What to bring
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses and sun hat
- Swimwear and towels
- Binoculars
- Jacket
Not suitable for
- Children who may not enjoy calm, early morning outings
- People with mobility impairments
Cancellation policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Customer reviews
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 !
Talal Mansy
Booked a private tour focusing on the scenery rather than the ruins. Our driver and guide were so caring and informative. The experience was magical and the boat comfortable. It was a little windy out on the lake but they provided warm blankets. Fully recommend.
Erik Gavallér
My girlfriend and I went on a 3 hour boat trip with Sava and Captain Zeljko. It was an unforgettable experience. Everything was much more friendly and informal. In the village you have to be careful that you don't get intercepted by people on the street and end up in a careless mass procession. Luckily, I had made a fixed appointment with Ivana via email beforehand - everything worked perfectly! We were also asked whether we wanted the boat to ourselves or whether other passengers would be okay too - how sweet is that :) really cool. We didn't really care, but in the end we were alone and were able to experience a little more freedom. We went to a small island and took beautiful photos. We were somehow always all alone on the water, the Golden Frog team probably looks for secluded places, far away from traditional tourism - that's an excellent service and we were very happy about it. During the tour, Sava told us a few interesting facts about the history of the lake - it was exciting to see what happened there. the whole team speaks very good English. The boat is beautiful and we were also offered chilled drinks. The nature around the lake is very diverse and the small and quiet wooden boat gives you many more opportunities to explore hidden corners and see animals. Many thanks to Ivana and her family for the great experience! Keep it up :) PS: i was also allowed to take some pictures with my drone - the captain was very happy about this hehe.
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.
Michelle Geraghty
Highly recommend this company! I contacted Ivana the day before we arrived via Instagram and she was incredibly helpful, not only sharing information about the boat trips but also the best driving route and parking. The girls at the dock were brilliant too and Matea was an excellent guide - friendly, fun and informative. The boat was comfortable with a sun cover and they provided cold drinks which was very welcome in the heat!! We even stopped for a swim. Pieter our captain even let our 6 year old drive the boat which was a major hit!! If we ever make it back we’ll do the longer tour! Thanks again to everyone for a great afternoon!