The Best Boat Rentals in Montenegro

Expect small private speedboats in the Bay of Kotor or along the Budva Riviera to start around €80–€150 per hour, with popular 3–4 hour trips landing near €250–€400. Shared ticketed tours to highlights like the Blue Cave often run about €30–€45 per person. Full‑day sailboats commonly range from roughly €600–€1,000, and larger motor yachts for celebrations can be €250–€500+ per hour depending on size and season. Most charters include a licensed skipper (if captained), safety gear, and bottled water; many provide a sound system, shade, swim ladder, and sometimes snorkeling masks. Fuel may be included for set routes but can be charged separately on custom itineraries—confirm this when you book.

You’ll find fast, comfortable speedboats for sightseeing and swim stops, classic sailboats for leisurely cruising, modern motor yachts for upscale celebrations, and catamarans for extra deck space. RIBs are common for reaching caves and quiet coves. Choose based on your group size, comfort preferences, and whether you want speed, shade, or lots of lounge space.

Most visitors choose a captained charter so they can relax while a local skipper handles navigation, docking, and route planning. If you want to drive the boat yourself, you’ll need recognized proof of competence such as an ICC (or an equivalent national certificate) and, for many bareboats, a VHF credential. Without those, booking with a captain is the simplest option and often required by hosts and marinas.

Common meeting points include Kotor City Park/Port of Kotor by the Old Town walls, Porto Montenegro in Tivat, Marina Budva beside Budva’s Old Town, and the Škver waterfront in Herceg Novi. You’ll also see departures from Luštica Bay Marina on the Luštica Peninsula and the modern Portonovi Marina near Kumbor. Your captain can often arrange hotel‑side pick‑ups along these waterfronts if there’s a suitable dock.

On a typical coastal or bay cruise you can pass medieval Kotor under its mountain walls, glide by baroque Perast and step ashore at the tiny island church of Our Lady of the Rocks, and continue out toward the Luštica Peninsula for the Blue Cave and former submarine tunnels from the Yugoslav era. At the bay’s entrance sits Mamula Island, now a restored fortress hotel. Farther south near Budva, boats skirt Sveti Nikola (nicknamed “Hawaii”) for swim stops and give postcard views of the Budva Old Town and the iconic islet of Sveti Stefan.

Yes—families are warmly welcomed. Operators provide life jackets in a range of sizes, and skippers will suggest calm coves for swimming. For little ones, morning departures are usually smoother on the Adriatic. If seas are choppy, your captain may adjust the route to keep the day comfortable and fun.

On private charters, bringing snacks, picnic lunches, and beverages is usually fine, and many boats have a cooler or small fridge. Glass containers and red wine may be discouraged underway, and some marinas or church sites (like Our Lady of the Rocks) have etiquette rules—your skipper will brief you. If you’d rather not pack food, your captain can plan a stop at a waterfront restaurant.

Policies vary by boat. Small, well‑behaved dogs are often welcome on private charters with advance notice; shared tours are less likely to allow pets. Bring a leash, a towel, and water for your companion, and remember that pets typically can’t enter churches or museums during shore stops.

Summer is generally sunny and warm, but local winds matter. The daily sea breeze (maestral) often picks up in the afternoon, while stronger systems like the bora or jugo can bring rougher seas. Captains monitor marine forecasts closely and may adjust timing or route for comfort and safety. If conditions are unsafe—especially for exposed spots like the Blue Cave—most operators will reschedule or offer a weather‑related refund according to their policy.

Absolutely. Private speedboats and yachts are set up for easy celebrations with Bluetooth speakers, shaded seating, swim ladders, and photo‑worthy backdrops. Tell the host your headcount, music preferences, and whether you’ll bring decorations or a cake. For groups, consider 3–4 hours for a relaxed cruise with a swim stop, or book a full day to add lunch at a seaside restaurant.

The peak season runs June through September, when water temperatures are warmest and everything runs frequently. May and October are lovely shoulder months with fewer crowds and lower prices, though the sea is cooler. If you’re traveling from the U.S., late May (around Memorial Day) through early September (around Labor Day) aligns with Montenegro’s busy boating window, even though those aren’t local holidays. Big local events can impact demand: the Fašinada boat procession in Perast happens on July 22, the Kotor Summer Carnival is traditionally in early August, and Boka Night—the illuminated boat parade—takes place the last Saturday of August. Book earlier for those dates.

Weekdays are typically quieter at popular stops, dock spaces, and swim coves. Mornings are smoother for families and first‑timers; afternoons can be livelier with the sea breeze and are great for sun‑drenched coastlines. If the Blue Cave is on your list, midday sun often makes the water glow most vividly, but going earlier can beat the crowds—your skipper will time it based on conditions.

Captained trips are turnkey: you set the vibe and your local skipper handles the rest—routing, docking, safety, and timing at sights. Self‑drive options tend to be smaller boats with strict license and safety requirements, security deposits, and speed/no‑wake rules to follow, especially inside the Bay of Kotor. If you’d rather focus on swimming, photos, and the views, a captained charter is the most relaxed way to go.

Yes—it’s one of Montenegro’s signature experiences when seas are calm. The color is caused by sunlight reflecting off the seabed, and it’s spectacular when the sun is higher. Your captain will check the swell and boat traffic; if conditions aren’t ideal, there are plenty of equally beautiful alternatives nearby—like quiet Luštica coves, Mamula’s fortress views, or a long swim stop off Sveti Nikola—so you’ll still have an unforgettable day on the water.