The Best Boat Rentals in Budva

Expect small private speedboats to start around €60–€120 per hour in low season and €90–€150 per hour in summer. Mid‑size motor boats and day cruisers usually run €150–€300 per hour, while full‑day rates for 10–14‑meter yachts commonly range from about €900 to €1,500 depending on the month, size, and itinerary. Shared boat tours are the most budget‑friendly, often €30–€80 per person for coastal cruises and about €60–€90 per person for full‑day Blue Cave or Boka Bay trips. Listings typically include a licensed skipper on captained charters, fuel for short coastal routes, basic refreshments (water/soft drinks), snorkeling masks, and safety gear. Longer itineraries—like the Blue Cave or Bay of Kotor—may price fuel separately, and onboard lunches or docking/entry fees are sometimes extra, so always check the inclusions on the listing before you book.

You’ll find fast speedboats and RIBs for zipping between beaches and caves, comfortable day cruisers and trawlers for relaxed coastal hops, sleek motor yachts for celebrations, and sailing yachts or catamarans for full‑day or multi‑day cruising. RIBs and speedboats are the go‑to for Blue Cave runs, while motor yachts suit groups who want shade, a cabin, and a restroom. Sailboats and cats are popular for longer, slower days along the coast or into Boka Bay.

Most visitors book with a professional captain—it’s stress‑free, local skippers know the coves and weather patterns, and you don’t need to navigate unfamiliar waters. If you prefer a self‑drive (bareboat) rental, you’ll need a recognized skipper’s license (such as ICC or RYA) and often a VHF radio certificate; operators will verify your documents at check‑in. Bareboat options are typically smaller motorboats; larger yachts are almost always captained.

The main departure point is Dukley Marina Budva by the Old Town harbor, steps from the city walls and promenade. Many private charters can also arrange pickup at nearby piers when sea conditions and schedules allow, including the small marina/pier in Rafailovići and piers along Bečići Beach. If you’re staying farther south in the municipality, some operators can meet at Petrovac’s small harbor on request—confirm the exact meeting spot in your booking messages.

Short coastal cruises showcase Budva’s stone‑walled Old Town and Citadel, the dramatic Mogren cliffs, Jaz Beach, and the long arc of Bečići–Rafailovići leading to the pine‑framed Queen’s and King’s beaches at Miločer and the iconic Sveti Stefan islet. Just offshore, Sveti Nikola Island—nicknamed “Hawaii”—offers clear water, coves, and a wild, green interior. Longer day trips can continue around the Luštica Peninsula to the Blue Cave and Mamula fortress, or all the way into UNESCO‑listed Boka Bay to visit Our Lady of the Rocks, Perast, and Kotor.

Yes. For bareboat rentals you’ll need a valid, internationally recognized skipper’s license (commonly an ICC or RYA Day Skipper/Powerboat Level 2), and many operators also require a VHF radio certificate. Bring the original documents and a passport. If you don’t have these, choose a captained charter—no license required.

Families are welcome. Boats carry life jackets for every passenger, and captains can provide child‑size vests on request—just share ages and sizes in advance. For a smoother ride with little ones, morning departures are best, when seas are typically calmer. Sun protection, hats, and plenty of water make the day easier, and many boats have shade canopies.

On private charters, bringing snacks, picnic fare, and drinks is usually fine, and many boats have a cooler or fridge; glass is often discouraged. Some captains can pre‑stock beverages or arrange a simple lunch. Shared group tours may sell lunch or include refreshments but sometimes limit outside food, so check your listing’s policy. If your group has dietary needs, mention them in the booking chat and the crew will advise the best plan.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many private charters welcome small, well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a modest cleaning fee and a requirement to keep pets leashed and off upholstered areas. Group tours rarely allow animals. If you’re traveling with a pet, filter for pet‑friendly options or message the owner before you book.

Summer typically brings sunny days with a gentle afternoon sea breeze, while stronger systems like the northeasterly Bora or the southerly Jugo can create rough conditions any time of year. Captains monitor marine forecasts and will reschedule or cancel if it’s unsafe; in those cases you can usually pick a new time or receive a refund according to the listing’s policy. To minimize chop, choose a morning start and keep your itinerary flexible if winds build later in the day.

Absolutely. Captains in Budva handle special occasions all season, from casual beach‑hopping to upscale yacht days with playlists, decorations, and swim stops. Share your headcount, vibe, and must‑see spots when you inquire, and the captain will suggest the right boat size, route, and add‑ons like light catering or a prosecco welcome. For groups, booking at least two to three weeks ahead in summer helps secure your ideal time and vessel.

The prime boating window runs May through October, with the warmest water and longest days from late June to early September. Weekdays and early‑morning departures are quieter and often smoother than mid‑afternoons and weekends. Local events that boost demand include the spring Budva Carnival (late April–early May) and the summer Grad Teatar festival in the Old Town, plus Montenegro’s Independence Day (May 21–22) and Statehood Day (July 13). If you’re traveling from the U.S., Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day (in 2025, Monday, September 1) can also drive extra bookings even though they aren’t local holidays, so it pays to reserve earlier around those dates.

Two standout days are an island‑and‑beach hop to Sveti Nikola with time at hidden coves, and a full‑day coastal run to the Blue Cave and Mamula, optionally continuing into Boka Bay for Our Lady of the Rocks and Kotor. Along the way you’ll pass sea caves and former submarine tunnels on the Luštica Peninsula, and with luck you might spot bottlenose dolphins offshore. Tell your captain whether you’d rather maximize swim stops or cover more distance, and they’ll shape the route to fit your group.