If you’re heading to Montenegro and love the idea of discovering marine life beneath the waves, a scuba diving experience in Budva might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.
What makes this tour stand out? We really appreciate that it caters to both beginners and seasoned divers, offers high-quality equipment, and delivers an intimate, personalized experience. However, one thing worth noting is that it might not suit those with claustrophobia or certain licensing restrictions.
This adventure is perfect for travelers who want an authentic glimpse into Montenegro’s vibrant marine ecosystem without the fuss of large, impersonal tours. It’s suited for those eager to explore underwater wrecks, reefs, or just try scuba diving for the first time, all with expert guidance along the way.
Key Points
- Inclusive Experience: Complete gear and thorough briefing included for beginners and advanced divers.
- Scenic Boat Rides: The trip begins and ends with boat transfers that offer stunning views of the Adriatic.
- Personalized Guidance: Small group sizes and professional instructors ensure safety and attention.
- Authentic Underwater Encounters: Swim alongside a variety of marine creatures like octopuses, seahorses, and colorful fish.
- Flexible Options: Ranging from try dives to certification courses, wreck exploration, and private trips.
- Great Value: For $82, you get a comprehensive, professionally guided experience with high-quality equipment.
What Is the Budva Diving Experience?
Imagine floating beneath the shimmering surface of the Adriatic, exploring vibrant reefs, mysterious caves, and even historic shipwrecks—this is what you can look forward to with the Budva Diving tour. Situated in Montenegro’s stunning coast, this experience manages to combine adventure, education, and pure fun in a way that appeals to a broad range of travelers.
The tour is run by Diving Montenegro Budva, a company with solid reviews for their professionalism, safety standards, and friendly approach. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 48 reviews, it’s clear that many participants leave with memorable stories and new-found confidence underwater.
Looking for more options in Budva? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins at Gradski bazen, Slovenska obala bb, Budva, where an enthusiastic team takes you through the essentials. For first-timers, beginner-friendly training is provided, explaining how everything works and what to expect. This step ensures even the most nervous will feel more comfortable before entering the water.
Once briefed and outfitted with high-quality gear, including wetsuits, masks, fins, regulators, tanks, and weights, the adventure kicks off with a scenic boat trip to the chosen dive site. The boat ride itself is often praised for its beautiful views of Budva’s coastline, setting the tone for an exciting underwater journey.
Dive Sites and Underwater Attractions
Participants generally spend between 20-30 minutes underwater, a duration that many find just right for an introductory experience. Based on reviews, the underwater scenery includes vibrant fish, octopuses, and even seahorses, which are just a few highlights of Montenegro’s marine diversity.
Some reviews mention exploring rock tunnels and caves, adding an element of adventure for those interested in more than just swimming around. One diver appreciated the additional time underwater—almost 30 minutes compared to the usual 20—making the experience more fulfilling.
Guides and Safety
The guides are frequently praised for their patience, professionalism, and friendliness. For example, Simon shared how his daughter and he enjoyed a 1-on-1 guide, who helped with the technical parts of the dive and kept safety a priority. The team also provides detailed pre-dive briefings—crucial for beginners or nervous divers—to explain hand signals, safety procedures, and what to observe.
More Great Tours NearbyPersonalization and Small Groups
A key feature is the small group size, often just a few participants per guide, fostering a more intimate experience. This approach ensures everyone receives individual attention, which reviewers say makes them feel safe and supported throughout the dive.
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What’s Included and What’s Not?
The package is competitive at $82 per person and covers all necessary equipment—wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator, tank, and weights—so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. The tour also includes a pre-dive briefing and site introduction, which help demystify the underwater environment.
A scenic boat trip to and from the dive site is part of the experience, along with unlimited water on board to stay hydrated.
Extras and Considerations
Participants can opt to purchase photos and videos of their dive for an additional fee—around $10. Reviewers mention that these are of good quality, though some noted that photos are shared in a common folder, which might not be ideal for privacy.
One potential limitation is the requirement for a license; Jon’s review notes that if you don’t have one, you might need to wait for a second session later in the day, which could be inconvenient for travelers on tight schedules.
The Experience: Pros and Cons
The Positives
Authentic Marine Encounters: Many reviewers highlight the chance to see colorful fish, octopuses, and seahorses—a real treat for nature lovers. Gur described the experience as “a really unique adventure,” emphasizing the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the equipment.
Knowledgeable Guides: The staff are praised for their clarity, patience, and friendliness. Anna mentioned how the team “explained everything and answered all our questions,” which made her first dive unforgettable.
Scenic Boat Rides: The boat journey adds a relaxing, scenic element to the tour, with travelers appreciating the views of Budva’s coastline and the chance to soak in the sea breeze before and after the dive.
Suitable for Beginners: Many reviews, including Emma’s, emphasize how patient and supportive guides made first-time divers feel safe and confident, often resulting in a desire to continue exploring underwater.
The Drawbacks
Hygiene Concerns: A review by Kerim points out that mouthpieces are reused without visible cleaning, which is a bit of a red flag, especially in today’s health-conscious environment. This is an area where the provider could improve.
License Restrictions: As Jon described, if you don’t have a diving license, you might not be able to participate during the morning session, which could impact your planning if you’re arriving from afar.
Photos and Videos Sharing: The way photos are shared in a single folder for all participants might not be ideal for privacy, especially if you’re hoping to keep your memories to yourself.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This scuba experience is ideal for beginners eager to try underwater exploration without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also perfect for adventurers wanting a more personalized experience, thanks to small groups and professional guidance.
Travelers with a passion for marine life will love the chance to see colorful fish, octopuses, and even seahorses. However, those with claustrophobia might find certain parts of the experience uncomfortable, particularly when underwater in confined spaces like caves or tunnels.
It’s also a great choice if you’re looking for value—offering a comprehensive experience at a very reasonable price—especially if you wish to capture your underwater moments with photos or videos.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Budva Diving tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Montenegro’s underwater world. The combination of professional guides, scenic boat rides, and high-quality equipment creates a safe and enjoyable environment for all levels. The small group sizes and personal attention stand out as major pluses, making it a memorable experience for those new to scuba or even seasoned divers seeking an accessible adventure.
While there are minor areas for improvement—like hygiene practices and photo privacy—the overall value for $82 is compelling. It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of adventure to your Montenegrin trip and discover a hidden world beneath the waves.
This tour suits adventure seekers, beginner divers, and marine life enthusiasts who want a safe, guided, and scenic introduction to scuba diving. If you’re comfortable with basic water confidence and looking for an authentic, small-group experience, this activity will likely be a highlight of your visit.
FAQ
Do I need a diving license to participate?
You might need a license, especially for certain sessions. Some reviews mention that without a license, you may need to wait for a second session later in the day, so it’s best to check in advance.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be beginner-friendly, with detailed pre-dive briefings and training provided to ensure newcomers feel safe and comfortable.
What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and beachwear. The tour provides all necessary gear, so you don’t need to pack your own equipment.
How long does the underwater part last?
Most participants spend about 20-30 minutes underwater, which is often enough for a rewarding experience without feeling rushed or exhausted.
Are photos available?
Yes, for an additional fee, you can purchase photos and videos of your dive. However, some reviews note that these are shared in a common folder, which might not be ideal for privacy.
What is the maximum group size?
While the exact number isn’t specified, reviewers mention small groups and 1-to-1 guiding, ensuring personal attention during the experience.
Is the experience good for those with underwater fears?
It depends. Many reviewers found the guides very reassuring, but people with claustrophobia should consider whether they’re comfortable in confined spaces or in open water.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing some flexibility if your plans change.
The Budva Diving experience offers a compelling mix of safety, scenic beauty, and authentic marine encounters. It’s ideal for travelers looking to try scuba for the first time or those wanting a more personalized, small-group adventure. The inclusion of high-quality equipment and expert guides makes it a trustworthy choice, especially for those valuing safety and genuine connection with the underwater world.
While it may have minor flaws—like hygiene concerns and photo privacy—these don’t overshadow the overall value and excitement of the experience. If you’re seeking a memorable adventure that combines stunning views, expert instruction, and a chance to see Montenegro’s colorful marine life, this tour likely deserves a spot on your Montenegro bucket list.
Whether you’re an avid diver or a curious beginner, this experience can open a new world of exploration, making your trip to Budva even more unforgettable.
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