Sveti Stefan isn’t just a postcard-perfect island; it’s also a fantastic hub for cruises and boat tours that let you see Montenegro’s coastline from a different perspective. Whether you’re after a luxury private charter, a guided scenic cruise, or a day rental to explore hidden beaches, there’s something for every type of traveler. My personal favorite? The Montenegro: Private Boat Charter with Skipper—it offers bespoke experiences on a luxury yacht, perfect for those seeking privacy and flexibility. But every option on this list has its virtues, offering a taste of Montenegro’s coast with varying levels of comfort, adventure, and price.
If you’re new to the region, a guided tour like the Lovcen National Park trip can combine stunning views with insightful commentary. Meanwhile, those craving independence might prefer renting a boat in Marina Bar or exploring Sveti Stefan on their own. Whatever your style, these tours help you avoid the crowds and see Montenegro’s coast on your own terms.
1. Montenegro: Lovcen National Park Private Tour with Boat Ride
At number 1, this private tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat, or Herceg Novi offers a well-rounded adventure that combines a visit to Lovcen National Park with a boat ride along the Crnojevic River. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to Montenegro’s natural beauty. The tour includes visits to the village of Njegusi, known for its smoked ham and cheese, and the mausoleum of Petar II Petrović-Njegoš, which offers fantastic aerial views of the surrounding landscape. The boat ride on the Crnojevic River is a tranquil highlight, giving you a chance to see the lush scenery from a different angle.
What makes this tour stand out is the informative, friendly guide who personalizes the experience and shares stories about Montenegro’s history and culture. The trip lasts around 11 hours, making it a full-day escapade that feels both relaxed and enriching. The reviews emphasize the excellent value for money and the tailored approach, with one guest noting, “Igor was the BEST! Customized the tour for us and knew all the best photo spots.” For those seeking an immersive Montenegrin day with beautiful vistas and engaging guides, this tour is a top pick.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers or anyone wanting a mix of natural beauty and cultural insights, all with a private, personalized touch.
2. Boat Rental in Marina Bar Montenegro
Number 2 on our list is the Boat Rental in Marina Bar—a flexible way to explore Montenegro’s coast at your own pace. This option is perfect if you want the freedom to design your day without an itinerary. Rent a boat, with a skipper included, and visit hidden beaches along Bar, Sutomore, Čanj, Petrovac, and Budva. Some trips last from 1 to 6 hours, so you can choose a quick outing or a full-day adventure.
The main advantage here is the total control over your route and activity. You can relax on the deck, take a dip in the sea, or even try fishing. The boat company reports that the experience is “smooth and very enjoyable,” with the captain making everyone feel welcomed. This is a great choice for groups or couples who want a more personalized and spontaneous experience.
Bottom line: Suitable for independent travelers looking for privacy and flexibility, especially those interested in discovering lesser-known beaches and enjoying water activities on their own schedule.
3. Budva: Boat Tour to Sveti Stefan & Hidden Beaches
Number 3 offers a self-guided boat experience starting from Budva, covering Sveti Stefan and several secluded beaches. This 4 to 8-hour tour allows you to explore at your own pace, with stops for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming. The highlights include photo stops at Sveti Nikola Island, visits to Pržno, and, of course, free time at Sveti Stefan, where you can take iconic photos or just relax.
What sets this trip apart is the ability to customize your itinerary. You can choose to spend more time snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun. The boat operator provides light refreshments, adding to the comfort of your day. Reviewers mention Pavel’s friendly attitude and the route adjustments based on their wishes, making the trip feel very tailored.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a flexible day on the water with options for water sports and scenic photography.
4. Budva: Mariolo Boat Tours – 3.5 Hours Panoramic Tour
Position 4 goes to the Mariolo panoramic boat tour—a 3.5-hour ride around Budva Bay with multiple stops for swimming. This tour emphasizes photo opportunities and scenic views of the coastline, with the ability to tailor stop locations based on your preferences. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a shorter, scenic trip with some downtime for swimming.
One of the best features is the flexibility—the tour doesn’t charge extra if it runs a little longer, and you can decide where to take your swimming breaks. The tour is ideal for families or couples wanting a shorter, scenic adventure with options for photo and video documentation.
Bottom line: An excellent choice if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive view of Budva’s beaches and coastline, with the chance to swim at your preferred spots.
5. Budva: Private Sightseeing Boat Tour with Swimming & Drinks
Number 5 offers a 2-hour private tour that combines sightseeing with relaxation. You’ll cruise past highlights like Saint Nikola Island and Saint Stefan while enjoying drinks and the chance to take a dip in the sea. The itinerary includes stops at Old Town, Sveti Stefan, and the beaches of Becici and Pržno.
This tour stands out for its personalized service and the ability to relax comfortably while taking in the scenery. It’s highly rated with a 5/5 review, with one customer noting, “Feeling the sun and swimming in the clear water made it memorable.” The focus here is on a luxurious, intimate experience suitable for romantics or small groups wanting a quick but lively adventure.
Bottom line: Best for those valuing comfort, personalized service, and a mix of sightseeing and swimming in a short time.
6. From Podgorica: Transfer to Budva and Boat Trip to St Stefan
Number 6 combines transport and a boat trip—a great way to minimize hassle while experiencing Montenegro’s coast. You’ll be picked up from Podgorica and transferred to Budva, then enjoy a boat cruise to Sveti Stefan with a swimming break. This is ideal for travelers who want to combine travel logistics with a scenic boat ride.
This trip is praised for its memorable and relaxed atmosphere, offering a stress-free way to see the coast without navigating the roads yourself. It’s especially practical if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Sveti Stefan.
Bottom line: A good pick for travelers who want a seamless transfer combined with a scenic boat tour, perfect for those arriving via Podgorica.
7. Montenegro: Private Boat Charter with Skipper
Finally, at number 7, the Private Boat Charter with Skipper offers maximum flexibility. Starting from Porto Montenegro, you can choose from luxury yachts or speedboats to explore Montenegro’s coast. The tour includes stops at Blue Cave, Sveti Stefan, and Boka Bay, with options to add extras like champagne, drone photos, and flowers.
This tour is perfect if you want a bespoke experience tailored entirely to your interests. The reviews highlight the personalized service and the luxury options, making it suitable for special occasions or travelers seeking exclusivity. The 8-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace and multiple stops at top sights.
Bottom line: Best for those seeking a luxury, custom experience with a dedicated skipper guiding the way.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you’re new to Montenegro and want a comprehensive day, the private Lovcen tour (see details here) provides a mix of scenic views and culture. For a flexible, independent experience, renting a boat in Marina Bar (check availability) is ideal.
Those focused on scenic photography and water activities might prefer the Budva boat tours (see options) or the Mariolo panoramic trip, which offers quick, customizable stops. If luxury and exclusivity are your priorities, the Montenegro private boat charter (more info) is the way to go, especially for special occasions.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and boat type.
Final Thoughts
Montenegro’s coastline offers a variety of cruise and boat tour experiences—from the personalized luxury of a private yacht to spontaneous self-guided rentals. Whether you’re after a cultural day trip like the Lovcen National Park tour, or a relaxed swim and sunbathing adventure on Sveti Stefan, there’s something for all.
For couples looking for a romantic escape, the private boat options shine. Families or groups wanting active fun might prefer the guided tours with water sports. And if you’re after total independence, renting a boat gives you freedom plus privacy.
Whatever your choice, I recommend booking early, especially during the busy summer months, to ensure you get the best experience. Montenegro’s coast is stunning, and these tours are the perfect way to make the most of it.