Early-morning Lake Skadar Birdwatching Boat Tour
Dalmatian Pelican fishing in Lake Skadar's clear waters

Early-morning Lake Skadar Birdwatching Boat Tour

Shared tour

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Skadar on our early-morning birdwatching boat tour, a serene adventure through one of Europe's most diverse wetland ecosystems. As the sun climbs higher, illuminating the tranquil waters, you'll have the opportunity to observe a rich variety of birdlife in their natural habitat. Our expert guides lead small groups aboard traditional wooden boats, providing insights into the lake's ecology while prioritizing the well-being of its avian residents.

Choose from two convenient departure times, 6:45 AM or 9:00 AM, perfect for both early risers and those preferring a more relaxed start. These carefully selected slots offer prime conditions for birdwatching, avoiding the dawn rush while catching the morning activities of Lake Skadar's feathered inhabitants. Whether you're an experienced birder or a curious nature enthusiast, our eco-friendly tour promises a tranquil escape into Montenegro's avian paradise, where every moment brings the potential for unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.

About this activity

Keep your travel plans flexible and pay for everything upon arrival.

Choose your preferred payment option.

Check availability to see different departure times.

English, Serbian

Experience

  • Cruise in a traditional wooden boat (čun) with an authentic reed rooftop, offering a unique and eco-friendly exploration experience
  • Enjoy personalized attention with our small group sizes, ensuring an intimate and immersive nature experience
  • Observe diverse bird species as they fish and bask in the early morning light
  • Witness Lake Skadar’s ecosystem come to life, from the whisper of wings to the chorus of birdsong
  • Navigate through narrow, hidden channels, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and lush vegetation
  • Gain insights into Lake Skadar’s flora, fauna, and conservation efforts from our expert local guides

Embark on a captivating journey through one of Europe’s most enchanting wetlands with our Lake Skadar birdwatching boat tour. As the morning light bathes the tranquil waters, immerse yourself in a world where nature reigns supreme, and the air is filled with the gentle sounds of awakening birdlife.

Your adventure begins in the charming village of Virpazar, the gateway to Lake Skadar National Park, just a short 30-minute drive from Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica. Here, you’ll be warmly greeted by our expert Kingfisher team, who will ensure you’re comfortably settled and briefed for the exciting journey ahead.

We offer two convenient departure times: 6:45 AM and 9:00 AM. These mid-morning slots are carefully chosen to provide optimal birdwatching opportunities while avoiding the early dawn rush and allowing for a more relaxed start to your day. During these hours, many bird species are still actively foraging and engaging in their morning routines, offering excellent observation opportunities.

Step aboard our traditional wooden boat, known locally as a “čun.” Local fishermen have used these vessels for generations, and they offer an authentic and eco-friendly way to explore the lake’s hidden treasures. Our small group sizes also ensure personalized attention and an intimate experience, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Lake Skadar’s wonders.

Lake Skadar is a true birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 280 bird species – an astounding 50% of all European bird species. Our expert guides, passionate about the lake’s unique ecosystem, will lead you through hidden paths where birds thrive. With their keen eyes and extensive knowledge, they’ll help you spot and identify the diverse avian life that calls Lake Skadar home.

While we can’t guarantee sightings of specific species, as nature is inherently unpredictable, our guides will share their expertise to maximize your chances of observing various birds. You might catch glimpses of graceful herons wading in the shallows, cormorants diving for fish, or various duck species gliding across the water’s surface – the thrill of birdwatching lies in the unexpected encounters and the joy of discovery.

Our commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism sets our tour apart. We understand the delicate balance of this ecosystem and have designed our tours to minimize disturbance to the birds and their habitats. Our guides are trained in best practices for responsible birdwatching, ensuring we maintain a respectful distance from nesting sites and sensitive areas. We use quiet, low-impact boats and adhere to strict guidelines to reduce our environmental footprint.

As your tour concludes, you’ll return to Virpazar with a camera full of memories, a wealth of new knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of Lake Skadar. Many of our guests describe this experience as a highlight of their visit to Montenegro, praising not only the spectacular birdlife but also the expertise of our guides and the seamless tour organisation.

Book your spot today and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and biodiversity of Montenegro’s avian jewel. Whether you’re seeking to expand your bird knowledge, capture stunning photographs, or enjoy a peaceful communion with nature, our Lake Skadar birdwatching boat tour promises an experience you’ll cherish for years.

  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Map with stories from the Lake Skadar area
  • Coffer or tea and blankets – to keep you worm
  • Life vests and other safety equipment
  • National park fee (5€ per person, free for children under 15)
  • Music onboard
  • Lunch/meals
  • Gratuities

Book now

Meeting point & other important information

Join us at the Kingfisher information desk near the central bridge in Virpazar. If you have trouble finding it, search “Kingfisher Boat & Kayak – Lake Skadar, P16, Virpazar, Montenegro” on Google Maps, or click here for the exact location.

Check-in is 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. If you are running late for the check-in, please let us know immediately via message on WhatsApp. Include your name, scheduled departure time, and estimated arrival time. 

  • Biodegradable sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Swimwear and towels
  • Binoculars
  • Jacket

Please note that this tour is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. If it is raining or there are strong winds, we may alter the boat used for the tour, reschedule your booking for another day, or cancel the tour. We will contact you promptly in the event of any changes to your booking.

For any other questions, please check our FAQ page.

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Reviews

Bird-watching paradise at National Park Lake Skadar
It was a stunning experience and the highlight of our holiday. You go out on a bare wooden boat with a guide. The guide was friendly, helpful (assisted me on and off the boat) and knowledgeable about the birds. We saw many Kingfishers, Coots, Great Crested Grebes, White and Grey Herons, Cormorants and the Dalmatian Pelican. We were offered wine, which was a pleasant surprise. Definitely worth the long drive and early start!
Emma H, Tripadvisor - October 2024 • Couples
Memorable birdwatching tour on Lake Skadar!
It was a unique, memorable birdwatching trip; I saw lots of pelicans and birds with young. It is so serene on the water early in the morning with great views as the sun rises, excellent for photographs.
Rupert, GetYourGuide - May 2024
The tour was great!
The lake has a stunning view of the mountains! I highly recommend taking the morning tour because few people and almost no other boats are on the lake. The guide also treated us to wine and was very hospitable. Thank you!
Aleksandra, GetYourGuide - October 2024
Stunning!
Nature, birds (pelicans among others), water lilies. Friendly, competent, available guide. Excellent knowledge of English! To recommend!
Georges, GetYourGuide - June 2024
A magical Skadar Lake boat tour!
Charming, experienced, friendly guide, and very knowledgeable! Clean boat. On time. It was a magical boat trip in the quiet of the morning. Highly recommended for bird enthusiasts.
Brigit, GetYourGuide - May 2024
A paradise for birds!
There were plenty of drinks on the tour. Our guide, Petar, was able to tell us a lot. Despite the rather bad weather, we saw many birds, including many pelicans.
Clara, GetYourGuide - October 2024
Wonderful morning birdwatching trip
We did a birdwatching tour for 3 hours. We set off very early and were the first boat out. The view of the lake was beautiful. We also saw various birds - pelicans, pygmy cormorants, golden orioles, bee-eaters and many more. Our captain was knowledgeable and friendly.
Katrina G, Tripadvisor, May 2023
Bespoke Birdwatching tour to see the Dalmatian pelican
The excellent customer service made everything easy; we arranged our tour details in advance via WhatsApp. We met our captain early the following morning, and he greeted us with fruit tea, blankets, binoculars, and bird-spotting books. Although they emphasised that they couldn't promise we would see the Dalmatian pelican, our captain used all his expertise to locate one, and he was successful! The early start and cold breeze were worth it. I recommend this tour to any keen bird spotters.
Oliver M, Tripadvisor, April 2023
One of the highlights of our holiday.
The 7 am bird-watching Skadar lake boat trip was a wonderful experience. Kingfishers, herons, pelicans. All from a lovely old wooden boat. Great captain and super staff.
Paul Gregory, Google, October 2023

Gallery

Reviews

Bird-watching paradise at National Park Lake Skadar
It was a stunning experience and the highlight of our holiday. You go out on a bare wooden boat with a guide. The guide was friendly, helpful (assisted me on and off the boat) and knowledgeable about the birds. We saw many Kingfishers, Coots, Great Crested Grebes, White and Grey Herons, Cormorants and the Dalmatian Pelican. We were offered wine, which was a pleasant surprise. Definitely worth the long drive and early start!
Emma H, Tripadvisor - October 2024 • Couples
Memorable birdwatching tour on Lake Skadar!
It was a unique, memorable birdwatching trip; I saw lots of pelicans and birds with young. It is so serene on the water early in the morning with great views as the sun rises, excellent for photographs.
Rupert, GetYourGuide - May 2024
The tour was great!
The lake has a stunning view of the mountains! I highly recommend taking the morning tour because few people and almost no other boats are on the lake. The guide also treated us to wine and was very hospitable. Thank you!
Aleksandra, GetYourGuide - October 2024
Stunning!
Nature, birds (pelicans among others), water lilies. Friendly, competent, available guide. Excellent knowledge of English! To recommend!
Georges, GetYourGuide - June 2024
A magical Skadar Lake boat tour!
Charming, experienced, friendly guide, and very knowledgeable! Clean boat. On time. It was a magical boat trip in the quiet of the morning. Highly recommended for bird enthusiasts.
Brigit, GetYourGuide - May 2024
A paradise for birds!
There were plenty of drinks on the tour. Our guide, Petar, was able to tell us a lot. Despite the rather bad weather, we saw many birds, including many pelicans.
Clara, GetYourGuide - October 2024
Wonderful morning birdwatching trip
We did a birdwatching tour for 3 hours. We set off very early and were the first boat out. The view of the lake was beautiful. We also saw various birds - pelicans, pygmy cormorants, golden orioles, bee-eaters and many more. Our captain was knowledgeable and friendly.
Katrina G, Tripadvisor, May 2023
Bespoke Birdwatching tour to see the Dalmatian pelican
The excellent customer service made everything easy; we arranged our tour details in advance via WhatsApp. We met our captain early the following morning, and he greeted us with fruit tea, blankets, binoculars, and bird-spotting books. Although they emphasised that they couldn't promise we would see the Dalmatian pelican, our captain used all his expertise to locate one, and he was successful! The early start and cold breeze were worth it. I recommend this tour to any keen bird spotters.
Oliver M, Tripadvisor, April 2023
One of the highlights of our holiday.
The 7 am bird-watching Skadar lake boat trip was a wonderful experience. Kingfishers, herons, pelicans. All from a lovely old wooden boat. Great captain and super staff.
Paul Gregory, Google, October 2023

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