Private Lake Skadar Birdwatching and Photography Adventure

Private Lake Skadar Birdwatching and Photography Adventure

Private tour

Discover the natural wonders of Lake Skadar, a hidden gem and birdwatcher's paradise straddling Montenegro and Albania. Choose between our 6:45 AM or 9 AM tours to experience the lake's tranquil beauty during prime bird activity hours. As one of Europe's most important wildlife reserves, Lake Skadar is home to over 280 bird species, offering a truly unique experience for nature enthusiasts.

Aboard a traditional wooden čun, you'll glide silently through hidden waterways, observing and photographing diverse birdlife in their natural habitat. From elegant herons to acrobatic terns, each tour promises unforgettable encounters with the lake's feathered residents.

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

  • Watch the nature of Lake Skadar wake up as you glide through its fresh waters.
  • Cruise tucked inside a traditional wooden boat with a rooftop made from reeds.
  • Observe the birds and admire their beauty as they catch fish or bask in the Sun.
  • Sail down narrow paths with beautiful scenery following in the background.
  • Explore the stunning wilderness as you hear about the lake’s flora and fauna.

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy the calmness of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in Southern Europe and a true sanctuary for birdlife. Our birdwatching tours, offered at 6:45 AM and 9 AM, provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent ecosystem during the most active times of the day.

Climb abroad your čun – the traditional wooden boat this area is known for. Sit back and enjoy the calmness as we lead you through the paths where birds like to “hang out”. Admire them as they soar through the sky and enjoy their victorious sound.

Lake Skadar’s diverse landscape of swamps, forests, and rocky shores creates a haven for an impressive variety of bird species. As we quietly explore secluded reed beds and tranquil inlets, you’ll have the chance to observe and photograph an array of birdlife. Depending on the season, you might spot agile Pygmy Cormorants diving for fish, elegant Purple Herons stalking their prey, or Whiskered Terns performing acrobatic flights over the water’s surface.

Dalmatian Pelicans are the symbol of the lake and a perfect ambassador. This one is hard to see, but let us check our luck – it’s often on our side!

While we prioritize the welfare of all birds and never disturb nesting areas, our tours offer excellent opportunities to witness the lake’s thriving ecosystem. Your guide will help you identify various species and share insights into their behaviours. As a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, Lake Skadar is crucial in supporting resident and migratory bird populations.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Lake Skadar’s thriving ecosystem. Experience the lake’s magic during prime morning hours, witness the activities of countless bird species, and create lasting memories. Book your Lake Skadar birdwatching tour today and discover why this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. Don’t forget to bring your camera – binoculars will be provided for your convenience!

  • 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

Fantastic tour in a beautiful natural setting
We had been recommended several boat tours on Lake Skadar before going, but Kingfisher was highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. The boat is comfortable, with plenty of room (and shade) to enjoy the two-hour birdwatching tour on Lake Skadar. If you are interested in nature and wildlife, this early morning trip is for you - two hours is plenty of time to see the highlights without it becoming too much. Coffee/ tea and a snack were provided during the tour, and the guide helped us spot plenty of species of birds and water and talked to us about the history of the lake and its strategic importance. It is a delightful experience and worth signing up for with Kingfisher.
Matthew W, Tripadvisor - May 2024 • Couples
Peace and quiet at Lake Skadar
This tour starts at an hour when most tourists still wake up, so it is lovely, peaceful and quiet. We were lucky to see some kingfishers and a pelican. The guide is timely and knowledgeable. I highly recommend it! For more reviews, check out the company “Kingfisher”; very positive and helpful reviews.
Maarten K, Tripadvisor - August 2024
Early-morning Lake Skadar birdwatching is a must!
We had an incredible morning tour - the guide was fantastic, and the natural beauty was something we will never forget!
Lauren, GetYourGuide - July 2024
Highly recommend Kingfisher!!!
We are orientated for bird watching. The captain and his friend know this river/lake well; they speak English and know much about birds. That was a highlight of our vacation; we saw pelicans, rare herons and many other species. That was an immense pleasure for us. They gave us some wine to taste. Both lovely and friendly people. They took us to the best places. I made hundreds of photos:) Thanks a lot! Hvala puno sa sve!
Bartosz, GetYourGuide - June 2024
Unique and beautiful!
The best value for money you can wish for! Amazing tour and crew - thanks Kingfishers!
GetYourGuide traveler - April 2024
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
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

Gallery

Reviews

Fantastic tour in a beautiful natural setting
We had been recommended several boat tours on Lake Skadar before going, but Kingfisher was highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. The boat is comfortable, with plenty of room (and shade) to enjoy the two-hour birdwatching tour on Lake Skadar. If you are interested in nature and wildlife, this early morning trip is for you - two hours is plenty of time to see the highlights without it becoming too much. Coffee/ tea and a snack were provided during the tour, and the guide helped us spot plenty of species of birds and water and talked to us about the history of the lake and its strategic importance. It is a delightful experience and worth signing up for with Kingfisher.
Matthew W, Tripadvisor - May 2024 • Couples
Peace and quiet at Lake Skadar
This tour starts at an hour when most tourists still wake up, so it is lovely, peaceful and quiet. We were lucky to see some kingfishers and a pelican. The guide is timely and knowledgeable. I highly recommend it! For more reviews, check out the company “Kingfisher”; very positive and helpful reviews.
Maarten K, Tripadvisor - August 2024
Early-morning Lake Skadar birdwatching is a must!
We had an incredible morning tour - the guide was fantastic, and the natural beauty was something we will never forget!
Lauren, GetYourGuide - July 2024
Highly recommend Kingfisher!!!
We are orientated for bird watching. The captain and his friend know this river/lake well; they speak English and know much about birds. That was a highlight of our vacation; we saw pelicans, rare herons and many other species. That was an immense pleasure for us. They gave us some wine to taste. Both lovely and friendly people. They took us to the best places. I made hundreds of photos:) Thanks a lot! Hvala puno sa sve!
Bartosz, GetYourGuide - June 2024
Unique and beautiful!
The best value for money you can wish for! Amazing tour and crew - thanks Kingfishers!
GetYourGuide traveler - April 2024
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
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

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