Montenegro Sailing Adventure from Dubrovnik

Welcome to Dubrovnik! Leave behind the gorgeous but busy city for the quieter waters of Montenegro with embarkation at 3 pm. After sailing through customs checkpoints in Cavtat and Zelenika, sit back and relax as the boat clips towards Herceg Novi. If conditions are optimal, the vessel should arrive in Herceg Novi by about 8 pm, meaning you’ll likely be able to catch the first of many magical sunsets from the deck en route.

Founded in 1382, Herceg Novi is your historic entry point to the Bay of Kotor and a fabulous city in its own right. With an evening spent at port, you’ll have time to explore the tree-lined squares of the city at your leisure this evening and tomorrow. With its narrow and steep stone stairways, the city makes for a picturesque place to explore on foot. In daylight hours, perhaps walk up to the terrace of Gradska Kafana cafe, where any spilled sweat will be rewarded with a coffee and unparalleled views of the point where the exit of the Bay of Kotor meets the open sea. If conditions permit, it may also be possible to visit the WWII-era warship tunnels that line the bay’s opening.

Spend several glorious days exploring the Bay of Kotor. Expect daily swims off the side of the boat and adventures on land. While the nature of a sailing adventure means exact landing sites and times are flexible, below you’ll find some of our favourite sites.

Rose – Perast
Stop in at Rose while sailing into the Bay of Kotor. A historic fishing village, Rose offers a quiet change from the busier Herceg Novi. Continue to Perast, passing the islet of Gospa od Skrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks). As the legend goes, sailors would place a rock in the bay after every successful voyage, and over the course of five hundred years, a tiny island was created. You may even see sailors placing rocks in the bay today.

You’ll also pass by the tiny islet of Sveti Dorde, home to a church and monastery. Dock in Perast overnight and spend some time exploring at your leisure. Stuffed with dozens of churches, as well as palaces and villas leftover from the city’s fruitful relationship with the Venetian Republic, Perast today is a dream for those with a historical interest.

Kotor
Docking in Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in southeastern Europe, and exploring its winding streets can feel like travelling back in time. Each corner turned offers up another photo opportunity. Perhaps hike along the ancient, steep fortress walls to the Castle of San Giovanni, a stunning medieval structure from which you can get sweeping views of the Old Town. Depending on your fitness level and the sureness of your footing, the hike can take between 3-5 hours, so it’s a good idea to set off early if you plan to tackle the climb. After something less strenuous? The quirky Cats Museum is a cute little collection of artefacts, antiques, paintings, stamps, newspaper articles and more related to humankind’s feline friends.

Uvala Dobrec
Cool off in the pristine waters of Uvala Dobrec, a secluded cove with a pebble beach, hammocks for hire and a handful of beachfront seafood restaurants serving catch-of-the-day specials.

Budva
Budva is home to sandy beaches, a walled city, old monasteries and a lively nightlife. The amount of time spent here will therefore depend on the group’s desire to let loose. Don’t worry though, if you prefer the sun and the sand over the sound of bass, Budva is also home to lovely sheltered beaches like Mogren, Kamenovo and Jaz.

Sail out of the Bay of Kotor to Bigovo, a quaint fishing village in a bay that’s sheltered from wind and rough seas and thus home to some of the clearest water you’re likely to see on this trip. Once a place where pirates hid from storms, Bigovo remains a place of refuge – though today that escape is from the tourist crowds that flock to larger ports. Breathe in the refreshing smell of laurel and coniferous trees that fill the village, and maybe enjoy a bowl (or three) of chorba. This stew is made with fresh fish caught nearby and is served in many of the local restaurants. Continue to Cavtat, the customs checkpoint you passed through on your way into the Bay of Kotor. Aside from that bureaucratic function, Cavtat happens to be an adorable town in its own right with multiple Illyrian necropolises.

Sailing towards Dubrovnik, you will arrive at the ACI Marina near Komolac, which is approximately 8 kms from Dubrovnik old town for your last night of the trip. Perhaps head out into Dubrovnik for your final night with the group, buses depart regularly from the marina, or stay close by enjoying dinner and drinks at the lovely marina. The choice is all yours.

There are no activities planned for the final day so you can leave any time before 10am. If you wish to spend more time here, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your agent at the time of booking to arrange this.