MARINE EXPIRIENCE
BEST HOSPITALITY
A SAILING ADVENTURE
IN THE HEART OF MONTENEGRO
WE TAKE PLEASURE IN ORGANIZING HOLIDAYS TAILORED TO OUR CLIENTS' NEEDS.
Kotor Bay – A Sailing Adventure of a Lifetime in the Heart of Montenegro.
Hello, sailing souls and adventure enthusiasts! I’m Marko, a Montenegrin guide and passionate sailor who’s been navigating the waters of Kotor Bay – a place I call my home and my greatest love – since childhood. If you’re dreaming of a sailing trip that combines breathtaking views, historical gems, and family fun, then Boka Kotorska (as we locals call it) is the place for you. Last week, I took my family – my wife Ana, son Nikola, and daughter Sofia – on a seven-day adventure aboard a yacht in this magical bay. I’ll tell you about the best bays, beaches, and curiosities, share some sailing tips and tricks, and, above all, show you why you should visit. Ready? Hoist the sails, and let’s set off!
From Kotor, we sailed to Perast – the jewel of Kotor Bay. This little town looks like a postcard: baroque palaces, a peaceful vibe, and two tiny islands just a stone’s throw away. Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) is an artificial island built by our ancestors by sinking old ships and piling up stones. Legend has it that it all started with a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary found on a rock. Nikola asked, “Dad, how many boats did they sink here?” Honestly, I don’t know the exact number, but the island’s been standing since the 15th century, so it must have been a lot!
Nearby is Sveti Đorđe (Saint George) – a natural island with a monastery and cypress trees. You can’t moor there, but the view from the yacht is breathtaking. Tip for sailors: in Perast, it’s best to drop anchor in the bay – it’s deep (up to 30-40 meters), so make sure your anchor line is ready. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at a local tavern – calamari and seafood risotto were a hit with the whole family.
Day 2: Perast and the Islands
– A Leap into History
Day 1: Kotor
– The Heart of the Bay and the Start of Our Adventure
We began our journey in Kotor, where a stunning Bali 5.4 from HighLife – a local charter company run by my good friend Leszek – was waiting for us. Leszek and his crew are true wizards – the catamaran was in perfect condition, and they showered us with advice on where to moor and what to see. “Marko, show your family the Blue Cave, but take the dinghy, and let the kids try jumping into the water at Rose!” Leszek said with a grin, handing me the keys.
Kotor is the perfect starting point. The marina is well-equipped (electricity, water, toilets – everything you need), and the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit before setting sail. Sofia and Nikola were enchanted by the narrow streets and the cats, which are practically a symbol of Kotor. Fun fact: in the Middle Ages, Kotor was a key Venetian port, and the defensive walls visible from the water stretch over 4.5 km! For sailors: watch out for traffic in the harbor – it can get busy with tourist boats in the summer.
From the Blue Cave, we sailed to Rose – a tiny village on the Luštica Peninsula. This place is the essence of wild Montenegro: a handful of stone houses, silence, and a beach where we were almost alone. The water is crystal clear, and Nikola found a seashell as big as his hand. Fun fact: during the Cold War, Yugoslavia built submarine bunkers near Rose – you can still spot one from the water.
For sailors: the bay at Rose is well-sheltered from the wind, making it a great spot to anchor overnight. Tip: bring your own provisions, as there are no shops here – though locals sometimes sell homemade olive oil and rakija.
Day 4: Rose and the Wild Beaches of Luštica
Day 3: Blue Cave – Swimming in Turquoise
On the third day, Leszek was right – the Blue Cave (Plava Špilja) on the Luštica Peninsula is a must-see. We anchored the catamaran outside and took the dinghy inside – Leszek wisely warned us that the entrance is only 2.5 meters high, so it’s not a spot for the yacht. Inside, the kids squealed with delight. The water glows turquoise thanks to light reflecting off the bottom – a natural wonder you’ll never forget. Sofia and Nikola jumped into the water straight from the dinghy, and Ana must have taken a hundred photos.
Sailing tip: if the maestral (northwesterly wind) is blowing, visit the cave in the morning – it can get crowded with tour boats in the afternoon. For families: bring masks and snorkels – the underwater world here is incredible!
Tivat is the modern face of Kotor Bay. Porto Montenegro, a luxurious marina, is impressive – million-dollar yachts moor here, and the area buzzes with tourists and locals. For us, it was a day of relaxation: the kids played on the waterfront, and Ana and I enjoyed a drink at a nearby café. Fun fact: at the local Maritime Museum, you can board a real submarine from the Yugoslav era!
Sailing tip: Porto Montenegro has everything – from fuel to yacht repairs. But prices are higher than in Kotor, so refuel earlier if you can.
Day 6: Tivat and Porto Montenegro
– Luxury with a Dash of Adventure
Day 5: Herceg Novi – City of Sun and Beaches
Herceg Novi, located at the entrance to Kotor Bay, greeted us with bustle and sunshine. The marina is small (only 30 berths), so book ahead through HighLife. A walk through the old town, with its Kanli Kula fortress, feels like stepping back in time – the city is over 600 years old, and every ruler (Turks, Venetians, Spaniards) left their mark. The kids ran up and down the stairs while Ana and I sipped coffee with a view of the bay.
The beaches in Herceg Novi are the best in the bay – pebbly but wide and clean. I recommend Igalo Beach – perfect for families with its gentle slope into the water. Fun fact: Herceg Novi is called the “city of mimosa” because yellow mimosa flowers bloom here in spring, celebrated with a local festival.
Boka Kotorska isn’t just about beautiful bays and beaches – it’s about the people who make you feel at home. Montenegrins are welcoming, and tales of sailors, pirates, and Venetian merchants come alive at every turn. For sailors, it’s paradise: sheltered waters, plenty of mooring spots, and views that stay in your heart forever.
Want to experience a similar adventure? Get in touch with Leszek at HighLife – his crew will arrange the trip of your dreams. Come to Kotor Bay, immerse yourself in our culture, swim in turquoise waters, and let Montenegro’s magic sweep you away. We’re waiting for you with open arms and wind in our sails!
See you on the water, Marko and family
Why Kotor Bay?
Day 7: Back to Kotor and a Final Sailing Tip
On the last day, we returned to Kotor, passing through the Verige Strait – the narrowest part of the bay (just 340 meters wide). The views of the Lovćen and Orjen mountains are breathtaking, and Ana declared it better than Norwegian fjords. Final sailing tip: to avoid crowds, sail in May or September – the weather’s perfect, and the bay is less busy.
That evening, we handed the catamaran back to Leszek at HighLife. “So, Marko, was it worth it?” he asked with a smile. “Leszek, it was the best week of the year!” I replied, and the kids chimed in that they want to come back next year.
design by High Life Expirience
You will find us in the marina