Sea kayaking in Montenegro

Sea kayaking holidays in Montenegro are perfect for anyone who wants to combine beach towels with buoyancy aids as they paddle their way along the coast in between red roofed towns and tiny fishing villages. Flanked on both sides by the Orjen and Lovcen Mountains, and featuring fabulous fortifications, churches and monasteries, the Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s top kayaking spots. The bay is tidal and resembles a fjord or an estuary as it spreads and meanders inland from the Adriatic to open up over 100km of sheltered shoreline.

Wild boars, foxes and rabbits all inhabit the forested slopes around the Bay of Kotor but you’re much more likely to spot fish swimming under your kayak, or perhaps an occasional sea turtle or dolphin, if you’re very lucky. Sea kayaking holidays, as part of a guided group, will have you paddling for around 8km a day with plenty of pit-stops en route between locally owned hotels and guesthouses.

From the mega marinas and luxury properties at Porto Montenegro, to the beautiful Bajova Kula beach and seaside retreat of Sveti Stasije, sea kayaking around the Bay of Kotor opens up a side to the Adriatic that tourists rarely encounter.

Islands and islets protect natural harbours where empty beaches and fish-filled shallows are superb for snorkelling. Many of Montenegro’s Adriatic islands feature churches and monasteries. Our Lady of the Rock and the island of St George, just offshore from the UNESCO-listed old town of Perast, are prime examples in the Bay of Kotor. The short shoreline and red roofs of Perast are like something out of an enchanted fairy tale and stand in contrast to the super yacht marinas and seafood restaurants elsewhere on the coast. Paddling into Lake Skadar National Park conjures contrasts of a freshwater and feathered variety as this is one of the largest bird reserves on the Balkan Peninsula, and a rare nesting site for Dalmatian pelicans. An overnight stay in the former trading village of Rijeka Crnojevica gives you instant access to the lake as well as a fantastic setting in which to complete your tour.

The Bay is 7km across at its widest, but you might experience some boat traffic around more popular beaches and seaside resorts. Sticking to one shallow side of the coastline is key to avoiding speedboats and cruise liners that create wake in deeper, central, water. Several stretches of coastline have been declared motorised transport-free zones – like cycle lanes for sea kayaks. Crossing from one side of the Bay to the other is possible but not really recommended, even at the narrowest section, the 340m-wide Verige Strait – a picturesque equivalent of Piccadilly Circus.

Beginners can learn the ropes and develop and grow in confidence over the course of a week. Solo travellers and couples often like joining a small group both from a social and a safety perspective, and single room supplements are also available for anyone travelling on their own who’d prefer not to share their room with a member of the same sex. There’s something really enticing about meeting new people, including your guide, and trying out a new or established activity in an Adriatic environment.

Daily distances of around 8km require a certain level of fitness but there are plenty of places to stop for a rest. Anyway, you’ll hardly notice any aches as the variety of natural and historic settings allow for a fascinating experience, one that your guide will be more than happy to embellish as you paddle around the Bay.