Cycle & SUP: A Complete Circumnavigation of Kotor Bay (new tour)

Exploring Kotor Bay by Bike and SUP: A Practical and Scenic Adventure

This new tour offers a lively way to see the stunning coastline of Montenegro’s famous Kotor Bay. With a mix of active water and land activities, it’s tailored for those who appreciate a hands-on approach to travel. You start with a self-guided paddle along the coastline, then hop on a bike to explore charming towns and harbors, making for a fun and engaging 6-hour experience.

Two things I particularly like about this tour are its flexibility and value for money. The self-guided nature means you can take your time and enjoy the sights at your own pace, while the included equipment ensures there are no hidden costs or logistical hassles. Plus, rolling through Porto Montenegro and stopping at the grand Our Lady’s Temple in Prcanj offers a well-rounded taste of local scenery and culture.

That said, one consideration to keep in mind is safety on the biking segment. As some reviews note, the streets can be narrow and busy, making the cycling part potentially dangerous for less confident riders. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable on a bike and have some prior stand-up paddleboarding experience. Guides do monitor progress and assist at checkpoints, but you should be prepared for some traffic along the way.

Key points / Takeaways

• All necessary equipment including bikes, helmets, SUPs, and life jackets are provided, making it straightforward to participate.
• Self-guided format allows you to enjoy the experience at your own pace, with suggested routes and sightseeing tips included.
• The tour’s value lies in combining two active activities with cultural stops, all for a reasonable price of around $172 per person.
• The scenic stops, especially the paddle across the bay passing Sveti Marko Island and the visit to Porto Montenegro’s luxury marina, are standout moments.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for the biking segment, which some reviews describe as potentially risky due to busy streets.
• The tour is private, so you won’t be with a large group — great for a personalized experience.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

You meet at a somewhat unassuming location in Skaljari, Kotor — an old building that’s been repurposed into an art school. Some reviewers mention it looks a bit “sketchy,” but don’t let that deter you. It’s a straightforward starting point, and the staff are there to help get you set up with equipment and instructions. Your guide, though not always very chatty, is attentive and ensures that everyone is ready before heading out.

Paddleboarding Along Kotor’s Coastline

The paddleboarding segment is typically the highlight. The tour provides all the gear—SUPs and PFDs—so you can glide across the calm waters with ease. Many reviewers rave about the stunning views of the bay, Sveti Marko Island, and the distant mountains. As Erin R shared, “It was a really beautiful way to see Kotor,” and that sentiment resonates with many.

However, some novices might find paddling solo a bit daunting. The instructions are minimal, so prior SUP experience helps. The water is usually tranquil, making it a fairly forgiving environment for beginners. The best part is the sense of independence — paddling across the bay and taking in the picturesque scenery without a large tour group hovering over you.

Cycling Through Tivat and beyond

After returning the SUPs, you switch to bikes for the second part of the journey. The route takes you from Kotor along the bay to Tivat, passing along narrow streets lined with cafes, shops, and scenic views. The highlight here is the chance to see the local atmosphere up close, stop for drinks or photos, and even take a quick swim if you’re feeling adventurous.

Many reviews commend the professionalism of the guides, who monitor progress and meet you at key points. One reviewer, N_W, mentioned that stopping for drinks and swimming with locals was the “best” part of the ride. But others, like Erin R, caution that cycling in the area can be dangerous due to traffic and narrow streets. It’s definitely suited for confident, physically fit riders who can navigate urban and coastal roads.

Porto Montenegro and Prcanj Stopovers

The tour thoughtfully includes a 30-minute visit to Porto Montenegro, the world’s largest superyacht marina. Here, you’ll find luxury shops, a naval museum, and a chance to indulge in some of Montenegro’s renowned gelato, which many travelers find a perfect mid-point treat.

The final stop is at Our Lady’s Temple in Prcanj, a Baroque masterpiece with a notable collection of art, textiles, and silver. This monument offers a quiet, cultural pause, and many visitors appreciate the chance to learn about the region’s religious architecture and heritage.

Who is this tour ideal for?

This experience suits active travelers who want a hands-on exploration of Kotor Bay’s natural beauty and towns. It’s perfect for people comfortable on a bike and with some SUP experience, looking for a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and scenic views. It’s also a good choice for first-timers because of the inclusive equipment and self-guided format, which allows for flexibility.

However, if you’re uneasy about busy streets or have limited physical fitness, this might be more challenging. The tour emphasizes moderate difficulty, and some parts, especially the biking, can be risky if you’re not confident.

The value for money

Priced at roughly $172.48 per person, this tour packs in quite a bit of active sightseeing. All the gear is included, removing the hassle of rentals, and the stops add cultural and scenic depth. For those who enjoy a physical, engaging way to see Kotor, it’s a solid investment, especially considering the personalized, private aspect.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: The 6-hour duration gives ample opportunity to take your time, but be prepared for a full day of activity.
• Weather: The experience relies on good weather—bad weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so check the forecast.
• Group size: It’s a private tour, so it’s just your group, making for a more relaxed and customizable experience.
• Physical fitness: Moderate fitness is recommended, especially for biking, which some reviews highlight as potentially busy and challenging.

Final thoughts

This combined bike and SUP tour offers a well-rounded way to experience the beautiful Kotor Bay area. You get to paddle across calm waters, cycle along scenic roads, and enjoy cultural highlights without the stress of large group tours. The guides are helpful, the scenery stunning, and the included equipment makes it straightforward and good value.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy active travel, are comfortable on a bike, and appreciate a mix of natural beauty and cultural stops. If you’re looking for an authentic, engaging experience that combines fun with sightseeing, this tour delivers on many levels.

FAQs

Is prior SUP experience required?
Not necessarily, but some basic familiarity helps. Instructions are provided, and the SUP environment is usually calm, making it accessible for beginners with some confidence.

How challenging is the biking segment?
Moderate difficulty. You should be comfortable on a bike and ready for urban and coastal roads with some traffic. Guides are present to monitor and assist.

What’s included in the tour?
All necessary equipment — bicycles, helmets, SUPs, and PFDs — are included. No extra rentals or purchases are needed.

Can I swim or stop along the route?
Yes, many reviews mention stopping for drinks or swimming, especially during the biking part around the bay.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s best for those with a moderate fitness level and some SUP experience. Children might enjoy the scenery but should be comfortable with water activities and biking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this Cycle & SUP adventure around Kotor Bay offers a lively, scenic, and cultural outdoor experience that truly lets you enjoy Montenegro’s coastline. If you’re looking for a day filled with activity, stunning views, and a touch of local charm, it’s worth considering, especially if you value good equipment and a personalized approach.