Sveti Stefan is famously postcard-perfect, but the best way to experience its charm and the surrounding coastline is by boat. Whether you’re after a private yacht, a guided tour of the bay, or a day exploring hidden beaches, there’s a cruise for you. For those who love personalized experiences, a Montenegro: Lovcen National Park Private Tour with Boat Ride offers a seamless combination of scenic views and local insights. If you prefer a flexible day on the water, renting a boat in Marina Bar can lead you to secluded beaches and quiet coves. And for a short but scenic trip, the Budva: Mariolo Boat Tours – 3.5 hours panoramic tour packs in plenty of photo stops and swimming opportunities.
These tours highlight Sveti Stefan’s stunning coastline and diverse attractions—whether by a private vessel or a guided sightseeing cruise. We especially like how each offers a different style of adventure, from self-paced explorations to expertly guided experiences. Keep reading to find out which one suits your travel style best.
1. Montenegro: Lovcen National Park Private Tour with Boat Ride
At number 1, this private tour from places like Kotor, Budva, Tivat, or Herceg Novi combines cultural discovery with natural beauty. It’s perfect if you’re after an all-in-one day trip that includes a visit to the village of Njegusi, a walk through Lovcen’s mountain paths, and a unique boat ride on the Crnojevic River. The tour is designed for flexibility, allowing your guide to customize stops based on your interests—whether that’s snapping photos, tasting local specialties, or simply soaking in the scenery.
The standout feature of this tour is the aerial views of Montenegro’s rugged landscape and the opportunity to see the mausoleum at Lovcen’s summit. The boat ride itself offers a peaceful break from walking, with a chance to relax and enjoy the lush surroundings. With highly rated guides like Malo, who shares engaging stories, this tour delivers excellent value and an authentic feel. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to combine multiple highlights in one day, with reviews praising the friendliness and professionalism of guides.
Bottom line: If you want a personalized, comprehensive experience that covers mountains and water, this private tour hits the mark.
2. Boat Rental in Marina Bar Montenegro
Number 2 on our list is a flexible boat rental in Marina Bar. For those who want control over their day, this option provides the chance to rent a boat with a skipper and explore the Montenegrin coast at their own pace. It’s a fantastic way to discover the hidden beaches of Bar, Sutomore, Čanj, Petrovac, and Budva — all less accessible from shore.
What makes this experience special is the freedom it offers: you can choose when and where to stop, whether for a swim, sunbathe, or try fishing. The rental lasts from 1 to 6 hours, so it suits both quick trips and full-day adventures. The boat itself can be tailored to your needs, with comfortable seating and a table for snacks or drinks. Reviews note smooth sailing and a friendly captain who makes everyone feel welcome.
This option works best for travelers who enjoy spontaneity, want to avoid crowds, or have specific beaches in mind. It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with family or friends and want to set your own pace.
Bottom line: For a personalized, independent day on the water, renting a boat in Marina Bar offers maximum flexibility and fun.
3. Budva: Mariolo Boat Tours – 3.5 hours panoramic tour
For around 3.5 hours, the Mariolo Panoramic Tour provides a comprehensive look at the beaches and coastlines around Budva Bay. This guided adventure is designed to give you the best photo opportunities and swimming stops at your chosen locations, with 2-3 scheduled breaks, but flexibility to add a third if desired.
The tour’s unique feature is the ability for guests to decide where they want to swim or take photos, making it very personalized. The boat speeds along, giving you a panoramic view of the coastline, including famous spots like Sveti Stefan and the surrounding beaches. No extra charges are added for longer trips, so if you want to extend your time in the water, you can. The stops are at various locations suited for swimming or capturing memorable videos, and the crew is accommodating to your preferences.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a shorter, flexible trip with stops tailored to their wishes, ideal for capturing stunning scenery and enjoying water breaks.
4. Budva: Private Sightseeing Boat Tour with Swimming & Drinks
Number 4 offers a 2-hour private cruise that covers the highlights of the Budva Riviera, with plenty of opportunities to swim. This tour feels like a luxurious escape, taking you past Saint Nikola Island, Saint Stefan, and along the coast of Bečići, Pržno, and Miločer Park.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on stunning views, swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll get to take dips in the clear waters, admire iconic sights like Saint Stefan—famous for its luxury resort—and cruise past scenic beaches. The itinerary includes a stop in Budva’s Old Town for a quick sightseeing tour, giving a taste of the local charm. The cruise also features drinks on board, making it feel like a mini-vacation.
This tour is suited for travelers seeking a short, intimate experience with high-quality scenery and a chance to unwind. Its reviews highlight how enjoyable and well-organized it is, with many mentioning the perfect balance of sightseeing and swimming.
Bottom line: Best for those wanting a quick, relaxing cruise with excellent views, a bit of sightseeing, and the option to cool off in the sea.
5. From Podgorica: Transfer to Budva and Boat Trip to St Stefan
Number 5 combines transportation with a scenic boat trip from Podgorica to Sveti Stefan. This 3-hour experience begins with a comfortable transfer from Podgorica, followed by a boat ride that includes a swimming break.
The highlight is the seamless travel experience that takes you from the Montenegrin capital into one of the most photographed spots—Sveti Stefan—by boat. It’s perfect for travelers who want to avoid self-driving or public transport, and instead enjoy a relaxed journey with beautiful views. The boat ride itself is considered memorable and high-quality, giving a different perspective of the coast.
While reviews don’t specify ratings, the combination of transfer and sightseeing makes it a practical choice for those coming from Podgorica who want a taste of Sveti Stefan without organizing their own transport.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who value convenience and want to combine transfer with a short, scenic boat ride to Sveti Stefan.
6. Montenegro: Private Boat Charter with Skipper
For those seeking a completely personalized experience, a Private Boat Charter with Skipper offers the ultimate flexibility. You can select from various boats, including luxury yachts and speedboats, and customize your itinerary.
The tour runs up to 8 hours, giving ample time to visit top destinations like the Blue Cave, Sveti Stefan, and explore the Boka Bay area. The skipper acts as your guide, and you can add special touches such as champagne, drone photos, or flower decorations. Guests have rated it 4.7 out of 5, reflecting high satisfaction with the tailored service.
This experience is perfect for travelers who want to splurge or celebrate a special occasion, offering privacy, comfort, and complete control over where you go and what you see. The downside is the higher price point and need for booking well in advance.
Bottom line: Best suited for luxury-seeking travelers or groups wanting a bespoke, private day on the water with top destinations and extras.
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Sveti Stefan
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend on the water, and your interest in guided versus self-directed adventures. For a full, customizable day, the Montenegro: Lovcen National Park Private Tour with Boat Ride is hard to beat. If you prefer a shorter, scenic experience, the Private Sightseeing Boat Tour with Swimming & Drinks offers a relaxed vibe.
Those wanting more control over their day will enjoy renting a boat in Marina Bar, while travelers seeking a luxurious, bespoke experience should consider the private yacht options. For the most comprehensive exploration of Sveti Stefan and nearby attractions, the Boat Charter with Skipper provides maximum flexibility.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak summer months, to secure your spot and preferred boat type.
In summary, Sveti Stefan offers a fantastic range of boat experiences—from guided tours and panoramic cruises to private charters tailored just for you. Whether you’re after a quick swim, a photo safari, or a luxury day on the water, there’s an option that will elevate your visit. Consider your interests and travel style carefully, and don’t hesitate to reserve ahead to make sure you don’t miss out on these memorable Montenegrin water adventures.