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

Cycle & SUP: A Complete Circumnavigation of Kotor Bay offers a unique way to see Montenegro’s stunning coastline from two very different perspectives. For around $172, you’ll spend roughly six hours immersed in the scenic beauty, cycling along the coast and paddling across the bay, with detailed guidance and all necessary gear included. This combination adventure is perfect for those eager to experience Kotor’s charming towns, impressive harbors, and dramatic scenery at their own pace.

What we love most about this tour are the flexibility and the authentic immersion it offers. First, the self-guided setup means you’re in control — you can take your time, make spontaneous stops, or enjoy quiet moments, all with clear directions and support. Second, the mix of sea and land activities lets you see a broader view of the region’s highlights — from the bustling Porto Montenegro to tranquil Prcanj — in just one day.

One consideration to keep in mind is the biking segment. As some reviews mention, the narrow streets and traffic can feel a bit risky, especially if you’re not confident on a bike or unfamiliar with local driving habits. However, the overall experience remains rewarding for those who are comfortable with moderate physical activity.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, want an active introduction to Kotor’s surroundings, and appreciate a flexible, self-guided format. First-timers will find it a good way to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed, and seasoned adventurers will enjoy the challenge and variety.

Key Points

• Great value for the experience of exploring both land and sea in Kotor Bay.
• All equipment provided, making it accessible without needing your own gear.
• Moderate physical activity, suitable for travelers with a decent fitness level.
• Flexible, self-guided format allows for personalized pacing and exploration.
• Authentic scenery and stops, from historic churches to luxury marinas.
• Potential traffic concerns during biking, requiring caution and confidence.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Location and Duration

This tour takes you around the Kotor Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged cliffs and picturesque towns. The full experience lasts about 6 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop and activity without feeling rushed. You’ll start at a somewhat modest meeting point in Skaljari and return there at the end, making it convenient even for cruise ship passengers or those staying nearby.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour is a carefully curated mix of cycling, paddling, and sightseeing. With detailed instructions and equipment provided, it’s designed to be accessible yet engaging.

Stop 1: Bay of Kotor
The adventure kicks off with a self-guided bike ride along the coast, passing several notable sights. You’ll travel from Kotor, around to Tivat, taking in the views of cathedrals, churches, monasteries, and the luxurious Porto Montenegro. The biking leg is roughly an hour, offering a chance to absorb the local atmosphere and familiarize yourself with the coastline’s contours.

One reviewer noted, “The bike ride around Kotor Bay was the highlight — stopping mid way for some drinks and a swim with the locals. The best!”

Stop 2: Porto Montenegro
This is arguably the tour’s most glamorous point, home to the largest superyacht marina in the world. It’s a feast for the eyes and the senses — with sleek yachts, a naval museum, and a luxury shopping village. Plus, if you’re craving a treat, you can sample some of Montenegro’s best gelato here, as noted by a reviewer who called it “two of the best gelato shops in Montenegro.”

Stop 3: Our Lady’s Temple of Prcanj
The final highlight is the monumental Baroque church built over more than a century. The architecture features Doric and Corinthian columns and an ornate staircase. Inside, you’ll find a noteworthy collection of silver, textiles, paintings, and sculptures. Visiting this church offers not just a scenic view but a taste of the region’s spiritual and artistic heritage, as one reviewer described it as “an exceptional artistic and aesthetic value.”

What’s Included

You’ll get bicycle and helmet, SUP and PFD (personal flotation device), and clear directions. This makes the experience accessible for those who don’t own their own gear, streamlining the planning process. The self-guided nature means you’re free to set your own pace, but the equipment and directions ensure you’re well-supported.

Insights from Real Reviews

Most travelers felt the paddleboarding was a beautiful way to see the bay. Erin R shared, “I really enjoyed the paddling down the bay,” though she mentioned it was “on our own,” which could be a plus or a minus depending on your confidence. The biking, however, drew some caution. One traveler described it as “dangerous” due to narrow streets and buzzing cars, highlighting that biking requires moderate confidence on a bike and some awareness of local traffic.

Other reviews praised the friendly guides (even if they’re not always highly communicative in English), and the gorgeous scenery, with one traveler calling the bike ride a “highlight” and mentioning stopping for drinks and swimming with locals.

Practical Considerations

The price reflects the quality of equipment, the convenience of a self-guided format, and access to multiple scenic stops. While not cheap, this experience offers good value for the overall package — combining land and sea adventures with cultural and scenic highlights.

Timing is flexible, but the entire activity is about six hours, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. The tour is recommended for moderately fit travelers comfortable on a bike and with SUP experience. If you’re a confident swimmer and cyclist, you’ll likely find this to be a memorable and energizing day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want a balanced mix of physical effort and sightseeing. It’s perfect for those visiting Kotor for the first time but comfortable with moderate activity. It suits travelers who prefer a self-guided format that allows flexibility and autonomy.

It also appeals to those interested in luxury yachting and historic sites, given the stops at Porto Montenegro and the church at Prcanj. Since the tour involves biking through narrow streets and traffic, those with some confidence on a bike will get the most out of it.

Final Thoughts

Cycle & SUP: A Complete Circumnavigation of Kotor Bay is a lively, engaging way to see Montenegro’s stunning coastline from both land and water. The flexible, self-guided approach makes it suitable for independent travelers seeking an active day with plenty of scenic stops. The included equipment and clear directions offer excellent value, especially as you get to experience everything from the bustling marina to tranquil churches.

While biking may require caution due to traffic, the overall experience is both scenic and culturally rich. For those who love outdoor adventures, picturesque views, and a touch of luxury, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Kotor’s many charms.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It depends on your child’s confidence on a bike and swimming skills. Since it involves moderate physical activity and some traffic, it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with these conditions.

Do I need my own equipment for SUP or biking?
No, all necessary gear — including bicycles, helmets, paddles, and PFDs — is included, so you just need to show up ready to explore.

Can I do this tour if I’ve never paddled or biked before?
The tour is designed for those with prior SUP experience and a moderate fitness level. Beginners might find it challenging, especially the biking portion, so consider your comfort before booking.

What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While not specified, Montenegro’s weather generally favors outdoor activities from late spring to early fall. Good weather is essential for safe paddling and biking, and the tour is weather-dependent.

Is the tour guided or self-guided?
It’s self-guided, but your safety and progress are monitored by the staff, and you’ll receive detailed instructions and routes to follow.

What should I bring with me?
Bring water, sun protection, and perhaps a towel if you plan to swim. The gear is provided, but you might want a camera or smartphone for photos.

This well-rounded adventure balances fun, scenery, and cultural highlights in a way that suits active travelers seeking authentic views of Kotor Bay. It’s a smart choice for those wanting to see the coastline from different angles, with the flexibility to set their own pace.