If you have a short window and want to see as much of the coast as possible, a group speedboat tour is the efficient choice. This two-hour trip leaves from Budva and runs along the Riviera at speed, covering the Old Town from the sea, the island of Sveti Nikola, headlands and beaches, and usually reaching the Sveti Stefan area before turning back. It is lively and a little bouncy, and you get the wind and the spray along with the views. The skipper slows down for photographs and for swim stops where conditions allow, and the group format keeps the cost lower than a private boat. It works well as a first orientation to the coast, as an afternoon activity after a morning in the Old Town, or as a fun outing for teenagers. Details such as stops and boat size vary by operator, so check them when you book.
How it works
You meet at the waterfront or marina, receive a short safety briefing and a life jacket, and the boat departs with a group of other travellers. The route runs south along the coast, with commentary in English or other languages, depending on the operator. Swim stops, when included, are brief and in sheltered water.
What you will see
The Old Town walls rising from the sea, the long beaches of Slovenska and Bečići, the cliff-backed coast beyond, and the island village of Sveti Stefan from the water. If the route extends north, you might also pass the lovely Jaz bay. The tour is excellent for photographs, so keep your camera in a waterproof pouch.
Good to know
Speedboats are fast, so hold on and keep valuables secure. Bring a windproof layer even in summer, because the spray and speed can feel cool. People with back problems or those who are pregnant should consider a calmer boat. Departures are most reliable in the morning, when the sea is calmer, and trips may be cancelled in rough weather, in which case the operator should offer a new time or a refund.
How to combine it
Pair the speedboat with a visit to the Old Town and a swim at Mogren. If you want more time to swim, choose the islands and caves boat tour instead, and if you would like complete control of the schedule, consider a private speedboat. For families, check minimum age limits, which usually apply on fast boats.
Choosing between boat tours
This speedboat is the fastest way to see a lot of coast, while the islands and caves tour is slower with more swimming, and the private speedboat gives you full control. If you only have one boat trip in you, think about what matters most. For photographs and scenery, the speedboat is excellent. For swimming, choose the slower boat. For privacy and celebration, choose the private option.
Whichever you pick, book earlier in the day, and check the cancellation policy in case the weather changes. Bring cash for tips, a hat that ties on, and a bag you do not mind getting damp. If you travel with a group of friends, ask about private departures that use the same boat, since the price per person can be close to the group fare when the boat is full.
What to expect
The experience
A fast group boat ride along the coast with commentary and short swim stops.
Best time
Morning, for calmer water.
How long
Two hours.
Tips
Bring a light windproof layer and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seeing a lot of coast in a short time.
- Families
- Fun for older children, subject to age limits.
- Couples
- A quick sunset-light outing in season.
- Pair with
- The Old Town and a beach evening.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
How long is the tour?+
About two hours.
Is it a group or private tour?+
This is a group tour, and a private speedboat option is also available.
Will I get wet?+
Possibly from spray, so bring a light layer and a towel.
Are there age limits?+
Operators often set a minimum age, so check when you book.
What if the sea is rough?+
Trips can be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are unsafe.
