Ferry and boat excursions

Boats to Žanjic beach from Herceg Novi (Šver pier) typically depart around 10:00 AM, though earlier and later options may be available. Inquire locally for exact schedules and pricing.

A scenic and efficient way to travel from Kotor to Herceg Novi is by boat. Booking can be done via phone, with numerous boat operators available. Due to high demand, especially during peak times, it is advisable to arrange bookings in advance. This mode of transport allows seamless travel with luggage.

Renting a motorboat in Kotor without a captain or license is illegal. While advertisements may exist, operating any powered vessel typically requires a valid maritime license. For boating experiences, consider renting sailboats or arranging for skippered tours where a licensed captain is provided.

The ferry crossing at Lepetane is free for pedestrians. After crossing, take bus #1 to reach the Herceg Novi main bus station (Autobuska stanica). The old town center is within walking distance down the hill from the station.

For private boat hire from Herceg Novi, it is advisable to inquire locally at the marina or tourist information centers. Some local captains offer private tours or boat rentals for specific needs. It might be possible to find contacts through local forums or expat groups online. Prices can vary depending on the boat size, duration, and destination.

For visiting Žanjic beach from Herceg Novi, staying near the bus station is recommended for convenient boat access. The Šver pier is the main departure point for boats to Žanjic. The Žalo beach is located near the Šver pier.

The ferry operating across the Komarna Strait (connecting the Pelješac Peninsula to mainland Croatia, often used for travel to Montenegro) has specific operating hours and potential disruptions due to maintenance. Schedules can vary, and it's advisable to check for current operational status and timings before travel, as delays or closures can occur. Some sources suggest specific time windows for passage, like 08:00-10:00, 12:00-14:00, and after 20:00, with complete closures at other times. Referencing local ferry operators or websites like budva.life for the most up-to-date information is recommended.

The Kotor cable car may have operating hour restrictions due to weather, such as thunderstorms (e.g., 4 PM - 6 PM). In case of thunderstorms, it's advised not to use the cable car due to difficult evacuation procedures. Tickets can be purchased on-site at a dedicated ticket office near the toboggan runs (card payments accepted) or at the cable car ticket office. Prices observed were 12 EUR and 20 EUR, with the higher price potentially being for a faster experience. Both daytime and sunset visits offer scenic views.

To travel from Kotor to Perast by boat, you can hire a private taxi boat. While there isn't a formal 'river tram' service, numerous boatmen offer transport between the two locations, especially from the Kotor waterfront. You can negotiate the price directly with them. Alternatively, organized tours often include this route. It's also possible to reach Perast by bus or car.

While boats to Žanjic beach can pick up passengers from Igalo, the primary and most convenient departure point is the Šver pier in Herceg Novi. Confirm local schedules for departures from Igalo if necessary.

The Lepetane-Kamenari ferry in Montenegro is free for pedestrians. It serves as a transit point between Tivat/Kotor and Herceg Novi. Pedestrians can combine local bus routes by using the ferry to avoid expensive tourist boat tours.

The Bar-Bari ferry service between Montenegro and Italy is likely not operating in 2026. Alternative ferry routes include Durres (Albania) to Bari (Italy) and Dubrovnik (Croatia) to Bari, which may be more affordable despite requiring additional travel.

The Kotor cable car experienced a prolonged stoppage due to strong winds and thunderstorms, leaving approximately 300 passengers stranded at the upper station. Evacuation involved long waits for buses, which eventually arrived late at night and took an indirect route via Cetinje due to the serpentine road being impassable. Information regarding evacuation procedures was reportedly scarce.

To visit Saint Nicholas Island near Budva, Montenegro, take a boat-taxi from the pier near the tunnel in Bečići or the pier opposite Slovenska Plaža. Boats run every 30-60 minutes from 9 AM. A round trip costs approximately 7 EUR per person. Private boat hire is around 30 EUR per boat. The island offers limited space for exploration (about 3 minutes of walking on rocks) but provides scenic sunset views.

A shuttle service operates from Kotor bus station to the cable car. Tickets for the shuttle and cable car (round trip) can be purchased, costing approximately 30 EUR. The shuttle runs every 30-60 minutes. One-way tickets may not be available, so plan accordingly if you intend to travel from the cable car to another destination like Perast or Kotor without returning to the shuttle's origin.