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Glossary · practical

Water Taxi

Water taxis are small licensed motorboats operating scheduled or on-demand passenger transport between coastal towns, beaches, and marina points along the Montenegrin coast. They are an essential component of the beach experience, particularly for reaching coves with no road access and for crossing Boka Bay without driving the long mountain road. In Boka Bay the water taxi connecting Kotor and Lepetane to Herceg Novi is a heavily used practical route, saving a 45-minute road journey. On the Budva Riviera, water taxis connect the main town to Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, and the island of Sveti Nikola. On the Lustica Peninsula, water taxis are often the only realistic way to reach the most pristine coves on the western tip — Blue Cave excursion boats depart from Herceg Novi throughout the day. Fares are typically €3–10 for short bay crossings and €10–25 for longer coastal runs. Water taxis operate seasonally from approximately May to October, with high-frequency service in July and August declining sharply in the shoulder months.

Related terms: Promenade (Šetalište), Boka Bay / Bay of Kotor (Bokokotorski Zaliv), Montenegrin Coast (Crnogorsko Primorje), Sea Temperature (Seasons), Beach Access

Frequently asked questions

What is a water taxi and how does it work in Montenegro?

A water taxi is a small, privately operated motorboat that ferries passengers between coastal towns, beaches, and marinas on a scheduled or on-demand basis — a faster and often more scenic alternative to road travel along the Montenegrin coast.

In the Bay of Kotor, water taxis are especially useful: the road around the bay is long and winding, while a boat crossing from Lepetane to Kamenari takes only about five minutes. Taxis also run between towns like Kotor, Perast, and Herceg Novi, and between the mainland and smaller coves or beach bars that have no road access.

You can usually flag a water taxi from a jetty or pier, arrange one through your accommodation, or spot operators advertising on the quayside in tourist towns.

Which water taxi routes are most useful for visiting beaches in the Bay of Kotor?

The most practical water-taxi route for beach visitors in the Bay of Kotor is the Lepetane–Kamenari car-and-passenger ferry, which dramatically shortens the drive between the upper and lower bay. For passengers without a car, this is a cheap and quick shortcut.

Boat taxis also connect Kotor Old Town waterfront to quieter coves and beaches that lack direct road access, making them the only practical way to reach certain spots without hiking. Perast to the island churches is a popular short hop that doubles as a sightseeing trip.

In summer, some beach bars operate their own courtesy boat or partner with a local skipper to collect guests from Kotor or Tivat marina — ask when you make your reservation.

How much does a water taxi cost on the Montenegrin coast?

Water-taxi fares in Montenegro are not centrally regulated and vary by route length, number of passengers, and whether the boat is shared or private. Short hops of a few kilometres — such as between adjacent beach towns — typically cost a few euros per person on a shared basis.

Private charters are priced by negotiation and depend on journey time and fuel; routes within the Bay of Kotor are cheaper than longer open-coast trips toward Budva or Ulcinj. Always agree the total price before departing, and clarify whether the fare is per person or for the whole boat.

The official Lepetane–Kamenari car ferry (operated by public transport company) is inexpensive for foot passengers and is separate from private water-taxi operators.