Source to Sea Kayak Journey in Montenegro and Albania

Arrive at Podgorica Airport and meet your host, then enjoy a scenic drive through Montenegro to Virpazar, your starting point for the adventure beginning tomorrow and the gateway to Lake Skadar National Park. After settling into your accommodation, take time to prepare your gear for the cross-country kayak adventure with the help of your guides. Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow adventurers to discuss the exciting journey ahead.

After an early breakfast you'll hit the road, leaving the city and heading towards Lake Skadar National Park, eventually reaching Rijeka Crnojevića, a medieval village on the eponymous Rijeka Crnojevića River. Nowadays, Rijeka Crnojevića is an idyllic, tucked-away fishing village set around an arched limestone bridge, but in the 15th century, it was Montenegro’s capital. Prepare the kayaks here and leave anything you don't need for the next two days in the support vehicle. You’ll kick things off with a gentle paddle along the Rijeka Crnojevića River, winding through stunning scenery with the Accursed Mountains as your epic backdrop. After 4–5 hours of paddling (with plenty of breaks and a riverside picnic lunch), your goal is to reach the island of Vranjina, nestled between the Morača River and Skadar Lake. After dinner at a local restaurant, you’ll set up camp on the island, with your first day’s adventure under your belt.

Start your day with breakfast at the campsite before heading out to Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southern Europe. Today you’ll paddle towards the picturesque fishing village of Raduš, with spectacular views of Rumija Mountain on one side and the Accursed Mountains on the other. From there journey on, passing by Krnjice Village and the historic island monastery of Starčeva Glava. Your efforts today are rewarded as you arrive at Murići Beach, a beautiful location with crystal-clear waters gently lapping at the pebbled shore. Grab a refreshing swim before heading off to enjoy a well-earned Montenegrin dinner before settling into camp for the night. You’ll also have the support vehicle on hand to switch out gear for the next leg of your adventure.

Wake up in this amazing lakeside spot and ease into the morning with a dreamy swim before fueling up on breakfast. Then, it’s back on the water to paddle along the widest section of the lake. Today’s a great chance to mix things up with some stand-up paddleboarding. Your host will have a few ready in the support vehicle, so the group can take turns, switching up the posture and perspective. This part of Lake Skadar is inside Europe’s largest bird reserve - providing you with the biggest chance of seeing some endangered Dalmatian Pelicans, one of the largest flying bird species on the planet! You'll also kayak past many small islands dotted with monasteries and even make a pit stop for a short guided tour. Led by the local nuns you’ll be given insight into the monastery’s rich history and their life on the island. The day wraps up with a final push to Ckla, a village right on the Albanian border where you'll set up camp and head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, it’s time to sort out some paperwork and get your border transit documents stamped - a unique border crossing experience midway through a kayaking adventure in the Balkans. With the paperwork done, it’s back on the water to tackle the final stretch of Skadar Lake before it flows into the River Bojana. Within 2 miles of paddling this morning, you will officially enter Albanian territory, passing the beautiful village of Zogay on your way to Shkodra. Today is a lighter day with 9 miles in total to get through, aided by the river current as you exit the lake. Before reaching the city of Shkodra you'll stop at a well-known fisherman’s village of Shiroka, famous for its seafood restaurants on the shores of the lake. Here you will dine on fresh fish accompanied by delicious Albanian white wine in a stunning setting. Later you'll enter the historical city of Shkodra, the traditional capital of northern Albania and gateway to the Albanian Alps where you will be staying in a cozy guesthouse. This evening you’re free to wander around and explore Albania’s oldest city known for its arts, culture, religious diversity, and some great sundowner spots.

The final day of your adventure is here, with the Adriatic Sea inching ever closer while you paddle through the longest day of the trip. Bid farewell to Shkodra and head downriver, crossing back into Montenegro as the Bojana River widens to 197 ft, its waters fresh and crystal clear. For about 9 mi, you’ll paddle right along the border of Albania and Montenegro, the border line running straight down the middle of the river. Just a few miles from the sea, you’ll officially re-enter Montenegro and make the final push towards Ada Bojana and Velika Plaža, a stunning 8 mi stretch of sandy beach on the glistening Adriatic Sea. This is the finish line of your epic journey! After tackling 62 mi under your own steam, it’s time to unwind. Celebrate with a swim in the Adriatic Sea, a drink or some seafood at a beachside bar, and a well-deserved rest. Towards the end of the day, you'll drive back to Virpazar where it all began to spend your last night tucking into dinner and raising a toast to the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.

Enjoy breakfast and perhaps take one last swim before your host drives you back to Podgorica Airport. If you’d prefer to stay a bit longer on the coast, we recommend that you visit Ulcinj, a haven for kitesurfers.