
Source to Sea Kayak Journey in Montenegro and Albania
Kayak and SUP along the source rivers of majestic Lake Skadar to reach the Adriatic Sea on this cross-border, self-powered epic
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
3 nights camping and 3 nights in hotelsMeals
All meals throughout the tripTransfers
To and from the airport, plus a support vehicle throughout the expeditionEquipment
All kayaking gear, safety equipment and camping gear, with national park permits and river taxes taken care ofSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?






























Discover a hidden side of the Balkans on a one-of-a-kind 100km paddling adventure to reach the coast under your own steam
Descend the rivers of Crnojevića, Morača and Bojana, and paddle the vast and beautiful Lake Skadar, crossing from Montenegro into Albania by kayak
Camp in breathtaking locations surrounded by mountains, cool off with wild swims and explore ancient towns, monasteries, and fortresses as you go
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Montenegro

Touch down at Podgorica Airport and meet your host for a short transfer to your accommodation in downtown Podgorica. Settle in and use any free time to explore the city, before enjoying a group dinner this evening with your fellow adventurers to chat about the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2
Journey to the island of Vranjina

Kayaking
After an early breakfast, you’ll hit the road and head towards Lake Skadar National Park, eventually arriving at Rijeka Crnojevica - a medieval village on the eponymous river. Today, this tucked-away fishing village is an idyllic spot, set around a beautiful arched limestone bridge, but back in the 15th century, it was Montenegro’s capital. You’ll prepare the kayaks here and leave anything you don’t need for the next two days in the support vehicle. The adventure begins with a gentle paddle along the Rijeka Crnojevica River, winding through stunning scenery with the Accursed Mountains as your dramatic backdrop. After 5-7 hours of paddling, including rest stops and a riverside lunch break, your goal is the island of Vranjina, nestled between the Moraca River and Lake Skadar. Following dinner at a local restaurant, you’ll set up camp on the island, with your first day’s adventure under your belt.
Day 3
Crossing Lake Skadar

Kayaking
Start your day with breakfast at the campsite before heading out onto Skadar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southern Europe. Today, you’ll paddle towards the picturesque fishing village of Radus, with spectacular views of Rumija Mountain on one side and the Accursed Mountains on the other. From there, continue your journey past Krnjice Village and the historic island monastery of Starceva Glava. Your efforts will be rewarded as you arrive at Murici Beach, a stunning and peaceful wild camp spot, where crystal-clear waters gently lap against the pebbled shore. Take a refreshing swim, then tuck into a well-earned Montenegrin dinner before settling into camp for the night.
Day 4
Murici to Ckla

Kayaking
Wake up in this cracking lakeside spot and ease into the morning with a dreamy swim before fuelling up with breakfast. Today you’ll kayak past a scattering of small islands dotted with monasteries, stopping off for a short guided tour at Beska. Led by the local nuns, you’ll gain insight into the monastery’s rich history and what life is like on the island. It’s then back on the water to paddle across the widest section of the lake. This part of Lake Skadar sits within Europe’s largest bird reserve, giving you the best chance to spot endangered Dalmatian pelicans, one of the largest flying bird species on the planet. The day ends with a final push to Ckla, a village right on the Albanian border, where you’ll set up camp in the gardens of a charming guesthouse and tuck into a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Day 5
Crossing the border into Albania

Kayaking
After breakfast, it’s time to sort out some paperwork and get your border transit documents stamped – a pretty unique border crossing experience, especially in the middle of a kayaking adventure through the Balkans. With the admin done, it’s back on the water to tackle the final stretch of Lake Skadar before it flows into the River Bojana. Within 3km of paddling this morning, you’ll officially enter Albanian territory, passing the village of Zogay en route to Shkodar. Today is a lighter day, helped along by the river current as you exit the lake. Before reaching the city of Shkodar city, you’ll stop at the well-known fishing village of Shiroka, famous for its seafood restaurants lining the lake’s edge. Here, you’ll dine on fresh fish and sip delicious Albanian white wine in a stunning setting. Time permitting, there’s also the chance to pump up the paddleboards and switch up your posture and perspective on the water. Later, you’ll enter the historic city of Shkodra, the traditional capital of northern Albania and gateway to the Albanian Alps. This evening, you’re free to explore Albania’s oldest city, known for its arts, culture, religious diversity and excellent sundowner spots. Enjoy a group dinner in the city centre before heading back to your lovely hotel in Shiroka on the shores of the lake, for a good sleep ahead of the final push to the sea.
Day 6
Shkodra to the Adriatic Sea

Kayaking
The final day of your adventure is here, with the Adriatic Sea inching ever closer as you paddle through the longest stretch of the trip. Bid farewell to Shkodra and head downriver, crossing back into Montenegro as the Bojana River widens to 60m, its waters fresh and crystal clear. The inflow of the Drim River increases the flow and helps to propel you towards the sea. For around 15km, you’ll paddle right along the border between Albania and Montenegro, with the borderline running straight down the centre of the river. Just a few kilometres from the coast, you’ll officially re-enter Montenegro and make the final push towards Ada Bojana and Velika Plaza – a stunning 13-kilometre sweep of sandy beach on the glistening Adriatic Sea. This is the finish line of your epic journey! After covering more than 100km under your own steam, it’s time to unwind. Celebrate with a swim in the Adriatic, a drink or some fresh seafood at a beachside bar, and a well-earned rest. Your final night is spent at a gorgeous hotel in Ulcinj on the Adriatic coast. Settle in here before tucking into dinner and raising a toast to the incredible adventure you’ve just completed.
Day 7
The adventure ends

Tuck into breakfast and maybe grab one last swim in the sea before your host drives you back to Podgorica Airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Podgorica Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Podgorica Airport
12:00 on Day 7
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Podgorica Airport and transfer you a 15-minute drive away to your hotel in Podgorica. On the last day of your trip, your host will transfer you from your accommodation on the coast to the airport in Podgorica in time for your flight home. This drive takes approximately an hour and a half, so you'll be at the airport by midday – suitable for any flights departing from 14:00 onwards. If you are staying on longer in Montenegro, your host can drop you off in central Podgorica as well.
Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date, your host can arrange private airport transfers from the airport. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are numerous direct flight options to Podgorica with various carriers from London and Manchester in the UK, and various other hubs across Europe. Travellers from the west coast of North America will generally transit through major hubs such as London, Paris and Frankfurt.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

Breakfasts on the trip will vary from omelettes, oats with fresh fruit, breads with meats, cheeses and jams, plus tea, coffee and juices. Lunches will be picnic style where you'll likely to be provided with sandwiches or a local pie, fresh fruits and chocolates. Dinners will be taken at local restaurants near the campgrounds and guesthouses that you'll bunk down at en route, where you can sample local Montenegrin and Albania dishes. Highlights include a lakeside seafood meal on Day 5 in Shiroka overlooking Lake Skadar on the Albania side. Water is included with most meals and any additional drinks will be at your own expense.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger information form.
What is the accommodation like?

Podgorica
Your first night of the trip in Montenegro's capital city is at Union Hotel - a modern 4-star hotel in the centre of the city. You'll stay in comfy twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Camping
You’ll spend three nights camping on the island of Vranjina, on the banks of Lake Skadar in a beautiful spot at Murici Beach, and in the village of Ckla near the Albanian border. Accommodation is in twin-share expedition tents, with inflatable sleeping mats provided. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, or hire one from your host – see the Kit List and Optional Extras for full details. Toilet and shower facilities are available at Vranjina and Ckla camps, while Murici Beach is a wild camp set in a beautiful waterside location.

Shiroka village, near Shkodar
On Day 5, you'll spend the night in the modern and comfortable Hotel Restaurant Univers, next to the beach in the picturesque village of Shiroka, just outside Shkodar. Rooms are twin-share with ensuite bathrooms.

Ulcinj on the Adriatic Sea
Your final night of the trip after completing your journey from source to sea is on the beautiful stretch of coast at Ulcinj – a haven for windsurfers and watersports enthusiasts. You'll stay at Hotel Palata Venezia, a beautiful place situated in a 2000-year-old fort on Ulcinj’s coast. There's a large shared terrace overlooking the coast, a sandy beach just 40m away, and a spa on site if you fancy a sauna after your paddling efforts to reach the coast.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private tent for the three nights camping can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for prices. Please note that tent upgrades are subject to availability, so please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This is a challenging trip. You need to be prepared to kayak for between 3 and 7 hours each day. The final day is particularly demanding, covering over 40km, although you will have assistance from the river's flow and tides. It's essential that you come prepared in terms of fitness, determination, and an appetite for adventure in the great outdoors.
Given the generally calm waters, with no rapids or technical paddling involved, this trip can be completed with limited kayaking or paddleboarding experience. However, on days when the wind picks up and conditions become more challenging, the paddling will be tougher. Having some previous paddling experience under your belt will help you fully enjoy the trip and feel more comfortable on the water.
You will need stamina and upper-body strength to manage daily paddling sessions. It's equally important to bring a sense of adventure and feel comfortable spending consecutive days in a remote environment on the water. You'll spend a significant amount of time kayaking, particularly on Day 6, when you'll need determination to push on to the finish line.
From May onwards, water temperatures are ideal for swimming, ranging from 16–20°C (61–68°F) in spring and rising to 20–24°C (68–75°F) as summer progresses.
What if i need to skip an activity?
Due to the presence of a support vehicle for the entirety of the trip, you are able to skip out sections of the expedition should you need to.
What will I need to carry?
You will leave your excess luggage and anything you don't need in a bag in the support vehicle, which will be locked securely away. We recommend you bring an additional smaller dry bag of 10-20 litres for easy access to your phone, camera and any other personal items you need to keep dry but have access to on kayaking days.
You will have access to your excess luggage from the support vehicle at the end of each day.
The area around Lake Skadar spanning Montenegro and Albania enjoys a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations. Things can get uncomfortably hot for a trip of this nature from mid-July through August, so we don't run trips during this period. Here's an overview of what you can typically expect on the trips we run from April to June / September to October:
April: Spring begins and the area becomes greener with blooming vegetation. Daytime highs average around 15–20°C (59–68°F), with cooler nights at 8–12°C (46–54°F). Some rainy days, but sunny spells increase.
May: Pleasant and warm with highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F), with nights around 12–15°C (54–59°F). Expect mostly sunny days with the odd bit of rain.
June: Early summer with long sunny days. Highs of 25–30°C (77–86°F), and nights are comfortable at 15–18°C (59–64°F). There is minimal rain during the month of June.
September: Early autumn has mild, pleasant days, with temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F), and nights cooling slightly to 15–18°C (59–64°F). A slight increase in rainfall, but generally dry.
October: Autumn sets in, bringing cooler and wetter weather. Highs of 18–23°C (64–73°F), with cooler nights at 10–14°C (50–57°F). Rain becomes more frequent, but sunny intervals remain.

Stunning Scenery, Incredible Guides, and a True Sense of Achievement
This was my first group adventure holiday and I couldn’t have picked a better one. Although I had some kayaking experience beforehand, I was a little unsure about joining a group trip – but those nerves quickly disappeared.
The guides (Masa, Robyn and Mijo) were excellent from start to finish, creating a really supportive and fun group dynamic while keeping us safe and motivated throughout the 110km journey. Their guidance made the challenge feel achievable and enjoyable, and they struck the perfect balance between professionalism and friendliness.
The route itself was stunning – from calm stretches of river to open lake paddling, with plenty of chances to swim and take in the scenery. Stopping to visit an island monastery was a real highlight, and the wild camping night added an extra sense of adventure. By the time we reached the sea, it felt like a true shared accomplishment.
Overall, this trip was the ideal mix of challenge and reward. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a unique way to explore Montenegro and Albania, and I’d happily do it all again.
Shameless plug - watch my adventure back at youtu/eyGjz-3t0j0?si=AYrJKRSsIVIBiG30







An awesome expedition
Wow, this was an incredible experience. Having read the feedback from previous trips, I certainly over prepared and over packed. Suffice to say they had listened to previous feedback as we didn't have the issues of previous groups.
We had an incredible group of people on the trip with an age range from their 20s to 60s, all of whom managed the trip well. Our guides Masa and Robyn were amazing, knowledgeable friendly and fun. Our other guide Mio was driving the support van on our trip, setting up the tents for us so our camp was ready when we arrived. The van was with us every night, so we only had what we needed for the day with us.
I think it is worth saying, this is an expedition. There is a night of wild camping with no facilities, along with other nights in a tent. Hotel rooms are shared, so if your roommate snores, bring earplugs. There are no spas, massages or pampering of any kind and if you're not prepared to rough it a bit then look elsewhere. I loved it, this is exactly what I was looking for and so much more.
While I could go into more detail, part of the experience is discovering the secrets of this trip. Every experience was a fantastic surprise and I wouldn't want to take that from anyone else.
I would do this again tomorrow.





Beautiful country, wonderful people, and an unforgettable experience – that sums up this adventure for me.
Our on-the-water guides, Marsha and Robyn, were not only highly skilled but also caring and endlessly entertaining. On land, Mio worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran seamlessly throughout the week.
Meals were generous, delicious, and served in stunning settings – from charming restaurants to welcoming private homes.
Our group of fellow adventurers – spanning ages from mid-20s to mid-60s, and travelling from across the UK, Ireland, and the USA – quickly bonded into a warm, supportive community. Together, we had an incredible time.
The lakes and rivers of Montenegro (and Albania) are vast, unspoilt, rich in wildlife and stunning to look at and travel through.
Many of us were daunted by the prospect of the final 44 km day, yet it turned out to be the highlight of the trip, ending with a spectacular sunset over the Adriatic.
To borrow an advertising slogan - JUST DO IT!



Brilliant kayaking challenge
I have taken part in several kayaking trips and the Source to Sea trip is one of the best trips I have ever taken. The kayaks are new expedition kayaks, great to paddle. Our guides Masa, Robyn and Mio were amazing, we felt safe at all times on the water and learned a lot about the history, culture and bird life in Montenegro, the pelicans were a surprise. The meals were plentiful and delicious especially lunch at Lilys house. Accommodation was a mixture of camping and local hotels. I traveled alone but very quickly made new friends with the group. I would definitely recommend this trip and will be planning more Much Better Adventures.
Expedition of Exceeded Expectations
This is the first group tour I have ever done and I was a little apprehensive at first. However, from the outset these nerves proved to be baseless. This is largely due to and particular note should be paid to our guides (Masa, Robyn and Mia). At every point in the trip they were there to provide friendly support and guidance, whilst fostering a group dynamic that made the challenge of 110km of kayaking a shared goal and achievement. This was the ideal way to see the beauty of Montenegro and Albania with idyllic spots in which to camp, swim and sample the food (which was never in short supply). Overall, this was an exceptional trip and memorable in so many positive ways. I would do it all again and would 100% recommend to anyone!



This Source to Sea journey
This Source to Sea journey was an incredible experience for both me and my wife. We took on the adventure in September 2025 and are so glad we did. From the start, the land support and on-the-water guides were so friendly, welcoming and supportive. Huge shout out to Mio, Masa and Robyn at Balkan Expeditions for making this an unforgettable trip! Before the trip we were a little worried that the rating had been upgraded to challenging, and although the daily paddle distances seemed daunting, the guides always checked with the group how we were doing and whether we needed a rest. It was physically challenging at times, but it's true that the more effort you put in, the more you get from the trip. On top of that, there was never a shortage of excellent locally-prepared food and comfortable accommodation to help us fuel and recover. The camping was in beautiful spots, and the wild camping night was a real highlight for many of us. Overall the team has done an excellent job of balancing the inevitable challenge of kayaking 110km across two countries with comfort, genuine local experiences and touches of luxury. We'd come back tomorrow if we could!






Amazing Adventure Holiday
I'd never done a group tour before and I am so glad this was my first. Everything exceeded my expectations; the scenery, the guides, the group and the food. Marsha, Mio and Robyn (the guides) did everything they could to make sure we had a good time and were as comfortable and happy as we could be. The food was so good, we were never hungry and eating at a locals house on the river was such a highlight. You have to bring a sense of adventure for the wild camp night and remember this is an expedition. But we had so much fun and we were on such a high on the final evening at the beach with what we've accomplished. Tips -bring some sweets to enjoy and share with your group, mosquito spray and sun cream, and some lights for the wild camp night. Book it and enjoy!







No Expectations? Expectations Exceeded!
I am a big fan of group trips and the outdoors- this was my first trip with Much Better Adventures and after this, I WILL be booking more!
An absolutely fantastic experience all around. Our guides- Robyn, Masa and Mio- were all excellent. So excellent that I am highly considering coming back for their pack rafting expedition as well.
I am an athletic person and I will say it was challenging, but that is what I was personally looking for. If you want a challenge, this trip is for you. If you want to be coddled, there are probably other group trips out there for you. As someone who backpacks, ski tours, etc though- this was luxury. Having someone set up my tent for me? Home cooked meals for lunch and dinner? The perfect mix of adventure and comfort. Based on other reviews and this the description, I brought a ton of snacks and layers. I found I didn’t need many snacks- we were extremely well fed, and the meals were delicious. Never even had time to get hungry. Didn’t need “waterproof pants” or half of my heavy layers. It was quite hot and I was in running shorts and a tank top most of the time.
Everyone in our group- ages 26 to 67- completed the journey just fine. You’ll find you’re capable of more than you think. If you’re looking for an absolutely ideal way to see Albania and Montenegro, with some epic stories to tell- this is it!

Brilliant Adventure!
This was a brilliant trip, the scenery was amazing and it made every day feel different from the mountain valleys, crossing Lake Skadar and down the winding river to the Adriatic. Gigo and the team really took care of us, with all equipment provided, good choices of hotels camping spots and restaurants (plenty of food!). Particular highlights were wild camping on the beach, the novelty of kayaking across the borders into Albania and the achievement of us all making it to the sea perfectly timed with the sunset.
Adventure of amazing experiences, spirit & passion
If you're looking for a standard holiday in the traditional sense then this probably won't be for you.
If you're looking for something that will provide some of the best ever memories and potentially shift your outlook on life, then book this immediately.
Things don't always go to plan, you're kayaking three rivers and a lake, but that's the fundamental nature of an expedition. The guides adjust for everything as required and ensure everyone is perfectly looked after as an individual, their personal attention is outstanding and you could not be in safer hands led by Gigo.
Personally this journey was up there on a spiritual level for me - I fell in love with the rivers and lake and sea, Montenegro and Albania are incredible countries, the group came together quickly as a brilliant team, the Balkan Expedition team were truly awesome - it was an adventure I will never forget and I'm already planning my next one.
Stop reading reviews and deliberating and book this expedition!
Hvala!!









Truly fascinating experience
From the very beginning, the planning and logistics were spot-on. Every detail, from transport to equipment, campsites, and meals — was perfectly organized by Gigo and his team.
Each day on the river and lake offered new surprises: paddling through carpets of water lilies, gliding across tranquil stretches of water, and navigating more demanding conditions. Especially on day 4, we faced a powerful thunderstorm and massive winds, but thanks to the steady guidance of our guides, we pushed through safely and came out stronger as a group. That was definitely my favourite day of the expedition.
One of the unexpected highlights was the incredible wildlife we encountered along the way, from pelicans soaring overhead to grebes, terns, herons, and elegant egrets gracing the river and lakes. Lake Shkodra is a haven for birdwatchers, I wish I had packed my binoculars.
Looking back, I’m so glad I chose this expedition. It was more than just a kayaking trip, it was a true adventure that combined nature, camaraderie, and personal challenge in the best possible way. I can’t thank Gigo and his team enough for their dedication, expertise, and passion. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a journey that’s both adventurous and deeply rewarding.



Fantastic expedition
Just back from the source to sea kayak journey which was my first tour with Much Better Adventures. The trip route was well thought out through stunning locations and the guides who travelled with us were all fantastic. The kayaks used are good quality and were perfect for the distances covered. A great trip throughout which I would thoroughly recommend👌








A Perfect Mix
A truly magical week with a wonderful team of experienced guides to assist with a meticulous planned adventure, with a perfect mix of predictable and unpredictable moments to keep things interesting and fun. Fantastic food, stunning scenery and great company what more could you want.






Souce to the Sea Kayak expedition
Once or twice things didn't go quite to plan, as is to be expected on a trip like this, so I can only give the team 5/5.
Fantastic experience with great people. The feeling of paddling into the Adriatic with your team at the end of that journey needs to be experienced to be understood.
The lake and the rivers are beautiful, and provides a great paddling experience. Our guides, Gigo, Marsha, Robin and Mio were excellent, and in leaving it feels a little like we are leaving family members behind.
If you're prepared to do a little preparation and listen to your guides there is a great experience to be had on this tour.




Great potential. . . . a few changes needed
As someone who has been on multiple ‘Much Better Adventures’ including a couple of kayaking trips, I can honestly say that this has the potential to be up there with the best of them – amazing scenery, friendly guides and a good amount of adventure and challenge. It did however feel like we were sorting out a few too many issues which was not what was promised. The final day was 44km not 25km, the current helped us along and we had a couple of good rest stops, but it was still pretty challenging. On other days, there simply wasn’t the opportunity for plenty of breaks as the river banks and lake shore do not allow. I would recommend taking plenty of snacks and keeping them accessible. Our second night camping was actually wild camping right next to the beach and the third night was in the garden of a family run guest house with very basic facilities. We were pretty pleased to get to the hotel the next night! The food whilst kayaking was pretty basic, although the guides did try to respond to feedback on this. There are some learnings for both MBA and the local guides to make this into the fantastic trip it could be.
Hi Clare
Thank you very much for your detailed and thoughtful feedback. We're genuinely sorry to hear that you experienced some teething issues on this trip.
As I'm sure you're aware, this was the first departure of a brand-new itinerary, and whilst we understand that first departures can sometimes bring unforeseen challenges, we always plan to get it right first time. Our local Host has successfully run our popular Packraft the Tara River in Montenegro trip for some time, consistently receiving excellent reviews, so we're very sorry that your experience with this new trip didn’t reflect that same high standard.
We certainly share your confidence that with a little adjustment, this will prove to be an outstanding itinerary and along with our Host we're committed to ensuring those adjustments are made ahead of the next departures.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience – your feedback is extremely valuable in helping us to improve.
Tom - Operations Manager
Source to Sea Kayak Journey in Montenegro and Albania trip
Great trip. Friendly, helpful guides
Amazing scenery…poor organisation
I had an amazing time in Montenegro on the water! It was a challenge, but totally doable even with limited kayak experience. I’ve given 4 stars because of the amazing scenery, unspoiled by tourism, great challenge and fabulous people.
Unfortunately, despite good intentions, the organisation was sloppy at best. I know this was the first time they had run this specific tour, but it was painfully obvious that the guides had not familiarised themselves with the route and stopping points beforehand. Day 1 was all over the place with a too late lunch and being directed down a blocked canal. Things did improve from there (food wasn’t great quality but provided at more convenient times); however issues remained. The website advertises three nights in campsites with facilities - in reality there was one night of wild camping. The distances advertised were also inaccurate - on the first few days the difference was minimal but on day 4 we did 8km, and on day 5 we did 44km…. Food off the kayak in restaurants was good, food on the kayak was average. We did not have proper safety briefings or basic instructions on how to manoeuvre a kayak (helpful for novice kayaks). Two kayakers were provided with an inappropriate vessel - open top without rudders. I capsized on the lake crossing and getting me back on the kayak was chaos (because no one had done wet exit/entry practices with us) and the instructions were all over the place. It was actually two of the more experienced kayakers in the group who were most helpful.
I don’t want these “teething issues” to detract from what was a really fun trip, and I think it would be super easy to solve the issues we experienced - by better planning! I do think it will go better next time and would still recommend going.
Hi Chloe
Thank you very much for your detailed and thoughtful feedback. We're genuinely sorry to hear that the organisation of this trip fell short of your expectations.
As you rightly pointed out, this was the first departure of a brand-new itinerary. While we understand that first departures can sometimes bring unforeseen challenges, we also recognise that this doesn’t excuse any shortcomings in your experience.
Our local Host has successfully run our popular Packraft the Tara River in Montenegro trip for some time, consistently receiving excellent reviews for both organisation and safety. We're very sorry that your experience with this new trip didn’t reflect that same high standard.
We appreciate your confidence that the issues you’ve highlighted can and will be addressed. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and we will be reviewing your comments in full with the Host. Rest assured that we’re committed to making the necessary improvements to ensure future departures run more smoothly.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience – it plays an important role in helping us grow and improve.
Tom - Operations Manager
Itinerary Activities
- 5 days of guided kayaking along rivers and across Lake Skadar
- Opportunity to try stand-up paddleboarding if conditions allow
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking kayak guides who designed this unique route
Accommodation
- 2 nights camping at riverside and lakeside campsites
- 1 night wild camping
- 3 nights in hotels
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 6 hearty breakfasts
- 5 lunches (3 picnics, and 2 restaurant lunches)
- 5 dinners taken in local restaurants to sample Montenegrin and Albanian cuisine
Transfers
- Arrival transfer from Podgorica Airport at any time on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Podgorica Airport on Day 7
- Support vehicle shadowing the group throughout the whole expedition
Equipment
- All kayaking and safety equipment
- All your camping gear
Permits
- National park permits and river taxes
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline, shared between the group:
- €5-10 euros per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- Single-berth expedition kayak with spray skirt, paddles and all safety gear
- Tents and sleeping mats
- All expedition cooking equipment for breakfasts at the camps
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack - to stay in the support vehicle
- 10-litre dry bag for valuables/phone/camera etc
CLOTHES
- Lightweight down jacket for evenings at camp
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings at camp
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses with strap
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- River shoes, trainers or trail runners which you don't mind getting wet
- Sandals for evenings and mornings at camp
SLEEPING
- Sleeping bag (3-season). Can be rented from your host if you prefer - see Optional Extras
- Travel pillow
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle and/or bladder x2 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system (optional - if you wish to fill up from the lake and rivers on the expedition)
Sleeping bag hire
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag hire
…
Optional Private Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Tent Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - each way. 1-3 people.
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way. 1-3 people.
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 138kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Each day you'll fuel up on breakfast at the campgrounds, hotels or guesthouses you'll have stayed at the night before. You'll have time for some coffee and a morning swim in the rivers or Lake Skadar before loading up the kayaks and setting off. Your host will give each group member a large drybag at the start of the expedition to pack away your sleeping bag and clothes, while you'll bring along a smaller drybag of around 10 litres to pack away your phone, camera and other valuables. Everything else will stay in your main luggage which will be left with the support vehicle - you'll be reunited with your luggage each evening after completing the latest leg of the expedition.
Yes, ability to swim is a compulsory safety requirement to participate on this tour.
There is one kayak guide for every 6 participants on this trip, plus the driver of the support vehicle who will assist with expedition logistics throughout the trip.
Your host designed this unique route after many years of guiding kayak, SUP and packraft trips in the Balkans. They know the route, logistics and conditions better than anyone, and alternative options have been factored in. Whilst rare during the season that the trip operates, if conditions such as high winds or heavy rains affect any day of the expedition, your host will make alternative arrangements. You may need to skip a day on the water and head off for a hike, a wine tour or visit local villages instead.
You'll be paddling in a single-berth expedition sea kayak. The model is the Expedition HV - made from high-tech material to provide rigidity, weight, comfort, speed and durability. These kayaks will help tackle the distances involved on this trip with comfort and speed, designed to easily handle choppier conditions if the wind picks up.
The kayaks used on this trip have a passenger weight limit of 105kg (16 stone, 5 pounds), not including luggage.
You will need to bring reusable water bottles and/or a water bladder to carry water with you on the expedition. There is safe drinking water at each of the hotels and campsites which you can fill up from in the morning. Your host will carry additional water for the group, approximately 2 litres per person per day in a large carrier. You are also able to fill up directly from the lake and rivers on the trip for some added wild factor, however, this will of course require that you bring your own water filter: Have a read of our guide to the best water filters for adventurers.
You can leave excess luggage in the accompanying vehicle while you are on the expedition. Your host does not have storage options in Podgorica at the start of the trip.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Reviews

Stunning Scenery, Incredible Guides, and a True Sense of Achievement
Christopher D. October 2025

An awesome expedition
Philip L. October 2025

Martin S. October 2025

Brilliant kayaking challenge
Annette H. October 2025

This Source to Sea journey
James S. September 2025

Amazing Adventure Holiday
Daniel W. September 2025

No Expectations? Expectations Exceeded!
Helena M. September 2025

Brilliant Adventure!
Joseph M. September 2025

Truly fascinating experience
Ramani R. September 2025


Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 12th April 2026
to Saturday 18th April 2026
