If you dream of waking up in front of the cliffs of the Bay of Kotor, anchoring in hidden coves of the Adriatic, and cruising the Montenegrin coast at the slow, elegant pace of a traditional schooner, 2027 is shaping up to be an excellent year to do it: the supply of schooners in the country keeps growing, and the ports of Tivat and Kotor are becoming go-to departure points on the Adriatic.

Why Montenegro is an ideal destination for a schooner

Montenegro packs, into just a few kilometers of coastline, spectacular geography, the Bay of Kotor, ranked among the most beautiful fjords in Europe, the beaches of Budva, the island-hotel of Sveti Stefan, and the nearby Croatian islands together with modern nautical infrastructure, especially at marinas such as Porto Montenegro (Tivat) or Marina Kotor. On top of that, there's a practical advantage: since the country isn't part of the Schengen area or the eurozone for specific vessel customs procedures, many operators offer flexible packages that combine Montenegro with side trips to Croatia or Albania.

A schooner with its two or more masts, spacious cabins, and professional crew is especially well suited to families or groups of friends looking for comfort, space, and a relaxed sailing pace, in contrast to sportier monohull sailboats.

What to expect from prices in 2027

Based on the price trends observed in 2026, the following can be estimated for the 2027 season (figures are indicative and will vary by agency, boat age, and demand):

Mid-range schooners (24–28 meters, 4–6 cabins): between €14,000 and €20,000 per week, crew included.
Luxury schooners (30–40 meters): from €30,000 up to over €37,000 per week, with amenities such as a jacuzzi, jet ski, or satellite wifi.

As a general trend reference, current schooner offerings in the Adriatic show weekly prices ranging from just over €8,000 for simpler models to figures close to €100,000 for larger, more luxurious units.

When to book and the best time to sail a schooner in Montenegro

High season in Montenegro runs from June to September, with July and August being the months of highest demand (and prices). For 2027, it's recommended to book 4 to 6 months in advance if you're after a specific date in high season, and to take advantage of May, June, or the second half of September for more affordable rates and fewer crowds.

Suggested one-week route

Tivat (Porto Montenegro) – boarding and first night in the marina.
Bay of Kotor – scenic sailing through the fjord, stopping at Perast and the Our Lady of the Rocks islet.
Budva – anchoring near the old town and the Budva Riviera.
Sveti Stefan – views from the sea of the iconic island-hotel.
Ulcinj / Albanian border – southern beaches, with the option of an excursion to Albania if the charter allows it.
Return toward Budva/Kotor – a final day of swimming and relaxing before disembarking in Tivat.

Practical tips for renting a schooner in Montenegro

Check whether the price includes fuel, port fees, and crew service (chef, skipper, deckhand), as these are usually billed separately.
Take out cancellation insurance, especially if booking well in advance for 2027.
Ask about the security deposit policy, which is standard in the industry.
If traveling in high season, confirm berth availability in Kotor, where space in the historic harbor is limited.

Frequently asked questions about renting a schooner in Montenegro

Do I need sailing experience to rent a schooner in Montenegro?

No. Schooners are almost always rented with a skipper and professional crew included, so passengers don't need any certification or prior experience.

How many people fit on a typical schooner?

It depends on the model, but typically between 8 and 12 passengers in double cabins, plus 3 to 5 crew members.

Can the route be combined with Croatia?

Yes, many routes combine the Bay of Kotor with the nearby Croatian islands (Dubrovnik, Korčula), though this should be confirmed with the charter company due to entry and exit procedures for territorial waters.

What does the rental price usually include?

It usually includes the vessel, basic crew, boat maintenance, and insurance. Fuel, food on board, drinks, and port fees are typically billed separately, unless an "all-inclusive" package is booked.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes, a security deposit is standard and is refunded at the end of the charter if there's no damage or incidents, usually managed via credit card.

What's the best time to avoid bad weather?

June, July, and September tend to offer more stable sea conditions; August can see more boat traffic since it's high season.

Traveler reviews

"We chose a schooner for our family because the kids had more room to move around than on a regular sailboat. The crew took care of everything, and we could just focus on enjoying the scenery of the Bay of Kotor."
The Torres family, July 2026

"What we valued most was the flexibility: we were able to change the route one day because of the weather, and the skipper adapted without any issues. The food on board, prepared by the chef, was one of the best parts of the trip."
Mr. and Mrs. Hernández, July 2026

"We booked with little notice in the middle of August and noticed that prices were higher and options more limited. For 2027 we're planning to book in spring to secure better availability."
Jaime and Sara, August 2026

Renting a schooner in Montenegro in 2027 is an increasingly popular option for those seeking a comfortable, scenic sailing experience with all the services handled by a professional crew. Booking in advance, carefully comparing what each rate includes, and choosing the right season are the keys to making the most of the Bay of Kotor and the Montenegrin Adriatic coast.