Why Duty-Free Fuel in Yachting is Important for Yachts Itineraries and Plans?

The reintroduction of duty-free fuel for yachts in Montenegro is a transformative development for the yachting industry. Effective from January 2025, this policy solidifies Montenegro's status as a premier destination for both private and commercial vessels. It offers substantial benefits to yacht owners, charter operators, and the broader maritime tourism sector, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a nautical hub in the Mediterranean.

A Game-Changer for Yachting Itineraries

Fuel costs play a pivotal role in planning yachting routes and itineraries. With the reintroduction of duty-free fuel, Montenegro provides a significant cost-saving advantage for yacht owners and operators. This incentive positions the country as a highly attractive stopover point or even a base for extended stays, encouraging vessels to include Montenegro in their Mediterranean itineraries.

Adding to the appeal is the tax-free delivery of spare parts, which simplifies maintenance and repairs, allowing both private and commercial vessels to optimize their operations.

Enhancing Montenegro’s Nautical Infrastructure

Montenegro boasts a mix of luxury marinas and functional facilities catering to a diverse range of vessels. Porto Montenegro, Portonovi, Lustica Bay, Lazure Hotel & Marina, and Marina Budva represent the pinnacle of luxury, offering premium services and amenities ideal for superyachts and smaller yachts seeking an exclusive experience. These marinas provide an elegant gateway to Montenegro’s captivating coastline.

In addition, the Port of Kotor and Marina Bar serve as strategic hubs for smaller yachts and sailboats. While not positioned as luxury marinas, they are well-equipped and worth visiting for their proximity to cultural landmarks and local charm. Combined, these facilities underscore Montenegro’s capacity to accommodate diverse yachting needs.

The country also boasts two prominent shipyards, Navar in Tivat and Adriatic42 in Bijela, providing world-class maintenance and refit services. These facilities cater to superyachts and other vessels, ensuring a comprehensive support network for maritime operations.

View on Sveti Stefan with amazing M/Y Titania

Benefits for Private and Commercial Yachts

Both private yachts and commercial charter vessels stand to gain significantly from this policy:

Private Yachts: Owners can enjoy extended cruising opportunities with reduced operational costs. The 72-hour minimum stay requirement - applicable to all yachts, both pleasure and charter - encourages longer visits, allowing yacht owners and their guests to explore Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and luxurious amenities.

Commercial Charters: Lower fuel costs translate into more competitive charter pricing, benefiting clients and boosting operator profitability. The policy’s alignment with Montenegro’s strategic location enables charter operators to integrate Adriatic routes seamlessly into broader Mediterranean itineraries. Additionally, tax-free spare parts delivery and duty-free fuel ensure smooth operations and minimized downtime.

Boosting Economic Growth and Tourism

The economic and tourism impact of this measure cannot be overstated. By attracting more yachts, Montenegro is poised to experience increased spending on local services such as provisioning, maintenance, and tourism. The influx of high-net-worth individuals and affluent travellers will stimulate growth across various sectors, reinforcing Montenegro’s reputation as a premium destination.

Additional Incentives for Yacht Owners and Crews

Berth in Marina Bar

Complementing the duty-free fuel initiative, Montenegro offers duty-free alcohol and tobacco products. These perks elevate the overall luxury experience for yacht owners, guests, and crew members, further enhancing Montenegro’s standing as a yachting haven. The availability of tax-free spare parts delivery ensures that yachts remain operational and well-maintained, making Montenegro a practical and efficient choice for extended stays.

Why This Matters

For the global yachting community, the reintroduction of duty-free fuel is more than a financial advantage. It underscores Montenegro’s commitment to fostering a thriving nautical sector that caters to the unique needs of yacht owners and operators. By integrating cost-saving measures, world-class infrastructure, and practical support services, Montenegro positions itself as a forward-thinking, yacht-friendly destination.

Conclusion

As Montenegro reclaims its place among the Mediterranean’s premier yachting destinations, the duty-free fuel initiative becomes a cornerstone for sustainable growth in the sector. Combined with luxury marinas, reliable maintenance facilities, and additional incentives, this policy invites yacht owners, charter companies, and maritime enthusiasts to rediscover the unmatched allure of Montenegro’s waters and to put them on map and plotter of every yacht in Med from this summer onwards!

Whether planning your next Mediterranean voyage or seeking a base for charter operations, Montenegro’s competitive advantages - now amplified by duty-free fuel - make it an essential destination. Let’s embark on a new era of yachting excellence in Montenegro!

Yacht Agent Montenegro is always at your disposal for all your inquires and questions!

Duty-Free Fuel Regulations in Montenegro: A Timeline of Changes

From June 2022 until January 2025, duty-free fuel in Montenegro was limited to commercially registered yachts and commercial and cargo vessels. During this pause, privately registered yachts were not eligible for duty-free fuel. As of January 2025, the regulations have resumed, allowing all yachts to take advantage of the duty-free pricing, but with updated requirements.

Key Comparisons: Then vs Now

Eligibility and Pricing

Before and Now: The price for duty-free fuel remains unchanged completely free of duties and taxes. This makes Montenegro more cost-effective than neighbouring Albania, where only VAT is excluded from fuel pricing.

72-Hour Stay Requirement

Before: There was no requirement for yachts to stay in Montenegrin waters for 72 hours before refuelling. Yachts could simply arrive, complete check-in procedures, refuel, handle clearance out procedures, and depart.

Now: All yachts must stay in Montenegrin territorial waters for a minimum of 72 hours after the day of arrival before being eligible to refuel duty-free. This means that itineraries must now account for this condition when planning refuelling stops.

Documentation and Compliance

Before and Now: Yachts are required to hold a valid vignette (transit log) to stay in Montenegrin territorial waters. The vignette’s validity must extend at least three hours beyond the planned end of refuelling operations to ensure compliance.

Timing and Scheduling

Before: Timing was more flexible, and same-day bunkering slots were often, except for the peak of the summer, available. Yachts could refuel with minimal advance planning.

Now: Refuelling operations require much more advanced planning due to stricter time regulations. Same-day bunkering is now unlikely, and all refuelling operations must be scheduled well in advance.

Refuelling of a wonderful Perini Navi sailing yacht in Portonovi Marina

How Yachts/Captains/Clients Should Organize Accordingly?

To navigate these updated regulations and ensure smooth operations, yacht captains, management, operators and owners should take the following steps:

Plan Itineraries Carefully

Ensure itineraries account for the 72-hour stay requirement before refuelling. Work closely with agents to synchronize schedules and avoid unnecessary delays.

Engage Professional Yacht Agents

Experienced agents are essential for navigating the new regulations. They handle reservations, documentation, communication with fuel suppliers, and coordination with customs officials. Agents can also assist with potential inspections to ensure compliance.

Prepare Documentation in Advance

Communicate with your dedicated agent and verify that all paperwork, necessary for obtaining the vignette and departure clearance, is in order and aligns with the updated compliance requirements. For obtaining vignette in Montenegro you have to have all following documentation valid:

1. Yacht / Boat Registration Certificate

2. Minimum valid Third Person Liability Insurance - on 800.000,00 EUR minimum sum

3. Valid STCW or other skipper or Captains licence that is adequate for yacht

4. PoA (Power of Authorization) - If owned by private person, either owner have to be on board or Captain should have notarized PoA from the owner of the vessel, or if Company or Legal entity is owner of the yacht then it need to be present PoA with valid sign and stamp from legal entity

5. List of all crew member as well as guest on board with their identifications documents number and expiry date - please be noted that visa regulations must be check before arrival to Montenegrin boarders and passport should be valid for no less then 3 months.

Communicate on all relevant topics which may influence or change timeline for refuelling

As we are all aware that guest plans can change in a moment, it is important to have good communication with your agent so that we can also plan ahead all the small details that may influence timings so that fuel providers, authorities, other clients and everyone else in supply chain does not get affected by sudden changes.

Key Takeaways

Montenegro’s duty-free fuel regulations continue to offer significant cost-saving opportunities, but the updated requirements demand better planning and coordination. By staying informed about these changes and working with experienced agents, yacht owners can still greatly benefit from Montenegro’s competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with the latest rules.

Planning ahead, maintaining open communication with agents who will then further communicate with suppliers, customs, police and harbour master authorities, and understanding the updated processes are essential for a smooth and efficient refuelling experience.

For more information or assistance with navigating Montenegro’s duty-free fuel regulations, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to ensure your operations are seamless and stress-free.

Current Covid-19 measures in Montenegro

The Government of Montenegro has adopted new Covid-19 measures, which will be valid from February 18, 2022 to March 4, 2022.

Entry to Montenegro

Montenegrin citizens and foreigners can enter Montenegro across all border crossings with one of the proofs from the National digital COVID certificate, which are:

* Completely vaccinated or vaccinated with one dose (if that is the only one) and not older than six months since having the last dose;

* Proof that a person has recovered from COVID-19 (passed not less than 10 days and not more than 180 days from a positive PCR or a rapid antigen test);

* Negative PCR test on SARS-Cov-2 not older than 72 hours;

* Negative antigen rapid test - BAT not older than 48 hours.

Passengers and crew of yachts, passenger ships and vessels entering Montenegro are allowed to come to our country with negative results of the PCR test, which was not older than 72 hours while embarking on the vessel.

If a person does not have any of these documents, then 10 days of isolation is mandatory. Persons can have their self–isolation terminated after 3 days of quarantine, with a negative PCR test.

Exception: People under the age of 18 enter Montenegro unconditionally - both Montenegrin citizens and foreigners.

 

General restrictions

• Masks are obligatory in all closed spaces

• Bars and restaurants work until 01:00 AM

• Entrance into the inside of the restaurants and bars, theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries is possible with one of the proofs from the National digital COVID certificate

• Supermarkets, markets, shopping malls, boutiques, beauty salons, hairdressers and similar, have no limitations in working hours

• Private gatherings, celebrations, parties, weddings are allowed.

TIVAT - THE JEWEL OF MONTENEGRIN YACHTING TOURISM

GPS Coordinates:42.4350° N, 18.7066° E

Tivat is located in the central part of Boka Bay and represents a modern tourist destination interesting to tourists.

Tivat is one of the recent and most modern towns in Boka Bay. The town has a lot of interesting and attractive sights.

Marina Porto Montenegro

The biggest attraction of Tivat and the whole Montenegrin coast is surely the Marina Porto Montenegro, which is considered the most exclusive marina on the Adriatic. The combination of a spectacular destination and a modern marina will offer you a service on a world level.

Tivat is up to a three-hour flight from major European cities. Tivat is located internationally airport – Airport Tivat. There are two airports nearby: airport Dubrovnik (46 km) and Podgorica airport (90 km). All three airports are well connected by regular charter flights.

WHAT TO SEE

Naval Heritage Museum 

🟊 The Naval Heritage Museum is hidden out of the main village in Porto Montenegro, but it's well worth visiting. Porto Montenegro used to be called the Arsenal, one of the largest naval bases on the Adriatic, founded by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1889. The museum now houses over 300 exhibits of the area's naval history. There is even a restored Yugoslav submarine on site.

View on "Holy Archipelago"

🟊 “Holy Archipelago” near Tivat consists of three islands – Sveti Marko island (Stradioti), the Island of Flowers and Our Lady of Mercy. All three of these islands are famous for numerous legends, rich history as well as holy places of pilgrimage.

🟊 Beaches around the Island of Sveti Marko and Ostrvo Cvijeca (Island of flowers), perfect for morning swimming.

🟊 Ljetnjikovac Buca (Mansion Buća) in the center of Tivat, a revitalized monument with gallery space and open air theatre where exhibitions concerts took place.

Solila - Tivat

🟊 Solila is a special floristic-faunal reserve. They are located in the swampy part of the coastal zone of the Gulf of Tivat. It is interesting from the tourist point of view for birdwatchers that the flamingos or pennant bird, which is a very rare bird, lives in the area of ​​Solil. With their development in the future, 

Solila acquires the potential to become an ornithological park.

🟊 If you are a fan of beautiful views, we suggest a hiking tour to Gornja Lastva. Gornja Lastva is located in the hinterland of Tivat, at an altitude of about 300 m, on the slopes of the hill Vrmac. This village is mentioned in the XIV century and is one of the few preserved rural areas and as such attracts many tourists and tourists.

WHERE TO EAT

In Tivat are located numerous elite restaurants with international and local specialties.

Nikki Beach Restaurant
Source: montenegro.nikkibeach.com

🟊 Forza Porto - A spectacular restaurant, located in the Ksenija building offering an exquisite menu and uninterrupted views of the marina Porto Montenegro from a beautiful garden terrace.

🟊 Gallardo restaurant - the first traditional steakhouse in the area of Boka Bay. This restaurant is number one for tasty and contemporary meat dishes.

🟊 Murano - Located on the seafront, "Murano" restaurant brings a breeze of azure blue color and a flawless style of unobtrusive luxury. The menu centers around Mediterranean cuisine, fresh seafood, prepared with locally sourced and organic herbs.

🟊 Nikki Beach Restaurant is an urban bistro, well known for delectable dishes inspired by Nikki Beach locations worldwide. This restaurant offers amazing combinations of food and unforgettable tastes of Mediterranean and international cuisine.

INFO FOR CAPTAINS:

⚓ GPS coordinates of marina Porto Montenegro - Tivat:

N 42 25.992

E 18 41.454

⚓ Position of the marina Porto Montenegro - Tivat on Google Maps

⚓VHF 71

⚓ Max length – up to 250m

⚓ Customs formalities in the marina

⚓ Short and long term berthing options

⚓ Tax-free diesel

⚓ Free Wi-Fi

⚓Anchorage:

In front of port Tivat there is a possibility for anchorage even of big ships, due to depth of 18-20 m. On the east part of Tivat Bay (Podpolje beach) there are basins for breathing seashells and anchorage is strictly prohibited.

In Donja Lastva, on the east shore of Tivat Bay, between cape Seljanovo and the strait of Verige anchorage is recommended in front of the beach on a depth of 30m. Sea bottom is sandy and muddy and holds anchor well.

PERFECT COMBINATION OF STONE AND SEA - PERAST

GPS Coordinates: 42°29'14.8"N 18°41'47.5"E

Opposite the narrow Verige strait, at the foot of the hill of St. Elijah and at the place where the Bay of Kotor and Risan separate, you must see and experience the town of Perast. As far as is known, it is the oldest human habitat on the shores of the Bay of Kotor. Remains of Neolithic culture (3500 BC), as well as numerous archaeological finds, testify to a continuous settlement from Illyrian, Roman and early Christian times to the present day.

Perast

Perast, we observe through a unique whole of the city, islands and sea. These elements are united in both the physical and the spiritual dimension of the city. The UNESCO-protected town with its impeccably preserved Venetian Gothic waterfront buildings has a magnificent past. Iconic postcard images of Perast and the two famous nearby isles of Our Lady of the Rocks and St George are amongst the best know tourism images of Montenegro.

Lady of the Rock and St. George
 Photo: Iva Radic

The artificial island of Our Lady of the Rocks (Gospa od Škrpjela) was created by throwing stones and sinking ships on an underwater rock. The people of Perast chose this place to build a church on it because sailors saw an icon with the image of Mary, mother of Jesus on July 22, 1452. Every year on this date a memorial is held and sails to the island on boats where new stones are thrown from ritual and for practical reasons, to compensate for the stones carried away by sea. The church was built in 1630, and it was painted by the famous Baroque painter Tripo Kokolja from Perast. In addition to his frescoes, the church is adorned with 2,000 silver plaques donated by sailors as a token of gratitude that God kept them on their voyages.

Another island not far from Our Lady is called Saint George (Sveti Đorđe). There is also a church on this island. Originally, there was a city cemetery, which was moved to the northern part of the city in 1866, as well as a church from the 12th century, destroyed during the earthquake in 1667. Today, there is a new church built on the site of the old one. Throughout history, this island has had a military defense function, because it is located in the heart of Boka and near the narrowest part of the bay - Verige, so it protected Perast and Risan from external attacks from the sea.

Perast prospered in the Venetian period when its defensive towers and the Fortress of St. Cross were built above the town. The city grew to include over 20 baroque palazzi (palaces), 18 churches, and an important maritime school. This explains why the village has a distinctly Venetian feel to it even today, and an unusually high concentration of churches for what is now a much smaller village than it used to be.

What to do:

⚓ Exploring the narrow streets and alleyways that stretch back from the water.

⚓ St Nicholas' church dominates the central town square. It is a Catholic church with a 55-meter-high bell tower. The entrance fee for the tower is 1 Euro and the views from the top overlooking the bay and towards the two islands are magnificent.

⚓ A visit to the Nautical Museum will bring you closer to the history and culture of the place. The museum itself is located in a beautiful, well-preserved old house by the bay with a marvelous view of the sea.

⚓ Visiting the church and museum located on Our Lady of the Rocks.

Where to eat:

Restaurant Catovica Mlini

⚓Restaurant Conte - with authentically Boka interior, stone and wood offering traditional meals and has access from the sea with the possibility of berthing (buoys and moorings) in front of restaurant terrace for smaller yachts but for bigger yachts and sailboats the restaurant has a tender (10 seats) to offer your guests free transfer from the anchorage.

⚓ Ćatovića Mlini - about 5 nautical miles from Perast, with our assistance, restaurant tender is at your disposal to pick up guests from your yacht directly from anchorage in Morinj to the restaurant.

Fun facts about Perast:

⚓ At its peak, in the middle of the 18th century, the Perast fleet consisted of about 100 larger ships. At that time, Perast was the main maritime city in the Bay of Kotor, celebrated on all seas. Perast ships sailed all over the Mediterranean, entering the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to England and the Netherlands.

Perast
Photo by Jovan Skakic

 ⚓On one occasion, a "rumor" reached Perast about a large number of pirates coming to plunder the city. The captains of Perast came up with a plan for the defense. In the narrowest place, they make an obstacle from chains (chains), from one side of the shore to the other. Chains were gathered around Perast and the surrounding places, from which a long defensive chain was made. Perast and the rest of Boka were defended. And so, the narrow passage in front of Perast was named Chains. People from Perast and the rest of Boka, chains and padlocks are not associated with slavery, but with great freedom.

 ⚓ Keeping the war flag called "Serenissima", for the full 377 years that the Venetian Republic ruled in this area, eight of its guards gave their lives, defending it! After the fall of the Veneto Republic, after Napoleon conquered Perast and Boka, the war flag was buried with a ceremony in Perast. To date, it has not been found.

The last of the three guards who buried the flag in secret, when asked to say where it was buried, answered - that the dead should not be disturbed.

Info for captains: 

The main docks in Perast are located under the church bell tower. These docks, just like the two smaller docks to the west and east of this one, are full of boats, most of them transporting passengers to Our Lady of the Rocks (there is a small dock on the island too). In the summer, you can only find a place to berth on the ‘main’ dock in the evening, when those boats stop sailing to the island. During bura winds, anchor closer to the eastern end of the town, and in sirocco, anchor at the beginning of the Bay of Risan.

 Fasinada Cup

Today, Perast is an extremely peaceful town, and the turbulent life, wealth and glory of Perast and the people of Perast are history. However, with its beauty, Perast attracts modern sailors, travelers, artists, dreamers, eager for beauty and peace.

HERCEG NOVI - A CITY OF SALT WITH 100 001 STEPS

GPS Coordinates:42°27'11.02" N 18°32'15.00" E

Located between the entrance to the Bay of Kotor and the high mountain Orjen you will be warmly welcomed in the biggest, sunniest and youngest city in the Bay of Boka - Herceg Novi. A city that has been ennobled by poets and painters over the centuries.

Although it is one of the youngest settlements on the Adriatic, it had a very turbulent history, and every one of the numerous conquerors had left a mark on the city, making it one of the most picturesque towns on the Montenegrin coast.

Fortress Kanli Kula, Source: Tovougerbust

A city that has been destroyed and rebuilt nine times during its turbulent history. Rarely do any cities have a known founder, year and reason for existence. Herceg Novi was founded in May 1382 by the Bosnian king Tvrtko the First, between Dubrovnik and Kotor who were already considered as big and important towns. The reason why Tvrtko choose this geographical corner for his new city is that Novi is the most magnificent amphitheater of nature. A town on the slope of a high hill, between forests, palm trees, oranges and other southern flora.

It is enough to enumerate only the peoples who ruled this city and understand its value. Before Tvrtko Kotromanić here were: Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and then Turks, Spaniards, Venetians, Austrians, Russians, French...The city was destroyed and rebuilt nine times.

WHY THE CITY OF SALT? The city was founded for the development of the salt trade and then it was named Sveti Stefan (yes, like the "current" Sveti Stefan-about fifty kilometers to the south). The old town lies just above the town’s marina. And this reminds that Herceg Novi has another nickname – the City of Stairs. To reach the old town from the seaside, you’ll need to go with one of the 100 001 stairs of town.

WHAT TO SEE? It is well known spa and health center, with nearby Igalo being abundant in healing sea mud called “igaljsko blato” (Igalo mud) and mineral water springs called “igaljske slatine” (Igalo water springs). The most famous tourist attractions in Herceg Novi are:

⚓ Old town - The Herceg Novi old town is amazing. It is on a fairly steep hill that leads all the way down to the sea. Wandering through the small stairways to the various plazas and fortresses is many hour adventures. There are both Orthodox and Catholic churches that are well worth visiting. Free.

Monastery Savina, Photo: Yuya Matsuo 

⚓Kanli Kula - (Old Town). The Kanli Kula fortress dominating the old town doubles as an open-air theatre and is worth visiting mainly for the splendid views of the town and the Boka Kotorska bay.

⚓ Espanola — The Španjola fortress located higher up the mountain (170 meters above sea level) dates back to the 16th century. Take a small street going upwards across from the Kanli Kula fortress. The entrance is free and you can freely climb the walls.

⚓Savina Monastery — The Savina monastery, approximately 2 km east from the city center has three beautiful Orthodox churches and splendid views of the bay.

The city itself is not a major destination for sunbathing, but there are many attractive beaches reachable by boat. It's just a few nautical miles away from beaches Zanjic, Miriste, Lustica...

A city that has a thousand-year-old authentic cultural heritage, especially 89 sacral gems, churches built from the 9th to the 19th century from which 75 Orthodox and 14 Catholic.

Tavern Feral, a family tavern is one of the restaurants that has been manage to preserve traditional food for over thirty years with a lot of love.

The konoba restaurant "Krušo" offers a wide choice of local and international dishes and a selection of the finest wines.

WHY? We concluded that Herceg Novi is worthy to stand next to its neighbors Dubrovnik and Kotor and that built its uniqueness and recognizability based on position, history and character.

Local Winery Savina, Source: Castelsavina

RESTAURANTS YOU CAN REACH FROM ANCHOR:

Perla Portonovi restaurant & cafe bar is situated in the heart of the exclusive resort community Portonovi - Montenegro essence.

Adriatica restaurant by the beach is unique in its own right and will offer its guests a cozy setting with a relaxed vibe, right after the ferry in Kamenari.

If you, however, find your self walking on the streets of Herceg Novi we would recommend you to check out traditional taverns like Tavern Krušo or Tavern Feral with great food and traditional coastal atmosphere.

Info for Captains:

Anchorage:

Anchorage is permitted west and east from the port, in Meljine beach(this anchorage is very safe, even in south winds), near the port of Zelenika, or in front of Igalo (Topla beach). It is important to say that the end of this beach is shallow.

Marina Herceg Novi, Photo: Vuk Ilic

Port of Herceg Novi:

⚓ the length of the coast is 250 m,

⚓ depth along the coast is from 3m-9m,

⚓ the port has 40 berths,

⚓ the maximum length of mooring yachts is 30 m,

⚓ has 8 service cabinets for water and single-phase electricity 220 V, 50 Hz,

⚓ if necessary, there is a diver,

⚓does not perform repairs or take wastewater from the vessel,

⚓ no maritime pilotage required,

⚓ petrol pump for boats (Euro diesel, Eurosuper 95 and all types of lubricants)

⚓ no tax-free fuel.

BLUE CAVE - DESCENT INTO THE BLUE

GPS Coordinates: 42° 22′ 25.72″N, 18° 35′ 47.27″E

One of the places that you must visit, while sailing the Montenegrin coast, is the Blue Cave (Plava Spilja) on the Lustica peninsula in Boka Bay.

You can get to it only from the seaside. The cave is located about 4.5 NM from marina Lustica Bay, 7 NM from marina Portonovi, 10.5 NM from marina Porto Montenegro. From the port of Kotor, the Blue Cave is the distance by 17 nautical miles.

Entrance to Blue Cave, Source: https://franks-travelbox.com

This is one of the most impressive sea caves in Montenegro.

Massive rock cave with reflective blue water about five meters deep that is great for boat tours, snorkeling, kayaking and swimming.

Blue Cave, Source: apartmani-igalo.com

The area of the Blue Cave is about 300 square meters. The water is between 3 meters and 5 meters deep, with 9 meters above sea level vault.

This cave can only be reached by yacht, tender or kayak. There are two entrances that allow for the smaller boats to enter the cave.

Visit and admire the reflection of blue light.

After Blue Cave, on coming back to one of the marinas in the Bay of Boka Kotorska you can see the Mamula fortress, visit fishing village Rose and other interesting places.

MOVIELIKE MAMULA

GPS Coordinates:42°23'43.01" N 18°33'29.99" E

Marking the entrance of the UNESCO-protected Boka Kotorska Bay, Mamula - a fortress on a small rocky island-Lastavica lays around 3.4 nautical miles from the coastal town of Herceg Novi.

Circular shaped with a diameter of about 200 meters, surrounded by lots of agaves and with low vegetation fortress was built by Austro-Hungarian General Lazar Mamula in the mid-1800s to stop invaders from attacking the cities along the bay.

Fortress Mamula 

Ironically, not a single cannon shot was fired from the fortress. Along with 2 other fortresses, Arza and Prevlaka, it was used to control the entrance to Boka Bay. But unfortunately, the island had a different fate, painful and dark, by which many films would later be made.

During the First World War, the Austrians used the fortress as a prison, and during the Second World War it's turned into a concentration camp. The prison could accommodate several hundred prisoners, today is one of the biggest and best-preserved Austrian fortifications on the Adriatic.

Enterance in Boka Bay

The unique and secluded location gave the inspiration to shoot several movies including Campo Mamula 1959 movie about the history of this island. Also big Hollywood blockbuster Papillon found the perfect setting for the prison movie right here. Nymph (which was originally called Mamula) is a thriller/drama movie from 2014 that gives mermaids a darker, murderous side and it was filmed also on this island.

Recreantly, the Montenegrin government leased this protected cultural monument to be developed into a luxury 5-star resort, despite the opposition of the local population. Investors is turning Mamula into a unique hotel. After the reconstruction, the fortress will become a memorial museum open to visitors.

Despite the fact that the port on the island is abandoned, you can come close to dock with your tender or small boat for a short walk to feel a part of history.

You can swim, snorkel and scuba dive while on the island which is less than a nautical mile away from the bays of Zanjice and Miriste, overlooking the fortress of Arza. Mamula is an unavoidable place on your way through the Bay of Kotor.

ROSE - SIMPLICITY OF LIVING BY SEA

GPS Coordinates: 42° 25' 38" N, 18° 33' 24" E

Moor at one of the two jetties, the floating pontoon belongs to Forte Rose restaurant. Guests arriving by yacht can moor here at a depth of 4-12 meters.

Pontoon: length up to 20m, width 4m. Large buoys away from the mule.

View on Rose - Montenegro, Source: Ranko Maraš

Rose, small captain’s village is cuddled with mountains and Mediterranean forests, located right on entering the Bay of Kotor, on the North-Western shore of the peninsula Luštica, just opposite Herceg Novi, 1.7 nautical miles away.

Beautiful Rose promenade,
Source: Milos Samardzic 

It has the appearance of a typical Mediterranean place with a row of houses upstairs by the sea in the style of Boka architecture. The farewell of fishermen who go fishing at night with lanterns introduces visitors to the Mediterranean spirit and reminds them of the simplicity of life by the sea.

And before they became a reservoir of the most beautiful memories for those who found their summer refuge here, Rose was shaped by history. This used to be the ancient Greek settlement of Punto Rosa, which was destroyed by the Saracens (as Europeans called the Arabs in the Middle Ages) in 867. Since then, Rose has failed to regain her former glory. Rose in the past often served as a shelter for sailing ships, and at one time there was customs and the Port Authority, as well as a quarantine for sailors entering Boka.

There is an Orthodox church of the Holy Trinity in Rose, surrounded by the cemetery, where many well-known Maritime captains were buried. Also, the Church of Holy Mother, built in 1783. by the Venetian general Antonio Alberto.

Walk through resort Forte Rose, Source: Forte Rose

Forte Rose’s famous Mediterranean restaurant used to be the lighthouse for the bay and boasts views of Rose, Herceg Novi and the Bay of Kotor. A luxurious and private dining experience best known for its freshly caught seafood cuisine, meat, vegetarian dishes, breathtaking sunsets and exceptional wine list.

Note: The floating pontoon belongs to Forte Rose. Guests arriving by yacht can moor here at a depth of 4-12 meters. Mooring lines are available, but water is not. One or two yachts can get electricity on request. In addition to the docking facilities at the floating dock, the Forte Rose restaurant has deployed some large buoys with a very solid concrete block.

During the dive on dive site "Rose" you can see ancient chains, anchors, cannonballs and as well fragments of ancient pottery - jugs, amphorae, plates, etc. This dive site is a very popular site for scuba diving in Montenegro because of its history. A large number of divers come to this area to engage in underwater archaeological research and to see the old wrecks of ships and planes from times long past that lie on the bottom.

And everyone who stepped in there, and as soon as he stepped in had to stay or come back and will tell you the same thing - Rose is a hidden place for sunbathing your soul.

CURRENT COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ARRIVAL OR STAY IN MONTENEGRO VALID UNTIL 17. 3. 2021.

As the situation is rapidly changing day by day, Montenegro has added new measures in the fight with coronavirus.

Added on the previous measures that we have posted in update before here are new measures issued by the Montenegrin government:

- Negative PCR not older more 48 hours, or positive IgG test not older than 30 days or confirmation that person has been vaccinated and revaccinated more than 7 days before arrival in Montenegro is needed for arrival from all countries except Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo starting from 13.03.2021.

Lustica Bay - Marina

Excluded from this are:

Essential transportation workers, including seafarers in transit, as per European Commision recommendations, that are embarking or disembarking in Port of Bar, Marina Budva, Port of Kotor, Portonovi Marina and Porto Montenegro - Tivat (Pier I and Pier II) where police and customs borders are operating. 

These persons are allowed to transit to and from their vessel in order to begin or end their work contract on a yacht or vessel.

- All coastal cities (Ulcinj, Bar, Budva, Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi) are closed, and it is not allowed to move from one municipality to another without special permission and reason for that traveling.

If you are going on a plane or train, a boarding pass or ticket for an international train ride is valid as proof.

If you are working onboard then a letter with reason of traveling in Montenegrin language and contract of employment is required as police controls all cars on exiting/entry into municipalities.

- It is not allowed for more than two persons staying in groups in open spaces.

- In parks, beaches, and outdoor spaces for space and recreation it is not allowed to stay for a long time.

Follow our news section for more updates so that you may plan your arrival, or be safe while you are staying in Montenegro.

For any other information or help you can contact us anytime on our phone numbers or via email.

CURRENT COVID-19 UPDATE FOR ARRIVAL IN MONTENEGRO ON 2. 3. 2021.

Here is brief information related to the arrival and entry of foreign citizens in Montenegro with yachts.

All ports and marinas in Montenegro are open for entry of the yachts and vessels from all countries. Crew members and guests are allowed to come with some limitations depending on their passport and the countries they spent time before arrival to Montenegro.

Airports Tivat and Podgorica are open for the arrival of both private and commercial flights but not all the lines are back running as usually.

All land border crossing are open for arrival.

Porto Montenegro

Passport holders of the following countries and/or citizens who stayed in the following countries prior to their arrival in Montenegro and obliged to have negative PCR test not older than 72 hours: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, France, Spain, Malta, South Africa, Portugal, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Israel, Denmark, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Brazil, Republic of India, Bahrain, Lebanon, the Republic of San Marino, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Botswana.

Even if you are a passport holder of the abovementioned countries but you have stayed with your yacht in one of the countries that are considered “safe” and that is not on the list, or you spend it in navigation on the sea before arriving in Montenegro you do not need PCR test for entry.

If a person does not have a PCR test and it is required for them from the mentioned measures then a self-isolation measure is demanded on their vessel or in their accommodation. After six days isolation can be suspended if a negative PCR test is provided.

Masks are obligatory in all closed spaces and in open if there is more then one person together.

There is lockdown measure in all Montenegro everyday from 21:00 until 05:00 meaning that no one may leave their home, yacht, hotel or any kind of accommodation without special permission.

Several Montenegrin cities are in strict lockdown, meaning that no cafes, restaurants, or public gathering places are allowed to work. Only supermarkets, gas stations, bakeries and pharmacies are open. Any kind of gathering, both in open or closed spaces, even private homes, except for close family members. Going out from these cities is not allowed for their residents.

Cities under lockdown at this moment are Tivat, Budva, Herceg Novi.

In some other cities like Podgorica, Ulcinj, Kotor, Cetinje, Niksic are enforced mild measures meaning that only food and drink services are not allowed as well as any kind of public gathering. Non-hospitality services are working from 07:00-18:00 but it is not allowed for residents to leave territories of these municipalities.

During weekends (from Friday 21:00 until Monday 05:00) it is not allowed to go from one city to another without having permission from authorized personnel.

Marinas have also adopted best practice guides to prevent the spread of the virus and respect social distancing on land which shall be consulted.

These are current measures in Montenegro summed up to ease your plans for arrival or stay and Yacht Agent Montenegro with this season coming up will keep you updated on any changes regularly. You can as well contact us for any information, help or assistance related to arrival with your yacht and we will be eager to help you anytime.

Update Croatia - August 5, 2020

Arrival for EU citizens from Montenegro to Croatia is allowed without a PCR test, but arrival from Montenegro to Croatia by citizens from any other country is not available without a negative PCR test not older than 48h. Crew members with a contract can cross Croatian borders from all countries without restrictions (no quarantine or self-isolation required).

Arrivals of foreign citizens for tourist purposes, who will in Croatia be staying onboard yachts of over 24 meters in length/vessels - passengers

1. Passengers as well as vessel owners and their family members, friends and any other person other than the crew.

2. The passengers arrived to Croatia by airplanes, and unable to present negative results of tests of the nose and throat swab for SARS-CoV-2, not older than 48 hours, shall be organized immediate transfer to the vessel. The transfer may be organized by a private helicopter that will be stored onboard.

3. The passengers shall undergo tests of nose and throat swab for SARS-CoV-2 after being accommodated onboard the vessel.

4. The vessel on board of which there are passengers who cannot, upon arrival to Croatia, present a negative PCR result of tests of the nose and throat swab for SARS-CoV-2, not older than 48 hours, shall sail to the ports of Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka or Pula, where the passengers will be PCR tested.

Self-isolation of passengers on a vessel in Croatia may be performed:

1. Berthed in a marina or port open to public traffic;

2. At anchor if there is no vacant berth in marina or port; or

3. While sailing in Croatia without calling in any port and with no contacts with other persons.

5. The passengers shall be subjected to temperature measurements and maintaining records the same as the crewmembers.

Arrivals of third-country citizens for immediate personal reasons and having a yacht or boat

berthed in Croatia - owners

1. All the persons entering Croatia from third countries as exempted from the ban of crossing the border, and the persons traveling for immediate personal reasons (e.g., owners of vessels in Croatia) or having another immediate personal reason shall be subjected to medical supervision and the 14-day quarantine/self-isolation.

The quarantine/self-isolation may be shortened to seven days if the person at their cost performs nose and throat swab test within seven days from entering Croatia and receives a negative PCR test result for SARS-CoV-2.

2. With regard to the vessels owned by legal entities, foreign citizens proving they are owners of that legal entity or that they are responsible persons in that legal entity as well as vessel owners for the purpose of these instructions.

Update Montenegro - August 5, 2020.

International maritime traffic is performed with countries and across the territory of countries from the 'green list,' consisting of: EU Member States, Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Fiji, Georgia, Iceland, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Seychelles, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zambia. 

'Yellow list': Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Kosovo, Israel and Singapore. 

At the session of the National Coordination Body for Communicable Diseases, the list of countries whose residents can enter Montenegro was updated. From 04. August 2020. residents of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Azerbaijan will be allowed to enter Montenegro without additional conditions.

                  

If you and your crew meet all of these conditions you are welcome to come to Montenegro without any additional restrictions:

* If you, your crew or guests are residents of one of the countries from the green list, or has stayed in the country from the green list, for at least 15 days before entering Montenegro;
* If in the period from the 15th day before entering Montenegro to the day of entry, you, your crew or guests did not stay in any of the countries not included in the green list of countries;
* You, your crew or guests did not travel to any of the countries or through any of the countries not included in the green list of countries, except in transit.

Also, with the negative PCR, ELISA or ECLIA test for COVID-19, which is no older than 72 hours:

* If you, your crew or guests are residents from one of the countries from the previous 'green list' or 'yellow list' or have stayed in the country from the previous 'green list' or 'yellow list' for at least 15 days before entry to Montenegro;
* In the period from the 15th day before entering Montenegro to the day of entry, he or she did not stay in any of country out of the previous 'green list' or this 'yellow list';
* He or she did not travel through one of the countries out of the previous 'green list' and 'yellow list' of countries, except in transit.

NOTE: The obligation of having a test does NOT apply to children under the age of five.

New measures on developments in Montenegro regarding Covid-19

The National Coordination Body for Infectious Diseases has made a new decision on opening the borders of Montenegro in accordance with the policy of the highest level of protection of citizens, foreigners living in our country and tourists. The new measures come into force on June 21, 2020. at 24h.

In accordance with the adopted principles, three lists of countries have been formed depending on: the number of active and new cases of coronavirus infection, the trend of the number of infected persons and the overall response of a country to a pandemic, as well as information on aspects such as testing, treatment, contact monitoring and reporting.

Countries whose residents can enter Montenegro without restrictions are: Algeria, Angola, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji , Philippines, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Greenland, Georgia, Guyana, Guinea, Netherlands, Croatia, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, East Timor, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, South Korea, South Sudan, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kenya, China, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Hungary, Malawi, Malta, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mexico , Myanmar, Monaco, Mongolia, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Ivory Coast, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Slovakia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Senegal, Slovenia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Saint Lucia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Countries whose residents can enter Montenegro with a negative result of PCR test on SARS-CoV-2 accredited laboratories, aged no more than 48 hours are: Italy, Albania, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Israel, Poland, Romania and Ukraine.

The third group are foreign nationals who enter Montenegro from some of the countries that are not on the list and are sent to quarantine for 14 days.

NOTE: It is mandatory to wear protective masks in public indoor facilities.

These measures also apply to passengers and crew entering one of the Montenegrin marinas.

If you are planning to visit Montenegro and want to get timely information about all current measures, feel free to contact the Yacht Agent Montenegro team.

UPDATE: ENTRY OF FOREIGN VESSELS INTO MONTENEGRO FROM THE 1ST OF JUNE 2020

Having in mind the implementation of the "Plan for the reception and management of foreign vessels and their crews in the ports of Montenegro, enabling unloading, embarkation and transit of foreign seafarers, as well as the management of foreign vessels entering the ports of Montenegro for fuel", we want to inform you about the mitigation of measures adopted by the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs.

Namely, from the 1st of June foreign vessels entering Montenegro and coming by water from countries with a lower active rate of 25 per 100000 inhabitants can freely enter all ports and marinas of Montenegro.

Boka Bay

If your last port of residence was in Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, Albania, Malta, Cyprus or Monaco upon arrival of the crew and passengers are free to stay in Montenegro without staying in quarantine for 14 days. And if the owners, guests or crew are citizens of the following countries and come to Montenegro by land or air they are not obliged to stay in self-isolation or quarantine, those countries are:

Slovenia, Iceland, Croatia, Slovakia, Georgia, Switzerland, Albania, Austria, Monaco, Kosovo, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Israel, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia...

If you enter Montenegro from countries with a higher active rate of 25 per 100000 inhabitants, the crew and passengers are assigned a measure of self-isolation or quarantine for a period of 14 days. The measure of self-isolation and quarantine is abolished after 14 days for persons who have a negative coronavirus test result.

Tax-free diesel: All vessels that intend to enter Montenegro in order to supply duty-free fuel, entry is allowed, with the mandatory departure from Montenegro territorial waters immediately after the bunker. Tax-free diesel fuel is available at: Port of Bar, Marina Bar and Porto Montenegro.

By standard retail prices of fuel, you can supply your vessel in Port of Kotor, Marina Kotor and Dukley Marina Budva.

If you are planning to come to Montenegro and need detailed information, feel free to contact the Yacht Agent Montenegro team. Welcome to Montenegro!