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.

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.

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.

MONTENEGRO OPENS EVEN MORE AS MASS VACCINATION HAS BEGUN

As the massive vaccination has begun in our country and thanks to strong epidemiological measures from the past period, Montenegro is in a favorable position before the start of the tourist season. Coming out of the so-called "red list" and with completely open borders, we welcome the season, wishing our guests a welcome as a safe destination.

Due to the favorable trend of the epidemiological situation in Montenegro, new, liberalized measures will apply from 12. 5. 2021. - 20. 5. 2021.

Entry to Montenegro

⚓ All ports and marinas stay open for entry of the yachts and vessels from all countries.

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

⚓ All land border crossings are open for arrival.

⚓ Negative PCR not older more 72 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, Russia Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

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

NEW!! 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 at the time of embarkation.

Boka Bay 

General restrictions

➤ On the territory of the whole of Montenegro, the ban on movement, which was valid from midnight to five in the morning, is completely canceled. Also, the ban on intercity traffic, which was in force on weekends, is completely canceled too.

➤ Masks are obligatory in all closed spaces and in open.

➤ Bars and restaurants are open, from 7:00 until 23:00h, with a maximum of 4 people per table. Music is allowed on the terrace.

➤ Supermarkets, markets, shopping malls, boutiques, beauty salons, hairdressers and similar, are working from 07:00 until 22:00.

➤ Gyms and fitness centers are open, from 7:00 until 22:00.

If you are planning to come to Montenegro and need detailed information, help or assistance feel free to contact the Yacht Agent Montenegro.

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.

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 MEASURES IN MONTENEGRO, VALID UNTIL 9TH APRIL 2021.

Here is a brief update related to Covid 19 measures in Montenegro, valid until 9th April 2021.

Entry requirements

⚓All ports and marinas in Montenegro are open for entry of the yachts and vessels from all countries.

⚓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.

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. 3. 2021.

If a person does not have 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.

General restrictions

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

⚓ In all cities, curfew starts from 22:00 until 05:00.

⚓ In some cities like Tivat, Herceg Novi, Budva, Kotor, Ulcinj, Bar, Podgorica, Cetinje bars and restaurants are open and use only outside terrace areas, until 21:00h, with a maximum of 2 people per table. Music is still not allowed. Non-hospitality services, boutiques, beauty salons, hairdressers and similar, are working from 07:00 until 21:00.

Is not allowed for residents to leave territories of these municipalities.

⚓ Several Montenegrin cities are in strict lockdown. Cities under lockdown at this moment are Niksic and Savnik.

⚓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.

These are current measures in Montenegro summed up to ease your plans for arrival or stay. You can as well contact us for any information, help or assistance via email or phone number. 

Your Yacht Agent Montenegro.

HOW TO GET TAX FREE FUEL ON ADRIATIC SEA IN 2021

Passing through the Adriatic Sea on the way to your next destination or planning your stay in one of the ports along the Adriatic coast?

We are well aware how important it is for your trip to have high-quality fuel at the most competitive prices.

Let our team help you refuel your boat safely with fuel and oil with no tax on your purchase.

Yacht Agent Montenegro can assist you with refueling in all Montenegrin marinas and ports and through our network we are able to organize your bunkering in whole Albania as well.

With our partners we always fulfill our clients expectations in terms of the quality of provided fuel and service.

Montenegro and Albania offer you this service but with differences in terms of regulations and limits. Here are some important facts that can help you if you planning to visit Montenegro or other Mediterranean countries and to keep your tank always full in the most economical option so you cruise this wonderful area with ease.

Tax-free diesel in Montenegro

Did you know that tax-free fuel in Montenegro and Albania is 45% cheaper than retail diesel prices in these countries, and up to 60% less expensive than the regular retail price in the EU?

Along the Montenegrin coast, there are three fuel stations where you can supply your yacht with tax and duty-free diesel.

Tax and duty-free fuel are available to both private and commercial yachts with no minimum limit nor registration restrictions.

In Montenegro, as per government regulation, fuel prices change every 14 days (night between Monday and Tuesday) but for large duty-free refueling quantities (over 100000 liters) price can be adjusted depending on the situation.

In contact with our team, you can supply your yacht with tax-free fuel in the next Montenegro ports:

I. Porto Montenegro – Tivat

Location: 42˚26.03’N 18˚41.33’E

Duty-free fuel for no limit in yacht size or quantity.

Positioned at the end of Jetty 3, this specialized fuel dock through it’s system holds stock of up to 800,000 liters of tax and duty-free fuel which can be pumped at up to 1000 liters per minute. The dock is operational all year round (with variation in working time, summer time is from 08.00 until 20.00 and winter time is from 08.00 till 17.00, but everything can be arranged to suit clients needs depending on availability) and up to three yachts can refuel at the same time.

The fuel provided is high-quality Euro diesel (Ultra-Low Sulphur) and you do not have to preorder a specific amount, you can take any quantity that is under safety requirements depending on your tank capacity.

Fuel dock in Porto Montenegro

Fuel dock in Porto Montenegro is part of the customs dock and you can clear out of Montenegrin waters as soon as you finish your bunkering directly from the berth.

As this is a specialized place for refueling of yachts additional services like mooring operations, firefighters etc. are included in overall service expenses.

In the winter time short notice for reservation of refueling slot is often possible, but in the season period several days ahead is obligatory due to occupation and availability.

II. Port of Bar

Location: 42°05'36.6"N 19°04'42.3"E

This is part of the commercial Port of Bar where you can refuel all yacht sizes and supply them with any quantity demanded as it is part of a pipeline connected to the main tanks in one of the biggest port in the region.

The maximum draft in the port is 13 meters, and same as in the Boka Bay area pilotage is mandatory for all yachts over 1000 GRT.

At the moment due to limited capacities only one yacht refueling is possible and it is always advised to schedule your time several days ahead.

Fuel dock in Port of Bar

This is a commercial port and Port due (e.g. fireman’s, mooring, unmooring, garbage, oil spill protecting system, etc.) will be charged per each operation depending on time used to complete it.

Customs and police clearance can be done at the spot and departure is possible directly from the bunkering berth.

III. Marina Bar

Location: 42°05'57.1"N 19°05'15.8"E

The refueling station in Marina Bar is the smallest in it’s capacity, with tanks holding up to 30000 liters and size limit of 40 meters with a maximum draft up to 4.5 meters. The announcement is obligatory in both winter and summer season, with the exception in winter that it can be in one or two days and in summer is better to be more that three days prior to refueling. If larger quantities are required at any time it is best to advise earlier so that everything can be organized accordingly.

Fuel dock in Marina Bar

Operation services are included in the price and it is obligatory to move back to customs dock (in Port of Bar) to finish customs formalities as well as check out procedure so that you may depart to your next destination.

Customs regulations in Montenegro

A valid vignette and a stamp with yacht’s details (name of the yacht, registration number, and port of registry engraved in it) are required to acquire duty-free fuel. Upon completion of bunkering the yacht must leave the territorial waters of Montenegro without delay, except in some unexpected emergency situation with the allowance from custom and police authorities.

Tax-free diesel in Albania

Tax and duty-free fuel are available to both private and commercial yachts with no minimum limit nor registration restrictions in Albanian ports.

Tax-free fuel supply is governed by Regulations on Special Customs Supervision, and Customs Procedures for Goods used for supply of transportation means in international traffic.

Tax-free supply is delivered by truck.

Yacht Agent Montenegro is partnering with Superyacht Services Albania part of Albanian Kastrati Group, as most reputable supplier whose quality of service and fuel completely fulfill expectations of our clients demands, a company established more 20 years ago, and has a fleet of new trucks delivering in all ports and marinas from Shengjin, Durres commercial port, Vlora to Sarande as their biggest southern yacht spot.

They offer bunkering services with a brand-new fleet of Mercedes trucks, delivering up to 1000 liters/minute.

Tax-free diesel minimum quantity is 800 liters, and quantites need to be preordered before arrival in precise quantity as it is supplied by trucks and any quantity of fuel is possible to order.

Pilots are required on all yachts with their length over 20 meters and tug boats are compulsory for vessels with their GRT over 1000 tonnes.

Where there is fuel and bunkering, there is a need for professional support assistance, and we offer the best team, customized to your expectations.

For any information regarding diesel prices, berth availability and prices, do not hesitate to contact us through our website or by phone +382 67 552 287 or by e-mail info@yachtagent any time 24/7.

If you’d like us to provide you with tax-free diesel and oil on your next stop, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance so we may have the appropriate bunkering paperwork ready for you. We’re always available on the contact form or by phone. 

Skip the tax and enjoy more financial freedom on your next expedition!

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.

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.

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 Greece - August 5, 2020

Entry to Greece:

1. Is allowed for Greek citizens, regardless of their country of origin, on the condition that they have a Greek passport or a special identity card for expatriates;

2. Citizens and residents of the European Union (EU);

3. Citizens and residents of the EU+. This includes Schengen countries that are not in the EU (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Lichtenstein) plus Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Ireland and the UK. Non-EU passport holders with EU permanent residence permits may enter Greece. Contact the Greek Embassy in the country of your residence to verify your residency documents and they will permit you to enter Greece;

4. Citizens and residents of the following non-EU countries: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay.

All sea connections between Greece and Turkey, Greece and Albania will remain closed until August 14th!

As from 16 July, member states should gradually lift the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries: 

Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, Uruguay, China, subject to confirmation of reciprocity.

Regarding the epidemiological situation, third countries listed should meet the following criteria, in particular:

1. Number of new COVID-19 cases over the last 14 days and per 100 000 inhabitants close to or below the EU average (as it stood on 15 June 2020);

2. The stable or decreasing trend of new cases over this period in comparison to the previous 14 days;

3. The overall response to COVID-19 taking into account available information, including on aspects such as testing, surveillance, contact tracing, containment, treatment and reporting, as well as the reliability of the information and, if needed, the total average score for International Health Regulations (IHR). Information provided by EU delegations on these aspects should also be taken into account.

Schengen associated countries (Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) also take part in this recommendation.

NOTE: Entry into Greece regardless of nationality is allowed for all crew members on private or charter vessels. Upon entry of the passenger who will be staying on the private or charter yacht the measures apply as for Greek and foreign nationals listed in the text above.

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.