Plan your trip
Swimming at Lake Skadar: Spots, Season and Water Temperature
Lake Skadar is clean freshwater, warmer than the Adriatic in summer and free of salt, currents and tides. Every one of our tours includes a swim stop in season — the boat pulls into a clear cove away from the reeds and you can simply step in.
- Summer water temperature
- 25–27°C (July–August)
- Best months
- Late June to early September
- Water type
- Freshwater, clean, no salt
- Currents
- None on the open lake
- Best access
- By boat, to clear coves
- Park fee
- €5 per person
Water temperature through the season
June brings 22 to 25°C, July and August peak at 25 to 27°C, September holds 22 to 24°C, and October cools to 18 to 21°C for the hardy. Because the lake is shallow in places and fed by karst springs, temperature varies between bays — springs run noticeably colder and are wonderful on a hot afternoon.
The best places to swim
The clearest water is in the coves you reach by boat, away from the reed beds where the bottom is soft. Dodoši, on the north-western shore, has easy access from the water. Murići and the south-eastern shore have the lake's proper pebble beaches, reachable by road from Virpazar. The river section at Rijeka Crnojevića is fine for a cooling dip but shallower and greener than the open lake.
- Clear-water coves — by boat, the best option.
- Dodoši — small village bay on the north-west shore.
- Murići — pebble beach on the south-eastern shore.
- Rijeka Crnojevića river — shallow, handy, less clear.
Swimming on a boat tour
We include a swim stop on every tour in the warm months. The captain chooses the cove on the day depending on wind and water level, moors, and you have time in the water before heading on. Bring a towel and swimwear, and sun protection — there is little shade on the open lake.
Safety
There are no currents or tides on the open lake, but there are no lifeguards either. Keep children within reach, wear water shoes where the bottom is stony, don't swim into reed beds where visibility is nil, and stay near the boat when you are moored so other traffic can see you.
Plan your day on the water
Private boat tours from Restaurant Savina Luka in Rijeka Crnojevića — your group only, free private parking, swim stop included in season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lake Skadar clean enough to swim in?
Yes. It is a large, well-flushed freshwater lake inside a national park, and the coves away from the reeds are clear.
Can you swim during a boat tour?
Yes — a swim stop is included on every tour in the warm season.
Is it safe for children?
Generally yes, in calm coves with supervision. There are no lifeguards, so children should stay close and wear buoyancy aids if they are not confident.