Scuba Diving, Underwater Tunnels

Scuba Diving in Budva: Boat Experience & Underwater Tunnels runs through Diving Montenegro Budva. Rated 4.7 across 260 reviews. Runs 3 hours. From $79.

Overview

This three hour outing from Budva pairs a boat trip around Saint Nicolas Island with a guided scuba dive among underwater tunnels and reefs. The crew runs two versions: morning and afternoon departures are both available, so check the live booking page for the current schedule. Afternoon slots are for guests with no prior experience. Everyone gathers at a meeting point in Budva, since pickup is not part of the package.

The trip starts with a short catamaran ride out from the coast. Once at the dive spot near the island, the instructors give a safety briefing and an introduction to diving, then take guests underwater in small numbers, with beginners paired one on one with an instructor. Divers report seeing fish, octopuses, shells and reef life in clear water, and the underwater tunnels around the island are among the sights explored on the dive.

Between turns in the water, the rest of the group can swim, snorkel or sunbathe on the boat, which plays music once the diving is done. One reviewer said the crew adapts the pace to each person's comfort level and that the three hours pass quickly because there is always something to do. The boat then cruises around Saint Nicolas Island before returning, with the tour ending back near Karate klub Grbalj.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet in BudvaMake your own way to the meeting point at 7RPW+852 in Budva, Montenegro. Pickup is not included.
2. Catamaran to dive siteA roughly 0.2 hour catamaran ride carries the group out toward Saint Nicolas Island.
3. Guided scuba diveAround 0.5 hour of scuba diving along the Adriatic coast, exploring tunnels and reefs with an instructor. Beginners are guided one on one.
4. Swim and sunbatheFree time on and around the boat for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing while other groups dive.
5. Cruise around the islandThe boat tours Saint Nicolas Island before heading back, with music on board after the diving.
6. Return to shoreThe tour finishes back at Karate klub Grbalj.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the day, from what to pack to which departure time fits your experience level.

• Pick the right departure. The 8.30am morning tour is reserved for certified divers, while the 2.30pm afternoon tour is aimed at beginners. Booking the wrong slot is the easiest mistake to avoid.
• What to bring. The listing asks for a change of clothes, a towel and beachwear. Food is not provided, so bring your own snacks if you want them, though drinking water is supplied on board.
• No swimming experience needed. One reviewer described diving despite not knowing how to swim, crediting patient instructors. Beginners are paired with an instructor one on one, and another reviewer said the crew adapts to each person's comfort level.
• Waiting time on the boat. Divers take turns in the water, so expect gaps between groups. One reviewer said the wait passes quickly because you can snorkel, swim or listen to music on the boat.
• Good for mixed groups. Snorkelers and divers travel on the same boat, which one group of travellers found ideal. If part of your party would rather not dive, they can still join the boat trip and swim.
• Language. One reviewer praised the crew's excellent English and clear communication. Another French traveller with limited English also reported the experience went smoothly despite the language barrier.

Common issues. The main practical complaint is waiting time between dive groups, which the review summary also flags, though most travellers say swimming and snorkeling fill the gap. The tour takes about three hours in total, and the dive itself is around half an hour, so anyone expecting a long time underwater may find it short. Food is not included and there is no pickup, so you need to arrange both yourself. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on board.

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