Lake Ohrid’s best boat excursions deliver memorable experiences along Macedonia’s historic waters. The practical 1.5-hour Sunset Cruise stands out, offering panoramic views and complimentary champagne – perfect for photography enthusiasts. I love the Shared Cruise to St. Naum Monastery for its excellent value, combining comfortable transport with three full hours to explore one of Macedonia’s most important religious sites. The straightforward 1-hour Sightseeing Cruise works well for travelers on tight schedules, while the Night Cruise provides a romantic ambiance that’s especially magical during summer months.
Let’s explore these top-rated boat tours of Lake Ohrid.
Key Points
- The Sunset Cruise is a highly-rated 1.5-hour boat tour showcasing Lake Ohrid’s natural beauty, with amenities like champagne and air-conditioning.
- The Shared Cruise to St. Naum Monastery offers an affordable, comfortable option to visit the monastery and the Bay of Bones archaeological site.
- The 5-Hour Adventure Cruise provides a unique exploration of Ohrid’s beauty, with a small group size, complimentary refreshments, and accessibility for strollers and service animals.
- The Ohrid Sightseeing Cruise is a convenient 1-hour option for sightseeing, with a larger capacity and amenities like air-conditioning and wheelchair accessibility.
- The Night Cruise Tour offers a enchanting lakeside experience under the moonlight, catering to travelers aged 18 and above with amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
5 Hour Ohrid Lake Sunset Cruise
As the sun begins to dip behind the picturesque mountains surrounding Lake Ohrid, the 1.5-hour Sunset Cruise offers travelers a chance to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of this serene North Macedonian destination.
Departing from the Port of Ohrid, the cruise accommodates a maximum of 40 passengers and includes a complimentary glass of champagne.
Onboard, guests can enjoy the boat’s amenities, including a restroom, WiFi, and air-conditioning.
With a 5-star rating based on 67 reviews, the cruise is highly recommended, with travelers praising the relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and stunning views of the sunset and Ohrid city.
Booking in advance is advised due to the limited capacity.
One of the most popular boat tours from Ohrid is the Shared Cruise to St. Naum Monastery.
With 94% of travelers recommending this experience, the cruise offers a well-reviewed, affordable option at $21.54 per person.
Pickup is available from the main port, and the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, restroom, and WiFi.
Highlights are the Bay of Bones archaeological site and the 3-hour stop at St. Naum Monastery, with an optional rowing boat experience.
Travelers praise the comfortable boat and scenic views, though some note insufficient time at the Bay of Bones.
Read our full review: Shared Cruise to St.Naum Monastery Review
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5-Hour Adventure Cruise in Ohrid
Travelers can book the 5-Hour Adventure Cruise in Ohrid, which departs from the Boat Armada at the Port of Ohrid at 12:00 pm.
The cruise has a maximum capacity of 40 travelers and offers a starter of pastry and cheese products, a main course of either a chicken or vegetarian burger, and fresh fruits for dessert.
Priced at $32.31 per person, the cruise allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a reserve now, pay later option.
While not wheelchair accessible, the cruise is stroller accessible and allows service animals.
With a total of 2 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0, this adventure cruise provides a unique way to explore the beauty of Ohrid.
Read our full review: 5-Hour Adventure Cruise in Ohrid Review
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Ohrid Sightseeing Cruise With Armada Boat
The Ohrid Sightseeing Cruise with Armada Boat provides travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Ohrid from the water.
This 1-hour cruise departs at 1:00 PM from the Port of Ohrid, with a maximum capacity of 50 passengers. Onboard amenities include an air-conditioned vessel, restrooms, and WiFi access. Refreshments like coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infants can sit on laps. Booking is straightforward, with a confirmation received upon reservation and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
While the overall rating is 3.0 based on 1 review, this cruise provides a convenient and enjoyable way to sightsee Ohrid from the water.
Read our full review: Ohrid Sightseeing Cruise With Armada Boat Review
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Night Cruise Tour in Ohrid
This night cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience Ohrid’s enchanting lakeside scenery under the enchanting glow of moonlight.
The tour starts at 10:00 PM and can accommodate up to 50 travelers aged 18 and above.
The boat is equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and restroom facilities. Guests can enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water during the cruise.
The meeting and end point is at the Boat Armada in the Port of Ohrid.
The price starts from $21.54 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
Read our full review: Night Cruise Tour in Ohrid Review
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St. Naum Monastery Boat Trip From Ohrid
Boat journeys across Lake Ohrid’s azure waters deliver visitors to the tranquil St. Naum Monastery. This popular tour departs from Ohrid, taking travelers on a scenic cruise to the historic monastery.
The 50-person boat trip includes round-trip transportation, all fees, and a guided tour. Along the way, participants can enjoy the onboard English- or Dutch-speaking guide, a complimentary lunch, and child/senior discounts.
While reviews note occasional overcrowding, the overall experience earns 4.5/5 stars. Accessibility is limited, and travelers are advised to bring necessary items like swimwear and sunscreen.
With instant booking confirmation and a range of pickup locations, this St. Naum Monastery excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore North Macedonia’s religious heritage.
Read our full review: St. Naum Monastery Boat Trip From Ohrid Review
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Common Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat Tours?
Life jackets are typically provided on boat tours for safety reasons. Most operators require passengers to wear life jackets during the cruise to ensure their protection in case of an emergency.
What Is the Maximum Number of Passengers Allowed on Each Cruise?
The maximum number of passengers allowed on each cruise varies by boat operator, but generally ranges from 10 to 50 passengers. Guests should check with the specific tour company for details on passenger capacity.
Do the Boat Tours Operate in Inclement Weather Conditions?
The boat tours typically operate in inclement weather conditions, though safety is the top priority. Most tours have the flexibility to adjust routes or schedules if the weather becomes hazardous, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers.
Are Snacks and Drinks Available for Purchase During the Cruises?
Most boat tour operators offer snacks and beverages for purchase during the cruises. Passengers can typically buy light refreshments, such as water, soft drinks, and snacks, to enjoy while taking in the sights during the trip.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Boat Tours?
Yes, passengers are typically allowed to bring their own food and beverages on board the boat tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to confirm their policies.
The Sum Up
Ohrid offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to explore the lake and surrounding landmarks. From sunset cruises to monastery visits, there are options to suit different interests and budgets. Travelers can choose from shared or private tours, with some offering additional features like food and entertainment. Whether seeking a relaxing or adventurous experience, Ohrid’s boat tours provide an excellent way to discover the natural beauty of the region.