Bay Of Bones Cruise, BBQ Included

Overview

A van collects you from one of many pickup points around Ohrid, and twenty minutes later you are on the water. The boat heads first to Peshtani and the Bay of Bones, a prehistoric lakeside site, where a guide walks you through the museum with the entrance fee already covered. From there the day works its way south along the lake with short cruise legs between stops.

At Trpejca you get a coffee break in a beach restaurant and time to explore the traditional village. Next comes the Monastery of Saint Naum, with free time to visit the monastery and the springs; an optional rowing boat ride on the springs costs extra. Lunch is a Macedonian barbecue with salad, bread and vegetables at a lakeside restaurant, and the day ends with a swim stop at a beach the operator says can only be reached by boat before the cruise back and drop-off.

Unlimited alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are served on the boat, and one drink is included with lunch. The whole day runs about 7.5 hours in English, Dutch or Russian. The listing describes it as family-friendly, with discounts for children.

What's Included

Included

Coffee at a beach restaurant
Extensive Macedonian barbecue with salad, bread, and vegetables (1 drink included in the restourant, except wines and coctails)
Unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda/Pop on the boat
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fee Bay of Bones
Guide

Not Included

Rowing boat ride on the Saint Naum springs. EUR 5.00 per person

Itinerary

Hotel pickup and van transferPickup is offered from many hotels and locations around Ohrid, followed by a 20-minute van ride to the lake.
Cruise to PeshtaniA 15-minute sightseeing cruise along the shore to the village of Peshtani.
Bay of Bones guided tourA 30-minute guided tour of the prehistoric museum site, entrance fee included.
Trpejca coffee breakAfter a 35-minute cruise, 45 minutes in Trpejca for coffee at a beach restaurant, photos and a look around.
Saint Naum MonasteryA 40-minute cruise, then 80 minutes to visit the monastery and springs. An optional rowing boat ride on the springs is extra, at EUR 5.00 per person.
BBQ lunch at a local restaurantA 15-minute cruise to a restaurant for a one-hour Macedonian barbecue with salad, bread and vegetables, one drink included.
Swim stopA 10-minute cruise to a beach the operator describes as reachable only by boat, with 45 minutes for swimming.
Return cruise and drop-offA one-hour cruise back, then van transfer to the same range of drop-off locations around Ohrid.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what helps to know before booking this particular day out.

What to bring. The listing names beachwear as the one thing to pack. A swimsuit matters, since a swimming stop is built into the schedule. Beyond that, the operator keeps the packing list short.
Food and drink. Unlimited alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are served on the boat, and the barbecue lunch comes with salad, bread and vegetables plus one drink at the restaurant. Several reviewers singled out the lunch and the free-flowing drinks as part of the value.
Pace of the day. One traveller described a relaxed Macedonian rhythm, nothing rushed and nothing forced. With about 7.5 hours total and long stretches seated on the boat, the physical demands are low, though Saint Naum involves walking during the free time.
Group feel. Multiple reviewers describe the guides as friendly, helpful and attentive to the group throughout the day, and several also mention the positive atmosphere on board. Expect a sociable day rather than a quiet one.
Extra costs. The rowing boat ride on the Saint Naum springs is not included and costs EUR 5.00 per person. It is optional. Wines and cocktails at the restaurant are also outside the included drink.
Weather dependency. The listing states the cruise depends on weather and may be rescheduled or cancelled in bad conditions. Build some flexibility into travel plans, and check the booking page if the forecast looks rough.

Common issues. The day depends on the weather, and the operator may reschedule or cancel if conditions on the lake are bad. The rowing boat ride at the Saint Naum springs is an extra EUR 5.00 per person, and wines and cocktails at the restaurant are not part of the included drink. With roughly 7.5 hours out and several cruise legs in the schedule, it is a long day for anyone who tires easily on boats.

Common Questions

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned van, the guide, entrance to the Bay of Bones, coffee at a beach restaurant in Trpejca, unlimited alcoholic drinks and soft drinks on the boat, and a Macedonian barbecue lunch with salad, bread and vegetables. One drink at the restaurant is included, excluding wines and cocktails.

Is anything extra to pay?

Yes. The rowing boat ride on the Saint Naum springs costs EUR 5.00 per person and is paid separately. Wines and cocktails at the restaurant are also not covered by the included drink.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, pickup is included, with many pickup points around Ohrid covering hotels and apartments such as those in the city centre, Peshtani and Dolno Konjsko. Choose the closest point when booking.

How long is the tour and what language is it in?

The full day runs 7.5 hours. Guiding is available in English, Dutch and Russian.

Is it suitable for children and families?

The listing describes the tour as family-friendly and offers discounts for children. The day is mostly boat travel with short walks and a swimming stop, so children who are comfortable on the water should manage it well.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bad weather can also lead the operator to reschedule or cancel the cruise, so keep an eye on conditions and your booking confirmation.