Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda, lunch included

The best beaches here arrive by boat. This seven-hour cruise from Saranda reaches the hard-to-access shores of Krorez, Kakome, and Rojdhe, with swimming time, lunch on board, music, and drinks included. I especially like the chance to spend up to 2.5 hours at Krorez Beach and the simple value of having your meal and refreshments covered.

I also like that the route includes several photo stops rather than one beach and a quick ride home. The main caution is the boat atmosphere: some departures have had very loud music, crowded seating, slow lunch service, and less-than-ideal toilets. If you want a quiet day on the water, this may not be your best choice.

Five things to know before you book

• Krorez Beach is the main event: You get up to 2.5 hours for swimming, relaxing, and ordering drinks from the boat bar.
• Lunch is served after leaving Krorez: Plan on eating around 14:00 or 14:30, not at midday.
• The route includes three major beach and bay areas: You visit Krorez, Kakome, and Rojdhe, with extra views of Gremina and Soldier’s Beach.
• The package matters: The advertised experience includes lunch and drinks, but the exact meal depends on whether your booking is Normal, Medium, or Large.
• Music can shape the whole day: The selected music creates a party mood, but the volume has been uncomfortably high on some departures.
• Bad weather can change the plan: Strong wind may lead authorities to cancel the cruise, sometimes with an alternative date offered later.

Leaving Saranda at 10:00

The boat leaves from the Limani, or harbor, in Saranda at about 10:00 and returns around 17:00. That makes this a full-day outing, not a short harbor cruise. You should arrive with enough time to find the meeting point near the port and settle in before departure.

The early part of the trip is mainly about the ride itself. You sail along the Ionian coast, taking photographs of coves and beaches that are difficult to reach by land. Gremina and Soldier’s Beach are among the scenic points mentioned along the route, though the exact viewing time at each is not specified.

I like this setup because the boat gives you access to a broader stretch of coast in one day. You are not tied to one beach, and you do not need to arrange separate transport to remote bays. The tradeoff is that you spend many hours on board, so your comfort depends heavily on the crowd, seating, music, and wind.

The boat is described as spacious, and one especially positive account praised the breeze, open space, drinks, and the chance to jump from the deck into the sea. That sounds ideal for an active, social day. At the same time, another departure felt overfull, with barely enough seating. Conditions can vary, so do not assume every sailing will feel equally roomy.

Krorez Beach and the longest swim stop

Krorez Beach is the final destination for the outward leg and the longest stop of the day. You can stay for up to 2.5 hours, which gives you enough time to swim without feeling rushed. You can also order drinks from the boat bar during this stop.

This is the part of the cruise most likely to satisfy you if your main goal is clear water and time in the sea. The beach is accessible by boat, and the route is designed around reaching places that are not part of an ordinary road trip from Saranda. The coastal views on the approach also provide good photo opportunities.

Do not expect a carefully structured beach club visit. The focus is swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the coast. Bring whatever personal beach items you need, since the supplied details do not list equipment or beach facilities. Snorkeling is specifically included later at Kakome and Rojdhe, but no snorkeling equipment is described, so you should confirm what is provided before relying on it.

The long stop is also where the all-inclusive idea becomes useful. You do not have to leave the beach area searching for refreshments, and the boat bar remains part of the experience. Still, the included drinks are not unlimited in every package unless you select the appropriate option. Check the exact package attached to your booking.

Lunch on board after 14:00

Lunch is served after the boat leaves Krorez. Based on the timing, you may not eat until around 14:00 or 14:30. That is a useful detail to know before you board. Have breakfast first, and do not expect an early lunch.

The food has earned some of the strongest praise attached to this cruise. Positive reports describe it as delicious and satisfying, with local products and a family-run atmosphere. The boat also has a restaurant, and the chef can prepare customized menus using products from the sea and land.

The three package levels are important:

• Normal: Sandwich and one refreshment.
• Medium: Meat, side dishes, and unlimited refreshments.
• Large: Fish, side dishes, unlimited refreshments, and beer.

The $58 price is easiest to judge if your booking includes the Large package. In that case, you are paying for a full seven-hour cruise, several swimming stops, a substantial meal, unlimited soft drinks, and beer. That is a fair deal for someone who plans to spend the whole day on the boat and would otherwise pay separately for food and drinks.

If your booking includes only the Normal or Medium option, the value is different. You should check the meal level at checkout instead of assuming that every $58 booking includes fish and beer. The package details supplied for this experience are not perfectly consistent with the short description, which presents lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and beer as part of the package.

The main weakness is service speed. One departure had a lunch queue that lasted more than an hour, with people waiting on their feet. That can eat into your free time and feel tiring after a morning in the sun. The meal itself may be good, but the timing is worth keeping in mind.

Kakome Bay for swimming and snorkeling

After lunch, the boat heads toward Kakome Bay. The stop lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and is intended for swimming and snorkeling.

Kakome gives the day a second water stop after the longer visit to Krorez. It is a good chance to cool off, move around, and see another part of the coast rather than simply returning directly to Saranda. The shorter stop means you should be ready when the crew announces the water time.

The supplied details do not explain the seabed, visibility, or exact snorkeling equipment. I would treat the snorkeling as an added opportunity, not as a full guided wildlife outing. You can expect time in the water, but you should ask ahead if masks and other gear are available.

This stop may appeal most to people who enjoy variety. You get a long beach visit first, then shorter swims in bays with a different setting. If you prefer to spend an entire day at one beach, the schedule may feel too broken up.

Rojdhe Bay on the return route

The last scheduled water stop is Rojdhe Bay, where you have about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. It comes late in the day, after lunch and Kakome, so it works as a final chance to get in the water before the boat returns to Saranda.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. I would keep your belongings organized and listen for instructions so you do not lose much of the stop getting ready. The benefit is that you get one more coastal setting without needing another excursion.

The return sail is also part of the entertainment. Music plays on board, and you can order soft drinks or beer according to your package. Some people enjoy the lively sound and social mood. Others found the volume so high that conversation was impossible for much of the seven-hour trip.

That difference is central to deciding if this cruise suits you. This is not marketed as a quiet sailing trip. It is a social boat day with music, a bar, swimming, and a shared lunch. If you are sensitive to loud sound, ask the crew if the volume can be lowered or bring suitable hearing protection.

The all-inclusive idea, with a few limits

The strongest part of the offer is its simplicity. Your ticket, meal, and selected drinks are bundled together, so you can settle into the day without constantly checking prices. Unlimited refreshments are included with the Medium and Large packages, while beer is listed with the Large package.

The food seems to be more than an afterthought. The boat has a restaurant and a chef, and the menu can use fresh local ingredients. The fish option in the Large package is a natural fit for a day on the Ionian Sea, although you should confirm the specific meal being served on your departure.

Drink choice may be limited. A report from one departure found few soft drink options and beer of poor quality. That does not erase the value of drinks being included, but it does mean you should not expect a full bar menu or premium brands.

There are also no chips or similar snacks listed for purchase. Since lunch comes late, bring a small snack if you need something between breakfast and the meal, provided this fits the operator’s rules. The official inclusions cover the package items, not every possible purchase on board.

Music, seating, and comfort on a seven-hour boat

A seven-hour cruise magnifies small problems. A little noise is fine for an hour. Loud music from morning to late afternoon can change the entire experience, especially if you want to talk with family or friends.

Several departures were praised for a fun musical mood, while others found the sound overwhelming. This is not a minor detail. Ask yourself what kind of day you want: a lively party boat or a calm ride with the sound of waves. The same music that makes one sailing enjoyable may make another feel long.

Seating is another variable. The boat is described as spacious, yet one departure was so crowded that finding a seat was difficult. Since the available information does not give a fixed capacity or group size, you should prepare for a shared boat rather than an intimate cruise.

The toilets have also drawn criticism for cleanliness. That is worth noting before committing to a full day at sea. Facilities can affect your comfort just as much as the scenery, particularly if you are traveling with children or anyone who needs regular access to a restroom.

The experience has an important physical restriction: it is not suitable for people over 230 pounds, or 104 kilograms. If that applies to you, contact Si Saranda Boat before booking rather than assuming the restriction can be overlooked.

Wind cancellations and communication

Boat trips depend on the sea. Strong wind can lead authorities to cancel a departure, and the decision may be made the day before. An alternative tour on a later day may be offered, but you need to keep some flexibility in your schedule.

The handling of cancellations has not always been smooth. One cancellation left a customer searching for the operator’s phone number because no one was at the port kiosk to explain the change. The issue was not the weather itself, which is outside the company’s control, but the lack of clear notice.

I would check your email and messages the day before the tour and keep the operator’s contact details handy. The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available. Those options help, but they do not remove the need to monitor the weather decision.

The semi-submarine option

Si Saranda Boat also promotes a semi-submarine tour in the Bay of Saranda, described as the only experience of its kind in Albania. A 20 percent discount is offered for tours with the semi-submarine.

This is separate from the main seven-hour coastal cruise, so confirm how the discount works and whether it applies to your booking. The semi-submarine is intended to show underwater plant and animal life, along with an Italian shipwreck from World War II.

That could be a worthwhile add-on for anyone interested in the sea beyond swimming and beach views. Do not assume it is part of the $58 cruise. The supplied information presents it as an additional tour with a discount, not as one of the scheduled stops on this route.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day on the water with several stops and little need to plan meals or drinks separately. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who enjoy swimming, casual food, music, and a social boat setting.

It is especially appealing if you want to reach beaches available only by sea. The long Krorez stop gives you real beach time, while Kakome and Rojdhe add short swimming and snorkeling sessions. The family-run feel and friendly service have also been major positives.

I would be cautious if you need quiet, orderly service, or generous personal space. The loud music, possible crowding, late lunch, basic toilets, and limited drink selection can make seven hours feel long. You should also think twice if you dislike being tied to a fixed schedule.

At $58 per person, the cruise offers good value when the Large package is included and you use the meal and drinks. The value drops if you do not drink, prefer a private boat, or want a peaceful sailing day. Private charters cost more, but they would give you more control over music, stops, and pace.

Should you book Si Saranda Boat?

Book it if your ideal Ionian day includes remote beaches, repeated swims, lunch on board, unlimited refreshments, and a lively shared-boat atmosphere. Krorez is the strongest reason to go, and the added stops at Kakome and Rojdhe make the route feel worthwhile.

Skip it if loud music or crowded conditions would ruin your day. Before paying, confirm your meal package, ask about snorkeling equipment, check the weather, and save the operator’s contact information. If you do that homework and accept the party-boat mood, this is a practical way to see more of the Saranda coast in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour leave from?

The meeting point is at the Limani, or harbor, of Saranda City.

What time does the tour depart?

The daily departure is at about 10:00.

What time does the boat return to Saranda?

The boat is expected to return around 17:00, making the total duration about seven hours.

What is the final beach destination?

The outward route ends at Krorez Beach, where you can stay for up to 2.5 hours.

Which other bays are included?

The return route includes Kakome Bay and Rojdhe Bay. Kakome allows about 30 to 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, while Rojdhe allows about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes, food is included through the selected package. The Normal package includes a sandwich, the Medium package includes meat and side dishes, and the Large package includes fish and side dishes.

Are drinks included?

Refreshments are included with all three packages, but unlimited refreshments are listed with the Medium and Large packages. Beer is listed with the Large package.

When is lunch served?

Lunch is served after the boat leaves Krorez Beach. The available timing suggests it may be served around 14:00 or 14:30.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Authorities may cancel the tour because of strong wind. An alternative date may be offered, and the activity also allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

The tour is not suitable for people over 230 pounds, or 104 kilograms. You should also consider the long duration, shared seating, music volume, and boat facilities before booking.