Saranda: Kakome, Caves & Beaches Boat Tour with Snorkeling

The Albanian Riviera is best seen from the water. This Saranda boat trip combines secluded beaches and clear swimming stops with a friendly crew, onboard music, and a long break at beautiful Kroreza Beach. I especially like the comfortable new 2025 boat, with open seating for sun lovers and shaded seats for anyone guarding their shoulders. The tour also offers a lively social mood, helped by Captain Rezi, who is often praised for his humor, photos, and personal touch.

The main consideration is that this is not a quiet sightseeing cruise from start to finish. Music plays onboard, and the mood can feel more like a relaxed beach party than a silent nature trip. Sea conditions can also affect the schedule. One September trip ended early because of high waves, so keep a little flexibility in your day.

Key details that make this trip worth considering

• Six coastal stops: Swim and snorkel near Kepi I Qefalit, Kakome, Soldiers Beach, Roidhes Beach, Kroreza, and Miloti Cave.
• Three hours at Kroreza: You get enough time for swimming, sunbeds, umbrellas, lunch, and an unhurried beach break.
• New 2025 boat: Choose between half-shaded seating and open areas for sunbathing.
• Music and local company: The playlist ranges from French music and R&B to Latin songs and mellow sunset tunes.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: Masks are included, with tubes available on request for hygiene reasons.
• Good value at $42: The price includes the boat, guide, swim stops, snorkeling masks, taxes, Wi-Fi, and access to beach umbrellas and sunbeds as described by the operator.

Leaving Saranda port for a full half-day

You meet the crew near Saranda’s main port, at one of the listed points around Rruga Jonianet and Vodafone. Check your booking carefully because the exact meeting point can vary. The same locations are used for the return, which makes the start and finish simple if you are staying in central Saranda.

The tour is advertised as five hours, or 330 minutes in the booking details. In practice, you should allow roughly five and a half hours, especially if boarding and returning take a little time. That makes this a substantial part of your day, not a quick morning outing squeezed between other plans.

The boat is split between shaded and open seating. I like that arrangement because the Albanian sun is generous, sometimes too generous. You can sit under cover during the cruise, then move into the sun for a swim or a better view. The boat has a fridge for your own drinks and snacks, onboard Wi-Fi, life jackets, and music.

Bring cash. Food and drinks are not included, and the beach restaurants at Kroreza are the main place to buy a meal. Sunscreen, swimwear, a camera, and a towel are sensible additions. The boat supplies masks, but you can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer.

Kepi I Qefalit, the first chance to swim

The first listed stop is Kepi I Qefalit, where you get about 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. This short stop works as a gentle introduction to the day. You can test the water, get comfortable with the mask, and see how much space you have around the boat before the longer beach stop.

Do not expect a long beach visit here. The value is the quick swim and the chance to see the rocky coastline from sea level. If you want a dry start, you can simply take photos and listen to the guide’s explanation. If you are eager to get in the water, this is your first proper chance.

The guide can provide information in person, and audio guide files are available on request in English, Italian, Spanish, French, and German. Headphones are not included, so bring your own if you want to use the audio material. The live commentary is available in Albanian, English, Greek, and Italian.

Kakome Bay, quiet water and boat-only access

Kakome Beach receives about 30 minutes, giving you more time to swim and use the snorkeling mask. The water is known for its striking clarity, and the appeal here is access. Several of the beaches on this route cannot be reached by ordinary road travel, so the boat gives you a view of the coast that is otherwise difficult to arrange.

Captain Rezi has been especially good at showing people smaller spots around Kakome. That kind of local guidance matters here. The coastline can look beautiful from a distance, but the best details are often tucked around a point or inside a small cove.

This is also one of the stronger stops for snorkeling. You might spot small fish or other sea life, and one outing produced an octopus sighting. Conditions vary, so treat the snorkeling as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed underwater show.

Soldiers Beach and Roidhes Beach keep the pace moving

Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldiers Beach, comes next with around 30 minutes for swimming, photos, and snorkeling. The stop gives you another chance to compare the water and rock formations along this part of the coast. It also breaks up the journey nicely before the longer beach stay.

Plazhi i Roidhes follows with about 20 minutes. Like the earlier stops, this is mainly a short swim and photo visit rather than a full beach afternoon. The repeated stops are useful if you want several chances to get in the water, but they may feel brief if you prefer to settle in one place.

I would bring your mask onto the boat deck before each stop so you do not waste time searching through bags. The operator provides masks, and tubes can be requested, but the tubes are not routinely used for hygiene reasons. You will also want a secure place for your phone and camera because the trip includes frequent boarding, swimming, and wet hands.

Kroreza Beach gives you three hours to slow down

Kroreza is the main event. The boat spends about three hours here, which gives you time to do more than jump into the water and climb straight back aboard. You can swim, sit under an umbrella, use a sunbed, walk along the sand, or eat at one of the local beach restaurants.

The umbrellas and sunbeds are described as included, and this has been one of the biggest value points for the tour. Arriving earlier can help you get a better position, especially if you want a front-row view or a prime place near the water. An earlier departure is a smart choice if you care about the first available sunbeds.

Food is extra, but the extended stop makes buying lunch practical rather than rushed. Bring cash, since card payment cannot be assumed at a remote beach restaurant. The food has been described as fresh, but your meal choices and prices will depend on the restaurant operating that day.

Three hours is long enough for a real beach break, though some people may find it too long if they prefer constant movement. I see it as a useful balance. The earlier stops give you variety, while Kroreza gives you the chance to relax without watching the clock every ten minutes.

The beach can also become the busiest part of the day, particularly during the main summer season. Getting there early helps with seating and may let you enjoy a calmer stretch before more boats arrive. The water, sand, umbrellas, and long pause make this the stop that best justifies the $42 price.

Miloti Cave finishes the sightseeing portion

After Kroreza, the boat visits Shpella e Milotit, or Miloti Cave, for photos and a look around from the water. The details provided do not promise a long swim inside the cave, so think of this as a scenic viewing stop rather than a full cave exploration.

Caves are best appreciated from the boat because you can see the opening, surrounding rock, and changing light in one view. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The crew provides guidance about the area, and Captain Rezi is known for taking photos for people who want a record of the day.

The route may also include views toward Gremina and Turtles Cave, depending on conditions and the exact running of the trip. The advertised stops focus on the named beaches and Miloti Cave, while the broader description includes several boat-only coastal spots. Ask the crew on the day which locations are being added or adjusted.

Music, crew, and the social mood

The strongest personality on this trip is Captain Rezi. His friendliness comes through repeatedly in the feedback, especially from solo passengers and couples who appreciated his jokes, photos, and willingness to show less obvious places around Kakome. He has also arranged a sunset cruise for a solo passenger during an off-season outing, showing that the day can sometimes be adapted when conditions and timing allow.

Do not book this trip expecting a formal lecture about every headland. The guiding is informal and social. That is part of the appeal. You get practical information about the coast, but also music, conversation, and an easygoing crew.

The playlist has been a major part of the experience. It can include French songs, R&B, Latin music, and slower tracks for watching the coast. Some people will love the DJ-style atmosphere. If your ideal boat trip involves only gulls and gentle engine noise, the music may be more than you want.

The mood suits couples, groups of friends, families with older children, and solo passengers who enjoy meeting people. A private group is also available if you want the same route with more control over the company and atmosphere. For a private booking, confirm the exact arrangements and price before paying.

What $42 really buys you

At $42 per person, the tour offers good value for a full half-day on the Albanian coast. Your fare covers the driver, local guide, swim and snorkeling stops, mask use, entrance fees, taxes, Wi-Fi, music, and the boat itself. The included beach umbrellas and sunbeds make the package stronger, since those costs can quickly add up at popular coastal spots.

You still need money for lunch and drinks. The fridge is available for your supplies, but it is not a complimentary bar. If you are trying to keep spending low, pack snacks and water, then budget separately for a beach meal.

The value is highest if you want variety. A simple beach transfer might cost less, but it would not give you repeated swim stops, cave views, a guided route, music, and three hours at Kroreza. The price is less attractive if you dislike group outings, loud music, or a fixed schedule.

The boat is new for 2025 and has both open and covered seating. That is a practical feature, not just a marketing detail. You can change seats during the day, escape the strongest sun, and still enjoy the views. Life jackets are available for everyone, which is important for families and anyone uneasy around open water.

Sea conditions and practical limits

The sea is the boss here. High waves can change the route or shorten the trip, even when the crew is doing its best to keep the mood pleasant. One outing ended earlier than planned because of rough water, so avoid booking this on the same day as a non-refundable evening event.

The tour is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted, and the boat is not suitable for anyone over 120 kilograms or over 95 years old according to the supplied restrictions. Boarding, sitting, moving around a boat, and swimming all require a reasonable level of mobility.

Free parking is available, but the operator recommends looking for free street parking near the meeting point first. The company’s designated parking area is near Hotel Adi-Vera, about a 15-minute walk from the meeting point. Allow time for that walk, and do not assume the closest spaces will be available.

The booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when choosing your date.

Who should book this Saranda boat tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several hard-to-reach beaches without arranging separate transport. It works particularly well for a first visit to Saranda because you get a broad look at the coast in one outing.

You should also book it if you enjoy a friendly crew, music, swimming, and a loose beach-party feel. The combination of Captain Rezi’s warm approach, good photo opportunities, and a new boat has made the experience especially appealing to people who want more than simple transportation.

I would look elsewhere if you want a silent nature cruise, a small luxury yacht, or long uninterrupted snorkeling sessions. The swimming stops are often 20 or 30 minutes, and the music is part of the package. Also, anyone who struggles with boat motion should consider the chance of waves before booking.

Final verdict: a strong-value day on the Riviera

I recommend the Kakome, Caves and Beaches Boat Tour for most active visitors staying in Saranda. The route gives you multiple swim stops, boat-only beaches, a cave, a comfortable new vessel, and three useful hours at Kroreza for $42.

Book an early departure if sunbeds and umbrellas matter to you. Bring cash for lunch, your own headphones if you request the audio files, and enough sunscreen for a long day outside. If you want a quieter ride, ask about a private group. If you want music, jokes, photos, and plenty of chances to swim, this is one of the better ways to spend a summer day on Albania’s southern coast.

FAQ

Where does the Saranda boat tour start?

The listed starting points are around Rruga Jonianet and Vodafone near Saranda’s main port. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

How long does the tour last?

The activity is described as five hours and also listed as 330 minutes. The route includes several short stops, about three hours at Kroreza Beach, and a visit to Miloti Cave.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling masks are included. Tubes can be requested, but they are not routinely used for hygiene reasons. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The boat has a fridge for your own drinks and snacks, and you can buy a meal at a beachside restaurant during the Kroreza stop. Bring cash.

Are umbrellas and sunbeds included at Kroreza Beach?

The tour information includes access to umbrellas and sunbeds at Kroreza Beach. An earlier departure may help you get a preferred spot.

Is the tour available as a private experience?

Yes. You can choose a shared outing or request a private group. The tour is offered with Albanian, English, Greek, or Italian-speaking hosts, and audio guide files can be requested in English, Italian, Spanish, French, or German.