Saranda: Sea Adventure with 7 Stops, Drinks, & Snorkel Fun

The best beaches are often reached by boat. This six-hour trip from Sarandë takes you to sea caves, quiet bays, and the striking Krorez Beach, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. I especially like the small group size, capped at 11 people, and the long three-hour beach stop, which gives you more than a quick photo opportunity. The main drawback is that the speedboat has little shade, and the sea can feel rough for anyone prone to seasickness.

The trip costs $42 per person, including the boat, captain, fuel, lifejackets, snorkeling mask, one drink, cooler space, music, and sunbeds. That is a strong price for a full half-day on the Albanian Riviera, though you must pay separately for lunch, extra drinks, umbrellas, and parking. Captain Kelvin is often praised for his relaxed manner, safe driving, photos, music, and helpful attitude.

Key points at a glance

• Seven coastal stops: See Turtle Cave, Secret Cave, Gremina Bay, Kakome Bay, Krorez Beach, Soldier Bay, and Rrojdhe Bay in one outing.
• Three hours at Krorez: You have time to swim, sit on a sunbed, walk the beach, eat at a seaside restaurant, or simply enjoy the water.
• Small shared boat: The shared option holds no more than 11 people, while a private trip is also available.
• Useful extras included: A snorkeling mask, lifejacket, cooler, Bluetooth music, one drink, and sunbeds come with the fare.
• Bring your own picnic: Food and extra drinks are allowed on the boat, and the cooler gives you a practical place to keep them cold.
• Plan for parking: There is no parking at the meeting point, so allow a 10 to 15-minute walk from nearby parking.

Why this boat trip works so well

Sarandë has a busy waterfront, but the coast becomes quieter once you leave the harbor. A boat is the sensible way to reach the coves north of the city, where steep hills, pale rocks, and clear water replace the urban shore.

I like the rhythm of this outing. The first stops are short and scenic, the middle of the trip gives you two proper swims, and Krorez Beach provides the long pause. You are not spending all six hours sitting on a beach, but you also are not being rushed from one cove to the next.

The boat is a speedboat, so getting from stop to stop should be quicker than on a slow excursion vessel. That matters here because the coastline has several separate bays. You get more swimming time instead of losing much of the day to transit.

The shared boat holds up to 11 people. That is small enough to feel sociable without becoming a floating crowd. If you want more control over the timing and company, ask about the private option. The available information does not give a private-trip price, so check that cost before booking.

Starting at Bar Restaurant Limani

The meeting point is at Bar Restaurant Limani, near a stand in front of Vodafone. A staff member will guide you and explain the trip, but do not treat the waterfront as a parking lot. There is no parking at the departure point.

A recommended private parking area is about a 10-minute walk away and costs around €5 per car. Street parking may be free, but it can be hard to find in high season. If you want to try for a closer spot, arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Arrival time matters. The boat cannot wait for late passengers because of the heat and the need to keep the group moving. A late arrival can be treated as a no-show with no refund, so build in time for parking, walking, and finding the Vodafone meeting point.

Turtle Cave and the first rock formations

The first stop is Shpella e Milotit, commonly described as Turtle Cave. This is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop, with about five minutes to look around.

The appeal is the rock shape and the chance of seeing a sea turtle nearby. A turtle is never guaranteed, so think of that as a lucky extra rather than the reason to book. Even without one, the cave gives you an early taste of the rugged coast and a good chance to take photographs from the water.

Because the stop is short, have your camera ready before the boat arrives. You will not have much time to organize bags, towels, and phones after stopping.

Secret Cave, a quiet second stop

The second stop is another short visit known as Secret Cave. You get about five minutes for photos and a brief look at the rock formations.

This is less about a long swim and more about seeing corners of the coast that are easy to miss from land. The quiet setting gives the trip a pleasant change of pace before the longer swim stops begin.

The short timing is worth noting. If you want extended cave exploration, this is not that kind of tour. The boat pauses for pictures, then moves on.

Gremina Bay and 30 minutes in clear water

The next stop, identified as Kepi I Qefalit and described as Gremina Bay, gives you roughly 30 minutes. This is your first proper chance to get into the water, sunbathe, take photographs, or use the supplied snorkeling mask.

The water is the main attraction. Clear conditions make these bays good places for a swim, and the rocky shore adds visual interest. You might find fish and underwater features worth looking at, but snorkeling here is casual rather than a guided marine tour.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, though it can feel short if everyone wants to get in, take photos, and dry off. Keep your belongings organized and follow the captain’s instructions around the boat.

Kakome Bay and green hills around the water

Kakome Beach, also called Kakome Bay, is the fourth stop. The boat stays for another 30 minutes, giving you a second chance to swim and snorkel in a different setting.

The bay is framed by green hills, which makes it particularly good for photographs from the boat. I like this part of the route because the stops do not all feel identical. You get a series of coves with different views rather than one beach repeated for six hours.

Again, the timing favors variety. If you want to float for a long time in one place, Krorez is the better opportunity. Kakome is the quick, scenic swim that keeps the day moving.

Krorez Beach, the main event

Krorez Beach receives two to three hours, usually around two and a half hours in the listed schedule. This is the heart of the outing, and the long break is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a tour that offers only short swim stops.

Krorez is known for clear water, large rocks, and a beach that feels more remote than Sarandë’s city shore. The surface can be rocky and stony, so sturdy beach footwear may be more comfortable than bare feet. The supplied sunbeds are especially useful here, since sitting directly on rocks is not ideal.

You can spend the time in several ways:

• Swim in the turquoise water.
• Snorkel from the beach or boat.
• Walk along the shore.
• Rest on a sunbed.
• Bring your own lunch and drinks.
• Eat at a seaside restaurant and buy drinks from nearby bars.

Lunch is not included in the $42 fare. You can bring food and store it in the boat’s cooler, or support the small local restaurants at Krorez. That choice gives you flexibility, which is valuable on a long beach stop.

Do not expect a fully empty beach in the middle of summer. Other boats may arrive, and the coast can become busy. The experience can still feel calm, especially when the boat anchors away from the thickest cluster. One useful detail from the trip experience is that Kelvin has sometimes positioned the boat away from other vessels so people can jump into the water with more peace and space.

Shade also requires planning. Umbrellas are not part of the standard inclusions, although one guest specifically noted receiving an umbrella and comfortable padded sunbeds at Krorez. Availability may vary, so bring sunscreen and do not count on a guaranteed umbrella unless the operator confirms it.

Soldier Bay and the final quiet cove

After Krorez, the boat makes a shorter stop at Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldier Bay. The schedule gives about 20 to 30 minutes here, depending on conditions.

You can swim, snorkel, or take photographs of the shoreline. After several hours at sea, this stop works as a final active break before the return journey. If you are tired, you can simply enjoy the view from the boat.

The last stop is listed as Rrojdhe Bay, also called a quiet final cove or Hidden Gem in the route details. It lasts around 20 to 30 minutes and offers one more swim, photo opportunity, or rest on the boat.

The final cove is a nice way to end the route because it gives you another peaceful setting rather than sending you straight back from Krorez. Still, the stop is brief. The long beach time is at Krorez, not here.

What comes with the $42 price

The fare includes more than transportation. You receive a captain, fuel, safety lifejacket, snorkeling mask, one free drink, cooler storage, music through a Bluetooth system, comfortable seating, sunbeds, and access to the beaches visited.

That package makes the price good value for a six-hour outing. You would pay far more for a private boat, while the shared option keeps the cost low and the group size controlled. The included fuel is also useful because there are no surprise fuel charges at the end.

The free drink is a small touch, but welcome in the sun. Past trips have included water, soft drinks, and beer among the available choices, though you should confirm what is offered on your departure. Bring anything else you want, including lunch and extra water.

The main extra costs are straightforward:

• Lunch at Krorez.
• Additional drinks.
• Umbrellas if available for hire.
• Parking near the meeting point.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, which are not provided.

At $42, I would choose this for the number of stops and the long Krorez break. If you only want a quick beach transfer, it may be more than you need. If you want a full day on the coast without paying private-charter prices, it makes good financial sense.

The captain, music, and feel on board

Captain Kelvin is an important part of the experience. The strongest praise focuses on his friendly, calm approach, safe driving, help with photographs, and willingness to make the outing feel personal.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Kelvin has used the boat’s Bluetooth system to play guests’ traditional music as well as other selections. That can make the ride feel more like a relaxed day out with friends than a formal sightseeing cruise.

The tone is informal rather than heavily scripted. You may get explanations about each stop, but the amount of commentary can vary. One practical suggestion is to ask Kelvin for a little background or a swimming tip at each bay if you want more information. The tour is strongest as a scenic and swimming experience, not as a detailed coastal lecture.

The boat has been described as clean, comfortable, and in good condition, with safe handling. Even so, it is still a speedboat. If you are prone to seasickness, the motion may be uncomfortable, especially on a windy day.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone staying in Sarandë who wants to escape the city shore for a day. It works particularly well for people who like swimming, photographs, light snorkeling, and relaxed beach time.

You should be comfortable boarding a boat, handling several short stops, and spending time in direct sun. This is not a good choice for non-swimmers, people with serious seasickness, or anyone who needs a very gentle, stable vessel.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, recent surgery, babies under one year, people over 70, or anyone over 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. The operator also excludes bicycles, baby carriages, alcohol, and drugs.

Families should note that the boat ride itself can be exciting for children, but there is no stated child-specific program. Bring sun protection, swimwear, beach clothes, a camera, cash, and food if you do not plan to eat at Krorez.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your plans are still moving around. Starting times depend on availability, so check the departure time before you commit to another activity that day.

The tour is offered in Albanian, English, and Greek. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to Bar Restaurant Limani.

The trip lasts six hours, but weather and sea conditions can affect the exact pace. April water may be too cold for some people, as one early-season experience showed. Summer is better for warm-water swimming, but it also brings more boats and stronger sun.

Should you book the Saranda sea adventure?

I would book it if you want many swim opportunities plus a genuine stretch of beach time. The combination of seven coastal stops, a small shared group, snorkeling equipment, a free drink, and two to three hours at Krorez gives the $42 fare real value.

Choose a private trip if you want more control over the day and can accept a higher, separately quoted price. Choose another activity if you dislike speedboats, need guaranteed shade, cannot swim, or want a deeply guided history tour.

For the best experience, arrive early, sort out parking before departure, pack lunch and sunscreen, and keep your expectations realistic about crowds at Krorez. With those details handled, this is an easygoing and affordable way to see the Sarandë coast from the water.

FAQ

How long does the Saranda boat trip last?

The trip lasts six hours, including the boat ride from Bar Restaurant Limani, seven coastal stops, and the return to the same meeting point.

How many stops are included?

The route includes Turtle Cave, Secret Cave, Gremina Bay, Kakome Bay, Krorez Beach, Soldier Bay, and Rrojdhe Bay.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks, use the boat’s cooler, or buy lunch and drinks at the seaside restaurants and bars near Krorez Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included, along with a lifejacket. You should bring your own swimwear, beachwear, towel, sunscreen, and camera.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Bar Restaurant Limani. A stand in front of Vodafone has a staff member who will guide you and provide trip information.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

No. You need to use nearby private or street parking. A recommended private parking area is about a 10-minute walk away and costs around €5 per car.