Sarandë: Boat Tour to North side of Sarandë

This six-hour boat trip from Sarandë follows the northern shore to coves, sea caves, and beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by land. I like the small group of up to 10 people, which keeps the boat more personal, and I like the free sunbed, umbrella, and snorkeling mask available at Krorez Beach. The price is also fair at $35 per person, though the exact amount of time spent at each stop can change with sea conditions and the day’s operation.

The main thing to understand is that this is a northern-coast outing, not an island tour from Ksamil. One unhappy booking expected the islands and found the route different, while another group spent nearly three hours at a beach. If you want a relaxed swim-and-sun day with music, this may suit you well. If you want nonstop cruising and a tightly timed sightseeing schedule, you may find it slow.

Key points before you book

• Six hours along the northern coast: You visit Gremina Bay, Qefal Bay, Turtle Cave, Roidhe Bay, Kakome Bay, and Kroreza Beach.
• A small boat group: The advertised limit is 10 participants, a useful size for swimming stops and a calmer onboard atmosphere.
• Kroreza is the main beach stop: You receive a free sunbed and umbrella for your stay, with more time to swim and relax.
• Swimming is central to the day: Bring swimwear, sunscreen, sandals, and a towel if you have one. Snorkeling masks are available on request.
• The route depends on conditions: The boat may only partly enter Turtle Cave, and rough waves can make the ride wet and uncomfortable.
• A good deal with a clear limitation: $35 includes the boat, crew, refreshments, fuel, docking fees, and several coastal stops, but the schedule may not feel exact.

Finding the blue Vergo Tours stand

The meeting point is easy to identify: look for the large blue Vergo Tours stand. That detail matters in a busy seaside setting, where several boats and agencies may be operating near Sarandë’s waterfront.

The boat has shaded seating and an area for sunbathing. Music plays during the trip, giving the outing more of a relaxed beach-day feel than a quiet nature excursion. You also get bottled water and light refreshments, with seasonal fruit or soft drinks possible on some departures. One complimentary drink is included.

The crew speaks Albanian and English. A professional skipper and crew handle the boat, explain the route, and help with safety. Life jackets and other safety equipment are provided. The small group limit is one of the better features here, since 10 people gives you a reasonable chance of finding a comfortable place to sit or stretch out.

Still, you should pack for a wet ride. One departure became hectic when waves hit the boat, leaving people soaked and causing belongings to move around. That does not mean every trip will be rough, but it is a good reason to keep your camera, phone, and cash in a secure waterproof pouch.

Gremina Bay, where the cliffs open to the sea

The first major stop is Gremina Bay. The approach is part of the pleasure: steep rocky cliffs and thick forest frame a quiet area of dark blue water.

This is a good early swimming stop because it gives you a quick sense of the day’s rhythm. The boat moves along the coast, reaches a quiet bay, and then gives you a chance to get into the water or simply watch from the deck. The cliffs make the bay feel more enclosed than the open sea around Sarandë.

You may prefer to stay aboard at first and take photographs as the boat arrives. The rocky shore, forest, and calm water create some of the strongest wide coastal views of the trip. If you want to swim, bring sandals for getting in and out of the boat, since the shore and seabed are not described as sandy here.

Qefal Bay is made for a quiet swim

Qefal Bay is another stop where the boat serves as your base. You can sit on deck, listen to music, take photographs, or jump into the clear water for a swim.

The appeal is simplicity. There is no suggestion of a large beach operation or a long list of organized activities. You get a calm bay and time in the water. That makes this stop especially suitable if you prefer a day that is not packed with explanations and formal sightseeing.

The main caution is that the water can feel cold, particularly early or later in the season. One very positive account urged people to swim but noted the initial chill. Bring a towel, use the sunbathing area afterward, and give yourself time to warm up before the next stop.

Turtle Cave depends on the sea

Turtle Cave is small, but it adds variety to the route. Sunlight reflects off the water inside, creating shifting patterns on the cave walls.

The boat may enter only partly, depending on sea conditions. You should treat this as a short scenic visit rather than a guaranteed full cave passage. If waves are running high, the skipper may keep the boat outside or near the entrance for safety.

This is one of the better moments for a camera, but protect your equipment. You are on a moving boat, near spray, and possibly close to rock. The cave is not the kind of place where you will spend a long time, but it gives the six-hour trip a memorable feature beyond beaches and swimming.

Roidhe Bay brings clear water and white stones

Roidhe Bay is reached by boat and has a white-pebbled beach backed by cliffs and wild olive trees. The water can appear blue-green, and the bay is well suited to floating, swimming, and quiet time away from built-up shorelines.

This stop gives you a stronger feeling of seclusion than a regular beach visit. You can look back toward the cliffs and olive trees, then return to the boat for shade or a drink. Snorkeling masks are available if you ask, though the supplied information does not promise a specific underwater program or marine wildlife sightings.

The pebbles are worth noting. Sandals or water shoes will be more comfortable than bare feet when entering or leaving the water. As with the other bays, the exact swimming time can vary, so listen for instructions from the crew before moving away from the boat.

Kakome Bay has sand and an abandoned monastery

Kakome Bay is one of the most scenic stops on the northern route. It is broad and sandy, with hills around it and an abandoned monastery adding a quiet, slightly mysterious character.

The beach gives you more room to spread out than the smaller coves. Calm water makes it suitable for swimming, sunbathing, or simple beach games. If you want photographs with more space and a clear shoreline, Kakome may be one of your favorite stops.

Do not expect a fully developed resort beach. The attraction is the lack of a busy commercial setting. That also means you should carry what you need from the boat, including sunscreen, water, and any small amount of cash for personal purchases. The boat includes refreshments, but the tour does not promise a full meal.

Kroreza Beach is the day’s main pause

Kroreza Beach is the longest and most practical stop on the route. It can only be reached by sea and has pale sand, shallow turquoise water, and pine-covered cliffs behind it.

Your booking includes a free sunbed and umbrella for the entire time you stay at Kroreza. That changes the value of the trip because you are not simply stepping ashore for 20 minutes and rushing back to the boat. You can swim, sit under shade, use a snorkeling mask on request, or enjoy a drink and snacks from the boat.

Kroreza is also where the day can feel slow. A previous departure spent almost three hours at a bay, which suited some people and disappointed others. I would book this trip expecting a long beach break rather than six hours of constant movement. Bring a book, a hat, and patience if you prefer a full rest day.

The shallow water should appeal to people who want an easy swim, but you still need to follow the crew’s instructions. The beach is isolated, so the boat is your main source of supplies and support. Keep your belongings together, especially when walking between the water, sunbeds, and boat.

What the $35 price really covers

At $35 per person, the trip offers good value if you want several coastal stops without arranging a private boat. The price includes the north-coast cruise, skipper and crew, fuel, docking fees, safety equipment, music, shaded seating, sunbathing space, bottled water, light refreshments, and the listed visits.

The free sunbed and umbrella at Kroreza add useful value. So does the snorkeling mask available on request. You are not paying separately for every beach chair or for fuel at the end of the trip, which makes budgeting easier.

The value is less clear if you want a detailed cultural tour. The experience focuses on scenery, swimming, and time on beaches. The abandoned monastery at Kakome adds a little historical interest, but the main product is a day on the water.

There have also been operational problems. One boat reportedly returned to port because it did not pass a police check, requiring passengers to change boats. Another departure did not match the expected route. These incidents appear to be exceptions rather than the central character of the experience, but they are worth keeping in mind when choosing a shared boat outing.

How to prepare for a wet, sunny day

Pack lightly, but pack smart. You will want:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and shorts
• Sandals
• Sunscreen
• A camera or phone in waterproof protection
• Cash
• A towel, if available to you

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people over 80, or people with motion sickness.

Motion sickness deserves special attention. This is a six-hour boat outing, and rough water can make the ride unpleasant. If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. Even on a calm day, there will be movement, and the boat may take open stretches of water between the bays.

Keep valuables in a closed bag. A wave hitting the boat can send loose objects sliding or flying. You should also assume that parts of your clothing may get wet, especially if the sea is choppy.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a low-cost way to see the northern coast and spend much of the day swimming. It suits couples, friends, and small groups who like music, friendly crew members, and a flexible beach atmosphere.

It is also a good choice if you do not want to rent a boat yourself. You receive a skipper, safety equipment, fuel, and a planned route for less than the cost and effort of arranging a private excursion.

The tour may suit families with older children who are comfortable around open water, though the supplied information does not give a minimum age. You should ask the operator directly about age requirements before booking.

I would be more cautious if you need precise timing or dislike changes. The route can be affected by sea conditions, and one account described the published stops as inaccurate. You should also avoid it if you strongly dislike boat movement, cannot tolerate wet spray, or want quiet rather than music.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful. One booking specifically praised guide Mario, so if he is assigned to your boat, you may appreciate his warm approach. Still, crew assignments can change, and the trip should be judged mainly as a scenic boat day rather than a guided history tour.

Booking details that matter

The tour lasts six hours, with starting times available according to the date you choose. You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Sarandë schedule is still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The group is limited to 10 participants, and the languages are Albanian and English. At the blue Vergo Tours stand, arrive with enough time to find the correct meeting point and settle in before departure.

The average rating is 4.2 from seven ratings, which suggests a generally enjoyable trip with some meaningful variation. The most consistent strengths are the attractive bays, friendly staff, music, and fun swimming time. The main weaknesses are rough-water handling, route confusion, and the possibility of a long stop at one beach.

Should you book the northern coast tour?

Book it if you want an affordable, sociable day of swimming and coastal scenery, especially if Kroreza’s long beach stop sounds appealing. The combination of six hours, six named locations, a small group, free beach equipment, and a $35 price is hard to fault for a relaxed seaside day.

Skip it if you want a strict sightseeing timetable, a Ksamil island route, or a smooth ride in every condition. Before paying, confirm that the northern coast itinerary is the one you want. Bring waterproof protection for your belongings, expect possible waves, and see the long Kroreza stop as part of the experience rather than a scheduling mistake. With those expectations, this is a pleasant way to trade Sarandë’s shorefront for quiet bays and open sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour meet?

Meet at the large blue Vergo Tours stand, marked with the agency name.

How long does the tour last?

The boat trip lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability for your chosen date.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Gremina Bay, Qefal Bay, Turtle Cave, Roidhe Bay, Kakome Bay, and Kroreza Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Free snorkeling masks are available upon request.

What is included at Kroreza Beach?

You receive a free sunbed and umbrella for the entire time you stay at Kroreza Beach.

What languages are spoken?

The tour is available in Albanian and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.