Reviewed · KARABURUN & SAZAN TOURS

Vlore: Blue Cave & Smuggler`s Canyon, Karaburun Expedition

★ 5.0 · 32 reviews 8 hours From $75 Operated by OLYMPIA TOURS · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

Albania’s wild coast rewards an early start. This eight-hour speedboat trip from Vlorë takes you around the Karaburun Peninsula and past Sazan Island waters, with stops at sea caves, quiet bays, pebble beaches, and clear swimming spots. I like the wide range of places packed into one day, especially Haxhi Ali Cave and Grama Bay. I also like that the tour is offered in private or small groups, with guides speaking Albanian, English, or Italian.

The main drawback is the pace. You spend much of the day moving between stops, and several breaks last only 15 or 20 minutes. You also need to be comfortable swimming in open water, and this is not a good fit for non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, or anyone needing easy land access.

In This Review

Six things to know before you book

Vlore: Blue Cave & Smuggler<code>s Canyon, Karaburun Expedition – Six things to know before you book’ /></p> <ul> <li><strong>Haxhi Ali Cave starts the day with a swim:</strong> Your first major stop combines a dramatic cave with time for swimming and snorkeling.</li> <li><strong>Dafina Bay and Dafina Cave offer two different moods:</strong> One is a longer beach break, while the other is a short stop focused on colored rock and water.</li> <li><strong>The itinerary is packed:</strong> You visit many bays and caves, but most stops last between 15 and 45 minutes.</li> <li><strong>Grama Bay gives you the longest break:</strong> Plan on about 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, walking, and taking photos.</li> <li><strong>The final return is long:</strong> After San Andreas Bay and the Blue Cave, the speedboat ride back takes about 80 minutes.</li> <li><strong>Pack like you are going to the beach, not the airport:</strong> Large bags are not allowed, so bring only water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel, and a small waterproof bag.</li> </ul> <h2 id="what-this-karaburun-boat-trip-is-really-like">What this Karaburun boat trip is really like</h2> <p><img width="487" height="650" decoding="async" src=