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

The best part of this six-hour boat trip is the rhythm: a cave, a swim, another bay, then a long break at Krorez Beach. You get enough movement to see the coast without spending the whole day rushing from one stop to the next.

I like the small group size, capped at 11 people on the shared boat, and the relaxed style Captain Kelvin brings to the outing. I also like that you get a free drink, a cooler for your own food and drinks, snorkeling masks, music, and sunbeds rather than paying for each small comfort separately. The main drawback is that this is a speedboat, not a quiet sailing trip, and the water may feel too cold outside the hottest summer months.

The trip in five useful points

• Seven coastal stops: See Turtle Cave, Secret Cave, Gremina, Kakome, Krorez, Soldier Bay, and Rrojdhe Bay in one outing.
• Three hours at Krorez Beach: This is the heart of the day, with time for swimming, lunch, sunbeds, and a walk along the shore.
• Small shared boat: The shared option holds no more than 11 people, while a private boat is available for a more personal outing.
• Good practical extras: A captain, lifejackets, snorkeling mask, one free drink, cooler, Bluetooth music, fuel, and sunbeds are included.
• A genuine break from Sarandë: The boat gets you away from the busy waterfront and into quieter coves that are difficult to reach by road.
• Strict meeting rules: There is no parking at the departure point, and late arrivals can miss the boat without a refund.

A full day on the water from Sarandë

This trip is built for people who want to see a lot of the Albanian Riviera but do not want a full day of formal sightseeing. The boat leaves from Bar Restaurant Limani, near the Vodafone stand, and follows the coast south of Sarandë.

You spend part of the day moving between coves and rock formations, but the schedule leaves room to swim instead of simply taking photographs from the boat. Most short stops last around 20 to 30 minutes. Krorez Beach gets roughly two and a half to three hours, which gives the day a useful center of gravity.

That balance matters. Many boat outings feel like a race, with just enough time to jump in, climb back aboard, and move on. Here, the shorter stops let you sample several places, while Krorez gives you time to slow down.

Captain Kelvin is both skipper and host. You can expect explanations in Albanian, English, or Greek, and the boat has a Bluetooth music system. The atmosphere is informal. Several people specifically appreciated Kelvin’s calm manner, help with photographs, safe driving, and easygoing approach.

Turtle Cave and Secret Cave set the tone

The first stop is Shpella e Milotit, commonly presented as Turtle Cave. It is mainly a photo stop, with about five minutes to look at the rock formations and take pictures. If conditions are right, you might spot a sea turtle nearby, but that is a possibility, not a promised part of the tour.

This stop works best as an introduction to the coast. You are not getting a long cave walk or a land-based visit. The boat brings you close to the formations, and the appeal is the shape of the rock, the water around it, and the chance to frame a photograph from the sea.

The second stop is a Secret Cave, another short visit of about five minutes. Expect a quiet natural setting and time for photographs rather than a lengthy exploration. These first two stops are brief, so keep your camera ready and do not expect to wander far from the boat.

I would treat the cave stops as scenic pauses, not the main reason to book. The real value comes from the combination of these unusual coastal views and the longer swim and beach stops that follow.

Gremina Bay gives you the first proper swim

At Gremina Bay, also identified in the route as Kepi I Qefalit, the boat stays for around 30 minutes. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to water time.

You can swim, snorkel with the supplied mask, sunbathe, or take photographs from the boat. The water is described as clear, and the rocky setting gives you plenty to look at above and below the surface.

A 30-minute stop is long enough for a refreshing swim but not long enough to settle into a full beach day. That is useful if you want variety. It is less useful if you prefer to spend most of your time floating in one place.

The boat carries lifejackets, and the crew can help create a comfortable setup for getting in and out of the water. Still, this trip is not suited to non-swimmers. It is also a poor match for anyone prone to seasickness, since the route uses a speedboat and includes several hours on open water.

Kakome Bay adds green hills and clear water

Kakome Bay brings another half-hour stop, with green hills around the bay and the same choice of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and photographs. The scenery changes enough from Gremina to keep the route interesting, even though the activity is similar.

This is a good place to judge your preferred pace. If you want to swim at every stop, you can use the time in the water. If you are more interested in views, stay aboard and take in the bay from the boat.

I like the fact that the route does not force you to spend every stop on shore. Some coves are best appreciated from the water, where you can see the shape of the bay and the color change around the rocks.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you plan to take pictures while swimming. The tour includes a camera-friendly setting and opportunities to photograph the coastline, but it does not include specialist underwater camera equipment.

Krorez Beach is the main event

Krorez Beach is where this excursion earns most of its appeal. The boat stays for about two and a half to three hours, giving you time to swim, walk, eat, sit beneath an umbrella, or simply stop moving for a while.

The beach is known for clear water and large rocks. It is not a polished resort beach with a wide paved promenade. You should expect a more natural shore, small stones, and rocky areas. Comfortable footwear for beach use is sensible, especially if you dislike walking over uneven ground.

You can bring your own food and drinks on the boat. A cooler is provided, which is a useful detail in the Albanian summer heat. You can also eat at one of the seaside restaurants and buy drinks at nearby bars. Lunch is not included, so decide in advance if you want to carry food or spend money ashore.

Sunbeds are included, and the boat has access to them at Krorez. One useful detail from the day-to-day operation is that the setup may be more comfortable than what some nearby boats provide. The beach can have rocks and small stones, so a sunbed and umbrella make a real difference during a long stop. Umbrellas are not generally included as a tour item, but an umbrella may be available at the beach, so confirm the arrangement when you arrive.

Three hours gives you a chance to make Krorez your own. You can swim first, eat later, and still have time to walk along the shore. If you are booking mainly to see Krorez, this longer stop is the strongest reason to choose this tour instead of a route with many short stops and no real beach break.

The tradeoff is that Krorez is not a private beach. Other boats may arrive during the afternoon, especially in high summer. Captain Kelvin has been praised for parking away from clusters of boats when possible, which helps preserve a calmer feel, but the coast is shared and conditions can change.

Soldier Bay keeps the return journey interesting

After Krorez, the boat stops at Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldier Bay, for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is another chance to swim, snorkel, and take photographs.

By this point, you may be ready for a quieter stop rather than another major beach. Soldier Bay works well as a final water break after lunch and sunbeds. It gives you one more chance to get in the sea before the ride back.

If you have spent most of your energy at Krorez, you can use this stop for photographs instead. You are not required to swim at every location, and the boat provides comfortable places to relax.

Rrojdhe Bay ends the route gently

The last stop is Rrojdhe Bay, described as a peaceful final bay and a short 20 to 30 minute visit. You can swim, snorkel, take pictures, or enjoy the setting before returning to Bar Restaurant Limani.

This final stop is a sensible way to finish. Rather than going straight from the busiest beach stop back to Sarandë, you get one last quiet pause on the water. The return ride then brings you back to the same place where you started.

The complete route takes about six hours, though exact timing can depend on sea conditions, the pace of the group, and how long people spend at each stop. You should not treat the schedule like a train timetable.

Shared boat or private outing?

The shared boat carries a maximum of 11 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion vessel, while still keeping the price at a reasonable $42 per person.

The shared option suits couples, solo visitors, and small groups who want to meet other people and keep costs down. It also gives the boat a social feel, especially with music playing and several swim stops.

A private boat is the better choice if you want control over the pace or are traveling with family and friends. It may also suit anyone who wants more space, though the supplied details do not specify a separate private-tour price, so check the total before booking.

At $42, the shared trip offers good value for a six-hour outing. The price includes fuel, the captain, lifejackets, snorkeling masks, one free drink, cooler access, music, sunbeds, and access to all the beaches visited. You still need to budget for lunch, extra drinks, parking, and any beach purchases.

That list of inclusions matters because boat tours can look cheap at first and then add charges for fuel, equipment, or drinks. Here, the basics are already covered. The value is strongest if you plan to swim several times and use the long Krorez stop.

What to bring and how to meet the boat

The meeting point is at Bar Restaurant Limani, near the Vodafone stand. Look for the stand in front of Vodafone, where a staff member will guide you and explain the trip.

There is no parking at the meeting point. A private parking area about a 10-minute walk away costs around 5 euros per car. Free street parking may be available closer by, but you should arrive at least 30 minutes early if you plan to search for a space.

Do not cut this close. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and missing departure is treated as a no-show with no refund. The heat, the group schedule, and the need to keep the boat moving make punctuality especially important.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• A camera or waterproof phone case
• Food and extra drinks
• Cash for lunch, bars, parking, or beach purchases

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the boat. Bikes, baby carriages, and similar bulky items are also not permitted.

The operator advises against this trip for pregnant women, people with heart problems, recent surgery, people over 70, babies under one year, and anyone weighing over 95 kilograms. The tour is also not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness. These limits may feel strict, but they relate to the speedboat, the water access, and the small boat setup.

The small touches that improve the day

The practical extras make this more than a ride from one bay to another. A free drink is included, and the onboard cooler lets you keep your own water and food cold. Drink choices mentioned during the outing include water, soft drinks, and beer, though you should not count on a particular brand.

The music system helps create a relaxed mood, but this is not a silent nature tour. If you want total quiet, you may prefer a private trip or should ask about the music before departure.

Captain Kelvin has also helped with photographs, explained the stops, and kept the boat in good order. The boat has been described as clean and safe, and the driving style is intended to be careful rather than reckless. Still, a speedboat ride can feel lively, especially if the sea is choppy.

One especially thoughtful detail is the effort to find a less crowded place in the water when possible. This cannot guarantee solitude, but it can make a swim feel calmer than joining a tight cluster of boats.

Who should book this Sarandë boat trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a full coastal day without renting a car. It covers several bays that are hard to reach by land, gives you repeated swimming chances, and leaves enough time at Krorez to feel like you had a real beach day.

It is a good fit for couples, families with older children, small groups, and anyone who likes a social but not oversized boat. The private option is worth checking if you want more space or control.

I would hesitate if you dislike speedboats, need shade at all times, get seasick, or want a polished resort beach with easy walking. The caves are short photo stops, lunch costs extra, and the most natural beaches have rocks and uneven footing.

The tour has a rating of 4.8 from 109 reviews, and its most praised features are consistent: the friendly captain, safe boat handling, repeated swim stops, the long Krorez break, the included drinks, and the relaxed atmosphere. Those are also the features I would use to make the booking decision.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want to leave crowded Sarandë behind for a day of clear water, small coves, music, and a long stop at one of the Riviera’s most appealing beaches. At $42, the shared trip is a strong value when you use the snorkeling gear, cooler, sunbeds, and several swim stops.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing boat, guaranteed solitude, a fully included lunch, or a gentle outing with no open-water movement. Arrive early, bring cash and your own food if needed, and treat Krorez Beach as the main attraction rather than expecting the short cave stops to fill the day.

FAQ

How long is the Sarandë boat trip?

The trip lasts six hours, including the boat ride, seven coastal stops, swimming time, snorkeling, and the long break at Krorez Beach.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Bar Restaurant Limani, at the stand in front of Vodafone. A staff member will guide you and provide information before departure.

How many people can join the shared boat?

The shared boat accommodates a maximum of 11 people. A private boat option is also available.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask is included, along with lifejackets and access to the swimming stops.

What happens if I arrive late?

The boat cannot wait for late arrivals. A late arrival is treated as a no-show, and no refund is provided, so you should arrive early.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.