Saranda: Boat Tour to 7 Destinations with Beach Umbrella

Clear water, fast boat, seven coastal stops. This small-group trip takes you north from Saranda along Albania’s Riviera, mixing short swims, scenic photo stops, and a long break at Krorez Bay. I especially like the limited group of 11 and the chance to use snorkeling gear without paying extra. The free beach umbrella at Krorez is another useful touch, since it turns the longest stop into proper rest time rather than a quick look at the shore.

The main caution is simple: this is a speedboat outing, not a calm cruise. You should be comfortable with motion, spray, and a quicker ride between stops. Parking near the departure point is also limited, so you need to arrive early and be ready to walk 10 to 15 minutes from a nearby space.

Key details at a glance

• Seven coastal destinations: Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, Pllakator, Krorez Bay, Secret Beach, and a small cave known as Turtle Cave.
• A 2 to 3-hour beach break: Krorez Bay gives you the most time to swim, sit under an umbrella, and buy food or drinks in season.
• Small speedboat setting: The boat holds up to 11 participants, making it more personal than a large group cruise.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Several stops allow around 20 minutes for swimming and photos, with snorkels and life jackets provided.
• Music and cold storage: Bluetooth speakers and an onboard fridge let you bring snacks and drinks for the day.
• Strong value at $39: You get roughly 4 to 6 hours on the water, a captain, equipment, water, and beach umbrella access.

Setting off from Saranda’s harbor

The meeting point is next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda. From there, the boat heads north along the coast, away from the city and toward quieter bays.

The departure point is easy to recognize, but parking is not included. You may find free street parking within a 10 to 15-minute walk, or you can search for private parking nearby. I would not cut this close. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because the schedule affects everyone aboard, and a late arrival may be treated as a no-show.

The boat carries a maximum of 11 people. That matters here. A small boat lets you see the coastline without a crowd between you and the view, and it makes it easier to hear the captain when he explains the area or gives swimming instructions.

The setting is casual. You have comfortable seating, a Bluetooth sound system, and room in the fridge for your own food and drinks. One bottle of water is included, but I would still bring more water, especially during the warmer months.

Gremina and Kakome: the first swimming stops

Gremina and Kakome are among the early stops as the boat moves north from Saranda. These are short visits, usually around 20 minutes each, so think of them as focused swimming breaks rather than full beach visits.

The attraction is the water. The coast around these bays is known for clear conditions, and the boat gives you direct access without requiring you to find a public beach entrance. You can jump in, swim near the boat, take photographs, and use the provided snorkel to look beneath the surface.

The short timing keeps the day moving, but it also means you need to be ready. Keep your towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and camera within easy reach. If you spend ten minutes organizing your bag, you lose half the stop.

Kakome is especially useful for anyone who wants a taste of the northern Riviera without spending the entire day at one beach. You get a quick look at a quieter bay, then return to the water before the boat moves on. The tradeoff is that you will not have much time to settle into a long swim or explore the shore on foot.

Soldiers Bay and Pllakator: more water, less waiting

Soldiers Bay and Pllakator follow the same general pattern. These are short stops built around swimming and photographs, not guided walks or historical visits.

This rhythm suits you if you like variety. In one half-day, you see several different stretches of coast and get repeated chances to swim. It also makes the trip a good choice for photographers who want changing angles, cliffs, open water, and small bays rather than one fixed viewpoint.

The captain plays an important part in these stops. Captains named in the feedback include Altin, Fabian, Atlen, and others, with repeated praise for safe boat handling, friendly conversation, and a good sense of timing. Some captains also share information about Saranda and Albania, while the music keeps the ride lively between swimming spots.

Still, the speedboat format will not suit everyone. On a windy day, the ride can be bumpy. One account specifically noted that the captain handled rougher water carefully, but the boat remains a fast craft. If you are prone to seasickness, this activity is not recommended.

Krorez Bay: the heart of the day

Krorez Bay is the main stop, with two to three hours set aside for beach time. This is where the schedule slows down.

Your booking includes a free umbrella at Krorez, which is a real value at the longest stop. You can swim, dry off, sit in the shade, and enjoy a proper pause without needing to rush back aboard after 20 minutes. Sunbeds may also be available as part of the beach setup described for the trip.

Restaurants at the bay operate from May through October. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money if you want to eat there. You can also pack your own snacks and store them in the onboard fridge, but remember that the boat may not be beside you while you are on the beach.

Krorez works well for people who want a beach day with a little adventure attached. You get there by boat, skip a long road transfer, and have enough time to enjoy the shore. The drawback is that the stop may feel too long if you prefer constant movement and sightseeing. I would see the two to three hours as a feature, not a flaw, if you want a relaxed middle section after the faster first part of the tour.

Bring sunscreen and a towel. The sun can feel intense on the water, and the umbrella helps but does not replace sun protection.

Secret Beach and Turtle Cave on the return

The final two stops are mainly for photographs. The boat pauses for around five minutes at Secret Beach and a small cave referred to as Turtle Cave.

These stops provide a nice change of pace after Krorez. You can stay aboard, take pictures, and enjoy the coastline without packing and unpacking your swimming gear again. The cave is a particularly good reason to keep your phone or camera accessible.

Do not expect a long exploration of either place. Five minutes is enough for a quick look and a few photographs, but not enough to walk around, swim at length, or investigate the cave on foot. This is also where the value of a small group helps: the boat can pause for pictures without the drawn-out boarding process of a much larger vessel.

The return ride brings the tour back toward Saranda after roughly four to six hours total. The exact length depends on the departure time and conditions on the water.

What the small boat adds

The boat carries up to 11 participants, and that is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a cheaper, larger cruise.

You have a better chance of getting a clear view, asking the captain questions, and finding a comfortable place to sit. The atmosphere also seems to depend heavily on the captain. Fabian is repeatedly praised for his music and friendly approach, while Altin is noted for welcoming people, speaking several languages, and sharing local information.

The Bluetooth speakers create more of a social beach-day mood than a quiet nature trip. Music played a big part in several accounts, and some captains were described as talented DJs. That will appeal to you if you like a lively boat ride. If you want silence and birdwatching, it may not be your ideal match.

The boat has comfortable seating and a fridge for personal snacks and drinks. You receive one free bottle of water, but the practical move is to carry extra water in a reusable bottle if you have one. The onboard fridge is also useful for fruit, sandwiches, and soft drinks, especially when beach restaurants are closed outside their main operating season.

Swimming, snorkeling, and practical comfort

Swimming is the main activity. The schedule includes several stops of around 20 minutes, plus the longer Krorez break. Some descriptions of the experience refer to five swimming opportunities, while the stop-by-stop plan describes four short swim stops, one main beach stop, and two photo pauses. Conditions and the captain’s timing may affect how the day feels in practice.

Snorkels and life jackets are provided. The snorkeling is best treated as a bonus rather than a specialist snorkeling trip. You can look beneath the surface around the boat and enjoy the clear water, but the activity is not presented as a guided marine tour.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Extra water
• Snacks or drinks
• A phone or camera that can handle water exposure

Nudity is not allowed. The boat is not suitable for children under four, babies under one, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems or epilepsy, people prone to seasickness, or anyone over 95. These restrictions reflect the small speedboat and the physical demands of getting in and out of the water.

Is $39 good value?

At $39 per person, the price is strong for a four to six-hour coastal outing. The cost includes the boat ride, captain, one bottle of water, snorkel, life jacket, onboard fridge, music, comfortable seating, and a free umbrella at Krorez.

The biggest value comes from the time on the water and the number of destinations. A simple beach transfer would not give you seven stops, repeated swimming opportunities, and photo pauses along the coast. You also avoid arranging separate transport to remote bays.

Food is the main extra cost. Restaurants at Krorez operate from May through October, but meals and drinks are not included. In the quieter months, bringing your own supplies becomes even more important.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see more of the Albanian Riviera than you can reach from Saranda’s city beaches. It is especially good for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy small groups, and anyone who wants a mix of swimming, music, scenery, and speed.

It is also a good pick if you value a friendly captain. The best part of this kind of day often depends on the person driving the boat, and the captains associated with this trip have been praised for being accommodating, careful, funny, and multilingual.

I would hesitate if you dislike fast boats, get seasick, need step-free access, or want a silent nature outing. The four to six-hour schedule can also feel long if swimming is not your main interest.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively, affordable way to reach several northern Riviera bays in one day. The combination of a small group, repeated swims, snorkeling gear, music, and a long Krorez Bay break gives you more than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Choose a calmer or more land-based activity if you are sensitive to motion or prefer spending a whole day at one beach. For most confident swimmers who enjoy speedboat rides, $39 is a fair price for the amount of coastline, beach time, and equipment included.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour depart from?

The tour departs next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda.

How long does the boat tour last?

The activity lasts approximately four to six hours, depending on the departure time and conditions.

Which places does the boat visit?

The seven destinations are Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, Pllakator, Krorez Bay, Secret Beach, and a small cave known as Turtle Cave.

How much time do you spend at Krorez Bay?

The main stop at Krorez Bay lasts around two to three hours.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes. Several stops allow swimming, and Krorez Bay provides the longest chance to swim.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkel and life jacket are included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks from restaurants are not included. Restaurants at Krorez Bay are available from May through October, and you may bring your own snacks and drinks to store in the onboard fridge.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with limited mobility?

It is not suitable for children under four, babies under one, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems or epilepsy, people prone to seasickness, or people over 95.