Sarandë: Boat Tour Turtle Cave Kakome & Krorez Snorkeling

Clear water, quiet coves, one long beach stop. This boat trip gives you a lively way to see the Albanian Riviera north of Sarandë, with short swims at Gremina, Kakome, and Military Bay plus plenty of time at Krorez Beach. I like the small-group feel and the chance to reach places that are not practical by road. I also like that guides such as Kosta and Mario bring friendly energy, music, and useful local help. The main thing to consider is the long Krorez stop, which some people find relaxing and others find too slow.

You meet the Saranda Boat 1 team at a table across from Guma Restaurant on the promenade, then spend about four and a half hours on the water. The boat includes fuel, snorkel equipment, comfortable seating, and Bluetooth music, but you need to bring food, drinks, and cash for the beach stop.

At a glance

• Six coastal stops: The captain usually visits six of seven possible locations, depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Three short swims: Gremina, Kakome, and Military Bay each allow up to about 20 to 25 minutes in the water.
• A long Krorez break: Plan on two and a half to three hours for swimming, sitting on the beach, food, and an umbrella rental.
• Good for active groups: Couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming, music, and changing scenery will get the most from it.
• Small-group or private choice: You can book a seat on a shared trip or reserve the whole boat.
• Bring cash: Food and alcohol are not included, and the Krorez beach restaurants accept cash only.

Leaving Sarandë for the northern Riviera

The meeting point is easy to find on Sarandë’s waterfront. Look for the Saranda Boat 1 table across from Guma Restaurant. From there, the boat heads north along Albania’s Ionian coast, trading the city waterfront for cliffs, rock shelves, small coves, and clear water.

The trip lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. That sounds generous, but much of the time is used by the long Krorez Beach break. The other stops are short and neatly spaced, so you get a sampler of the coast rather than one long, quiet cruise.

I think this is a good format if you want variety. You can take photos at the first two stops, swim several times, snorkel when conditions are suitable, and still have a proper beach afternoon. If you prefer a boat ride with constant commentary or a full day at sea, this may feel more like a busy coastal circuit.

The boat has comfortable seating and Bluetooth music. Music is a repeated part of the experience, giving the trip a relaxed social mood rather than a formal sightseeing feel. Captains Kosta, also written as Costa in some accounts, and Mario are especially praised for being friendly, attentive, and willing to adjust the outing to the group.

Turtle Cave and the first photo stop

The first listed stop is Shpella e Milotit, known in the tour description as Turtle Cave. The rock formations resemble turtle shells, making this a natural photo stop rather than a swimming stop. You get about 10 minutes here.

That short pause is enough for quick pictures, but do not expect time to wander around or snorkel. The appeal is the shape of the rocks and the boat-level view of a secluded section of coast. Have your camera or phone ready before arrival, since ten minutes goes quickly.

A waterproof camera is a smart choice. You will be near the water throughout the day, and the best views often come from the edge of the boat rather than from dry land.

Secret Beach and the forgotten anchors

The second photo stop is described as a hidden cove known for old anchors left by local fish farmers. Again, this is for viewing and pictures only, with no swimming scheduled.

This stop adds a little local character to an otherwise scenery-focused day. The anchors give you something specific to look for, and the cove provides a change from the open coastal views. Still, it is brief. If you are hoping for two more swimming spots, this pause may feel limited.

The captain decides which six of seven locations are visited, based on weather. That matters here because sea conditions may alter the order or remove a stop. You should treat the published route as the planned shape of the day, not an absolute promise that every named place will be visited.

Gremina, or Kepi i Qefalit, for a quick swim

The next stop is Gremina, also listed as Kepi i Qefalit. This area has a distinctive rock formation and is used for swimming and snorkeling. The scheduled water time is about 20 to 25 minutes.

This is the kind of stop that works well with snorkel gear. You can get in, cool off, look around the rocks, and return to the boat without spending the whole afternoon in one place. The included snorkel equipment saves you from packing your own, though bringing a waterproof phone case is still useful if you want pictures.

The short timing keeps the tour moving, but it also means you should be ready to enter the water quickly. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, keep your towel close, and avoid burying your camera in a dry bag.

Kakome, clear water and a quieter cove

Kakome Beach is another swimming stop, with up to 20 to 25 minutes in the water. It is presented as a peaceful cove with clear water and a clean beach, and it is one of the places that gives the trip its sense of escape from Sarandë.

I like the balance here. You are not simply racing from one postcard view to another. You get a few chances to swim in different settings, then a longer pause later. The water clarity makes Kakome a natural place to use the snorkel gear, though visibility and comfort will always depend on the day’s conditions.

The limitation is the clock. Twenty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. Treat these early stops as quick water breaks and save your longer relaxation for Krorez.

Krorez Beach, the main event

Krorez Beach receives the longest stop, usually two and a half to three hours. It is reached by boat and is one of the most scenic parts of the route, with clear water, a broad chance to relax, and views of the surrounding coast.

This is where the tour divides people. If you want time to swim, sit on the beach, eat, and rent an umbrella, the long pause is welcome. It gives the day a proper break and keeps the outing from becoming a nonstop sequence of short swims.

If you prefer constant movement, the stop can feel too long. One account found the beach area fairly small, with only a bar and limited food choices. That is useful to know before you book. Krorez is not a full resort district with endless cafés and shops. It is a simple beach stop, and its appeal depends on how much you enjoy unhurried time by the water.

Food and alcohol are not included. Bring your own supplies, and carry cash because the local restaurants accept cash only. You can also rent an umbrella, which may be useful during the long stay. Pack water, sunscreen, a towel, and something to eat if you do not want to depend on the beach bar.

Military Bay and Rrojdhes

The last swimming stop is Military Bay, also called Rrojdhes or Plazhi i Ushtarit. The area combines coastal scenery with a military connection and allows up to about 20 to 25 minutes for swimming.

This stop gives the return journey another chance to get in the water instead of heading straight back to Sarandë after Krorez. It is particularly useful if you skipped an earlier swim or simply want one final chance to snorkel.

The name hints at the area’s past, but do not expect a long historical talk unless the captain chooses to explain more. The strongest part of the tour is its coastal access and relaxed company, not formal guiding at every location. One person specifically wished for more information about the places, while another praised the captain for clear explanations. Your amount of commentary may depend on the guide and the group.

The boat, captain, and group atmosphere

The boat is designed for moving in and out of small coves, with comfortable seating and music on board. Several people particularly liked the boat’s cleanliness, speed, and easy handling around the coastal stops.

The captain is central to the experience. Kosta is often singled out for professionalism, safety, warmth, and a knack for making people comfortable. Mario is also praised for his friendly manner and help at the stops. One account even says Kosta may let you steer if you ask politely, though that should be treated as a possibility, not a scheduled feature.

Shared trips are social. You may meet couples, friends, and families, and the music adds to the holiday mood. Small groups have been praised for feeling comfortable and manageable. Still, group size can affect the day. One four-star account found overcrowding made it harder to relax and noted that the seabed was not always as clean as hoped.

If personal space matters to you, compare the shared option with the private boat price. The provided rate of $37 per person is strong value for a shared outing that includes fuel, a captain, seating, and snorkel gear. A private booking will cost more overall, but splitting the boat among a group may make it attractive for families or friends who want control over the pace.

What to pack for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, beachwear, water, food, and drinks. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, and a waterproof camera or charged smartphone will help you capture the rock formations and swimming coves.

Cash is important for Krorez. You may need it for food, drinks, or an umbrella. Alcohol is not included, so bring your own only if the operator permits it and you can manage it safely around swimming and boat travel.

Keep essentials where you can reach them. The short swimming stops are not the time to open a large bag and search for goggles. A small day bag, waterproof pouch, and dry towel within easy reach will make the schedule feel much less rushed.

The tour is not suitable for people over 70 years old or people weighing more than 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Those limits should be checked before booking, especially if you are arranging the boat for a mixed-age group.

How much value do you get for $37?

At $37 per person, the shared trip offers a lot for a half-day outing. You receive transport by boat, fuel, a captain, snorkel gear, access to several coastal stops, and the chance to reach beaches unavailable by ordinary road access.

The best value comes if you actually use the variety. Swim at more than one stop, snorkel at Gremina or Kakome, enjoy the long Krorez break, and take photos at Turtle Cave and the anchor cove. If you only want a short scenic cruise, you may be paying for more swimming time than you need.

The price does not cover food, alcohol, or an umbrella at Krorez. Those costs are easy to overlook, so carry extra cash and pack a meal if you want to keep the budget predictable.

Who should book this boat tour?

I would choose this trip for couples, friends, and families who want a friendly day on the water without paying private-boat rates. It is also a good fit if you want to meet people and prefer a lively outing with music over a silent sightseeing cruise.

Swimmers will get the most from it. You can stay on the boat at some stops, but the core appeal is repeated access to clear coastal water. The route also suits anyone who wants to see more of the Riviera than the Sarandë waterfront allows.

You may want another type of excursion if you dislike shared spaces, need long uninterrupted time on the beach, or want a guide to explain every cove in detail. The route is flexible and the captain may offer useful information, but this is primarily a scenic swimming trip.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a good-value half-day on the Albanian Riviera with several swim stops and a substantial beach break. The strongest reasons are the clear water, access to secluded coves, comfortable boat, friendly captains, and the chance to see Turtle Cave, Kakome, and Krorez in one outing.

Book with realistic expectations. The first two stops are for photos, the swim stops are short, Krorez may feel long, and weather can change the route. Bring cash and food, choose the private option if space matters, and book this trip for the water and scenery rather than for a formal history lesson.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

Meet at the Saranda Boat 1 table across from Guma Restaurant on the Sarandë promenade.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many places will the boat visit?

The captain aims to visit six of seven possible locations. Weather and sea conditions determine the final route.

Is Turtle Cave a swimming stop?

No. Turtle Cave is scheduled as a photo stop of about 10 minutes.

Can I swim at Secret Beach?

No. Secret Beach is listed as a photo stop only because of the anchors left by local fish farmers.

How long are the swimming stops?

Gremina, Kakome, and Military Bay each allow up to about 20 to 25 minutes for swimming.

How long do you stay at Krorez Beach?

The Krorez Beach stop lasts about two and a half to three hours and includes time for swimming, visiting, eating, and relaxing.

Is food included?

No. Food and alcohol are not included. You should bring food and drinks, and remember that Krorez restaurants accept cash only.

Is snorkel equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear, fuel, a captain, comfortable seating, and Bluetooth music are included.