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

Sarandë’s best coastal escape is not a long sightseeing cruise. It is a fast, breezy boat day built around clear-water swims and quiet coves, with a generous three-hour pause at Krorez Beach. Kelvin Boat Tours keeps the group small, carries a cooler, and gives you plenty of time to jump overboard, snorkel, or simply stretch out in the sun.

I especially like the mix of short cave and photo stops with longer swimming breaks. I also like that Kelvin, known as Kev to some customers, takes care with the boat and often finds a calmer place to stop away from clusters of other boats. The catch is simple: shade is limited, lunch costs extra, and the speedboat is not a good fit for non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, or anyone needing a very gentle ride.

Key points to know

• Seven coastal stops: See Turtle Cave, Secret Cave, Gremina, Kakome, Krorez, Soldier Bay, and Rrojdhe Bay.
• Krorez gets the time: Plan on 2 to 3 hours for swimming, walking, sunbathing, lunch, or a drink at the beach.
• Small-group format: The shared boat holds no more than 11 people, or you can reserve the boat privately.
• Good onboard extras: A free drink, snorkeling mask, lifejacket, cooler, Bluetooth music, and sunbeds are included.
• Bring your own supplies: Lunch and extra drinks are not included, though you can buy food and drinks at Krorez.
• Arrive early: The meeting point has no parking, and late arrivals can be treated as no-shows without a refund.

A six-hour speedboat day along the Albanian Riviera

This trip works best if you want to see a lot of coastline without spending the day on one crowded beach. The speedboat gets you quickly from one bay to the next, while the schedule gives you repeated chances to swim rather than one long ride with a few token stops.

The shared boat carries a maximum of 11 people. That is small enough to feel personal, though not private. If you want control over the music, timing, and swimming spots, choose the private option. A private boat also makes more sense for a family or group with its own rhythm.

The captain and guide speak Albanian, English, and Greek. Kelvin is often at the helm, and the tone is relaxed rather than formal. You get explanations at the stops, help with pictures, and a captain who pays attention to where other boats are gathered. Do not expect a full historical lecture at every cove. This is mainly a swimming and scenery trip.

At $42 per person, the value is strong for six hours on the water. Fuel, captain, lifejackets, a snorkeling mask, one free drink, boat access, music, and use of the cooler are included. You still need to budget for lunch, extra drinks, transport to the harbor, and possibly shade at the beach.

Meeting at Bar Restaurant Limani

The boat leaves from Bar Restaurant Limani in Sarandë. Look for the stand in front of Vodafone, where a staff member will explain where to go and help you get organized.

Parking is the first practical snag. There is no tour parking at the meeting point. Street parking may be available, but you should arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want to search for a closer free space. A recommended private lot is about a 10-minute walk away and costs around €5 per car.

Do not cut this close. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals because of the heat and the schedule. The stated policy is strict: a late arrival may be marked as a no-show with no refund. Wear sunscreen before you arrive, bring your swimwear under your clothes, and keep your phone and wallet in something that can handle splashes.

Turtle Cave and Secret Cave start the morning

The first stop is Turtle Cave, also called Shpella e Milotit. This is a brief five-minute pause for photographs, rock formations, and a look around the cave entrance. You might spot a sea turtle, but that is a lucky possibility, not part of the guarantee.

The boat then moves to Secret Cave for another short stop. This is less about swimming and more about the calm setting and photographs. The two cave visits give the trip an easy start, but you should keep your expectations in proportion. Five minutes goes quickly, especially if several people want a picture.

The short stops are useful because they break up the boat ride. Still, if you prefer long visits at each place, this schedule may feel rushed. The real swimming time comes next.

Gremina Bay gives you the first proper swim

The third stop is Gremina Bay, identified in the route as Kepi I Qefalit. You get about 30 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and photographs.

This is where the trip shifts from sightseeing to water time. The included snorkeling mask means you do not need to rent basic equipment, though the quality and fit of any shared mask can vary. If snorkeling matters to you, bringing your own mask is sensible, but it is not required.

The boat has comfortable places to sit and sunbeds, yet a speedboat is still an open vessel. You will be exposed to sun and wind during the ride. Bring a hat that will not blow away, sunscreen, and a dry bag if you want to protect electronics.

Kakome Bay adds another half-hour in the water

Kakome Bay, or Kakoma Beach, is the fourth stop. The boat stays for roughly 30 minutes, with time for a swim, light snorkeling, and photographs against the green hills around the bay.

Two half-hour swim stops in a row are one of the strongest parts of the route. You get enough time to cool off without losing the whole day at one beach. On the other hand, 30 minutes includes getting your mask on, entering the water, swimming, drying off, and returning to the boat. Do not expect a long snorkeling session.

Water conditions and temperatures can change with the season. An April departure had pleasant weather but water cold enough to discourage swimming and snorkeling. The warmest months should suit swimmers best, while spring and late autumn may be better for boat scenery than extended time in the water.

Krorez Beach is the reason to book

Krorez is the main stop, and the schedule allows about 2.5 to 3 hours. That is a much better arrangement than the common boat trip that gives you ten minutes at a beach before rushing onward.

You can swim in turquoise water, walk along the shore, sit on the rocks, or eat at one of the seaside restaurants. There are also nearby bars for drinks. You can bring food and drinks from Sarandë and store them in the boat’s cooler, which helps keep the cost down.

Krorez is known for clear water and large rocks. Pack water shoes if your feet are sensitive, since the beach area includes stones and uneven surfaces. A soft mat or sunbed is useful too. The boat includes sunbeds, and one group had comfortable foam mattresses and an umbrella at Krorez, but the general information says umbrellas are not included. Treat shade as uncertain and confirm it before departure.

This long stop gives you freedom that the short bays do not. You can eat slowly, take a proper swim, and stop trying to fit your whole beach day into a half-hour slot. A small local restaurant also gives you a chance to spend money locally rather than carrying every meal from Sarandë.

Krorez can still become busy, especially in high summer. The boat’s small size helps, and Kelvin has been praised for anchoring away from packed groups when possible. That does not make the beach private, but it can make the water time feel calmer.

Soldier Bay and Rrojdhe finish the route

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

The final stop is Rrojdhe Bay, described in the route as a hidden gem. It is a peaceful 20 to 30-minute pause before the boat heads back to Bar Restaurant Limani. By this point, you may be ready to dry off and listen to music rather than jump straight back into the water, but the option is there.

The return ride completes a full six-hour outing. The Bluetooth music system adds to the holiday mood, and the captain may play guest-requested music. This is not a silent nature cruise, so bring earplugs if you are sensitive to music or engine noise.

What the boat provides, and what you need to bring

Included equipment is practical rather than luxurious:

• Boat trip and fuel
• Captain and live guide
• Lifejackets
• Snorkeling mask
• One free drink
• Cooler for your food and drinks
• Bluetooth music
• Sunbeds
• Access to the beaches on the route

Food, lunch, and extra drinks are not included. Bring cash for the restaurant, bars, parking, and any other purchases. A cooler is provided, so packing your own lunch and bottled water is a smart way to keep the $42 price close to the final cost.

Bring swimwear, beach clothing, sunscreen, a camera, and cash. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed on the trip. Bikes and baby carriages are also not permitted.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This boat day suits confident swimmers who want several chances to get in the water. It also works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a speedboat and a day without hotel pickup.

The private option is worth considering if you want a quieter outing, need a flexible pace, or are celebrating something. The shared option is the better value if you like meeting other people and do not mind keeping to the group timetable.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, recent surgery, babies under one year, people over 70, or anyone over 209 pounds, or 95 kilograms. Non-swimmers and people prone to seasickness should also choose another activity.

The speedboat format deserves attention. You will feel movement, wind, spray, and sun for much of the day. If you are unsure about seasickness, ask before booking rather than assuming the short stops will make it comfortable.

The small details that shape the day

The strongest part of this experience is the balance between movement and downtime. You are not trapped on the boat for six hours, and you are not dropped at one beach with nothing else to see. The route gives you caves, bays, swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and a long beach break.

The guide’s friendly approach also matters. Kelvin has been described as safe, easygoing, helpful, and willing to take pictures. He has even adjusted where the boat stops so the group can avoid a tight cluster of other boats. One useful suggestion for improvement is more explanation at each stop, so do not book this expecting constant commentary.

The strict arrival rule is the main operational warning. Get to the meeting point early, especially if you need parking. The heat, limited shade, and open boat make punctuality more than a formality.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the start time when booking because availability changes by date.

Should you book this Sarandë boat trip?

Book it if you want an active but unhurried day on the Albanian coast, especially if Krorez Beach is high on your list. The combination of five or more swimming opportunities, cave photo stops, a small boat, and up to three hours at the main beach gives you a lot for $42.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need guaranteed shade, cannot swim, or want a quiet cultural tour with detailed commentary. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to get beyond Sarandë’s crowded waterfront. Arrive early, bring lunch and sunscreen, and choose the private boat if peace and flexibility matter more than the lowest price.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The trip lasts six hours, including the ride from Bar Restaurant Limani, the coastal stops, and the return to the same location.

How many stops are included?

The route includes seven coastal stops: Turtle Cave, Secret Cave, Gremina Bay, Kakome Bay, Krorez Beach, Soldier Bay, and Rrojdhe Bay.

How long do you stay at Krorez Beach?

You get about 2 to 3 hours at Krorez Beach, usually around 2.5 hours. You can swim, walk, relax, eat lunch, or buy drinks at the nearby restaurants and bars.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and drinks and keep them in the onboard cooler, or buy lunch and drinks at Krorez Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and lifejacket are included. You should bring swimwear and sunscreen.

Is the boat shared or private?

You can choose a shared trip with a maximum of 11 people or reserve a private boat.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is parking available at the meeting point?

There is no parking at the meeting point. Nearby private parking costs around €5 per car and is about a 10-minute walk away. Street parking may be available, but arrive at least 30 minutes early to search.

What happens if I arrive late?

Late arrivals may be marked as no-shows, and the boat cannot wait. The stated policy is that no refund is given for missing the departure because of lateness.