Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda, lunch included

The best part of this Ionian Sea cruise is that it takes you to beaches and coves reached by boat, not by road. From Saranda’s Limani, you sail toward Krorez Beach, then return through Kakome and Rojdhe for swimming and snorkeling. Lunch is served on board, and the package includes drinks.

I like the generous day-long schedule and the easygoing mix of beach time, sea views, music, food, and swimming. I also like the value: at $58, lunch, soft drinks, and beer can make this cheaper than piecing together separate beach transport and meals. The main catch is very loud music, along with possible crowding and slow food service on busy departures.

Key points to know before booking

• Krorez Beach is the main stop: You get up to 2.5 hours for swimming and relaxing.
• Three swimming areas shape the day: Kakome offers 30 to 45 minutes, while Rojdhe gets about 30 minutes.
• Lunch comes after Krorez: Food is served on the boat during the return sailing, so expect to eat around 14:00 or 14:30.
• The package can be good value: Food and drinks are included, but check exactly which menu and beverages come with your booking.
• Music is part of the experience: The atmosphere can be lively, but some departures have had music so loud that conversation was difficult.
• Bad weather can cancel the sailing: Wind conditions are decided by the authorities, so watch for updates before departure.

Seven hours from Saranda to the Ionian coves

Si Saranda Boat leaves from the Limani area of Saranda at about 10:00 and returns around 17:00. That gives you a full day at sea, not a quick coastal ride with one photo stop.

The route finishes at Krorez Beach, with scenic points such as Gremina and Soldier’s Beach along the way. You will spend much of the day on the boat, so this suits you best if you like the ride itself as much as the stops.

The boat is described as spacious, and several details make it feel more like a floating beach club than a basic ferry. There is a bar, selected music, a restaurant, open sea views, and the chance to jump from the deck into the water. That mix explains the strong praise for the overall atmosphere from some people who enjoyed the breeze, food, drinks, and room to move around.

Still, spacious does not always mean uncrowded. On a busy August departure, the boat became so full that finding a seat was difficult. If you want a quiet, private cruise, this is not the right style of outing. It is a social group boat with a party edge.

Limani departure and the first coastal views

You meet at the Limani of Saranda City, close to the waterfront. The advertised departure is around 10:00, with arrival back in Saranda at about 17:00.

The early part of the route is useful for photographs. Gremina, Soldier’s Beach, and other coastal points appear as the boat heads toward Krorez. Since some beaches along this stretch are accessible mainly by sea, the boat gives you a view of the coast that you cannot get from Saranda’s streets or the main roads.

I would use the first hour to settle into the boat, check where the bar and toilets are, and take photographs before the sun gets too strong. You can order drinks during the sailing, and selected music plays throughout the trip.

That last point deserves attention. Music is not a minor background detail here. It is part of the boat’s identity, but the volume has been a serious problem on some outings. If you want to talk with your family, read, or simply enjoy the sound of the water, you may find the speakers tiring after several hours.

Krorez Beach gives you the longest swim

Krorez Beach is the main destination, and you can stay for up to 2.5 hours. This is the longest break of the day, so it is where you get the most freedom to swim, sunbathe, and slow down.

The beach is reached by boat and is presented as one of the places along the coast available only by sea. That is the real appeal. You are not spending the whole day moving from one rushed stop to another. At Krorez, you have enough time to settle in and enjoy the water.

You can also order from the boat bar while you are there. The all-inclusive idea is useful here, since you do not need to plan a separate lunch purchase during the beach stop. Depending on the package you book, drinks may include unlimited refreshments and beer.

The timing of lunch matters. Food is served after the boat leaves Krorez, rather than at midday on the beach. On some departures, lunch has not arrived until roughly 14:00 or 14:30. If you get hungry early, have a substantial breakfast and use the included drinks sensibly. This is a small but important planning tip, especially if you are traveling with children.

Lunch on board, with three package levels

The food is one of the more praised parts of the day. Si Saranda offers three package levels:

• Normal: Sandwich and one refreshment
• Medium: Meat, side dishes, and unlimited refreshments
• Large: Fish, side dishes, unlimited refreshments, and beer

The advertised experience is described as including lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and beer, but the package details show that the exact meal and beverages depend on the option selected. Check your booking carefully before paying, especially if fish, beer, or unlimited drinks matter to you.

There is also a restaurant on the boat, with customized menus based on fresh products from the sea and land. The kitchen is part of the boat rather than an afterthought, which helps explain why the meal receives such positive attention.

I would choose the Medium package if you want a proper meal and soft drinks but do not care about beer. The Large package makes more sense if you want fish and plan to drink beer during the afternoon. The Normal package is the budget choice, though a sandwich may feel light during a seven-hour outing.

Food service can be slow when the boat is full. One busy departure had a queue lasting more than an hour, with people waiting on their feet. The meal itself was considered good, but the delay reduced the value of the lunch break. If the boat reaches capacity, expect a relaxed Mediterranean pace rather than fast cafeteria service.

The beer selection may also be limited, and the quality has not impressed everyone. Soft drink choices can be narrow as well. The drink package is convenient, but do not expect a large bar menu or craft-beer experience.

Kakome Bay is made for a short swim

After leaving Krorez and eating lunch, the boat continues to Kakome Bay. The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

This is a good place to get back into the water after the long beach break. You can swim from the boat and use the stop for a quick look below the surface. The schedule is long enough to enjoy the water, but not so long that the boat loses its rhythm.

Kakome works best as a refreshment stop, not as a second beach afternoon. You should have your swimwear ready and keep your belongings organized, since the time passes quickly. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on board and take photographs from the deck.

The boat’s deck-jump option adds a little fun for confident swimmers. It is one of the simple pleasures of this kind of outing, though you should use your own judgment and follow the crew’s instructions.

Rojdhe Bay closes the swimming program

The final major stop is Rojdhe Bay, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Compared with Krorez, this is a shorter pause, but it breaks up the return journey nicely.

By this point, you have had lunch, spent time at the main beach, and likely used the boat’s drinks service. Rojdhe is a last chance to get into the sea before sailing back to Saranda.

The two bays give the trip a useful variety. Krorez provides the longest shore-based break, while Kakome and Rojdhe let you swim directly from the boat. If you want a full day of snorkeling, this may not be enough time or equipment-focused detail for you. If you want several chances to cool off during a scenic cruise, the pattern works well.

The boat atmosphere: family hospitality or loud party?

Si Saranda is family-run, and the warm service is a real strength. The experience includes more than transport, with a working restaurant, drinks, music, and staff who create a social mood on board.

Some departures feel relaxed and fun, with a pleasant breeze, generous drinks, and a lively soundtrack. That can be exactly what you want after several days of sightseeing in Saranda. The boat gives you a place to meet other people and enjoy the sea without having to organize every detail yourself.

The tradeoff is volume. On certain days, the music has been so loud that people could not hold a conversation or think comfortably. This is not a minor complaint if you are booking a seven-hour trip. A loud soundtrack may suit teenagers and anyone looking for a party boat, but it can wear down couples, families, and anyone hoping for a peaceful sail.

To make the day easier, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your phone. The supplied information does not specify towel rental or snorkeling equipment, so do not assume those items are provided. Bring only what you need, since a crowded deck makes bags awkward to manage.

The activity is not suitable for people over 230 pounds, or 104 kilograms. Treat that limit as a firm booking condition rather than a casual suggestion.

Is $58 good value for a full day at sea?

At $58 per person, the price is attractive if you want an all-in-one day. You get the boat ride, beach access by sea, several swimming stops, lunch, and included beverages. Buying boat transport, food, and drinks separately could easily approach the same amount, especially in the busy summer season.

The value depends on the package. A fish meal, unlimited refreshments, and beer offer a stronger deal than a sandwich with one drink. Since the package descriptions vary, I would confirm the exact option shown at checkout.

The price is less compelling if you dislike group outings, loud music, or long food queues. You are paying for a full seven-hour program, so a bad fit in atmosphere can make the day feel long. This is not a simple transfer to a beach. It is a full social cruise with food and entertainment built in.

There is also a 20 percent discount for tours with the Si Saranda semi-submarine in the Bay of Saranda. It is promoted as the only semi-submarine of its kind in Albania, with views of underwater plant and animal life and an Italian World War II shipwreck. If that extra activity interests you, the discount improves the overall value of booking with the same operator.

Wind cancellations need better communication

Weather is a practical concern on this coast. If the wind is too strong, authorities may cancel the tour. A replacement sailing can be offered on a later day, but this is only useful if you have spare time in your schedule.

The main problem is communication. One canceled departure left people searching for the operator’s telephone number because no one had told them at the port. The local kiosk near the harbor was also unattended at the time.

Keep your phone available the day before and on the morning of the trip. Check messages and contact Si Saranda directly if the weather looks doubtful. Authorities may decide the sailing status the day before, so do not assume that silence means the boat is running.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those policies help, but they do not remove the need to monitor weather updates.

Who should book this Ionian Sea cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A full day on the water rather than a short sightseeing ride
• Beaches reached by boat
• Several chances to swim and snorkel
• Lunch and drinks included in one price
• A social, music-filled atmosphere
• The option to jump from the deck into the sea
• A possible discount on the semi-submarine trip

I would be cautious if you want:

• Quiet conversation throughout the day
• A small boat with plenty of personal space
• Fast, organized meal service
• A wide selection of drinks
• A guaranteed departure in windy weather
• A late-morning lunch without waiting

The score of 3.5 from 11 ratings fits the mixed picture. The sea views, stops, food, and hospitality can make this an excellent day. But crowding, loud music, food delays, poor communication about cancellations, and basic facilities can also shape your experience.

Should you book Si Saranda Boat?

Book it if you see the day as a lively coastal outing, not a silent nature cruise. At $58, the combination of Krorez Beach, Kakome, Rojdhe, lunch, and drinks is appealing, especially if you select the larger meal package.

Before you commit, confirm the included food and drinks, prepare for lunch around 14:00 or 14:30, and decide how much loud music you can tolerate. If the forecast is windy, check for updates directly with the operator.

For an easy, social day with beautiful sea stops, this is a fair-value choice. For peace, space, and polished service, look for a smaller boat.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour leave from?

The tour departs from the Limani area of Saranda City.

What time does the tour depart and return?

Departure is at about 10:00, and the boat returns to Saranda around 17:00.

How long is the activity?

The boat tour lasts about seven hours.

What is the main beach stop?

The final destination is Krorez Beach, where you can stay for up to 2.5 hours.

How long are the swimming stops at Kakome and Rojdhe?

The Kakome Bay stop lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. The Rojdhe Bay stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included according to the selected package. The Normal package includes a sandwich and one refreshment, the Medium package includes meat, side dishes, and unlimited refreshments, and the Large package includes fish, side dishes, unlimited refreshments, and beer.

Are drinks included?

The packages include different drink options. The Medium package includes unlimited refreshments, while the Large package includes unlimited refreshments and beer. Check the exact package details when booking.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Strong wind can lead authorities to cancel the sailing. A later tour may be offered, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.