The 10 Best Kayak Trips in Albania

1.Blue Eye Kayak and walking tour & Lekursi Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 278 reviews · 4h 30m · from $45Our pick

Join Ledjon from OpenTour Albania for a half-day outing from Saranda to Lekursi Castle and the Blue Eye. You will kayak for about 80 minutes, enjoy free time by the spring, and learn about Albanian history. Bring sturdy shoes, swimwear, cash, and a waterproof bag.

“Great experience and Ledjon was a lovely guide! Kayaking around the blue eye lake was definitely preferred compared to only going down to see the spring. Ticket for the train inside the blue eye park was also included. Would recommend!”

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2.Stand Up Paddle-boarding around Ksamil islands (3 times a day)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 96 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $66Top rated

Meet guide Ari at Kristal Seafood Restaurant in Ksamil for a 1.5-hour stand-up paddleboarding trip around the islands. Beginners receive instruction, groups can choose morning or afternoon departures, and coffee or tea follows the outing.

“Great experience. Ari the instructor was brilliant. Very friendly and welcoming. The scenes were beautiful and even though we had never paddle boarded before he took us through the process and by the end we were all confident in standing. He even treated us to a coffee afterwards. Top experience by a top guy”

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3.Osumi Canyon Rafting, Kayak, & River Tubing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 74 reviews · 270 minutes - 8 hours · from $51

You’ll travel from Berat into Albania’s 3-million-year-old Osumi Canyon for rafting from January to June, or gentler kayaking and river tubing after June. Certified guides provide equipment, safety training, and canyon stories. Full-day trips add a viewpoint stop, minibus transport, and local lunch.

“This was a great experience ! Organisation on top ! The whole team was really nice !! And the ride in the canyon was very beautiful !! Thanks Lucas and Iken !!!”

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4.Lukova – Kroreza secret beaches and caves: Kayak & SUP Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 49 reviews · 4 - 6 hours · from $42Best value

Paddle 8 km along Albania’s Riviera by kayak or SUP, stopping at Lukova Caves, quiet coves, and water-access-only Krorëza Beach. Guides such as Max, Maxime, Vitali, and Lora have helped first-timers feel safe. Bring food, water, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

“Had a great time with Maxime and Vitali, we did 2 separate tours with them, they make sure that everyone is comfortable, learns the basics and has a safe trip. Would recommend definitely re-book with them! Amazing experience”

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5.Kayak Sup Tours Lukova Caves – Kroreza

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 49 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $42

Paddle from Lukova along Albania’s white-rock coast to landless Kroreza Beach, stopping at quiet coves and small caves. English-speaking guides including Lora, Laura, Max, and Timo provide equipment, route help, and snorkeling time. Expect a four-hour outing for up to 15 people.

“Esperienza stupenda, spiagge molto belle. Le guide sono davvero molto gentili e parlano in inglese, cercano di farti capire tutto. Esperienza memorabile, da provare.”

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6.Caves of Porto Palermo: Kayak/SUP Tour with Castle Sea View

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 41 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $42

Meet your English-speaking guide at Porto Palermo Beach, learn the basics, then paddle about 5 km by kayak or SUP. You’ll visit sea caves, two quiet swimming spots, and the coast opposite Ali Pasha’s Castle, with masks and phone protection supplied.

“We hebben genoten van deze kajak trip! De gidsen waren zeer vriendelijk. Het is de uitgelezen manier om de kustlijn rond Himarë en Porto Palermo te ontdekken. Je ontdekt mooie plekjes die je anders niet zou tegenkomen.”

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7.Kayak Experience – Vjosa River National Park Albania

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 40 reviews · 3 hours · from $57

Starting in Përmet, you’ll gear up with certified guides and follow the Vjosa through green valleys, canyons, and rapids. Emil is one guide praised for clear instructions and good humor. Expect swimming, a snack stop, photos, and a full 2.5-hour river run suited to beginners and experienced paddlers.

“We hebben erg genoten van de rafting tocht. Emil was een goede gids. Hij zorgde voor veel sfeer en gaf vaak informatie over de streek.”

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8.Ksamil islands: Stand-Up Paddle Tour (SUP Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · 1h 40m · from $82

Join Ari from Private Tours Albania for a 100-minute stand-up paddle tour around Ksamil’s islands. You’ll receive beginner-friendly instruction, paddle past rocky coves and quiet beaches, and stop for coffee or tea. Choose sunrise or sunset, with morning water often calmer.

“If you want to escape the hustle of Ksamil, I can 100% recommend the early morning tour. Enjoy the water and the islands, before most of Ksamil wakes up. No jet skis or motor boats yet. Ari is a very patient and friendly guide who also doesn't shy away from philosophical musings. He can also provide you with great ideas for additional experiences or trips. It's an activity that is suitable for beginners and you don't need to be in the shape of your life to make the tour. If something happens, Ari will help you.”

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9.Kayaking and Hiking at Koman Lake, Valbona and Theth in 4 Days Tour from Tirana

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 days (approx.) · from $842

Leave Tirana at 5:00 am for Koman Lake, kayak from remote Berisha, then continue to Valbona and hike the old mountain path to Theth. You’ll sleep in local accommodation, eat four breakfasts and dinners, and finish in Shkoder before returning to Tirana. Moderate fitness is required.

“Wonderful place to visit in albania - Even with rain. The tour guide was very helpful and flexible and made the trip perfect. I would highly recommend this hiking tour”

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10.Koman Lake Adventure with Boat Ride & Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★3.3 · 9 reviews · 11 hours · from $88

Travel from Hotel Rozafa to Koman, cruise 40 to 45 minutes across dramatic Komani Lake, and stop at Berishe Guesthouse near Peace Island. Lunch is included, with time for kayaking, a short walk, photos, and coffee. Expect basic facilities and limited guidance.

“Unfortunately the trip did not live up to expectation. Starting off the day on a very small limited a/c bus journey for 2 hours to the lake. Once dropped off at the lake no information as to which ferry to board. Once on the ferry very over crowded little shade. No information as to which stop to get off. Once off the boat at the “guest house” there is a steep walk up to the house in the heat, NOT SUITABLE for people with limited mobility. At this point you’re given the option for kayaking, trekking or an additional boat trip for an added price of €10 per person, you…”

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