From Saranda, Boat tour to Krorëza,Kakome, and Turtle Cave.

The best part of this six-hour boat trip from Saranda is the change of pace. You leave the busy waterfront behind and reach quiet coves, clear water, and beaches that are much easier to enjoy from the sea than by road. The long stop at Krorez Beach gives you real time to swim, snorkel, or simply lie under the sun.

I like the useful extras: snorkeling masks, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a drink are included, so the $35 price covers more than a quick boat ride. I also like the cheerful character of the crew. Captain Alvardo and Altin are names connected with the operation, and the crew is known for friendly service, music, and a relaxed mood. The main concern is reliability: one recent booking ended with a long wait and poor phone communication, so confirm the meeting details before you go.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours at Krorez Beach: The longest stop gives you time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and photos without rushing.
• Six coastal stops in one outing: You visit Soldiers’ Bay, Krorez, Gremina, Kakome, Turtle Cave, and Qefalti Cape.
• A fast, social boat ride: Music, swimming, and a friendly crew make this more lively than a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• Good value at $35: A drink, snorkeling mask, sunbed, umbrella, driver, and six destinations are included.
• Dolphins may appear offshore: Sightings are possible near Krorez, but they are wildlife, not a scheduled part of the tour.
• Bring cash and sun protection: You need a hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash for anything not covered.

Leaving Saranda for the quieter coast

Boat Trip Alkevi begins at a marked company stand in Saranda. Meet the host there, rather than wandering along the waterfront looking for a boat. Since one unhappy booking involved a missed pickup and unanswered calls, I would arrive early, keep the company contact handy, and make sure you know the exact departure point.

The trip is offered as a private or shared boat outing. The shared option should suit most people who want a social day at sea for a modest price. A private departure may appeal more if you want control over the mood and company, but the supplied price of $35 per person most clearly suits the shared format.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. You get open views of Saranda’s northern shore, clear water below, and a series of coves that feel more secluded than the city beaches. Some past passengers especially liked the comfortable, well-kept boat, the fast ride, and the music. If you want total quiet, this may not be your ideal boat day. If you enjoy swimming, sunshine, and a little onboard energy, it should fit well.

Soldiers’ Bay and the first swim

Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldiers’ Bay, is one of the early scenic stops. You have roughly 20 to 30 minutes here for photographs, a short cruise close to shore, and swimming. The time is enough to get into the water and cool off, but not enough for a long beach visit.

This stop works well as an introduction to the day. The coast opens up, the water takes over your attention, and you quickly see why a boat is useful here. From the deck, you can photograph the rocky shore and small inlets without needing to find a road or trail down to every cove.

Keep your towel within reach. The schedule moves through several places, and the early swim is not the time to bury your belongings deep in a bag. I would also use the first stop to test the snorkeling mask and decide how much time you want in the water later at Krorez.

Turtle Cave and the short coastal stops

Shpella Breshke, or Turtle Cave, is a brief visit of around 10 to 20 minutes. Expect a photo stop and a close look at the cave from the boat. It is a compact part of the tour, not a long cave exploration on foot.

That short timing matters. Turtle Cave is best treated as a scenic pause and a chance to take pictures, not as the main event. Have your camera ready before the boat arrives, since the boat may not linger for long.

The route also includes Gremina and Kakome, two peaceful bays where green hills meet the sea. The appeal here is simple: space, water, and a quieter setting than Saranda’s central shore. You can swim, take photographs, or stay aboard and watch the coastline pass.

Kakome is particularly useful for people who want variety. You are not spending the entire day at one beach. Instead, you get several short looks at the coast, followed by a much longer break later. The tradeoff is that short stops can feel hurried if you want to explore every cove. This is a sightseeing and swimming cruise, not a hiking excursion.

Krorez Beach is the main event

Krorez Beach receives about three hours, making it the clear center of the day. This is where the schedule becomes less hurried. You can swim from the boat or shore, use the provided mask for snorkeling, stretch out on a sunbed, and sit beneath an umbrella when the sun gets too strong.

I like this arrangement because a half-day boat tour can easily become a parade of quick photo stops. Here, you have enough time to settle into the place. You can take a swim first, eat or drink something, then return to the water later instead of trying to do everything in 20 minutes.

The beach is also the best point for dolphin watching. Dolphins are often spotted in the nearby water, but nobody can promise a sighting. Treat it as an extra gift, not a reason to book the outing by itself. Keep looking toward the open water during the cruise, especially when the boat slows down.

The snorkeling equipment is a practical inclusion, though you should bring realistic expectations. The tour provides masks, but it does not promise a full snorkeling program or specialist instruction. You get a chance to look below the surface in clear water. If snorkeling is central to your plans, bring any personal equipment you prefer, if allowed, and ask the crew how and where to use it.

Krorez is also where the social side of the trip becomes most noticeable. The boat may have music, and the mood can be upbeat. Past passengers singled out the friendly crew, good music, swimming, and the easy atmosphere. Families with teenagers may appreciate that combination more than couples looking for a silent cruise.

Qefalti Cape and the final views

Kepi i Qefalit, or Qefalti Cape, is another 20 to 30 minute stop for photographs, a short visit, and free time. Like Turtle Cave and Soldiers’ Bay, it gives you a different angle on the coast rather than a long stay on land.

Cape stops are valuable because they break up the swimming. You can dry off, take pictures, and look back at the shoreline before the return to Saranda. The route may list a guided visit here, but the information does not describe a formal historical talk or walking tour. I would expect the host to point out the area and manage the stop rather than provide a detailed cultural lecture.

The return ride completes the loop at Boat Trip Alkevi’s meeting point. After six hours in the sun, you will probably be ready for a shower and a proper meal. Plan your day around that. This is a full half-day outing, not a quick morning activity that leaves you fresh for another demanding tour.

What the $35 price really buys

At $35 per person, the outing is priced as an accessible way to see several beaches and coves in one day. The value is strongest if you intend to use the included extras: take the drink, use the mask, claim a sunbed, and spend meaningful time at Krorez.

You also receive the driver and boat service, visits to six destinations, and the chance to cover a stretch of coast that would be difficult to experience in one land-based day. Hiring separate transport, finding beach access, and paying for loungers could easily make a do-it-yourself plan less simple, even if it might offer more freedom.

The price does not mean a private luxury charter. On a shared trip, you should expect to share the boat, music, and swimming areas with other people. The boat has been described as comfortable and well maintained, but the available information does not give a passenger limit or cabin facilities. If you need a very quiet ride, ask about the private option and the boat setup before paying.

The free drink is a nice touch, but bring water as well. Six hours under strong coastal sun calls for more hydration than one included beverage. The onboard fridge is available for drinks and snacks, so use it for food that can handle a warm day and pack cash for purchases not covered by the tour.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend the trip to people who want a straightforward sea day with a mix of swimming, views, music, and beach time. It is especially suitable for:

• Families with older children or teenagers who enjoy swimming and an active boat ride
• Couples who want scenic photographs and a long beach break
• Friends who prefer a social outing over a silent sailing trip
• Visitors with only one free day for Saranda’s northern coastline
• Anyone who values included loungers, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment

You should think twice if you are pregnant, have back problems, or have limited mobility. The tour is not suitable for those groups, and a boat transfer can be uncomfortable even when the water is calm. The stated maximum weight is 243 pounds, or 110 kilograms, and the maximum age is 95.

This is also not the right choice if your main interest is history, serious wildlife watching, or a guided walking tour. The focus is the coast itself: swimming, photographs, coves, and time at Krorez.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

The activity lasts six hours, but starting times depend on availability. Check the departure time carefully and allow extra time to reach the meeting point. The tour depends heavily on the sea and sun, so a calm, clear day will give you the best experience.

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. I would add a swimsuit, a dry bag for valuables, and a refillable bottle, though only the first four items are specifically required. Keep sunscreen close rather than leaving it under a seat. You will spend more time exposed than you might expect, even when the boat is moving.

The crew speaks English and Italian. That is enough for basic instructions and tour communication for many people, but the available information does not promise detailed commentary in another language. If you have questions about swimming areas, safety, or the route, ask the host before leaving Saranda.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule is still shifting, but they do not solve a same-day communication problem. Confirm the meeting information shortly before the outing.

A balanced look at the crew and atmosphere

The strongest praise centers on the people running the boat. The crew is repeatedly described as friendly, organized, and safety-conscious. Captain Alvardo is associated with one especially lively outing, while Altin is also named in connection with a smooth and secure ride. Since the assigned captain can vary, treat those names as useful points to confirm, not a guarantee.

Music is part of the experience. That can make the ride feel festive and help a group relax quickly, but it also means the atmosphere is not designed around silence. The boat seems to work best when the people aboard are happy to chat, swim, laugh, and share the day.

Most importantly, keep expectations balanced. The overall rating is 4.4 from 11 ratings, which suggests a generally strong experience but not a flawless record. One serious complaint involved arriving on time, waiting about an hour, and receiving no useful phone response. I would not ignore that warning. Save the company number, arrive at the named stand, and ask the host to confirm the boat and departure before you settle in.

Should you book the Alkevi coastal tour?

Book it if you want good value, several scenic stops, and a long swim at Krorez Beach. The included mask, sunbed, umbrella, drink, and fridge make the $35 fare practical, while the boat gives you access to bays that are hard to cover from land. The friendly crew, music, and fast ride add energy for families and groups.

Skip it if you want a quiet private cruise, a detailed guided tour, or guaranteed dolphin sightings. I would also avoid booking without confirming the meeting details, given the reported communication problem.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a sunny day on the water, this is a sensible Saranda excursion. Just pack carefully, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the shorter cave and cape stops as scenic snapshots. The real value is the combination of a broad coastal route and three unhurried hours at Krorez.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at Boat Trip Alkevi in Saranda. At the meeting point, look for a stand with the company name and meet the host there.

How long does the activity last?

The boat trip lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the available options when booking.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Soldiers’ Bay, Krorez Beach, Gremina Bay, Kakome Bay, Turtle Cave, and Qefalti Cape.

How much time do you spend at Krorez Beach?

You have about three hours at Krorez Beach for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, sunbeds, umbrellas, and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with one free drink, a fridge for drinks and snacks, sunbeds, and an umbrella.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash. You should also wear or pack suitable swimwear for the swimming stops.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.