Pelagic Boat Tour7 destinations:drink+Snorkel+Umbrella️‍

Saranda’s best coastal scenery is often easiest to appreciate from the water. This Pelagic Boat Tour packs caves, white-pebble coves, steep cliffs, and quiet beaches into about four and a half hours, with the longest stop saved for Krorez Beach.

I like the variety: Turtle Cave and Anchor Cave give you short bursts of wild scenery, while Krorez provides three hours to swim, eat, and slow down. I also like that snorkeling masks, a beach umbrella, life jacket, music, and a free drink are included. The main drawback is the pace before Krorez, with several stops lasting only 15 minutes. If you are prone to seasickness or cannot swim, this is not the right boat trip.

Key points at a glance

• Seven coastal stops: See Turtle Cave, Anchor Cave, Soldier’s Beach, Kefali Cape, Kakome, Plakoto, and Krorez Beach in one outing.
• Three hours at Krorez: The final beach stop gives you the time needed for a proper swim, lunch, and rest.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks are provided, so you do not need to pack your own gear.
• Captain Nikolla Vranadhima: The named provider is Nikolla Vranadhima, known during the trip as Nicola or Nicolas.
• Useful extras included: You get a free drink, umbrella, life jacket, and music on board.
• Bring your own meal: Food is not included, so pack snacks or lunch, plus water and sunscreen.

Why this boat trip works well from Saranda

The appeal here is simple: you see a broad stretch of the Albanian coast without arranging separate transport to each cove. The speedboat carries you from Saranda to a string of swim and photo stops, then gives you a long beach break before returning.

At $36 per person, the tour offers good value if you want a full half-day on the sea. A short boat ride to one beach can cost a similar amount once you add transport, an umbrella, and snorkeling equipment. Here, the price covers the boat, captain, masks, life jacket, umbrella, music, and a drink.

You are paying for variety rather than a slow, private cruise. The early stops are brief, usually around 15 minutes each. That is enough for a swim, a few photographs, or a quick look into a cave, but not enough for a long snorkel session at every location.

The captain and atmosphere matter on a trip like this. The available feedback repeatedly highlights Nicola or Nicolas as friendly, funny, attentive, and clear when explaining the outing. Music on board adds a lively touch, though it may not suit you if you want a quiet nature trip.

From Saranda to the first caves

The journey begins at the Pelagic Boat Trip departure point. The first speedboat ride takes about 10 minutes, giving you a quick transition from town to the open coast.

The first two stops are presented as Turtle Cave and Anchor Cave, though the exact stop names may appear differently in local listings. Both are short photo and swimming breaks, with snorkeling possible when sea conditions allow.

Turtle Cave is the more memorable name, and its appeal is easy to understand. You can expect rock formations, clear water, and a chance to look into a small coastal cave from the boat or water. It is a scenic stop rather than a full cave tour, so do not expect a long walk inside or a guided geological visit.

Anchor Cave follows the same pattern. The boat pauses for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling, with roughly 15 minutes at the location. If you want good photographs, keep your camera ready before the boat arrives. The stop is short, and the boat may move on before you have time to organize your belongings.

These first pauses set the rhythm for the day. You get frequent changes of scenery, but you need to be ready to swim when the captain gives you the chance. A towel, swimsuit, waterproof phone pouch, and sunscreen will make these quick stops easier.

Soldier’s Beach and Kefali Cape

Plazhi i Ushtarit, or Soldier’s Beach, is another short stop for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. Its appeal is its secluded feel. You can step off the boat into clear water and enjoy a quiet cove without spending the day at a developed resort beach.

This is a good place to use the supplied snorkeling mask. The tour description does not promise a specific type of marine life, so keep your expectations modest. The main reward is seeing the shoreline and underwater rocks from the water rather than looking at the coast from a road.

The next stop, Kepi i Qefalit, or Kefali Cape, changes the mood. Here the focus is on dramatic cliffs and open coastal views. The boat pauses for photographs and swimming, with snorkeling available as well.

The cliffs are best appreciated from a low position on the water. Look back toward the rock face as the boat sits offshore, then turn toward the wider coast for photographs. This is one of the places where the boat itself adds value, since the cliffs are difficult to appreciate from inland viewpoints.

Again, the 15-minute schedule is both useful and limiting. You can make a quick swim and take in the cliffs, but this is not a long scenic cruise with an extended commentary. The captain speaks Albanian and English, and the focus is more on seeing the coast than on a formal historical lecture.

Kakome and Plakoto, two quieter coastal pauses

Gjiri i Kakomes, or Kakome Bay, is described as a secluded part of the coast with a peaceful, tucked-away character. The boat stops for photographs, a swim, snorkeling, and views along the way.

Kakome is a good middle section of the trip because you have already seen caves and cliffs, but you have not yet reached the long beach break. It gives you another chance to get into the water without committing your whole day to one location.

Plakoto is associated with white pebbles and gentle waves. That makes it appealing for a calmer swim, especially if you prefer a beach that feels less sandy and more natural. Pebbles can be hard on bare feet, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed as required equipment.

The itinerary allows about 15 minutes for this stop. Think of Plakoto as a short coastal pause rather than a full beach visit. You will have time to swim, take photographs, and enjoy the quiet water, but Krorez is where the tour gives you room to settle in.

Three hours at Krorez Beach

Krorez Beach is the centerpiece of the trip. The boat allows about three hours here for free time, swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and lunch.

That long break changes the value of the whole outing. The earlier stops keep the journey active, while Krorez gives you time to put down your camera, find shade under the included umbrella, and enjoy the coast at your own speed. You can swim, snorkel, rest, or eat the food you brought.

Food is not included, so plan this part carefully. Pack a simple lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. The official guidance specifically recommends bringing swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water. A beach umbrella is included, which is helpful during a long midday stop, but you should still use sunscreen and avoid assuming that shade will cover you all day.

The three-hour stay also makes the tour easier for mixed groups. One person can swim while another rests. Someone who wants photographs can explore the shoreline, while someone else eats lunch. Short cave stops are less flexible, but Krorez gives you breathing room.

You should also expect the beach to be reached by boat rather than by an ordinary city transfer. That is part of the attraction, but it means the day remains tied to sea conditions and the captain’s schedule. If the wind rises or the water becomes rough, the route may be changed or canceled for safety.

The final secret stop and return ride

After Krorez, the boat makes one more secret stop for photographs, swimming, and scenic views. This final pause lasts about 10 minutes, so it is best treated as a quick farewell swim rather than another major destination.

The boat then returns to the Pelagic Boat Trip departure point. The full experience is advertised as 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. The listed stop times add up to roughly that duration, though the exact timing can shift with sea conditions, boarding, and the pace of the group.

Because several stops are close together in the schedule, keep your belongings organized. Place sunscreen, towel, camera, and water where you can reach them without unpacking the whole boat. For a short swim, you do not want to lose five minutes searching through a bag.

What is included, and what you still need

The tour covers the basic equipment needed for a boat-and-beach day:

• Boat transportation
• Captain
• Snorkeling masks
• Life jacket
• Beach umbrella
• One free drink
• Music on board

The included mask is a practical bonus. You can enjoy the swimming stops without renting equipment separately, though you may prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well.

The free drink is a small extra, not a replacement for your own water supply. Bring water, especially because the longest stop is three hours. You also need to bring food, since lunch and snacks are not included.

Smoking and pets are not allowed. The trip is not suitable for non-swimmers, and the operator also advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness. A speedboat can make the ride lively, so consider your comfort on the water before paying.

Timing, weather, and practical comfort

The trip lasts about 270 minutes, and starting times depend on availability. You should check the available departure time carefully, especially if you are coordinating this outing with another activity in Saranda.

Sea conditions can affect the plan. Bad weather or rough water may lead to cancellation for safety reasons. The flexible booking terms allow cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful when your Albanian coast plans depend on the forecast.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel in an easy-to-reach bag. Sunscreen is essential, even on a breezy boat, and a camera is worth packing because the cliffs and coves are best seen from offshore.

If you are sensitive to motion, choose a light meal before boarding and sit where you feel most stable, though the supplied information does not specify seating arrangements. If swimming is not your strength, skip this trip. Life jackets are included for safety, but the experience is built around repeated swimming and snorkeling stops.

Is $36 a fair price?

For $36, this is a strong value for anyone who wants a packed coastal outing rather than a single beach transfer. The tour includes a boat, captain, snorkeling mask, umbrella, drink, music, and a long stop at Krorez Beach.

The best value comes from the combination of transport and time. You are not simply paying to reach one beach. You also get cave views, cliff scenery, several swim locations, and a full three-hour pause at the main beach.

The tradeoff is group-tour efficiency. The boat follows a set route, and the short stops do not allow much wandering. If you want to choose one cove and stay there all afternoon, a different arrangement may suit you better. If you want to see many coastal highlights in one half-day, the price is sensible.

The high rating of 4.9 from 51 listed ratings fits the strongest parts of the experience: the captain’s friendly manner, upbeat music, free drinks, useful swim stops, and attractive coastal scenery. I would place the most weight on the practical praise for the captain and the clear enjoyment of the route, while remembering that sea trips always depend on weather and personal comfort.

Who should book this Pelagic Boat Tour?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who want a lively day near Saranda. It is also a good choice if you have limited time and want to combine caves, cliffs, coves, and a beach stay without arranging several separate trips.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, can handle a speedboat, and are happy with a mixture of quick stops and one long rest period. The free umbrella is especially useful if you plan to spend much of the Krorez stop onshore.

I would hesitate to recommend it to non-swimmers, people who suffer from seasickness, or anyone seeking a quiet, slow boat ride. The music and repeated movement between stops create an active outing. You also need to bring your own food and water, so this is not a fully catered excursion.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a good-value introduction to the coast around Saranda, with plenty of swimming and a long break at Krorez Beach. The caves, Kefali cliffs, Kakome Bay, Plakoto, and Soldier’s Beach give the day variety, while the three-hour Krorez stop keeps it from becoming a rushed sightseeing loop.

Skip it if you need a calm, private experience or dislike being on open water. For confident swimmers who pack lunch, sunscreen, and water, Pelagic Boat Tours offers a practical half-day with a friendly captain, useful inclusions, and more coastal scenery than you could easily reach on foot.

FAQ

How long does the Pelagic Boat Tour last?

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or about four and a half hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Pelagic Boat Trip in the Saranda area.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Turtle Cave, Anchor Cave, Soldier’s Beach, Kefali Cape, Kakome Bay, Plakoto, Krorez Beach, and one additional short secret stop.

How long do you stay at Krorez Beach?

You get about three hours at Krorez Beach for free time, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included with the boat tour.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food is not included, so bring your own lunch or snacks. You should also bring water.

What else is included?

The package includes the boat, captain, a free drink, beach umbrella, music on board, life jacket, and snorkeling mask.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in Albanian and English.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. Bad weather or unsafe sea conditions can lead to cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.