Sarandë Sea Safari: Speedboat to Hidden Coves & Wild Beaches

A short ride from Sarandë takes you to the coast’s best surprise: quiet coves that road access cannot reach. The speedboat skims north past cliffs, caves, and clear water, stopping at Kakome Bay, Krorez Beach, Soldier Bay, and several smaller swimming spots.

I like the mix of short swim stops and one long beach break, because you get both variety and time to relax. I also like the friendly, personal feel of a local captain-led trip, especially when Captain Eri is at the helm. The main drawback is the ride itself: this is a lively speedboat outing, not a calm cruise, and it is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people prone to seasickness.

Quick take: what makes this boat trip worthwhile

• Krorez Beach gives you about 1.5 to 2 hours for swimming, photos, lunch, or a drink.
• Kakome Bay and Soldier Bay offer clear water and a quieter setting than Sarandë’s main beaches.
• Kepi i Qefalit and Pllakoto bring dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and strong photo stops.
• A World War II shipwreck adds a touch of mystery and gives snorkelers an unusual place to explore.
• Captain Eri may lead the trip, and he is praised for strong English, good communication, and local stories.
• Shared, private, and selected sunset departures let you choose between value, privacy, and golden-hour views.

Leaving Sarandë Harbor at speed

The tour begins at Sarandë Harbor, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. The operator is Hercules Boat Tours, and the boat is described as modern and comfortable, with a local skipper, life jackets, and goggles included.

The first part of the ride is part of the fun. You leave the busy Sarandë waterfront behind and head north along Albania’s Ionian coast. A speedboat gives you a wider range than a beach transfer boat, but it also means more motion. Keep your hands free, secure your phone, and expect spray if the sea is lively.

The total duration varies from about 150 minutes to five hours. That is a wide range, so check the departure you select rather than assuming every boat follows the same schedule. A shorter trip may focus on the main coves, while longer versions allow more time at Krorez and extra swimming stops.

The shared option suits solo visitors, couples, and small groups who enjoy a social ride. A private boat makes more sense for families with older children, couples marking a special occasion, or anyone who wants control over the pace and music. Selected private and shared departures also offer a sunset version, when the cliffs take on warmer colors.

The first swim near the coastal wreck

One early stop is a coastal shipwreck connected with World War II. The boat pauses for about 10 minutes of snorkeling, depending on sea conditions. This is not a long history visit, and you should not expect a museum-style explanation. Its appeal is the setting: a quiet piece of the past sitting in the sea, with an atmospheric quality that changes the rhythm of the tour.

Bring your own sense of caution here. The water is open, and the stop is short. Life jackets and goggles are supplied, but you should still be comfortable in the sea and able to manage a moderate level of physical activity.

The wreck is especially appealing if you like pairing scenery with a little history. It gives the trip more character than a series of identical swim breaks. If you are mainly interested in long snorkeling sessions, though, 10 minutes may feel brief.

Kepi i Qefalit and Pllakoto: cliffs, caves, and camera stops

The boat continues to Kepi i Qefalit, where you get around 20 minutes for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. This is a scenic stop built around the coast itself. Cliffs and rock formations make the ride feel more rugged than the developed waterfront near Sarandë.

Pllakoto is another coastal point associated with sea caves and steep rock. The boat may make additional photo pauses along the way if conditions allow. These unscheduled stops depend on the sea, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promise.

I would keep your camera ready but protected. The boat ride, spray, and quick stops make a waterproof pouch more useful than a loose phone. You will also want sandals or secure footwear for moving around the boat, though the main activity is swimming rather than walking.

The short-stop format keeps the day moving. You are unlikely to spend an hour at every cove, but you see several different sections of the coast instead of settling into one beach. That variety is the strongest reason to choose this trip over a simple beach transfer.

Kakome Bay and Soldier Bay: the quieter side of Albania

Kakome Bay is one of the main highlights. The water is suited to swimming and snorkeling, and the stop lasts about 20 minutes. The bay’s appeal is its sense of space and natural quiet. From the water, the coast feels far removed from Sarandë’s busy summer beach scene.

Soldier Bay is included among the secluded coastal locations visited on the route. Like Kakome, it is best approached as a swim and photo stop rather than a full beach day. The boat lets you reach places that are difficult to access by land, which is the central value of this experience.

You should not expect complete solitude in peak season. The tour promises quieter locations, not an empty coast. Other boats may be present, and the length of each stop can change with sea conditions. Still, the northern coastline offers a welcome change from crowded resort beaches.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but bring realistic expectations. The supplied goggles make it easy to look below the surface without renting gear, yet this is not marketed as a specialist marine tour. Water clarity, wind, and timing will affect what you see.

Krorez Beach: the main pause in the day

Krorez Beach is the longest stop, with the schedule giving roughly 1.5 hours and the general description allowing up to two hours. This is where the trip shifts from a quick coastal circuit to proper beach time.

You can swim, take pictures, relax, or have lunch at a beach bar. Lunch and long drinks are optional and not included in the tour price. You can also bring snacks, which is the better plan if you want to keep spending under control or have particular food needs.

Krorez works well as the tour’s anchor. After several 20-minute stops, you get enough time to dry off, sit down, and enjoy the shore without immediately rushing back aboard. The tradeoff is that beach-bar prices are separate, and the available facilities may feel basic compared with Sarandë restaurants.

Pack water and snacks even if you plan to buy lunch. The operator specifically recommends bringing both, along with sunscreen and a hat. There is no included pickup or drop-off, so allow time to reach the harbor and find the correct meeting point.

The final coves and Plazhi i Ushtarit

After Krorez, the boat makes another secret coastal stop for about 20 minutes. The schedule allows time for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The exact character of this stop can depend on sea conditions, so it is best seen as a flexible part of the route.

Plazhi i Ushtarit is another 20-minute stop with the same basic choices: swim, snorkel, and photograph the coast. By this stage, the short pauses make sense. You have already had the long beach break, and the later stops let you use the remaining daylight on the water instead of returning directly to Sarandë.

The itinerary includes extra photo stops when conditions permit. This flexibility is useful because the skipper can respond to the sea, but it also means the precise timing is not fixed like a bus tour. If you need a rigid schedule, this may frustrate you. If you prefer a day shaped by the water, it is a plus.

How much value do you get for $33?

At $33 per person, the shared trip offers good value if you want several coastal stops without arranging boat hire yourself. The price includes the skipper, the boat ride, multiple swimming and snorkeling stops, goggles, and life jackets.

It does not include lunch, drinks, or transportation to and from the harbor. Those extra costs are easy to overlook, especially if you stop at the beach bar. Bring food and water to keep the advertised price close to your actual spending.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for beach access, a boat transfer, and a short excursion. You are paying for access to several hard-to-reach bays and for the captain’s navigation along a rugged stretch of coast. You are not paying for a formal historical tour, a large meal, or a full-day sailing experience.

Private departures will cost more than the shared starting price. They may be worth it if your group values privacy, flexible timing, or a personally chosen music setting. For one or two people watching the budget, the shared option is the sensible choice.

The captain and the feel on board

The human side of this outing matters. Captain Eri receives particular praise for clear English, good communication, and stories about the places along the coast. If he is leading your departure, you can expect more than silent transport between beaches.

The wider crew is described as friendly, and communication is available in English, Italian, Albanian, and Greek. That helps when you need instructions about boarding, swimming stops, or safety equipment.

The boat is not a luxury yacht. Its appeal is speed, access, and a small-group atmosphere. You should expect a practical setup designed for moving between coves, not a shaded lounge with extensive onboard service.

Safety depends partly on your own preparation. Life jackets are available, and the skipper monitors sea conditions, but the operator can reschedule or cancel if the weather changes, staff become ill, or minimum numbers are not reached. Keep another time slot available, ideally the following day, if your schedule allows.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this tour if you want to see more of the coast than Sarandë’s central beaches allow. It suits active couples, friends, solo visitors comfortable joining a small group, and families with children aged 10 or older who can handle a fast boat and swimming stops.

It is also a good fit if you like taking pictures. The route combines wide coastal views, cliffs, caves, beach scenes, clear water, and a wreck. A sunset departure adds another strong photography window, though it is available only on selected shared trips and private bookings.

I would hesitate if you get seasick, dislike open-water rides, or need step-free access. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with insect allergies, or anyone over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, according to the stated restrictions.

Children under 10 are not allowed. The tour also asks for moderate physical fitness, comfortable swimwear, and respect for marine life and the natural coast. Littering is not allowed, so carry your rubbish back with you.

Practical tips for a better boat day

• Wear swimwear from the start. You may have several chances to get in the water before the long stop at Krorez.
• Use strong sun protection. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat matter on an open boat, where reflected light adds to the heat.
• Bring water and snacks. Lunch is optional and separate, and beach-bar prices are not part of the $33.
• Protect your phone and camera. Spray is possible, and the best photo moments can arrive quickly.
• Expect a thrilling ride. This is a speedboat tour, not a slow sightseeing cruise.
• Check the meeting point carefully. The departure location can vary with the option booked, and pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Keep a backup time slot. The operator may reschedule or cancel because of poor sea conditions, staffing problems, or low participation.
• Ask about Captain Eri. His English and storytelling are a plus if he is assigned to your departure.

Should you book the Sarandë Sea Safari?

Book it if your ideal day means fast coastal travel, repeated swims, wild beaches, and a long break at Krorez. For $33, the shared option gives you a practical way to reach northern Ionian coves that are not easy to visit from land.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing boat, a formal history lesson, or a guaranteed schedule. The ride can be lively, stops are short, and lunch costs extra.

For most active visitors based in Sarandë, I would book the shared trip in good weather and bring my own water, snacks, and waterproof phone case. Choose private or sunset service when the occasion matters more than the lowest price.

FAQ

Where does the Sarandë Sea Safari begin?

The tour begins at Sarandë Harbor. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so check your booking details carefully.

How long does the tour last?

Available departures range from 150 minutes to five hours. Check the selected option for its exact starting time and duration.

What stops are included?

The route includes a World War II shipwreck, Kepi i Qefalit, Kakome Beach, Krorez Beach, a secret coastal stop, and Plazhi i Ushtarit. Additional photo stops may be made depending on sea conditions.

How long do you stay at Krorez Beach?

The main beach break lasts about 1.5 hours in the stated itinerary, while the general tour description gives an extended stop of up to two hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks at the beach bars are optional and cost extra. You may bring your own snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Goggles and life jackets are included. You should bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children under 10 years old are not allowed to participate.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity may also be rescheduled or canceled because of low participation, poor sea conditions, or issues outside the operator’s control.