Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda, lunch included

Seven hours on the Ionian Sea beats sitting still. This all-inclusive boat day out of Limani in Saranda hits real beach time, with lunch served on board and a long swim stop at Krorez Beach. One thing to watch: the music can be very loud for the full ride, so plan for that mood.

What makes this tour interesting is the mix of photo-worthy coastal views, quick swimming and snorkeling breaks on the way back, and then the payoff of time at a beach you reach by sea. You’re also choosing between Normal, Medium, and Large packages, which changes what you eat and what’s included with drinks. If you’re sensitive to noise or you want a quiet day on the water, read the comfort notes before you book.

Key things you will notice

• Krorez Beach gets up to 2.5 hours for swimming, plus time to linger without feeling rushed
• Lunch is served after the Krorez stop, cooked for you on the boat’s own setup
• Two return snorkeling sessions: Bay of Kakome (30 to 45 minutes) and Bay of Rojdhe (about 30 minutes)
• All-inclusive drink setup with unlimited soft drinks in the packages, and beer included with the Large option
• A rare add-on discount: 20 percent off semi-submarine tours in Bay of Saranda
• Comfort depends on the day, including crowding and music volume

Entering The Ionian Sea from Limani in Saranda

This is a classic “morning to late afternoon” boat day. You’ll depart at about 10:00 near Liman of Saranda City and return around 17:00, for roughly 7 hours on the water. The basic flow is simple: you start from Limani, cruise to the final beach stop at Krorez Beach, then head back with a couple of shorter swim or snorkel breaks.

On the way, you can expect pass-by scenery and photo moments along the coast, including places like Gremina and Soldier’s Beach, plus other shoreline views when the captain slows down for angles and breaks. It’s not a “stand on deck and wait” kind of trip. The timing is built around when people want to swim and when lunch makes sense.

I like that the schedule is structured but not rigid. You get a proper beach block at Krorez, then the return stops are shorter so you still have energy for the sail back. The day also feels flexible in practice because you can jump in when the boat gives you access and because the boat has a bar setup for orders during the Krorez stop.

Food and Drinks On Board: Packages That Actually Matter

The tour is sold as all-inclusive, but the details come down to which package you choose: Normal, Medium, or Large. This matters because it changes both the meal type and the drink inclusions.

Here’s the practical breakdown:

• Normal: a sandwich plus a refreshment
• Medium: meat with side dishes, with unlimited refreshments
• Large: fish with side dishes, with unlimited refreshments and beer

You also get a chef-prepared feel on board. There’s a restaurant on the boat, and the menus are described as customized with local fresh products from both the sea and the land. In plain terms, this is not just pre-wrapped snacks. When the kitchen is running smoothly, the lunch is a big part of why people enjoy the day.

One small note you should keep in mind: you’ll be able to order items from the boat bar during the Krorez stop, but the data only promises inclusions tied to the packages. If you have a specific drink or snack in mind beyond what’s clearly included, it’s smart to ask what’s covered in your package before you order.

Krorez Beach Stop: Swim Time and Boat-Bar Reality

Krorez Beach is the main event. Once the boat arrives, you have up to 2.5 hours to swim. That length of time is what turns this from a quick photo stop into a real beach break where you can actually cool off, wade around, and not feel like you’re sprinting from one activity to the next.

This stop is also valuable because it’s accessed by boat. That means you’re often dealing with a different crowd flow than the places you’d reach overland. I like tours that do this because it tends to feel more like a day on the water and less like another roadside attraction.

During the Krorez time block, you can also use the boat bar. The idea is simple: after you swim, you can hang around, order what you want from the bar, and settle into the afternoon rhythm. After you leave Krorez, that’s when lunch is served on the boat.

If you’re the type who likes to plan where you’ll spend your time, this is your anchor point. Arrive ready with swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, because you’ll get a real chunk of water time before lunch and the return.

Snorkel Spots in Kakome and Rojdhe Bays

On the way back from Krorez to Saranda, the tour includes two shorter stops that focus on water time rather than long sightseeing. You’ll sail to:

• Bay of Kakome for 30 to 45 minutes of swimming and snorkeling
• Bay of Rojdhe for about 30 minutes of swimming and snorkeling

These are the kind of stops I recommend to people who want to see something under the surface without turning the day into an all-day snorkeling session. The time slots are long enough to get in, adjust to the water, and do a couple of looks around, but short enough that you’re not stuck feeling seasick or bored during the whole rest of the trip.

You’ll also get opportunities to take photos while sailing, and the boat environment makes it easy to do both: you can enjoy the views, then quickly switch to water mode when the anchor drops.

If you want more flexibility for snorkeling, bring your own basic gear if you have it. The tour data confirms the snorkeling is part of these stops, but it does not list what equipment is provided, so you should plan to bring what you need to feel comfortable.

Underwater World and the WWII Italian Shipwreck (Semi-Submarine Add-On)

There’s a special angle to this area: the tour experience includes a built-in reference to Ionian Sea underwater history, including an Italian shipwreck from World War II. The data frames this as part of the “Ionian Sea secrets” theme, and that’s where the optional connection to the semi-submarine comes in.

Here’s the practical value: booking with Si Saranda comes with 20 percent off on tours with the semi-submarine in Bay of Saranda, described as the only one of this kind in Albania. Even if you do not plan to do the semi-submarine, it’s a nice bonus context because it helps explain why the tour area is known for underwater life and interest.

If you love marine life but you don’t want to spend your whole day in the water, the semi-submarine discount can be a smart add-on. The name matters less than the idea: you can see underwater features with less effort than snorkeling.

I’d treat this as a choose-your-own-adventure day. Do the boat tour for beach time and easy swims, then consider the semi-submarine if you want a different kind of underwater look.

Music, Crowds, and Comfort Notes Before You Go

This is where expectations need to be real. The tour experience is social and lively, but the music volume can be an issue. Some people loved the vibe, while others said the music was so loud they couldn’t talk easily or think. If you’re planning this as a quiet, scenic day, you might want earplugs. It’s one of the easiest fixes, and it protects the whole experience.

Crowding is another factor to know. One review flagged an overfull boat where seating felt tight. That doesn’t mean it will happen every day, but it’s a reason to arrive early at the meeting point and be ready to stand for moments during boarding or while people reposition.

Food timing has also come up. Some reports praised the meal quality, while others mentioned a long wait to be served, with people queueing for over an hour. That suggests the boat can get busy, especially if everyone hits the lunch window at the same time.

Finally, there’s a comfort limitation: it’s stated as not suitable for people over 230 lbs (104 kg). If that applies to you, don’t risk it.

Should You Book This 7-Hour Tour in Saranda?

Book it if you want a simple day at sea with real beach time at Krorez, plus lunch on board and an all-inclusive drink setup. It’s especially good value if you pick Medium or Large, because those packages line up with a full meal rather than just a sandwich. If you like the idea of a boat day that mixes views, photos, and swim stops without planning anything, this fits.

Skip or reconsider if you are very noise-sensitive, because the music can run continuously and some days sound systems are turned up. Also, if you hate crowds or you’re uncomfortable with tight seating, plan for possible congestion and focus on arriving early and staying flexible.

If you want an underwater add-on, the 20 percent semi-submarine discount gives you a reason to plan a second activity in the Bay of Saranda area. In my opinion, that can turn a good boat day into a better whole-day story.

FAQ

What time does the boat tour depart from Saranda?

Departure is about 10:00 near Limani in Saranda, and the tour typically returns around 17:00.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Liman of Saranda City.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 7 hours.

How long do you get to swim at Krorez Beach?

Once the boat reaches Krorez Beach, you can stay for up to 2.5 hours to swim.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the ticket, lunch, and unlimited soft drinks and beer as described in the all-inclusive concept. Meal and drink details depend on whether you choose Normal, Medium, or Large.

What are the differences between the Normal, Medium, and Large packages?

Normal includes a sandwich and a refreshment. Medium includes meat and side dishes plus unlimited refreshments. Large includes fish and side dishes, unlimited refreshments, and beer.

Are there snorkeling stops during the return trip?

Yes. On the way back you stop at Bay of Kakome for 30 to 45 minutes and Bay of Rojdhe for about 30 minutes, both listed for swimming and snorkeling.

Can you cancel for a refund, and is pay later available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.