Saranda: Boat Tour to 7 Destinations with Beach Umbrella

A speedboat tour here feels like a day-long postcard. This half-day style ride from Saranda strings together 7 beach-and-bay stops, with real swimming time, quick photo breaks, and a long relax moment at Krorez Bay. It is fast, fun, and very much about the water.

I especially love the mix of swim time and variety. You get snorkeling equipment on board, plus a friendly captain who keeps things moving without turning the stops into a checklist. I also like the small group setup, and the fact that captains like Altin and Fabian show up with great energy and tunes, so the whole trip feels personal instead of rushed.

One thing to consider: this is a speedboat, and the ride can feel punchy if you get seasick or you dislike choppy water. If that is you, you might want to skip a boat tour like this or choose a calmer day.

Key highlights at a glance

• 7 stops along the north of Saranda, including Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, Pllakator, Krorez Bay, Secret Beach, and a small cave
• Snorkeling included, with gear plus life jacket on board
• Krorez Bay time to chill, 2 to 3 hours, plus a free umbrella for your beach break
• Clear-water swimming stops, four shorter swims at about 20 minutes each and photo-only stops at the end
• Small group, max 11 people, so you are not packed in
• Onboard comfort touches, Bluetooth music, seating, and a fridge for your own snacks and drinks

Why this Saranda 7-stop speedboat is such good value

If you only have a short window in Saranda, this tour gives you a lot of coastline in one go. Instead of bouncing between beaches on your own, you get dropped at multiple bays where swimming actually makes sense. The rhythm is simple: quick stops to swim and shoot photos, then a longer beach break where you can slow down.

At $39 per person for 4-6 hours, the value comes from what is actually included. You are not just buying transportation, you are buying time in the water plus snorkeling gear. You also get storage for your own snacks and drinks via the onboard fridge, which matters because real meals are usually not included. When you factor that in, the price feels fair for a day on the Riviera, especially with a group limited to 11 participants.

The vibe also helps. Captains do not just drive. They keep the day fun, and the Bluetooth music and easygoing attitude make the boat part of the experience, not a boring commute. In practice, that means you spend less time waiting around and more time looking at cliffs, coves, and that bright, clear water Albania is known for along this coast.

Getting there: meeting point, parking, and the heat clock

The meeting point is next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda. The biggest practical tip is time-based: arrive by the time stated in your booking. The operator notes they cannot wait after the set departure time, and it gets marked as a no show. In summer heat, that rules out a lot of wandering around at the last minute.

Parking is also part of the equation. There is no parking at the location, so you will want to look up private parking nearby on Google Maps. If you are trying to save money, street parking may be possible, but plan on a 10-15 minute walk from where you leave your vehicle. Bottom line: treat this like an early check-in, not a casual stroll.

Once you are aboard, you can stop thinking about logistics. You just bring the basics, hop in, and enjoy.

Your itinerary: 7 destinations with a clear rhythm

This tour runs in a pattern that stays easy to follow. There are multiple swimming stops where you get around 20 minutes each for a swim and pictures. Then you get the main beach time at Krorez Bay for 2 to 3 hours. After that, the last stops are mostly for photos, with brief stops around 5 minutes.

Gremina

Gremina is one of the first stops heading north. Expect a classic “get in, get out, take photos” pace. This is the kind of bay where you can see the color of the water quickly, and short swim times work because the scenery is already doing most of the selling.

The drawback is also predictable: the stop is not long enough for a full hangout. You will get your swim and a few photos, then it is back on board.

Kakome

Kakome continues the theme: small-bay scenery and a chance to cool off. You are still in the phase where the day feels energetic. With four shorter swim breaks total across the early part of the route, these first stops help you build momentum.

If you are traveling in warm season, these quick swims can be the best kind of reset, because you are not stuck “waiting for the main beach” to start enjoying the water.

Soldiers Bay

At Soldiers Bay, you typically get another quick swimming window. This is where you feel the coast more than the town. The views and cliffs are the point, and water time stays front and center.

Do not over-plan your timing here. With a speedboat day, you want to be ready to move quickly when it is time to reboard.

Pllakator

Pllakator is another short swim and photo stop. If you love changing backdrops without traveling far, this stop style is perfect. It also helps that you get snorkeling gear included, so when you step into the water, you can choose whether to just swim or put on a mask and check underwater life.

The main thing to watch is comfort in the boat ride between stops. If the water is rough, those transfers can be the hardest part for sensitive passengers.

Krorez Bay: the long beach break with a free umbrella

This is the centerpiece. You get 2 to 3 hours at Krorez Bay to relax, swim, and actually settle in. The tour includes a free umbrella here, so you do not have to buy shade on the spot.

There are also restaurants available to buy food or drinks from May to October. That matters, because you can keep your day simple. Bring some snacks if you want, but you will have an option if you decide you want something hot or a cold drink.

This is also the stop where you can slow down your pace for photos. The earlier stops are quick, but at Krorez Bay you can spread out a bit, dry off, and plan your camera shots without feeling like you are racing the schedule.

One practical point: plan your sunscreen for the long break. Reapply if you are out of the shade. With multiple swim stops in the sun, you can get burned faster than you expect.

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is one of the photo-focused stops on the return portion. You still get to see it clearly, and there is time to take pictures, but it is not the same long swim session as the main beach.

This is the kind of stop that rewards good shoes and good timing. You will want to be ready with your camera and sunscreen, since the pause is short.

Turtle Cave (and a small cave stop)

You also visit a small cave on the return journey, described as Turtle Cave. Like Secret Beach, this is more about views and photos than a long activity.

Caves are often best when you treat them as a “see it, capture it, move on” moment. You get that here, without turning the end of the day into another half hour of waiting.

Snorkeling gear that makes the swim stops feel bigger

Snorkeling is included, and that changes how you experience the water. Even if you are not a die-hard snorkeler, wearing a mask turns a quick swim into something you can actually remember. The tour also provides life jackets, which helps if you want an extra layer of comfort in open water.

What I like is that snorkeling is optional in practice. On a multi-stop day, you do not want forced long snorkeling sessions. Here, you are given equipment and you decide when to use it during the stop.

You will also want to remember a simple rule: bring a towel. With multiple water entries, drying off between stops is a quality-of-life upgrade, not a luxury.

Onboard comfort: music, storage, and the captain’s role

The boat setup is not fancy in a hotel way, but it is practical. There is comfortable seating, Bluetooth speakers for music, and a fridge on board where you can store your own snacks and drinks. That fridge detail is underrated. It means your water and cold drinks do not warm up instantly, and your snacks stay edible instead of turning into a sad mush situation.

The music vibe also comes up a lot in how people describe the day. Captains like Altin and Fabian show real personality, and the day often feels like you are on a fun excursion with the person driving who knows the route and the tempo.

Safety matters too. In real-world conditions, waves can happen, and a smooth captain changes everything. Several people highlight that their captain handled the ride confidently and kept the group comfortable, even when the water was not flat.

Food and drinks: what you bring vs what you buy

Food is not included, but that does not mean you are stuck. You can store snacks and drinks in the onboard fridge, which is a smart way to keep your stomach happy between swim sessions.

Then there is Krorez Bay. From May to October, restaurants are available there, so you can buy food or drinks during the long beach break. If you are visiting outside those months, you will want to rely more on what you bring, because the option may not be as convenient.

My advice: pack snacks you can eat quickly. Think banana, nuts, sandwiches, or whatever travels well. Also bring water even though you get a free bottle, because the sun and the salt water add up fast.

The ride time, the schedule, and how not to feel rushed

A common worry with multi-stop boat tours is that you spend most of your time on the boat and barely touch the water. Here, the schedule is designed to balance that.

You get about 20 minutes at each of four stops for swimming and pictures. Then Krorez Bay gives you the longer 2 to 3 hours to actually hang out. The final two stops are picture stops around 5 minutes, so you still get the scenic payoff without turning the end of the day into another long “wait.”

This is exactly why the tour works for different travel styles. If you want lots of water time, you can focus on the earlier swimming stops and snorkeling gear. If you just want great photos and calmer time, you can lean into Krorez Bay and treat the shorter stops like quick refresh breaks.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip)

This is a fun tour for people who like speedboats, swimming, and changing scenery quickly. It is also ideal if you are traveling with friends and want a small group feel.

It is not suitable for certain health and comfort situations, including:

• children under 4 years
• pregnant women
• people with heart problems
• wheelchair users
• people with epilepsy
• people prone to seasickness
• babies under 1 year
• people over 95 years

Also, nudity is not allowed.

If you are the type who loves adrenaline and does not mind a faster ride, you will likely enjoy the energy. If you prefer slow, sheltered waters, you may find this style too intense.

Should you book the Saranda 7-stop boat tour?

I would book it if you want a coastline hit that feels efficient but still fun. The combo of snorkeling gear, multiple swim stops, a proper beach break at Krorez Bay, and the fact that it runs with a small group makes it hard to beat as a practical half-day plan.

I would think twice if you know you get motion sickness. The tour is built on speedboat transitions, so comfort on the ride matters as much as comfort in the water. I would also plan your day around heat and timing, since you cannot count on long delays if you arrive late.

If you match the vibe, this is a strong value way to see the Albanian Riviera north of Saranda, with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and leave with photos worth showing.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour from Saranda?

The tour duration is listed as 4 to 6 hours. Exact timing can vary based on starting times shown when you check availability.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $39 per person.

What is included in the price?

You get a free bottle of water, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, access to a fridge on board for your own snacks and drinks, Bluetooth music, comfortable seating, and a captain.

Do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment on the boat, along with a life jacket.

Which places are visited during the tour?

You visit 7 destinations: Gremina, Kakome, Soldiers Bay, Pllakator, Krorez Bay, Secret Beach, and a small cave (including Turtle Cave on the return).

How much time do we spend at Krorez Bay?

Krorez Bay is the main stop, and you get about 2 to 3 hours to relax and swim. A free umbrella is included there.

Are meals included?

Food is not included. There are restaurants where you can buy food or drinks during May to October while you are at Krorez Bay.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

Yes. You can store your own snacks and drinks in the fridge on board.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water.

Where does the tour start, and is parking available?

The tour departs next to Limani bar and restaurant in Saranda. There is no parking at the location, so you need private parking nearby or free street parking within about a 10 to 15 minute walk. Arrive by the stated time because the operator cannot wait and late arrivals may be treated as a no show.