Sarandë: Destinations of North of Saranda Boat Trip

Sarandë’s coast has a lot of wow factor, and a boat day helps you see it fast. I like the plan for small-group access to quieter coves, and I like that you get a real beach block at Krorez plus snorkeling in clear water. The one big drawback to consider is that boat quality and guide presence can vary, and if conditions are choppy, getting to the shore can get messy.

You’ll cruise past a mix of short photo stops and proper swim breaks, so your day doesn’t feel like one long wait on a pier. The itinerary is built around secluded spots like Kakome and Krorez, then it turns into a relaxed swim and sun session when you reach the best time on land. Still, this isn’t for non-swimmers or people who get seasick, and you should plan for water-on-the-boat reality.

Quick take

• Small-group boat day (about 5-7 hours) that focuses on coves north of Sarandë, not big sightseeing crowds.
• Krorez gets the long stop at about 3 hours, with umbrellas and a simple included refreshment.
• Snorkeling included for a chance to see marine life in clear Adriatic water.
• Short stops add variety like Turtle Cave and Fallen Rock Cliff, plus Bays on the way back.
• Boat type can vary, so ask what you’re getting, especially if you’re sensitive to rough water.

Why this boat trip north of Sarandë feels worth your time

This tour works because it’s paced like a beach day, not a bus tour. You’re not bouncing between landmarks every 10 minutes. Instead, you’re moving along the Albanian Riviera by sea, then you get real time to cool off in places that tend to be quieter than the main shoreline.

Two details matter a lot for comfort. First, the tour includes sun umbrellas at Krorez, so you’re not hunting for shade. Second, there’s a spot to put personal items in a refrigerator, which is handy if you’ve brought snacks, water, or a phone you want to keep from getting soaked. Add music on board and you’ve got a basic, holiday vibe.

The trade-off is simple: you’re on open water. You can love the stops and still want to be cautious if the sea is active. One reported experience described a very old, faulty boat and rough disembarking, with water getting where it shouldn’t. That means you should treat this as a tour where conditions and boat quality really matter.

Getting to Perla XX and the start-time reality

Departure is from the Limani waterfront in Sarandë, with the meeting tied to the Perla XX Boat Trip & Adventure dock area. The boat is described as a white hull with a branded logo, and your guide will wear a Perla XX t-shirt or cap and hold a sign so you can spot them.

Timing is also worth planning around. You’ll meet between 9:00 AM and at most 10:00 AM at the specified meeting point, and everyone is gathered on the boat before departure. That early start is part of the value, since you get to reach secluded coves before the day’s biggest crowds settle in.

Practical tip: arrive a little early and take a quick look at the water. If the sea looks rough, that’s your hint to adjust expectations for landing on beaches. In one negative experience, big waves made beach landing unsafe and messy, and even basic items like a wallet and phone ended up wet.

The route: Turtle Cave, Fallen Rock Cliff, Kakome, and the beach circuit

This trip follows a loop around the coastline north of Sarandë, with a series of short viewing stops and then longer beach time where swimming makes the most sense.

Here’s the flow you should expect, in plain terms:

• A quick Turtle Cave stop (about 10 minutes), usually more about a glimpse and a photo than lingering.
• A Fallen Rock Cliff photo stop (about 30 minutes).
• Then onward to the first proper beach area, starting with Plazhi i Ushtarit and nearby coastal scenery.
• After that, you head to Gremina, described as being on the Karaburun Peninsula, also referred to as Grammata Bay.
• Then the tour reaches Plazhi Kakomes, a secluded bay stop.
• The main land break becomes Kroreza or Krorez Beach, described as the top destination, with about 3 hours.
• Finally, you cruise by additional bays on the way back, including Soldiers’ Bay and Roide Bay, each with about 30 minutes.

What I like about this structure is how it balances quick coastal highlights with a chunk of actual relaxation. The drawback is that you should be ready for time at the water level even when you’re not in the swim zones. If you’re prone to seasickness, those in-between cruising stretches can be the tough part.

Ushtari Beach: stones, greenery, and a quick hit of nature

Plazhi i Ushtarit is the first stop where the day starts to feel like a swim trip rather than a cruise. It’s described as a small beach with big stones and lots of greenery around, plus you get a short visit and photo time.

The advantage of a stop like this is momentum. You’re not waiting hours to get into the water. Even with only about 20 minutes of photo and visit time, it helps you find your rhythm and figure out what kind of shoes and towel setup you’ll want for the longer stops.

The caution is footwear. Rocky beaches are common here, and one negative experience specifically mentioned sea shoes going missing after landing. I can’t guarantee how that will go for you, but it’s a real reminder to secure what you bring. Bring sandals you’re comfortable losing less of, or use a dry bag so your essentials do not become flotation devices.

Gremina on Karaburun Peninsula (Grammata Bay): scenery with limited time pressure

After Ushtari, the route continues to Gremina on the Karaburun Peninsula, also called Grammata Bay. You’re not given a long stay here, but the value is that you’re viewing a stretch of coast that feels more like open shoreline than a managed resort strip.

This type of stop is good for two kinds of travelers:

• You want to see more of the coastline without committing to a long hike.
• You prefer moving between spots rather than spending the entire day in one place.

If you’re seasick-prone, this leg can feel like the “in-between” section where the boat ride matters most. The tour description flags this clearly as not suitable for people prone to seasickness, so take that seriously and bring what you need.

Kakome Beach: a secluded bay with beach-to-bay contrast

Plazhi Kakomes is described as completely secluded in a bay. You get about 20 minutes for photo stop and visit time. The surrounding area is said to be green, and the beach itself is described as deserted.

Even if you only have a short window, Kakome can be a big emotional payoff because it’s the kind of spot that feels different from the main Sarandë shoreline. It’s quieter, and that solitude makes photos look less like crowd tourism and more like you found a corner of coast.

The practical downside is that desertion usually means fewer comforts. The tour isn’t promising amenities here beyond what you bring. So treat this as a quick swim or photo stop, then save your energy for Krorez, where you’ll have a longer break.

Krorez Beach for 3 hours: swimming time, shade, and lunch options

If there’s one part of this tour that deserves your focus, it’s Krorez Beach. This is the “top destination” stop, and you get around 3 hours for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and beach exploring. The tour also provides sun umbrellas, which is a big deal if you plan to stay out for a while.

You’ll also have options for food. There’s a local restaurant in the village of Krorez where you can eat for a fee. What’s included as part of the boat day is a one free drink and one sandwich, but if you’re hungry and staying for the full stretch, you’ll likely want to upgrade to a proper meal.

One practical plus from the info: the tour allows you to place personal items in the boat’s refrigerator area. At Krorez, that can make your day easier. You can keep snacks or water chilled and avoid the usual hot-boat-travel problem.

The caution to keep in mind comes from that one bad review. The reviewer complained about rough waves during landing, wet belongings, and even injuries. I can’t predict your day, but when you see rough-water conditions, assume there’s more risk around beach transfer. If you’re traveling with kids, non-swimmers, or anyone who doesn’t handle water well, this is exactly where you’d want to rethink the plan.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear water: a real activity, not just a photo stop

This tour includes an exciting snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters. That matters because snorkeling turns a boat ride into an actual water adventure, and you’re not relying only on a beach swim.

What you should take from this is simple: pack like you might actually use the water time beyond just wading. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear you can rinse off. Also, bring a charged smartphone, since you’ll want photos from the day, and you may want to capture what you see underwater.

If you prefer to stay purely on the surface, that’s still fine. You can treat snorkeling as an option during the day’s free time. But if you do plan to go in, keep an eye on sea conditions and your comfort level, because the tour does warn it’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Price and boat type: what you’re paying for

The headline price is $35 per person, and the duration is about 5 to 7 hours. On its face, that’s reasonable for a north-coast boat day with multiple swim stops and included extras like umbrellas and refreshments.

But here’s the detail you should not ignore: the tour is done by speedboat and boat, and different prices may apply. That’s a big swing in how comfortable the day will feel. Speedboats can be fun and fast, but they can also be louder, bouncier, and less forgiving if the sea is rough. If you’re sensitive to movement, it’s worth asking which boat type your booking uses and what the typical conditions are like during that period.

Value-wise, the inclusions are small but helpful:

• Sun umbrellas at Krorez
• One free drink and one sandwich
• Music on board
• One snorkeling experience
• Ability to store items in a refrigerator

So yes, $35 can be a good deal, especially because Krorez gives you enough time to actually benefit from those perks. Still, the only provided review described a very old, faulty boat and poor guide support, which is a reminder that “cheap” and “good” don’t always travel together. If safety and calm matter most to you, you may want to inspect or ask specific questions before committing.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip)

This experience fits best if you want:

• A smaller-group boat day with a mix of photo stops and swim time.
• Quiet coast time at Kakome and a longer relaxing block at Krorez.
• Included snorkeling and some basic comfort items like umbrellas.

It’s not a match if:

• You cannot swim.
• You’re prone to seasickness.
• You’re uncomfortable with boats and beach landings that can involve splash and uneven entry, especially if waves are up.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes practical planning, here’s how I’d prepare based on the realities of this type of day. Bring a towel and water shoes, even if the day includes a sandwich, since you may want more to eat after swimming. Pack a dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet. One reported incident involved wet personal items and missing sea shoes, and that’s the kind of headache you can prevent with simple waterproof storage.

My honest booking advice: should you book?

You should book this tour if you’re mainly chasing secluded beaches north of Sarandë, you want a half-day style schedule with a long Krorez stop, and you’re comfortable handling a boat day on open water. The combination of swimming time, snorkeling, and provided shade at Krorez can be excellent value for $35.

Skip or reconsider if you need guaranteed calm water, you want a very formal English-led guided story, or you’re worried about boat condition. The one negative review raised serious issues about boat reliability, guide presence, and safety during beach landing. That doesn’t mean every day is like that, but it is enough to justify extra caution.

If you do book, go in prepared: waterproof your essentials, bring beach shoes, and be honest with yourself about seasickness risk. Do that, and the Krorez plus Kakome combination can turn a basic vacation day into a memorable coast-and-water afternoon.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Sarandë north of Saranda boat trip?

The tour duration is listed as 5 to 7 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

Departure is from Limani, Saranda. You meet your guide at the Sarandë waterfront where the Perla XX boat is docked.

What stops are included during the cruise?

The trip includes stops such as Turtle Cave (about 10 minutes), Fallen Rock Cliff (about 30 minutes), Kakome Beach (about 30 minutes), Kroreza or Krorez Beach (about 3 hours for swimming and sunbathing), Soldiers’ Bay (about 30 minutes), and Roide Bay (about 30 minutes).

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, the tour includes an snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters.

What is included in the price besides the boat trip?

Included items are music on board, sun umbrellas at Krorez, one free drink and one sandwich, and the option to place personal items in the refrigerator on board. Food at a local restaurant in Krorez is mentioned as available for a fee.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 AM or maximum at 10:00 AM at the specified meeting address.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.