Vlore County is a standout destination for travelers craving water-based adventures. Its coastlines are dotted with rugged cliffs, quiet coves, and crystal-clear waters that seem made for boat trips. Whether you’re after a full-day exploration, a quick snorkel stop, or a luxury cruise, Vlore offers options that showcase Albania’s spectacular seaside. We especially like the full-day Saranda boat tours for their diverse stops and the chance to swim in untouched coves, and the speedboat trips that zip you past rugged coastlines and caves. Plus, the yacht tours add a touch of luxury to your Albanian seaside experience.
If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of swimming and photo stops, the Saranda: Full-Day Boat Tour with Beach Stops & Swimming is an excellent choice. For a more active, snorkeling-focused outing, the Sarande: Boat Tour to Krorez with Snorkle&Drinks&Swimming offers multiple swim and snorkeling spots with included gear. Looking for a quick cultural trip combined with scenic views? The Speed boat to Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave delivers caves, beach time, and a bit of history.
1. Saranda: Full-Day Boat Tour with Beach Stops & Swimming
This 6-hour tour takes you along some of the most pristine parts of Vlore County’s coastline, with wild coves, rocky cliffs, and quiet beaches accessible only by boat. Starting from Guida ditore me skaf, the trip includes visits to Turtle Cave for photos and a swim in the clear waters of Kakome Bay. The itinerary emphasizes relaxation and nature, with plenty of time for swimming, filming, or simply breathing in the fresh sea air. Highlights include Krorez Beach, with its pristine sands, and the peaceful Bay of Spiranca—perfect for photography.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on raw nature and avoiding crowds. The boat stops are well-paced, allowing you to truly enjoy each location. Reviewers praise the tour’s value, with a 5/5 rating based on 76 reviews, and many mention how the quiet coves and swimming spots feel like discovering a secret world. The three-hour break at Krorez Beach provides enough time to relax or enjoy a beach picnic.
Bottom line: If you prefer peaceful, scenic spots and hands-on time in the water, this tour offers an authentic, no-stress experience that’s worth the modest price.
2. Sarande: Boat Tour to Krorez with Snorkle&Drinks&Swimming
This 6-hour trip from Saranda includes multiple swim and snorkel stops around the Ionian Sea, with the chance to explore undersea life in crystal waters. The tour is well-loved for its informal and friendly vibe, with a local skipper guiding you through scenic spots like Turtle Cave and Gjiri i Kakomes. Snorkeling gear is provided, making it easy to get into the water and explore the marine environment.
Guests highlight the relaxed atmosphere, with comments praising the crew’s helpfulness and the quality of the included drinks. The itinerary includes a lunch break at Kroreza Beach, giving travelers time to soak up the sun and enjoy fresh seafood or simply lounge on the sands. The tour’s reviews consistently rate it 4.8/5, with many mentioning how it’s an ideal way to beat the summer heat while discovering hidden corners of the Albanian coast.
Bottom line: If snorkeling and a lively, social atmosphere appeal to you, this tour offers a great mix of adventure and relaxation at a fair price.
3. Sarandë Boat Tour with Free Beach Umbrella Access
The 6-hour Saranda boat tour combines scenic coastline exploration with the comfort of free beach amenities, including umbrellas and loungers. Starting from Saranda, the tour includes visits to Turtle Cave and Anchor Cave, with photo opportunities and the chance to swim in Kakome Bay’s calm waters. The itinerary also features a long stop at Kroreza Bay, where you can relax on the sands or snorkel.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a balance of sightseeing and beach relaxing without sacrificing comfort. It’s a smaller tour, with only 3 reviews, but those reviews are glowing, calling the captain “Nice” and the stops “good.” The focus on breathtaking coastal views and easy access makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Bottom line: For those who want scenic exploration with beach access included, this offers a straightforward, relaxing day at a good value.
4. Speed boat to Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave
This 7-hour adventure takes you inside some of the most dramatic caves and bays of Southern Albania. Starting from Vlore, the tour includes a speedboat cruise that explores the Haxhi Ali Pirate Cave, Dafina Bay, and Bristan Bay. The tour includes a three-hour stop at Dafina Beach, allowing plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, or explore.
What makes this trip special is the combination of cave exploration and beach time, along with the chance to spot protected bunkers and military sites from the coast—adding a hint of history. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the guide’s welcoming attitude and the scenic, less crowded locations. The boat’s speed allows covering more ground quickly, making it ideal if you want to see several spots in a day.
Bottom line: If you love caves, rugged scenery, and a bit of history, this trip provides a perfect mix, especially for active travelers.
5. Ksamil: Mussel Sailing Tour with Food and Drink in Albania
This 2.5-hour tour is a foodie’s delight, combining a boat ride to a mussel farm with hands-on cooking lessons. Starting from Ksamil, you’ll learn how mussels are cultivated and participate in a cooking session to prepare two kinds of mussel dishes with a local chef. Afterward, enjoy a meal featuring fresh mussels paired with local wine.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on culinary culture and local traditions, making it ideal for food lovers wanting an authentic taste of Albanian coastal cuisine. Reviewers appreciate the personalized experience, with many saying it’s a fun, educational, and tasty outing. The tour offers a unique combination of learning, tasting, and enjoying the sea.
Bottom line: If you want a short, interactive experience steeped in local food culture, this is a great pick for a half-day outing.
6. Vlore: Speed Boat Trip to Karaburun Peninsula
This 7-hour tour takes you along the rugged Karaburun Peninsula, including a visit to Zhanpovel Beach and several caves. The trip kicks off from Olympia Bar Vlore, with the boat zooming past rocky cliffs and secluded beaches. The main highlights are the Haxhi Alia Cave and the stunning coastline, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Reviews are mixed, with some noting the shorter duration (only 6 reviews and a 3.2/5 rating), and the suggestion that offering a typical Albanian meal might improve the experience. Still, for those interested in coastal scenery and caves, this trip offers a quick but scenic overview of the area.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, scenic boat ride with cave visits, but perhaps not the best choice for those seeking a longer, more relaxed experience.
7. From Durrës: Speed Boat to Sazan Island, Cave & Karaburun
This 10-hour tour from Durrës offers a full-day exploration of the coast, including a visit to Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Pirate Cave, and the Karaburun Peninsula. It’s ideal if you want to combine multiple sights, including snorkeling, cave exploring, and wildlife viewing.
The trip is praised for its breathtaking coastal views and well-organized itinerary. The guide’s knowledge and the variety of locations visited make it a comprehensive day out. It’s a longer, more immersive option, perfect for travelers with a full day to spare and a taste for adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re after an extensive, diverse coastal trip with plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring, this tour is hard to beat.
8. Saranda Boat Tour: Krorez, Kakome, Gremina, Caves & Soldier
This 5-hour tour offers a more intimate experience, with longer stops at key locations like Krorez Beach and Kakome Bay. It includes visits to notable caves and a chance to relax at serene beaches. The tour emphasizes personalized service, with options for private or group settings.
Although reviews are limited, the diverse destinations and longer stays make it appealing for travelers wanting to truly soak in each spot. The focus on adventure and calm makes it well-suited for those wanting a flexible, relaxed day on the water.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want to spend more time at each destination without rushing and appreciate tailored experiences.
9. Sarande: Full-Day Louis Luxury Yacht Tour from Saranda
This 7-hour luxury yacht tour offers a spacious, multi-deck vessel for exploring the southern coast. The trip includes stops at Cape of Qefali, Krorëz Beach, Kakome Bay, and Rrojdhe. Passengers can relax on the top deck, swim in secluded coves, or dance on the music deck.
What makes this tour stand out is its luxury level and flexible onboard experience, including the option to dance or chill. It’s perfect for travelers seeking comfort and style, with a full day of cruising and swimming. The 4.8/5 rating based on reviews highlights its popularity among those wanting an upscale experience.
Bottom line: If you’re after a stylish, comfortable day at sea with excellent views and amenities, this yacht tour is a top choice.
How to Choose Your Vlore Boat Experience
Picking between these options depends on your budget, time, and interests. If you want the most comprehensive day with multiple swimming stops, the full-day Saranda trip (see details here) is hard to beat. For lighter, shorter outings focused on culinary or luxury experiences, check out the mussel tour (see here) or the yacht trip (see here).
For those craving adventure and caves, the speedboat trips (Dafina Bay and Sazan Island) offer quick, action-packed days.
Timing your booking early, especially in the summer months, ensures you get your preferred date and tour. Consider how much time you want on the water—half-day or full-day—and whether you prefer a relaxed or adventurous vibe.
Final Thoughts
Vlore County’s boat tours cover a wide range of experiences—from serene swimming spots and snorkeling adventures to full-day luxury cruises. For travelers wanting a peaceful, nature-focused day, the Saranda full-day tour is an excellent choice. If you’re more interested in culinary experiences, the mussel tour offers a taste of local culture. And for those seeking luxury and style, the full-day yacht trip provides comfort and stunning views.
Remember, these tours fill up quickly in high season, so booking early is advisable. Whether you’re after a family-friendly outing, an active exploration, or a relaxing escape, Vlore’s boat trips promise memorable moments on the sea.
Happy sailing!