Explore Secrets of Ionian Sea in Saranda, lunch included

Explore the Secrets of the Ionian Sea in Saranda, Lunch Included

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Albania’s hidden coastal gems, this daily boat tour from Saranda offers a mix of scenic vistas, swimming, and tasty local cuisine. For $59 per person, you’ll hop aboard a spacious boat departing around 10:00 from Limani in Saranda, with the aim of reaching the breathtaking Krorez Beach by midday. Along the way, you’ll cruise past notable sights like Gremina and Soldiers Beach, with a good chance to snap photos of rocky coves and crystal-clear waters. The tour wraps up around 17:00, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the Ionian’s beauty.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are two standout features. First, the all-inclusive package—which covers your boat ticket, a delicious lunch, and unlimited soft drinks and beer—ensures you won’t be caught off guard by extra costs. Second, the chance to visit beaches only accessible by boat elevates this beyond a simple cruise; you’ll enjoy secluded swimming spots and a unique underwater world, especially with the option of a semi-submarine tour at a 20% discount.

A potential consideration is the loud music often played during the trip, which some travelers find overwhelming—making quiet conversation or relaxing listening a bit challenging. If you prefer a calm, mellow atmosphere, this is worth noting. This tour best suits those eager for a full day of scenic views, swimming, and hearty local food, especially if you enjoy socializing and lively boat vibes.

Key Points

Beautiful coastal stops like Krorez Beach and Gremina make this a visually stunning experience.
All-inclusive food and drinks provide excellent value, notably the large package with fresh seafood and unlimited refreshments.
Options for snorkeling and semi-submarine excursions mean you’ll get a glimpse beneath the waves—something unique in Albania.
The tour’s flexibility allows you to stay up to 2.5 hours at Krorez Beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Loud music is a common complaint, so if you seek peace, you might need to bring headphones or prepare for a lively atmosphere.
Weather can impact plans, with cancellations possible if wind conditions are too strong, but rescheduling is usually offered.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The Departure and Route

Starting at Liman in Saranda, the tour kicks off around 10:00 AM. This early start is ideal for making the most of the day, especially since the journey to Krorez Beach takes about an hour, depending on sea conditions. The boat itself is described as spacious and family-run, which often translates into a friendly, welcoming vibe. The trip lasts until about 17:00, giving plenty of time to explore and relax.

During the cruise, you’ll cruise past several notable sights—including Gremina Cave, which is famous for its striking natural beauty, and Soldiers Beach, a peaceful spot perfect for snapping photos or just enjoying the view. These stops are mostly from the boat, with a few opportunities for swimming or photos during scenic pauses.

Once at Krorez Beach, you’ll have up to 2.5 hours to swim, sunbathe, or simply breathe in the fresh sea air. You can order drinks and snacks from the boat bar, making it a perfect chance to unwind with a cold drink in hand. The highlight here is the chance to swim in waters only accessible by boat, a real treat for beach lovers.

The Midday Meal and Beverages

After Krorez, the boat serves lunch, which is praised by many for its quality. You can choose from three packages: a simple sandwich with a refreshment, a meat and side dish option with unlimited drinks, or a fish feast with plenty of beer and soft drinks—a flexible menu to suit different appetites and preferences.

Along With the provided meals, there’s a restaurant on board offering custom menus with fresh local ingredients, making the experience feel more like a floating restaurant. This is especially appreciated by those who value quality, fresh seafood and land-based produce.

The Return Trip: Snorkeling and Underwater Discovery

On the way back toward Saranda, the tour includes stops at Kakome Bay and Rojdhe Bay, where you can snorkel in clear waters, exploring the underwater flora and fauna. These stops normally last about 30-45 minutes, perfect for a quick dip or some underwater photography. The semi-submarine option, available at a discount, offers a rare chance to see the seabed without getting wet—an ideal choice for families or less confident swimmers.

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The Atmosphere and Music

A frequent critique from reviews is the loud music during the cruise, which can dominate the atmosphere for many hours. Some travelers found this fun and lively, while others, like Allan, described the experience as long and noisy, making conversations difficult. If you prefer peace, it might be worth bringing earplugs or preparing for a party-like environment.

Practical Details and Tips

• Departure point: Limani in Saranda, with the tour ending back at the same spot.
• Duration: About 7 hours, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Price: $59 per person, with options to upgrade to larger packages for more food and drinks.
• Weather dependence: Cancellations are possible if it’s too windy, but rescheduling is usually available.
• Reservations: Flexible booking with “reserve & pay later” option.
• Group size: Not specified, but feedback indicates it can be crowded, especially during peak times.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for people over 230 lbs (104 kg), so check your comfort level.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Several reviews highlight the delicious food and friendly service as major pluses, particularly praising the large package for its generous seafood and unlimited drinks. Many also loved the breathtaking views and the chance to swim in secluded spots inaccessible by land.

However, the music volume consistently emerges as a concern. Allan’s review captures this well: “The cruise itself was beautiful. The stops at the various locations were nice. The food was good. We have been on many boat trips, but this is the first time that our experience has not been good, and it is solely due to the volume of the music—so many hours of music blaring out of the speakers that you couldn’t have a conversation with each other or even think a thought, it simply meant that the four of us (two teenagers) just stood there waiting for the trip to end.” This points to the importance of setting expectations—if you’re looking for a lively, party vibe, this will suit you; if you want peace, be prepared.

On a positive note, many travelers emphasize the value for money, especially with the inclusive meals, drinks, and optional excursions like snorkeling and semi-submarine rides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This boat tour is perfect for sea lovers and foodies eager to explore Albania’s coast from the water. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy lively atmospheres, stunning views, and swimming in secluded beaches. Families or groups looking for a full-day adventure with plenty of options for eating and relaxing will find this a worthwhile outing.

However, if you prefer a quieter, more subdued experience or are sensitive to loud noise, this tour might not meet your expectations. Also, those with mobility issues or who require extra comfort should note the potential crowding and the fact that it’s not suitable for heavier guests.

The Sum Up

This Ionian Sea boat tour from Saranda offers a colorful, engaging way to explore Albania’s coastal treasures. With its scenic stops, delicious local cuisine, and underwater adventures, it delivers excellent value for travelers wanting a full day of sea, sun, and sights. The all-inclusive package simplifies planning, letting you focus on the experience rather than logistics.

If you’re looking for a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy good food, this tour is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for some lively music and potential crowds, and you’ll have a memorable day exploring the secrets of the Ionian Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs around 10:00 AM from Limani in Saranda and returns approximately at 5:00 PM, giving you a full day on the water.

What is included in the price?
The all-inclusive package covers your boat ticket, lunch (with various options), and unlimited soft drinks and beer. Optional upgrades include larger meals and a semi-submarine experience.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?
Yes, you’ll visit several spots like Krorez Beach, Kakome Bay, and Rojdhe Bay, where swimming and snorkeling are available, typically lasting around 30 minutes each.

Is there a place to buy extra food or drinks?
The boat bar offers drinks and snacks, and you can order anything you like during the trip. However, some reviews note that snacks are limited, so plan accordingly.

What happens if the weather is windy?
Cancellations are possible due to weather, but the tour provider typically offers rescheduling options or refunds if the activity cannot go ahead.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, especially with the semi-submarine option, which allows children and less confident swimmers to enjoy the underwater scenery. Just be mindful of the loud music if your kids are sensitive.

How crowded does it get?
Some travelers have mentioned overcrowding and limited seating during peak times. Booking in advance and arriving early can help secure a more comfortable experience.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this boat trip matches your travel style. Whether you’re after scenic beauty, delicious seafood, or a lively social scene, the Ionian Sea tour from Saranda offers a memorable slice of Albanian coastline—just be prepared for some noise and a full day’s adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: