From Vlore: Blue Cave and Grama Bay Adventures

From Vlore: Blue Cave and Grama Bay Adventures
Location: Vlorë County, Albania
Country: Albania
Rating: 5/5 (86 reviews)
Supplier: OLYMPIA TOURS
Duration: 8 hours (check availability for starting times)

Imagine spending a full day bobbing around Albania’s coast in a speedboat, visiting secret beaches and enchanting caves that most travelers never even hear about. This tour drops you right into the middle of unspoiled nature and hidden coastal treasures—and the best part? It’s all accessible only by boat, which means peace and quiet away from crowded beaches.

We love how the itinerary balances adventure and relaxation—you get to explore intriguing caves like the Blue Gem Cave, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and unwind on untouched pebble beaches. Plus, the guides are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, making the experience both fun and informative.

A potential consideration is the sea conditions—this tour is weather-dependent, so a stormy day might mean a cancellation or a different experience. Also, since the tour involves a lot of boat time, it’s best for those comfortable with some motion and who don’t have mobility issues or seasickness.

This adventure suits travelers seeking authenticity and seclusion, especially those who love nature, photography, and exploring away from crowds. Perfect for active families, adventurous couples, or solo explorers eager to see Albania’s lesser-known coastline.

Key Points

• Uncover Hidden Beaches: Only accessible by boat, ensuring a peaceful, undisturbed experience.
• Stunning Natural Formations: Explore caves like the Blue Gem Cave with its wild shapes and turquoise waters.
• Guided by Friendly Experts: Guides like Kristian and Christi are praised for their helpful, engaging manner.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Opportunities to explore vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.
• Full-Day Adventure: With a well-planned itinerary, you’ll see several caves, beaches, and scenic spots.
• Weather Dependence: The tour might cancel due to sea conditions—good to check the forecast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Vlore Speedboat Tour

Starting Point and the First Leg

The journey begins at the Olympia Tours office along Vlore’s promenade. The meeting spot, marked by a colorful vibe with a yellow car head, is easy to spot and promises a hassle-free start. Expect to board a speedboat that whisks you away for about 40 minutes along the coast. This initial ride sets a tone of excitement, as you leave the busy city behind and glide into Albania’s wild seaside.

Visiting Haxhi Ali Cave

Your first notable stop is the Haxhi Ali Cave—a spectacular sight where sunlight plays on the water, creating mesmerizing reflections. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to snorkel in calm, clear waters. A review highlights, “the cave is amazing,” and guides like Kristian or Christi come highly recommended for their insights and friendly approach.

Secret Beaches and Dafina Bay

Next, your boat takes you to Dafina Bay, renowned for its pristine, untouched beaches and the colorful Dafina Cave. The hour spent here offers plenty of time to relax, explore, and snorkel. Travelers rave about the blue waters—they are genuinely stunning and ideal for a cooling dip after some sunbathing. One visitor called it “a magical underwater world,” and many found the water perfect for swimming and taking photographs.

The Bristan Bay stop is brief but worth the visit for its crystal blue waters. It’s a good spot for a quick swim or some photos. This part of the coast feels untouched and peaceful, with reviews mentioning how the beaches feel “wild” and “untamed”—a stark contrast to traditional crowded Mediterranean spots.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Canyon and Seal Cave

A very distinctive feature of this tour is the Secret Canyon and Seal Cave. These spots add a sense of adventure, as you explore natural rock formations and seek out caves that feel like secret hideouts. It’s a highlight for many, with reviews describing the “memorable moments” created by these hidden corners.

The Blue Gem Cave & Paradise Beach

One of the most praised features of this trip is the Blue Gem Cave in Llovizi. The wild shapes and turquoise waters make it a natural masterpiece. Visitors mention that it leaves a lasting impression due to its colorful formations and natural beauty. You’ll also visit the paradise beach of Llovizi, where swimming and snorkeling are especially rewarding—crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings make for a perfect relaxing break.

Englishman Bay and Grama Bay

The tour continues to Englishman Bay, barely touched by human development, offering you a chance to soak in pure nature and take a swim or snorkel. This is a favorite among travelers for its quiet beauty and clear waters.

Grama Bay is another highlight, with its combination of crystal waters and wild, rugged nature. After swimming, a short 20-minute walk uphill rewards you with breathtaking views—an Instagram-worthy moment many reviewers rave about.

The Final Stops and Scenic Views

The last part of the journey takes you to Shpella Blu (Blue Cave), a smaller but visually striking cave perfect for photos and a last swim. Then, you visit Sant Andreas Bay for some final relaxation, swimming in peaceful waters and enjoying the unspoiled scenery.

Throughout the day, the guides are praised for their helpfulness, with reviews mentioning Kristian, Christi, and Tedi for their friendly manner and local knowledge, often going above and beyond to make sure everyone enjoys the experience.

Practical Details & Value

This full-day tour, at around 8 hours, is packed with stops, each offering something unique. The price includes snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and fruits, which many reviewers appreciated as good value. The itinerary is flexible enough for spontaneous swimming, walking, or photography.

While the tour is weather-dependent, most travelers seem to find that the effort is worth it. The boat ride itself is lively, often accompanied by music and chatter, adding to the fun atmosphere. The tour’s logistical setup—organized pick-up and drop-off at Olympia Tours—makes it easy to plan.

Authentic Experiences & Genuine Reviews

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendliness and helpfulness, with quotes like “Kristi was very good,” and “Brendan made the day super special.” The diversity of stops keeps the day interesting, and many mention the delicious snacks and drinks that kept everyone energized.

The scenery is the star attraction, with eyes drawn to the natural caves, wild beaches, and turquoise waters. Several reviews mention that the trip is “value for money,” especially considering the number of stops and the personalized attention from the guides.

What Could Be Improved?

A few travelers mention that the boat can be crowded, which might affect comfort for some. Also, since the tour depends on weather conditions, it’s wise to check the forecast beforehand.

Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the boat, so travel light. Expect to get a little wet, especially if you swim or snorkel, so bring appropriate gear.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for an adventurous day outdoors, filled with natural beauty and seclusion. It suits travelers who enjoy snorkeling and swimming in pristine waters, as well as those eager to see caves and untouched beaches. If you love guided experiences with friendly local guides and don’t mind a boat ride, this is an excellent choice.

It’s especially suited for active travelers who want to explore Albania’s coast without the hassle of planning every stop. Families with older children, couples, or solo visitors who enjoy nature and marine scenery will find plenty to love here.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with multiple stops along the Albanian coast.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Olympia Tours Vlorë, along the promenade, easy to find and accessible.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and many stops are perfect for exploring underwater life.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.

Can I swim at every stop?
Most stops allow swimming and snorkeling, but always check with your guide for specific conditions.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, but it’s best for those comfortable with boat rides, seasickness, and some walking. Not suitable for pregnant women or mobility-impaired travelers.

What’s the weather policy?
The tour may cancel due to bad sea conditions or weather, so check the forecast and plan accordingly.

How much does it cost?
Pricing offers good value considering the full day of stops, food, drinks, and equipment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this speedboat adventure from Vlore stands out as an authentic, fun, and visually stunning way to experience Albania’s coastline. The combination of caves, beaches, and marine scenery in a small-group setting offers great value and memorable moments. Perfect for travelers craving adventure, seclusion, and a taste of untouched nature—this tour promises to leave you with plenty of stories and photos to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: