Himare, on Albania’s stunning Ionian coast, offers some of the best snorkeling and boat excursions in the region. Its waters are clear, its coastline dramatic, and many tours take you to places only accessible by sea — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring caves. We particularly like the Himara: Pirate’s Cave Tour, Secret Beaches Swimming & Snorkeling, known for its small-group intimacy and breathtaking cliffs. This tour combines visits to legendary caves, hidden beaches, and opportunities for swimming in pristine waters, making it ideal for adventurers craving authentic coastal secrets.
If you’re after a relaxed sunset cruise, the [Himara: Sunset Cruise (swim stops and snorkelling)] offers spectacular views and calm waters, perfect for unwinding as the sun dips below the horizon. For a private option, the Himarë: Albanian Riviera Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling lets you explore secluded bays, caves, and beaches like Gjipe or Pirates Cave at your own pace. And for a longer day out, the Saranda Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling provides a full afternoon in the water, with stops at the Cave of Turtles and other secret beaches.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at each of these top tours, comparing what makes them unique and helping you decide which fits your style and plans best.
1. Himara: Pirate’s Cave Tour, Secret Beaches Swimming & Snorkeling
This tour is a standout for its comprehensive three-hour boat ride exploring the most famous caves and beaches along Himare’s coastline. Starting from Himara, the tour takes you to the legendary Pirate’s Cave, a rock formation that looks like an open treasure chest — ideal for photos and imagining pirate stories. The itinerary includes multiple stops at secret beaches and cliffs only accessible by boat, such as Aquarium Beach and Gjipe Beach.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on small groups—up to 12 people—which makes for a more intimate experience. The experienced local guides share insights about the coastline while you enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the clear, inviting waters. The stops are well-paced, with about 30 minutes in the water at the most secluded spots, ensuring plenty of time to explore underwater life and snap photos of the dramatic cliffs.
Guests love the mixture of adventure and relaxation, often mentioning the crystal-clear waters and the chance to discover spots that look like they belong to a different world. The tour’s value lies in its diversity of stops, making it ideal for those who want a compact, action-packed outing that balances sightseeing with swimming.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups wanting a guided, all-in-one coastal adventure with plenty of snorkeling and photo ops.
2. Himara: Pirate’s Cave Tour with swims stops & snorkeling (8-10 persons)
The tour offers a similar experience but caters to slightly larger groups of 8 to 10 people, still maintaining a personal feel. It emphasizes exploring the Ionian Sea coastline at sunset, making it especially popular for romantic getaways or evening starters. Highlights include a swim at Goat Beach, known for its pristine waters, and visits to notable sea caves like Pigeons Cave and the Twin Caves.
This tour shines in its atmosphere: cruising at dusk with music on board creates a relaxed vibe. The boat is equipped with ice, water, and snorkeling gear, ensuring comfort and convenience during your water stops. Guests say the sunset views are “simply breathtaking,” and the tour offers a good balance of exploration and leisurely cruising.
What makes this option appealing is the combination of guided cave visits and the opportunity to relax in secluded spots away from crowds. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a peaceful, scenic cruise with swimming in the cooler evening air.
Bottom Line: Ideal for couples or small groups looking for a scenic, sunset-oriented boat experience with snorkeling.
3. Himara: Sunset Cruise (swim stops and snorkelling)
This sunset cruise offers a different pace—more about soaking in the spectacular views as daylight fades. Over three hours, the tour takes you from Himara to Gipe Beach, Porto Palermo, and other scenic spots. As the sun dips lower, the sky turns to shades of pink and orange, casting a magical glow over the water.
During the trip, you can stop for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing at spots like the Cave of Turtles or the abandoned fortress of Porto Palermo with the historic Ali Pasha Castle. The experience is enhanced by a cool box with drinks, making it easy to relax and enjoy the peaceful sea breeze.
Guests mention that the scenery is stunning and that the combination of gentle sailing and swimming makes for a calming, memorable outing. The tour is perfect for those who want to combine water activities with incredible sunset views, especially if you prefer a less crowded, more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers wanting a tranquil evening on the water, with picturesque sunsets and light snorkeling.
4. Himarë: Albanian Riviera Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling
For those seeking an exclusive, personalized experience, this private boat tour is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups up to four people. Over three hours, your private guide takes you to the most iconic sites along the Albanian Riviera, including Gjipe Beach, Pirates Cave, Aquarium, and Turtle Beach.
This tour emphasizes flexibility: your guide can customize stops based on your interests, whether that’s snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the boat. The itinerary includes swimming in secluded bays and exploring sea caves—all tailored for your comfort. Many travelers appreciate the personal touch and ability to avoid crowds.
The price, $338 for up to four people, reflects its exclusivity, but the value is high in terms of flexibility and private service. Reviews note the knowledgeable guides and the chance to discover lesser-known spots like the hidden caves that larger tours might overlook.
Bottom Line: Best for privacy seekers wanting tailored adventures and a more relaxed pace with expert guidance.
$338 per group up to 4
5. Saranda Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling
This full five-hour tour in Saranda takes you beyond Himare’s coastline to explore the famous Cave of Turtles and nearby beaches. Starting from Bulevardi Hasan Tahsini, the tour includes stops at Krorez, Solders, and Roidhe beaches, offering a full day of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
What sets this apart is its longer duration—perfect if you want more time in the water and to explore multiple beaches without rushing. The tour includes a skipper who knows the area well, ensuring you get to the best snorkeling spots and hidden beaches. Travelers report that the crystal-clear waters and chance to spot sea turtles make it a memorable outing.
The tour works well for families, groups, or anyone wanting a more leisurely day on the water with plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities. It does require a longer time commitment but offers excellent value given the number of stops and the quality of snorkeling.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want an extended day of water fun and exploring the coastline in comfort.
How to Choose the Best Snorkeling Tour in Himare
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: Are you after a small-group adventure with lots of caves and secret beaches? The Himara: Pirate’s Cave Tour is hard to beat. Want a romantic sunset with light snorkeling? The Sunset Cruise is your pick. Need privacy and customization? The Private Boat offers tailored looks at the coast.
Budget-conscious travelers can opt for the group tours that pack the most into a three-hour window, while those seeking exclusivity might prefer the private tour for a bit more. If you’re short on time, the shorter trips still deliver plenty of swimming, caves, and stunning scenery. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Consider your fitness level—most tours involve swimming and snorkeling in open water, so pack your gear, wear appropriate clothing, and bring sunscreen. The best time for these tours is late spring through early fall, when waters are warm and weather stable.
In summary, Himare offers a variety of snorkeling and boat tours catering to different tastes and budgets. From the immersive Pirate’s Cave adventure to the peaceful sunset cruises and exclusive private trips, there’s something for every sea lover. If you’re eager to explore Albania’s rugged coast and hidden caves, these tours are well worth booking in advance for an unforgettable experience.