Private Tour to Tongo Island with Sailing Boat &BBQ

Exploring Tongo Island on a Private Sailing Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a trip to Albania’s southwest coast, a private tour to Tongo Island with sailing and BBQ might just catch your eye. While we haven’t personally jumped aboard, this experience promises a relaxed, intimate way to enjoy the water, nature, and a bit of local history. From what’s shared, it seems like a lovely way to spend a half-day, especially if you’re after a mix of adventure and laid-back fun.

What catches our attention first? The personalized nature of the tour, with a small group or private setting that keeps things cozy, and the chance to learn some sailing skills—helping the captain with the main sail might be a highlight for those craving hands-on experience. Plus, the delicious BBQ and drinks included sound like a perfect way to unwind after jumping between snorkeling spots.

On the flip side, a note to consider is the limited capacity of just 5 people per boat—which is great for intimacy but might mean more planning to secure your spot. Also, since this experience is mainly focused on water activities and sailing, if you’re not comfortable in the water or prone to seasickness, it might not be the best fit.

This tour appears well-suited for travelers who love a small-group vibe, enjoy water-based activities, and want a taste of local sights without the crowds. It’s especially good for those who enjoy a bit of learning and authentic experiences on the water.

Key Points

• Small private group experience for up to 4 or 5 people, emphasizing intimacy and personalized attention.
• Multiple snorkeling stops at four different locations, perfect for water lovers.
• Includes a beach BBQ with drinks, making it a relaxed, tasty break on the sand.
• Learn sailing basics and help the captain with the main sail—interactive and engaging.
• Visit to Castle of Ali Pasha adds a dash of history to the trip.
• Duration of around 4 hours makes it a manageable half-day activity without feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting sail from Butrint: What to expect

The adventure begins at the entrance of Butrint’s ancient ruins, where you’ll meet your guide and board a cozy sailing boat. With a capacity of up to 4 or 5 people, this is a tour designed for those who prefer a more personal, tailored experience rather than large group excursions. The boat itself looks comfortable, suitable for a relaxing cruise along the coast.

Once underway, the captain will teach you some basic sailing skills—think helping with the main sail—and show you the ropes on knots and organizing on board. If you’re curious about sailing, this hands-on approach is a real bonus. It’s not just sightseeing; it’s participating, which adds a layer of fun and authenticity.

Stops for swimming and snorkeling

The tour includes stops at four different locations for swimming and snorkeling, which we think is the core highlight. The waters here are described as crystal clear, making it ideal for exploring marine life. Snorkel masks are provided, so you won’t need to bring your own unless you prefer. These stops are spaced out to give you enough time to relax, float around, and enjoy the underwater world.

A common comment from previous travelers is the quality of the snorkeling spots, with some noting that marine life viewing is a standout element. The 40-minute snorkeling sessions at each spot are enough to get a good look without feeling rushed. It’s a great way to cool off and experience the local aquatic environment.

Beach BBQ and refreshments

After working up an appetite, you’ll settle on a beach spot to enjoy a delicious BBQ. The food is described as flavorful, and drinks are included, which makes it a laid-back meal compared to typical tourist fare. Sitting under an umbrella, with a cold drink in hand, while listening to the waves, sounds like a perfect way to slow down for a bit.

The fact that drinks are included adds to the value, especially since you won’t need to worry about extra costs. The BBQ itself is often highlighted as a tasty highlight, with some reviewers mentioning the quality of the food and the relaxed atmosphere.

Visiting the Castle of Ali Pasha

On the way back to Butrint, your boat stops at the Castle of Ali Pasha at Vivary Channel. This adds a touch of history and architecture to the day and is generally appreciated by travelers interested in local stories and sights. The 20-minute visit isn’t long, but it’s enough to snap some photos and get a quick glimpse of this historical site.

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A day in the life: The itinerary in detail

The tour is carefully structured to balance adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing:

• Start at Butrint Mussel Tour: Meeting point is straightforward, right at the entrance of the ancient ruins, making logistics simple.
• Secret stop for swimming and marine life viewing: A warm-up for your aquatic adventure, this spot offers a first taste of the water.
• Snorkeling at four locations: Each stop is around 40 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore different underwater scenes.
• Beach BBQ lunch: Two hours of pure relaxation, enjoying good food and drinks while soaking up the sun.
• Visit to Tongo Island: The island itself is the highlight, with another snorkeling session of about 30 minutes, perfect for a final splash.
• Historical stop at Ali Pasha’s Castle: Adds a cultural element before the journey ends.
• Return to start point: The whole experience lasts roughly 4 hours, a manageable timeframe for most travelers.

What’s included and what’s not

This tour offers good value for what’s provided. For $77 per person, you get a private sailing experience, all snorkeling gear, umbrella at the beach, drinks, and a tasty BBQ. The sailing instruction is a nice touch, especially if you’ve ever been curious about how sailing works.

The only thing that’s not included is transportation to the starting point. The meeting location is convenient—right at the entrance of Butrint ruins—but you’ll need to organize your own transfer to get there.

Practical tips for your trip

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen—these are essentials for comfortable water activity.
• Since the boat has a capacity of just 5 people, booking in advance is advisable to secure your spot.
• Non-swimmers or those with seasickness might want to consider their comfort level; the tour isn’t suitable for people prone to seasickness.
• The experience is geared toward private groups or families, so if you’re traveling alone or in a larger group, check with the provider for options.

The bottom line: Is this tour worth it?

If you’re after a personalized, water-focused outing that combines sailing, snorkeling, and good food, this tour checks many boxes. The chance to learn sailing tricks and help out on board makes it more than just a sightseeing cruise—it’s an interactive experience. The stops for snorkeling are well-spaced, so you’ll get a good look at marine life without feeling hurried, and the beach BBQ sounds like a real treat.

However, keep in mind the small boat capacity and the physical aspect of water activities, which might not suit everyone. For travelers who enjoy intimate experiences and are comfortable in the water, it’s a wonderful way to see Tongo Island and its surroundings.

This tour would suit those looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to explore Albania’s coast, especially if they value hands-on experiences and delicious local food. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or small families who want to combine adventure with comfort.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the entrance of Butrint ancient ruins, which is easy to find and convenient for visitors.

What’s included in the price?
You get the private sailing boat, snorkeling masks, umbrella at the beach, drinks, BBQ lunch, and some sailing instruction.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for those comfortable in the water and not prone to seasickness. The boat capacity is small, and the activities involve snorkeling and some sailing.

Can I learn to sail during the tour?
Yes, you’ll learn some sailing basics and even assist the captain with the main sail.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling masks are included. You might want to bring your own if you have preferences.

Do I need to bring anything?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. It’s also good to have a water-proof case for your valuables.

Is food included?
Yes, a BBQ lunch with drinks is part of the tour. The food is described as tasty.

What if I don’t like seafood or BBQ?
The menu specifics aren’t detailed, but it’s a typical beach BBQ. Contact the provider if you have special dietary needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility.

In the end, this private sailing tour offers a gentle mix of adventure, relaxation, and a peek into local history. It’s best suited for water lovers who enjoy small-group experiences and good food. If that sounds like your style, it could be a memorable part of your Albanian trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: