Vlore County offers some of Albania’s most stunning coastlines and secluded beaches, making it an ideal place for boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of quiet coves, the thrill of speedboat rides, or scenic day trips with swimming and snorkeling, this region has a lot to offer. We particularly love the Saranda: Full-Day Boat Tour with Beach Stops & Swimming for its raw, unspoiled nature and the chance to explore caves like Turtle Cave. The Speed boat to Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave stands out with its mix of caves, historical sights, and sunbathing opportunities. For pure luxury, the Full-Day Louis Luxury Yacht Tour from Saranda offers a relaxed, all-day experience along the coast.
Each of these tours offers a unique way to experience Vlore’s beautiful waters, from daylong adventures to specialized trips like mussel farming or island explorations. Below, we’ll walk through each option in detail, helping you decide which fits your style and schedule best.
1. Saranda: Full-Day Boat Tour with Beach Stops & Swimming
At number 1 on our list, this full-day boat tour offers a perfect mix of hidden coves, caves, and quiet beaches reachable only by boat. It’s rated 5/5 by 76 reviews, reflecting its popularity among travelers who want to escape crowds and enjoy pristine nature. The tour lasts about 6 hours and costs just $35 per person, making it an excellent value for such an immersive experience.
The itinerary kicks off with a 30-minute speedboat ride to Turtle Cave, where you can snap photos of dramatic rock formations before heading to other scenic stops. You’ll explore Kakome Bay’s calm waters, relax on Krorez Beach with a picnic, and visit the peaceful Bay of Spiranca—an excellent spot for photography. The tour highlights include swimming in crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden beaches, and taking plenty of time to film and breathe.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on raw nature and quiet beaches—no crowds, just the sound of waves and the call of seabirds. It’s perfect for travelers who want a laid-back day with plenty of swimming and sightseeing. The gentle pace and personal touches at each stop make it great for families or anyone seeking peace and quiet.
Bottom Line: Excellent value, relaxed pace, and a focus on natural beauty make this tour a top pick for those wanting a full day immersed in nature without the crowds.
2. Sarande: Boat Tour to Krorez with Snorkle&Drinks&Swimming
Positioned as a scenic, relaxed cruise, this 6-hour boat adventure is rated 4.8/5 by 52 reviews. Priced with a focus on inclusions, it features cold drinks, snorkeling gear, and a friendly local skipper, making it ideal for travelers looking for a lively, fun atmosphere. The tour departs from Enzo Water Sport, and the itinerary offers six stops, including the famous Krorez Beach.
The trip includes a 30-minute speedboat ride early on, followed by visits to Turtle Cave and Gjiri i Kakomes, with ample swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The highlight is the 3-hour stop at Krorez Beach, where you can enjoy lunch, swim, and relax with scenic views along the way. Two additional swim stops at Ushtarit Beach and Roidhea Bay round out the day, giving plenty of chances to cool off in clear waters.
What makes this tour special is its lively vibe, perfect for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing. Reviewers note its well-organized structure, and many mention how thoughtful the crew is, adding to the overall experience.
Bottom Line: A fun, social option that balances sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, ideal for those who want a lively day on the water with all the essentials included.
3. Speed boat to Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave
This 7-hour speedboat trip takes you to some of southern Albania’s most iconic sights, rated 5/5 by three reviews. The route includes cruising inside spectacular caves and along rugged cliffs, with a full stop at Dafina Beach for sunbathing and swimming. For around $119, the speedboat to Dafina Bay and Haxhi Ali Cave offers a full-day exploration of the coast’s most dramatic sights.
The tour starts with a 20-minute boat cruise to Haxhi Ali Cave, where you can marvel at the natural rock formations. The boat then continues along the coastline, revealing secluded bays and scenic spots. The 4-hour stop at Dafina Beach allows plenty of time to swim, relax, and explore. Along the way, you’ll pass by military bunkers, adding a touch of history to your trip.
This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of history. The guide is described as welcoming, and the route offers stunning views and access to caves few see unless on a boat. The main drawback is the higher price, but the full-day experience and exclusive access make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a full-day adventure with cave exploration and historical sights, and who don’t mind splurging a bit for unique coastal vistas.
4. Ksamil: Mussel Sailing Tour with Food and Drink in Albania
This 2.5-hour tour offers a distinctive taste of local life, rated 4.4/5 by 8 reviews. It combines a boat ride to a mussel farm with hands-on experience and cooking lessons, making it ideal for food lovers and curious travelers alike. For an authentic culinary experience, the Mussel Sailing Tour provides insights into mussel cultivation and the chance to prepare two mussel dishes with a local chef.
The tour takes you to a nearby farm, where you’ll see how mussels are cultivated and participate in the separation process. Afterwards, you’ll sail to a local restaurant inside the Butrint National Park, where you learn to cook and then savor fresh mussels paired with local wine. The experience is as much about culture as it is about great food.
This tour appeals to travelers seeking a more intimate, hands-on experience. While it’s shorter than others, it offers a chance to understand local traditions and enjoy a delicious meal. The reviews highlight the opportunity to learn and taste, though some might find it less suitable if they prefer scenic cruising or water-based adventures.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food fans and those interested in local culture, offering a relaxed, culinary-focused experience with plenty of opportunities to learn and taste.
5. Vlore: Speed Boat Trip to Karaburun Peninsula
This 4-hour speedboat trip explores the Karaburun Peninsula, rated 3.2/5 by six reviews, making it a more mixed option. Starting from Olympia Bar Vlore, it includes visits to Haxhi Alia Cave and time on Zhanpovel Beach. Its main appeal lies in discovering the rugged coastline and caves with a faster-paced adventure.
The tour features a 20-minute cruise to Haxhi Ali Cave, followed by a 5-hour exploration of the peninsula’s coastline. Travelers can enjoy swimming and relaxing on Zhanpovel Beach, which offers scenic views and a chance to unwind. The small group size (limited to 8) ensures a more personalized experience, but reviews note that the trip might be less comprehensive compared to full-day options.
This tour is suited for those with limited time or who want a quick taste of the coast’s rugged beauty without a long commitment. The moderate rating suggests it’s more casual and less detailed, but still worthwhile for a short coastal escape.
Bottom Line: Good for a quick, scenic escape to the Karaburun Peninsula, especially if you’re short on time and want a small-group experience.
6. Sarande Boat Tour: Krorez, Kakome, Gremina, Caves & Soldier
This 5-hour tour, rated 5/5 with enthusiastic reviews, offers a more personalized experience with longer stops at major sights. Starting from Aris Boat Tour, it focuses on serene beaches, caves, and the region’s natural wonders, with a flexible schedule tailored to private or group bookings.
The itinerary includes multiple short rides—10 to 20 minutes—allowing plenty of time at each destination. The tour emphasizes a deliberate pace and diverse stops, including the iconic Krorez Beach, Kakome Bay, and Gremina Cave, with the added bonus of exploring the Soldier area, renowned for its landscape. It’s designed for travelers who want more time at each location without rushing.
The tour’s strength lies in its flexibility and personalized experience. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a combination of sightseeing and relaxing stops, especially those interested in photography or quiet beaches. The main drawback is less focus on snorkeling or active water sports.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who prefer longer stops and tailored experiences, especially if they want to avoid rushing through sights.
7. Sarande: Full-Day Louis Luxury Yacht Tour from Saranda
This 7-hour luxury yacht cruise is rated 4.8/5 and offers a premium experience of the southern coast. The Louis Luxury Yacht Tour is perfect for travelers seeking comfort, style, and a touch of elegance. It includes visits to Cape of Qefali, Krorëz, Kakome Bay, and Rrojdhe, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the deck.
The yacht features a spacious 3-deck layout, with plenty of room to lounge, dance, or just soak up the sun. The cruise combines scenic views with fun activities, including foam parties and music decks, making it ideal for groups or couples wanting a stylish day at sea. Guests can take stunning photos of cliffs and beaches, then cool off with a swim in the clear waters.
Guests report that the boat’s comfort and the lively atmosphere make it stand out. It’s a bit more expensive, but the luxury amenities and all-day itinerary justify the price. Perfect for travelers looking for a special occasion or a luxurious escape.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed yet lively experience in style, combining scenic beauty with fun onboard activities.
8. From Durres: Speed Boat to Sazan Island, Cave & Karaburun
This 10-hour adventure, rated 5/5, takes you on a full-day trip from Durres, exploring Albania’s coastline and islands. Starting from multiple pickup points, it covers Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and the Karaburun Peninsula, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing.
The trip features a 40-minute stop at Sazan Island, where you can walk around, explore, or snorkel in the clear waters. The boat cruise includes visits to caves and rugged coastlines, with a focus on nature and wildlife. The route also includes a military bunker tour, adding a historical element to the day.
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in exploring island life, cave systems, and coastal scenery within a single day. The long duration means it’s suited for those with plenty of time and a desire for a rundown of the coast.
Bottom Line: A full-day, all-encompassing trip for those eager to combine island exploration, caves, and coastal scenery in one outing.
How to Choose Your Perfect Boat Tour in Vlore County
When selecting a boat tour, consider what kind of experience you want. If you prioritize quiet beaches and nature, the full-day Saranda tour offers an unhurried pace. For more active snorkeling and lively vibes, the Sarande: Boat Tour to Krorez is excellent. Want a luxurious day at sea? The Louis Luxury Yacht delivers comfort and fun. For shorter trips or island exploration, the Sazan Island is perfect.
Budget, time, and interests are key. If you love local food, the mussel tour is unmatched. If you want caves and historical sites, the Dafina Bay trip is ideal. Book early during peak season, especially for popular tours like the full-day yacht or the Sazan Island trip, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Vlore County’s boat tours truly showcase its natural beauty—from serene beaches to rugged cliffs and caves. For a relaxed, nature-centric day, the Saranda: Full-Day Boat Tour is a standout. If you’re after a lively, social experience, the Krorez boat tour hits the mark. For those seeking luxury, the full-day Louis Yacht provides a memorable, stylish escape.
No matter your style or schedule, there’s a boat tour in Vlore that will bring you closer to Albania’s stunning coast. Just remember to book early—these adventures fill up fast, especially in summer—and prepare for an unforgettable day on the water.