Discover Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun Hidden Gems

A speedboat day from Vlore to Sazan Island feels like you’re crossing from Albania’s present into its military past, then sliding right into beach time. I like how the schedule mixes a harbor look at the old base with a proper hangout at Saint Cole Bay.

The best part for me is the stop at Haxhi Ali Cave, where the water is clear enough for real snorkeling and even swimming in the cave area. The only real drawback to plan for is that it runs on boat time, so rough weather can throw off the day, and some beach comfort costs extra.

Key highlights you should know

• Old base harbor views on Sazan before you get beach time at Saint Cole Bay
• Haxhi Ali Cave and Pirate Cave swim stops with crystal-clear water
• Bunkers and tunnels on the coast seen from the speedboat while they drive slowly by
• Karaburun Peninsula coast exploration plus time at Saint Vasil beach
• Drinks included on board, including beer and alcohol
• Smallish day size for a tour, capped at 80 people

Why this speedboat circuit makes sense from Vlore

This is one of those days that’s built for people who want more than a single viewpoint. You start in Vlore at 9:00 am, then you move through three different coastline moods: military stone on Sazan, cave swimming at Haxhi Ali, and a long beach stretch at Karaburun.

I like the way the tour is structured around water. You’re not just looking at the coast from land. You’re out on the water, which means you get angles on the bunkers and tunnels that you simply can’t match from the road.

If you’re the kind of person who likes active sightseeing, this fits. If you want museum-style pacing, you might find the timing a bit brisk. Still, the day is packed with chances to swim, snorkel, and just relax in between the stops.

Getting started: Hotel Bologna meeting point and a 6-hour rhythm

You meet at Hotel Bologna on Ismail Qemali Street in Vlore. The tour runs about 6 hours total, and it ends back at the same place. It’s offered in English, and you get a mobile ticket.

That matters because a start point you can find easily reduces stress. And the total duration is short enough that you don’t lose your entire day to travel time.

Also, the group size cap is 80 people. That’s not tiny, but it’s big enough to keep things lively, while still feeling organized. On the boat, expect people to mix during the drink-and-music moments, and then regroup when it’s time to get on and off at each stop.

Sazan Island and Saint Cole Bay: harbor history first, then beach time

Stop 1 is Sazan Island, also known as the Rock Island. You first head to the harbor area of the military base so you can see what remains of the old installation. It’s not presented as a long, deep dive tour. It’s more like a visual introduction from the water, which is exactly what works well in a half-day format.

Then the day shifts toward fun time, with time at Saint Cole Bay. Even though this stop is listed as around 40 minutes, the combination is smart: you get the contrast of cold concrete and watchtowers, then you switch to warm, casual coastal time.

From the onboard vibe, I’d go in with a flexible mindset. Some people will want photos the moment you arrive. Others just want sunscreen and a towel. The pacing gives you both, without making you feel trapped in one mode.

Practical note: this portion is quick, so if Sazan is the only stop you care about, you may wish you had more time there. But if you’re aiming for variety across the day, this balance works.

Haxhi Ali Cave and Pirate Cave: snorkeling-friendly water and a cave swim moment

Stop 2 is Shpella e Haxhi Aliut (Haxhi Ali Cave), tied to the Pirate Cave area. This is the moment most people remember, because it’s where the water takes center stage.

The tour description emphasizes crystal-clear water, and the cave stop is a big reason. In practice, what you want here is to bring a mindset of short, focused swim time. This stop is listed at about 20 minutes, which is brief, but it’s long enough for people who enjoy snorkeling to get a feel for the underwater scene.

The best detail from the experience you’re getting is that you’re allowed to swim inside the cave area. That’s not a common offering on coastal tours in most places. It’s also a cool change from beach swimming, because you get enclosed-water vibes for part of the time.

A caution I’d give you: cave-water moments can be slippery and you’ll want to watch your footing when you’re moving near entry areas. Wear water-friendly footwear if you have it, and keep your phone secured.

Also, if you’re sensitive to crowds, note that this is an activity zone. Even with a cap of 80, people tend to bunch during the swim. Go at your own pace and don’t rush, especially once you’re in the water.

The coast view break: bunkers and tunnels from the speedboat

Between the cave area and the Karaburun portion, the plan includes a shore excursion by speedboat to see bunkers and tunnels. This part is less about one specific destination, and more about the effect of moving slowly past military remnants.

What’s nice here is the speedboat perspective. Some coastline scars only make sense when you’re looking at them from the sea. If you try to recreate this by land, you’ll usually miss the angles.

This segment also fits the overall rhythm of the day. After cave swimming, you get a visual reset while still staying on the water. Then you’re ready for Karaburun.

Karaburun Peninsula and Saint Vasil beach: slow coastal passing and real downtime

Stop 3 heads to the Karaburun Peninsula. Here, you’ll see the beauty of Karaburun while the boat drives slowly near bunkers built into the coastline. That slow pass is important. It’s not just a quick look. It’s timed to give you enough time to take photos and actually see how the structures sit along the shore.

Then you get the big relaxation block: Saint Vasil beach, with about 2 hours of time. This is where the day pays off. You shift from brief active stops into a long stretch where you can swim, sunbathe, and just do nothing for a while.

One detail you should plan for: beach umbrellas aren’t included. The cost is listed as $10 for 2 beds and 1 umbrella. If you like shade, decide in advance if you want that comfort, because you might arrive with everyone else already thinking about it.

The best strategy is simple. Use your first swim time after arriving at Saint Vasil to cool down, then decide if you want beds and umbrella. You’ll spend less time bargaining and more time actually enjoying the beach.

Price and included drinks: what your $70.81 is really buying

At $70.81 per person for about 6 hours, this tour is priced like a day of transportation plus guided stops, not just a sightseeing walk.

You also get a clear set of inclusions:

• Soda and bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Onboard vibe elements like music are part of the feel, and the staff keeps things friendly and upbeat.

From the experience itself, that matters more than it sounds. Long boat days get tiring, and having cold water and drinks in a practical way helps you keep energy up between swim windows and transit time.

There’s also a key point: admissions at the listed stops are shown as ticket free. So your main payment is tied to the boat, the guide, and the on-board extras, rather than paying separate entrance fees.

What costs extra is mainly beach shade (umbrellas and beds at Saint Vasil). If you’re someone who wants zero extra spending, budget for that one optional item.

The onboard experience: guide energy, comfort, and music with the drinks

The tour is provided by Trips By Rei Mezini, and the guide Rei comes up repeatedly in the experience notes. You can expect a friendly, organized style, with staff making sure the group is comfortable while keeping the day moving.

On the boat, the energy isn’t quiet. People talk about music being set up on board and the crew keeping fresh drinks coming. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the presence of soda, water, and beer-like options changes the mood. It feels less like a strict transport service and more like a day out with a plan.

One more detail that’s genuinely useful: the staff tries to find comfortable seating for people, which is good on a boat where the wrong spot can turn a fun day into a squirmy one.

If you have strong preferences (front seats for motion, or shade side if it exists), show up a little early and ask where the staff can place you.

What to bring (and what to skip) for the best cave-and-beach day

You’re dealing with sun, salt water, and a cave swim moment. So think “ready for water,” not “ready for a museum.”

Bring:

• Swimsuit, quick-dry towel, and a change of clothes for the ride back
• Water-friendly footwear if you have it
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A bag or pouch to keep your phone dry (even if the crew helps, water is water)

You might also want:

• A small hat, if you care about shade
• Motion sickness remedies if you’re sensitive on boats

Skip:

• Bulky bags you can’t manage while people are boarding and swimming
• Anything fragile you can’t secure

And keep expectations realistic about the cave stop. You’ll get time to swim and explore, but it’s still short. Go in ready to enjoy the moment, then move on with the day.

Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and that affects whether the tour runs as planned. If you’re going during a stretch where storms are common, have backup days in your Vlore schedule.

Who should book this Sazan, Haxhi Ali, and Karaburun day trip

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a single day that covers three very different coastal areas
• Like swimming and snorkeling-style water time
• Enjoy a social boat atmosphere with drinks and music
• Prefer guided structure over trying to piece together separate tours

You might think twice if you:

• Want long, slow stops at each site
• Are highly weather-sensitive, since the day depends on conditions
• Have a strict preference for quiet travel, since the group setting can be lively

If your goal is a “see a lot, swim some, relax some” day from Vlore, this delivers.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book it if you want an active day built around Sazan Island, Haxhi Ali Cave, and Karaburun without the hassle of planning separate logistics. The combo of cave swim time, bunker-and-tunnel coastal views, and a longer Saint Vasil beach block makes it feel complete.

The main reason not to book is simple: you are trading time depth for variety. If you’re the type who wants one place for hours, pick a slower plan. If you want a coastline sampler with real water time and a friendly crew led by Rei, this is a smart use of a day in Vlore.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 6 hours in total.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Hotel Bologna on Ismail Qemali Street in Vlore and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You visit Sazan Island, the Haxhi Ali Cave area, and the Karaburun Peninsula, including time at Saint Vasil beach.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The cave stop is described as suitable for snorkeling, and you’re allowed to swim in the cave area. The Sazan portion also includes swimming opportunities near the island.

What drinks are included on board?

Soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Are beach umbrellas included?

No. Umbrellas are not included, and the listed cost is $10 for 2 beds and 1 umbrella.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The experience also depends on good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.