From Saranda, Boat tour to Krorëza,Kakome, and Turtle Cave.

Saranda’s coastline in Albania is the kind that makes you stare out at the water like it’s a movie. This Boat Trip Alkevi route is a practical way to see several of the most photogenic stops in one go, with time to swim and snorkel along the way.

I love the mix of short scenic pauses and one bigger anchor stop, so you get variety without feeling rushed. I also like that the day is built around easy sea time: drinks and snacks on board, snorkeling masks provided, and a long stretch at Krorez Beach to actually enjoy the water.

One drawback to keep in mind: a boat tour depends on punctual pickup and clear communication. There is at least one unpleasant experience tied to late arrival and poor contact, so I’d treat this like any trip at sea, arrive early, and be ready to follow up if anything seems off.

Quick, specific things you should know

• Krorez Beach gets a long 3-hour stop, not just a quick look
• Masks for snorkeling are included, so you can focus on enjoying the water
• Turtle Cave (Shpella Breshke) is brief, so go for the photos and quick visit
• Dolphin spotting is part of the vibe, often possible near the swimming stops
• Sunbeds and an umbrella are included, which matters when you stay anchored for hours
• English and Italian speaking host/greeter, helpful if your Albanian is rusty

Why This Saranda Boat Route Feels Worth Your Time

This is the type of day trip that works because it fits real travel behavior. You do not spend your day shuttling around land stops. Instead, you move along the coast, with the sea doing the heavy lifting for scenery.

The itinerary is set up with quick hit stops and then a main payoff. You start with a shoreline break at Plazhi i Ushtarit (Soldiers’ Bay), then you move into the bigger highlight area at Krorez Beach where you can swim, snorkel, and relax. Later you get short guided moments at places like Shpella Breshke (Turtle Cave) and another coastal viewpoint stop, plus you’ll have time along the way around Gremina and Kakome where the hills meet the water.

The result is a day that feels like you’re collecting coastlines, not checking off a list.

Price and What $35 Buys You in Real Terms

At $35 per person for about 6 hours, this boat tour is in the value zone if you plan to actually use the included extras. You’re paying for a boat day plus multiple destinations, and you’re not expected to bring your own snorkel gear or worry about finding a sunbed at the main beach stop.

Here’s what you get that can offset the hidden costs of a DIY day:

• Snorkeling masks included, so you can swim with less hassle
• Sunbeds and an umbrella included, which saves money and time during the long Krorez anchor stop
• One free drink, plus a fridge for drinks and snacks on board
• Transportation driver and the boat tour across 6 destinations

The strongest value is the time at Krorez Beach. Three hours anchored is long enough to swim more than once, float around, and still have time to just sit in the sun. If you were thinking of booking separate beach transport and rentals, this starts to look like the more straightforward option.

Meeting Point, Timing, and What to Bring on Alkevi

You meet at the meeting point where you’ll find a stand with the company name. That’s simple, but the key is to show up with a buffer. Even small delays feel bigger on a boat day because the schedule is built around water access and time at each stop.

Your packing list is refreshingly basic:

• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Cash

The cash part is your reminder to keep a little flexibility for any on-the-spot needs, like extra food or souvenirs if you want them.

A practical tip: bring sunscreen that you trust in strong sun, plus a towel that dries you well. Salt water and wind can leave you feeling chilled when you hop back on board later, even if the day stays warm.

Stop 1: Plazhi i Ushtarit (Soldiers’ Bay) for Photos and a Quick Swim

Your first named stop is Plazhi i Ushtarit, also called Soldiers’ Bay. Expect a short visit of about 30 minutes, with a mix of cruising, photo time, and swimming.

This stop works as a warm-up. You get a taste of the coastline, you stretch your legs on the boat and then in shallow water, and you start building your day momentum. It’s also where you get your first real chance to judge sea conditions. If the water is calm, you’ll feel good about the later Krorez Beach swim time.

A short stop also means you should move efficiently. If you want great photos, aim to do that early, when the boat is positioned well and you’re not rushing. Bring your towel and get ready to switch from sun and water back to boat life quickly.

The Main Event: Krorez Beach for Three Hours, Snorkeling, and Dolphin Watching

Krorez Beach is the big anchor. You’ll get about 3 hours there, which is exactly what you want on a sea day. This is where you stop treating the tour like a schedule and start treating it like a beach day with better views than most shore trips.

What you can do with that time:

• Swim and relax
• Snorkel (masks are included)
• Take it slow and just enjoy the sun

The itinerary also includes dolphin watching. You cannot guarantee dolphins, but the tour is designed with that possibility in mind, especially near swimming time when the boat is moving and you’re looking out at the open water.

This is also where the included extras matter most. Having sunbeds and an umbrella included means you can claim comfort instead of hunting for shade. You’ll also be thankful you have a towel, because after a snorkel session or long float, you want to dry off and reset.

My practical advice: if you snorkel, do it when you first arrive so you’re not tired from sun by the time you want to see underwater views. If you’re not into snorkeling, still use the time to swim a little, then settle in. Three hours is long enough to do both.

Turtle Cave at Shpella Breshke, Plus Other Coastal Stops

After Krorez, the day continues with additional breaks and short visits. The pace is not a long hike day. These are brief coastal moments, designed for photos, quick guided info where offered, and then back to the sea.

Shpella Breshke, Turtle Cave

You get a short visit and guided time at Shpella Breshke, often around 10 minutes. That’s not a long exposure, so treat it like a photo and viewpoint stop. If you want the best photos, be ready quickly and pay attention to the guide’s instructions so you don’t miss the angles.

Caves by the water can also be a little slippery depending on conditions. Wear practical footwear that won’t mind getting damp. Even with short stops, you’ll be glad you did.

Kepi i Qefalit and the Gremina and Kakome stretch

The itinerary includes additional breaks and guided time at Kepi i Qefalit (about 30 minutes). It’s the kind of stop that’s there for views and orientation, not for a full activity loop.

Also, between the main anchor and the cave area, you can expect time around bays described as Gremina and Kakome. This is where the tour leans into the natural coastline feel: green hills meeting deep blue water, with opportunities to take a swim or simply relax.

The practical takeaway is simple. This cruise uses the sea to connect several small highlights. You get a taste of each place, not one place that swallows the whole day.

Onboard Comfort: Music, Snacks, and the Boat Experience

A good boat tour is about more than the route. It’s also about how you feel once you’re out on the water.

This one includes:

• A fridge for drinks and snacks
• One free drink
• A crew setup with a driver
• Snorkeling masks
• Sunbeds and an umbrella at the main beach stop

In the positive feedback, the atmosphere comes up often: fast boat, sun, and a good music setup. One comment even mentions a DJ, which tells me the energy is meant to stay upbeat rather than stiff and silent.

Captain names show up too, with Captain Alvardo specifically credited in a standout review. Another name you’ll see associated with the day is Altin. That’s a nice sign that the operator is running the experience with a visible, human presence instead of passing you off to a generic process.

Practical mindset: treat this as a fun day on the water. Bring your towel and get comfortable in a routine of swim, dry off, eat a snack, and repeat. The route is built around that rhythm.

Safety and Who Should Skip This Tour

Boat days are fun, but they’re still physical. This tour is not listed as suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments
• People over 243 lbs (110 kg)
• People over 95 years

If you have any concerns about boarding, movement on the boat, or getting in and out of the water, you’ll want to take that seriously. The itinerary includes multiple stops and swimming, so even small mobility issues can become a bigger deal.

For everyone else, the bigger safety question is how you handle the sea. Go into the day with a realistic expectation: salt water, wind, sun, and changing conditions. If you’re prone to feeling off balance, bring appropriate comfort and consider whether a boat day like this is the best fit.

The One Real Red Flag: Punctuality and Communication

Most of the experience feedback is upbeat, but there is one clear warning tied to timing. An experience was described where the group waited around an hour at the meeting point, calls were not answered, and communication broke down.

You cannot control whether every day runs perfectly. But you can control your response:

• Arrive early enough that you’re not dependent on last-minute timing
• Have the meeting details ready in your phone
• If there’s a delay, ask and confirm quickly rather than waiting passively

This kind of proactive approach matters more on boat tours than walking tours, because everyone depends on the same departure moment.

Should You Book the Alkevi Saranda Boat Tour?

If you want a coast-focused half day to see multiple stops, this is a strong pick. The case for booking is the structure: a main beach stop at Krorez Beach for three hours, plus shorter scenic and guided moments like Turtle Cave (Shpella Breshke) and a viewpoint area at Kepi i Qefalit. Add snorkeling masks, sunbeds, and a fridge with drinks and snacks, and you get a full-feeling sea day for $35.

Book it if:

• You’re happy to spend most of your day on the water and in the sun
• You want a mix of photos plus actual swimming time
• You like the idea of dolphin watching as a bonus

Skip it or choose a different plan if:

• You need accessibility accommodations that this tour does not support
• You prefer land-based sightseeing with fewer water movements
• You’re the type who gets stressed by schedule changes, since punctuality issues can happen on any tour type

If you do book, go in prepared, arrive early, bring your towel and sunscreen, and treat the day like a beach plus a coastline road trip, but on the sea. That mindset is what makes this route feel like money well spent.

FAQ

How long is the Boat Trip Alkevi tour from Saranda?

The duration is 6 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $35 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the meeting point where you’ll find a stand with the company name, then meet the host there.

Are snorkeling masks included?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included.

Is there shade and seating at Krorez Beach?

Yes, free sunbeds and an umbrella are included.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people over 243 lbs (110 kg), or people over 95 years.

Can I cancel for a refund or pay later?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.