Saranda: Boat Tour to 7 Destinations with Beach Umbrella

This is one of those Saranda experiences where the day is basically “go, swim, repeat,” with 7 different bays along the Albanian Riviera. I like the mix of quick swim/photo stops plus a longer beach break at Krorez Bay, and I really like that the small-group setup keeps the boat feeling easy, not crowded. One thing to consider is that it is a fast speedboat, so if you are prone to motion sickness or you are expecting a slow, chill ride, you may want to think twice.

What also makes it appealing is how hands-on the water time is. You get snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, plus a captain who keeps everyone moving through the stops at a pace that still feels relaxed. If the heat is brutal (and it often is), the tour expects you to show up on time at the meeting spot, since they do not wait for late arrivals.

Key Things You’ll Remember

• Seven stops without a full-day commitment: about 4 to 6 hours total, with the longest swim and beach time at Krorez Bay
• Bluetooth music and a fun boat vibe: it is not just sightseeing, it is a moving beach party
• Snorkeling gear plus clear-water swim stops: you get masks and time to use them where the water is good
• Umbrella time at Krorez Bay: you are not just arriving to stand around, you get beach setup
• Photo-focused stops at the end: Secret Beach and a small cave are brief stops for pictures and views
• Small group, max 11: more personal attention, easier pacing between swim breaks

Why This Saranda Speedboat Tour Works So Well

If your idea of Albania is coastline, coves, and water you can actually see through, this tour is built for you. You are traveling north from Saranda by speedboat, hitting a string of bays in one day, instead of choosing just one beach and calling it a day.

I also like that the day has structure without feeling rushed. You spend a lot of time in the water at multiple stops, then you get a proper break at the main beach. That balance is what makes it feel like good value, not a “tour bus with waves” situation.

The other big win is the human side. Captains like Altin and Fabian show up repeatedly in the experience, and the common thread is that they keep it friendly, safe, and upbeat. Music on board helps, but the real benefit is that the captain is paying attention to the group and the conditions.

Getting Ready in Saranda: What to Bring and Where to Show Up

This is a water day, so pack like you mean it. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a bottle of water if you like. The tour includes a bottle of water for you onboard, but extra never hurts in hot weather.

You also want to plan for the meeting spot reality. There is no parking at the location. If you are driving, look for private parking nearby on Google Maps, or use street parking that may require a 10 to 15 minute walk. Then, arrive early enough to be settled before departure time.

One more important note: there is no nudity allowed. If you are the type who likes to do things freestyle, this is your friendly reminder to keep it swimsuit-only.

The Route North of Saranda, Stop by Stop

This tour runs to the north of Saranda and works through seven destinations over roughly 5 to 6 hours total. Most stops are about 20 minutes each, built for quick swims and photos. The main beach stop at Krorez Bay lasts 2 to 3 hours. The final two stops are about 5 minutes each, and they are geared toward pictures rather than swimming.

Here’s how the day typically breaks down.

Gremina: First Taste of the Riviera Water

Gremina is one of the earlier swim stops, and it sets the tone. Expect another classic coastline scene with clear, inviting water where snorkeling masks do their job. The stop is short, so you will want to be ready the moment you are told it is time to jump in.

If you enjoy getting an early win, this is the stop that usually scratches the “I want to see what this coastline is about” itch fast.

Kakome: Another Quick Swim and Photo Moment

Kakome follows with a similar rhythm. You are not there long, but that is part of the tour style. You get the thrill of moving to a new bay, then you get a quick chance to swim and take a few pictures before the boat heads off again.

For photographers, this stop tends to work well because you can grab wide shots from the boat and then capture shoreline moments after your swim.

Soldiers Bay: A Swim Stop Built for Water Time

Soldiers Bay keeps the pattern going, with another around-20-minute window. This is exactly the kind of stop you want if you like more “time in the sea” than “time listening to meander stories.”

Because the water quality is a big part of why people book, this stop matters. It is one of the places where the snorkeling gear feels worth using instead of just sitting in a bag.

Pllakator: When the Tour Starts Feeling Like a Coastline Marathon (in a good way)

By the time you reach Pllakator, you have already had several quick jumps in. That means you will feel the pace now. The boat keeps moving, and you keep getting fresh views.

This is also where the small group size helps. With fewer people onboard, stops feel smoother and the captain can manage timing without chaos.

Krorez Bay: The Long Beach Break with Umbrella Setup

This is the main event. You get 2 to 3 hours at Krorez Bay, which is long enough to do more than just a quick swim. You can relax, swim again if you want, and settle in for the beach time.

A standout detail is the free umbrella at Krorez Bay. So instead of arriving hoping the beach has spare shade, you get a basic setup for you and whoever you are traveling with.

Food is also available here, at restaurants where you can buy drinks or snacks during the warmer months, typically May through October. If you are visiting outside those months, you may need to rely more on what you brought onboard. The tour includes an onboard fridge so you can store your own drinks and snacks.

Secret Beach: Pictures First, Then Back to the Boat

Secret Beach is one of the final stops, but it is not a long swim window. You are stopping for about 5 minutes for pictures and views on the way back.

This is a good reminder that the day is mostly about swimming earlier, then switching to photo moments at the end. If you want a full beach linger somewhere, Krorez Bay is your stop.

A Small Cave by Turtle Cave: Quick Look, Quick Photos

The last stop area is tied to a small cave, with a Turtle Cave style photo stop on the return journey. Again, it is brief, roughly 5 minutes, designed for snapshots and perspective rather than hanging out in the water.

Go into this part expecting views, not a “let’s explore every nook” adventure. It is short, but it can be memorable if you like visual variety.

Snorkeling, Music, and On-Board Comfort Details

The tour includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, Bluetooth, and comfortable seating. That combo matters more than it sounds.

• Snorkeling equipment means you are not paying extra or gambling on whether masks are available.
• Life jackets help make the water part feel safer, especially for people who are less confident in open water.
• Bluetooth music makes the ride feel like a party, and it also helps keep the mood light while the boat is traveling between stops.
• Comfortable seating matters because you will be on the boat for multiple segments. The easier the ride feels, the more you enjoy the overall day.

Also, there is storage for your own stuff. You can keep snacks and drinks in the onboard fridge, which is a smart move in the heat.

A note on the “speed” part: this is a fast boat. People who love that adrenaline factor tend to call it a highlight. People who do not like choppy water might find it less fun. The tour is simply not marketed as a gentle ferry ride.

Krorez Bay Practical Tips: How to Use Your 2 to 3 Hours

When you hit Krorez Bay, you can finally slow down. Here is how you should use the time so it feels worth it, not like you blinked and it was over.

1) Swim early, before you get lazy. The water is usually what you came for, so take advantage while your energy is high.

2) Use the umbrella time, especially in peak sun. The free umbrella means you can cool off when you need it.

3) Plan food simply. During May to October, restaurants are available for drinks and food. If you are outside that season, rely more on what you brought since the fridge is there for a reason.

4) Save your best photo angle for when the boat leaves. The shoreline views can look great as the boat is moving away, and you will already have a clear mental map after your swim.

Timing and Pace: What a 4 to 6 Hour Day Feels Like

On paper it is a half-day to most of the day, and that tracks. Expect a schedule where you are always doing something. You are either traveling between stops, getting in the water, or taking photos.

Most stops are around 20 minutes each for swimming and pictures. That is not a lot of time if you want to do a full-on snorkeling session. It is enough if you treat each stop like a quick “best of” visit.

Then you get the longer segment at Krorez Bay, which is why the tour does not feel like nonstop jumping with no reward. By the time the final photo stops arrive, you are basically done with your big swim effort and you are there for the last views.

If you are sensitive to heat, sunscreen early is smart, and keep water nearby.

Price and Value: What You Get for $39

At $39 per person, the value mostly comes from bundling. You are not paying for separate snorkeling gear rentals, and you are getting a structured route to multiple bays.

Here is what makes the price feel fair:

• You visit seven destinations in one day.
• Snorkeling equipment and a life jacket are included.
• You get a fridge onboard for your snacks and drinks, which helps you avoid overpriced impulse buys.
• You get a free bottle of water.
• You have a small group (max 11), which usually improves the experience.

The only obvious extra cost is food at restaurants, and that is optional since the fridge lets you bring your own. If you plan to buy drinks and snacks at Krorez Bay during the season, your final spend will rise, but you are not locked into it.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• multiple swim stops in one day,
• clear-water snorkeling time,
• a fun ride with music and a lively boat vibe,
• and a captain who keeps the day organized.

It is a weaker match if you:

• are prone to seasickness,
• have heart problems,
• use a wheelchair,
• are pregnant,
• or have epilepsy.
• are traveling with very young children (it is not suitable for children under 4, and also not suitable for babies under 1).

If you are a strong swimmer and you enjoy fast, active days, you are in the right place. If you want something slower and more land-based, you might prefer other Saranda options.

Should You Book Ava Boat Tours to 7 Destinations from Saranda?

I would book this if your top priority is water time. The combo of snorkeling included, multiple bays, and the long Krorez Bay beach stop hits the sweet spot for a first or second visit to Saranda.

I would think twice if you hate speedboats or if you know you get sick in choppy conditions. And I would not ignore the logistics about arriving on time. The meeting point has no parking, and heat can make delays annoying for everyone, so show up early, then enjoy the ride.

If you book, I recommend coming ready to move. Bring your swim gear, set sunscreen early, and treat Krorez Bay as your main “slow down” moment. Do that, and this tour turns into a very solid, no-fuss day on the Albanian Riviera.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?

The duration is typically 4 to 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

You get a free bottle of water, snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, a fridge onboard to store your own snacks and drinks, Bluetooth music, comfortable seating, and a knowledgeable captain.

How many stops are there and how much time do you spend at each?

There are 7 destinations. Four of the stops are around 20 minutes each for swimming and pictures. Krorez Bay is the main stop for about 2 to 3 hours. The last two stops are about 5 minutes each for photos.

Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?

Yes. You can store your own snacks and drinks in the fridge onboard.

What languages are available for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in Albanian, English, Greek, and Spanish.

Where should I park and what should I do about arriving on time?

There is no parking at the meeting location. You can look up private parking nearby on Google Maps, or use street parking that may be a 10 to 15 minute walk. Make sure you arrive by the stated time, since they cannot wait for late customers.